Middle East
Saudi Arabia
Open to tourists since 2019 and changing fast: AlUla, the Red Sea coast, old Jeddah and Riyadh's new venues. No alcohol, strict laws, long distances, and Houthi missile attacks in 2026.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa5 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencySARUS$1 ≈ SR3.75Details
- Price level47%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType G230 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 999 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 998 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water is treated, but building tanks vary; almost everyone drinks bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedHostile: no public LGBTQ+ life and transgender identities aren't recognised.Details
- Internet168 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 227 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightVisitors may drive on a valid foreign licence for up to a year or visa validity; carry an IDP.
Where to go in Saudi Arabia
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MeccaCity | 3/5 | $2,130–4,000 | Nov–Feb | 6/100 |
| RiyadhCapital city | 3/5 | $2,400–4,270 | Nov–Mar | 5/100 |
| JeddahCity | 3/5 | $2,270–4,000 | Nov–Mar | 4/100 |
| MedinaCity | 4/5 | $2,000–3,470 | Nov–Mar | 16/100 |
| AlUlaTown | 4/5 | $2,670–4,800 | Nov–Mar | 4/100 |
| DammamCity | 4/5 | $2,670–4,270 | Nov–Mar | 6/100 |
| AbhaCity | 4/5 | $2,130–3,470 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 18/100 |
When to visit Saudi Arabia
November–March across most of the country; AlUla and the desert are pleasant by day, cold at night. May–September tops 45 °C in Riyadh; Jeddah is humid year-round.
Good to know
Entry
- Apply online at ksavisa.sa: tourist eVisa, ETA or visa waiver depending on passport; some nationalities get visas on arrival.
- The tourist eVisa fee includes mandatory medical insurance.
- Passport must be valid six months; previous travel to Israel may lead to refusal.
- Alcohol, pork, pornography and narcotics are banned imports; carry prescriptions for all medicines.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Alcohol is banned outright; arriving drunk or with alcohol can mean prison and deportation.
- Non-Muslims may not enter Mecca or central Medina; only private non-Muslim worship is tolerated.
- Posts criticising the state, royals or Islam, even old ones, have led to long prison sentences.
Etiquette
- Wear loose clothes covering elbows and knees; avoid political slogans on clothing.
- In Ramadan, don't eat, drink, smoke or play loud music in public by day.
- Ask before photographing people; never photograph government, military or palace buildings.
- Friday midday prayers close many shops; plan around prayer times.
Tipping
Not expected but appreciated: around 10% in restaurants, round up taxis, small tips for delivery riders and porters.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Saudi Arabia
- Saudi unified visa platform
- Visit Saudi
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.