Planning Your First Trip to Saudi Arabia
To visit Saudi Arabia, you must first apply for an eVisa or visa-on-arrival, which covers tourism for up to 90 days. Focus your first trip on the 'Golden Triangle'—Riyadh, AlUla, and Jeddah—using internal flights to save time.
- Secure your eVisa. Visit the official Visit Saudi website (visa.visitsaudi.com) at least two weeks before departure. The process takes about 24 hours to approve and costs approximately $150 USD including mandatory health insurance.
- Book internal travel. Saudi Arabia is vast. Use Saudia or Flynas for flights between Riyadh, AlUla, and Jeddah. For shorter distances, use the high-speed Haramain Railway between Jeddah and Medina.
- Dress code compliance. Dress modestly in public spaces. For men, this means avoiding shorts above the knee and sleeveless shirts. For women, you no longer need an abaya, but keep shoulders and knees covered at all times.
- Download essential apps. Install 'Nusuk' if you plan to visit religious sites, 'Careem' for ride-hailing (it functions like Uber), and 'Google Translate' for easier communication in rural areas.
- Do I need to speak Arabic?
- No. English is widely spoken in hotels, airports, and urban tourist centers. You will only need basic hand gestures or translation apps in rural markets.
- Is alcohol allowed?
- No. Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout the Kingdom. Do not attempt to bring any into the country.
- Is it safe for solo female travelers?
- Yes, Saudi Arabia is generally very safe. Use common sense, dress modestly, and use registered ride-hailing apps like Careem instead of flagging random street taxis.