Saudi travel guide
Everything a first-time visitor asks — visas, money, what to wear, when to go and how to get around — in plain, short answers.
01 — Before you travel
The essentials
One-year, multiple-entry tourist eVisa — stay up to 90 days per visit.
Apply online in minutes; SAR 535 includes mandatory medical insurance.
Visa on arrival at major airports for eligible passports (about SAR 480).
Umrah is permitted on a tourist visa outside Hajj season.
GCC citizens don’t need a visa.
Passport valid for at least six months from arrival.
Return or onward ticket and your first accommodation address.
Under-18s travel with a parent or guardian.
The riyal is pegged to the US dollar.
Cards and mobile wallets — including Apple Pay and mada — work almost everywhere.
Carry some cash for souqs and rural areas.
STC, Mobily and Zain sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs in arrival halls.
Bring your passport to register.
5G across cities; patchy in remote desert.
Free Wi-Fi at airports, malls, hotels and most cafés.
Most messaging and maps apps work as normal.
October to March is best for deserts and cities.
June to September: head for Aseer, Al Baha and Taif.
Desert nights can drop below 5°C in winter.
Cover shoulders and knees in public; abayas are not required for visitors.
The weekend is Friday and Saturday.
Some shops pause briefly at prayer times.
Alcohol is not available to visitors.
Ask before photographing people.
Accept Arabic coffee and dates — it’s the heart of hospitality.
02 — When to visit
A country of seasons
Winter is peak season for deserts and cities; summer belongs to the southern highlands. Choose a month to see where’s best.
JeddahWestern region29°29°31°33°35°36°38°38°36°35°32°30°AlUlaWestern region21°24°28°32°37°41°42°42°39°34°27°22°RiyadhCentral region20°23°28°33°39°42°43°43°40°34°27°22°AseerSouthern region19°21°23°25°29°31°30°30°29°25°22°20°
IdealWarm — plan around middayHot — best avoidedAverage daytime highs
January
Peak winter season: cool desert nights and Riyadh Season events.
Winter at Tantora, AlUlaRiyadh Season
03 — Getting around
From city to city
Flights30+ domestic airportsSaudia, flynas, flyadeal and Riyadh Air connect all regions.Riyadh–Jeddah takes about 1h 45m.
High-speed trainHaramain: up to 300 km/hMakkah – Jeddah – KAEC – Madinah.Jeddah to Makkah in about 35 minutes.
Intercity railSAR East & North linesRiyadh – Al Ahsa – Dammam.Riyadh – Qassim – Hail – Al Jouf – Qurayyat.
Car rentalThe best way to see the regionsDrive on the right; an International Driving Permit is recommended.Highways are excellent; fuel is inexpensive.
Taxi & ride-hailingUber, Careem and local appsWidely available in cities.Pre-book for desert sites and early starts.
Bus & metroRiyadh Metro and SAPTCO coachesRiyadh Metro has six lines across the capital.SAPTCO runs intercity coaches nationwide.
TransfersBook with your stayPrivate airport transfers can be added to any booking.Seaplane and boat transfers for Red Sea islands.
04 — Travel tips
Small things that help
01Plan around the heatStart early, rest at midday, go out again at sunset.
02Book winter AlUla earlyOct–Mar weekends sell out weeks ahead.
03Use Nusuk for UmrahPermits for Umrah and the Rawdah are booked in the app.
04Friday mornings are quietMany places open after midday prayers.
05Carry water in the desertAnd tell someone your route off-road.
06Tipping is appreciated10–15% in restaurants; small change for porters.