Saudi Arabia with Kids

Important facts and information to know when visiting Saudi Arabia

A country with unique and diverse landscapes, remarkable historical sites and a colourful culture. The richest in the world due to its vast oil reserves, and the home of Islam; but also the most protected from the outside world with a contentious human rights and women’s rights record.

For several decades, tourism was limited to only a select few operators with permission to bring groups to Saudi Arabia, under religious tourist visas. Tourists were subject to entry regulations and movement within the country was restricted. This all changed in September 2018 with the introduction of the first Sharek tourist visas, and in September 2019 full Tourist Visas were announced.

Religious tourism is constantly expanding, and new facilities are being built to facilitate Hajj and Umrah visitors, but there’s a growing recognition of the importance of tourism to boost and diversify the country’s economy.

Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to boost tourism numbers to 30 million annually by 2030. Whilst the major cities already have many hotels and good infrastructure in place, more remote areas of the country bearing natural wonders and historic monuments are in need of significant development, as well as training in the hospitality sector.

Visiting Saudi Arabia Important Facts

Official Name	Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Capital	Riyadh
Currency	Saudi Riyal (SAR) 1SAR = 0.26667 fixed
Language	Arabic
Religion	Sunni Islam
Leadership	Absolute Monarchy
Important Dates	23 Sept Saudi National Day & Islamic Holidays
Climate	Arid desert
Electrics	110 / 220 V Type A, B, C and type G sockets
Visas	Plans to introduce tourist visa imminent
Safety	See current advisories, avoid Yemen border

Saudi Arabia tourist visa information

From September 2019, new visa laws were implemented for Tourism Visas to Saudi Arabia.
Click here to find out about visa eligibility.
The process has moved online and after a user is registered, fees paid and a visa granted you have 12 months in which to use the visa, for a maximum of 90 days.
Citizens from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, are visa-exempt and can travel to the country without a visa.

Information correct as at September 2019.

Find out more about Sharek and the Saudi Tourism Visa here

Safety in Saudi Arabia

The US State Department advises due to threats from terrorist groups or missile attacks from Yemen, avoid Saudi/Yemen border and Qatif in the Eastern province, Hofuf and its suburbs in the al Hasa Governate.
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs

Points for family visitors to be aware of in Saudi Arabia

Although it is not law, women should dress conservatively and wear an abaya in public. Western women do not need their head fully covered but it is advisable to carry a scarf or shayla at all times. This also applies to girls from puberty onwards.
Men should also have covered legs.
You can find a complete guide on how tourists should dress in Saudi Arabia here.
In public places, bachelors are separated from families. Many attractions have different opening times for bachelors and families.
When driving, always keep children secured with a car seat (it’s advisable to bring your own)
Outside of the cities, expect roadside stops to be fairly rudimentary. BYO toilet supplies.
Public displays of affection are strictly not allowed.

General travel tips for visiting Saudi Arabia

Much of life revolves around Muslim prayer times, so it is highly recommended you download the Muslim Pro app (Apple / Google Play) so you know when these times of day will occur.
Almost all shops and venues open in the morning and then will close again until after afternoon prayer times. They will stay open until late at night (excluding prayer times). Those who remain open all day may close 20 minutes before and after prayer time.
In the big cities, expect English to be used almost everywhere.
Laws were changed in June 2018 to allow women to drive, although as a tourist, be mindful that driving conditions, particularly in the big cities, are congested and hazardous, we’d only recommend experienced drivers rent a car in Saudi Arabia.
Pork and alcohol are strictly prohibited, even for non-Muslims; Drinking beer is not only illegal in Saudi, import of these goods, even for personal use, is strictly forbidden.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, it is strictly forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.

See our regional guide to culture and religion for more – coming soon

When is it best to visit Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is the largest of the Middle East countries and also the holiest being home to Mecca and Medina. Hajj alone can bring 2 to 3 million visitors into the country within the space of a week. This year it will occur in early July 2021.

Like much of the region, the summers are long, hot, and dry from May to October, likely to be too hot for most visitors. From October onwards, the weather is cooling and stays mild and pleasant over the winter months, and you can even expect to see green by the end of winter.

Note that sandstorms are commonplace from January through to May.

It is a big country, so do expect hotter temperatures in the south, moderating slightly to the north towards the Jordan and Kuwaiti border.

You can find our complete guide to Saudi Arabia’s climate and the best time to visit here.