A Comprehensive Travel Guide For Your Journey To Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a country filled with archaeological sites, natural wonders, breathtaking landscapes and cultural icons. If you are planning to visit this country, then first you will have to decide when to visit, where to stay, how to travel and also get the visas and travel insurance. This blog covers everything you should know before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the months of November to February, when the weather is cooler. In the other months, it can be too hot to travel outside. The northern region in Saudi Arabia can get too cold in the winter. To enter the country, you will need a visa, for which you should apply at least 3 weeks before your journey. Travel insurance is a must, as the healthcare system is expensive. You can also apply for a visa online to get an electronic tourist visa (eVisa).
In 2023, Saudi Arabia also introduced the VOA (Visa On Arrival), which is valid for any entry port in the country. The VOA costs SAR 300, and you also have to buy health insurance with it, which costs SAR 180 extra. The total cost comes to SAR 480, which is actually cheaper than the eVisa. The cost of an eVisa is SAR 535, out of which SAR 180 is for travel insurance.
Basic information about Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, there are many accommodation options available. You will find budget-friendly hotels to opulent 5-star hotels. If you are planning to stay for a longer time, then you can rent an apartment.
Saudi Arabia is the least walking-friendly country, and you will have to decide how to travel in the country. The most convenient option is to rent a car or hire a taxi to move around the cities. You can download the Uber or Careem apps to avoid negotiating the price.
Another thing you should know is that the distance between the cities to visit is huge. If you are short of time, then it is better to travel by domestic flights between the cities. The best way to enjoy the country is by road trips. Car rentals and gas are affordable, but there is limited daily mileage. To drive in the country, you will need an international driving license. You can also move between the cities by bus, and they are cheap too. But you will have to hire a taxi to reach your destination.
Get an eSIM card, which is a regular SIM card in digital format. You can buy it online for your trip to avoid buying in the local store. The country has good WiFi in most places. You will need a credit card as they are accepted in most modern hotels, restaurants, and cafes. However, you will require cash for places that do not accept credit cards. The country’s official currency is the Saudi Riyal. ATMs are available almost everywhere.
Rules to follow during your trip to Saudi Arabia
You should be aware of the laws and traditions while visiting the country, as they are different. You must dress modestly in public all the time. Public expressions of affection are not allowed. Drinking alcohol in the country is not legal, even in the expensive hotels. Avoid drugs as they can lead to a death sentence.
During the prayer time, you cannot be inside the restaurants and shops. On Fridays, everything is closed until the ‘Asr’ prayer, which is around 4 - 5 pm. Being an atheist is considered blasphemy; therefore, you should not say you are an atheist.
If you are sharing a meal with the traditional people, then you must eat with your right hand.
5 Must-see attractions in Saudi Arabia
Mada’in Saleh
It is an archaeological complex and was made by the Nabatean civilisation, who also built Petra. There are hundreds of tombs carved out of the rocks and scattered around the desert.
Medina
It is the second most holy city in Islam. In this place, Prophet Mohammed is buried. Non-muslims are not allowed to enter this city, but from 2022 onwards, Western tourists are allowed to visit the city. They can stand at the entrance of the Holy Mosque.
Fayfa
It is the southern region bordering the country of Yemen and was historically a part of Yemen. Several aspects of the culture, like the way people dress and the cuisine, have remained.
Tabouk region
It is a northern region bordering the country of Jordan. Here you will find desert, rock formations, Bedouins and wadis.
Snorkelling in the Red Sea
The Red Sea is known for its beauty, and it is the reason why Egypt has become a prime diving destination. There are also coral reefs found along the Saudi Arabian coast. The area between Yanbu and Umluj has a vibrant marine life.
