←All destinations
Travel Guide
Visiting Saudi Arabia
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.
Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: Exercise increased caution There are reports of continued missile and drone attacks in the Eastern Province and Riyadh Province. There is a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles and drones falling across the region and causing further disruption. We advise British nationals in Saudi Arabia to exercise increased caution. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building and take hard cover. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows
Updated 2026-03-17
Discover
Top Attractions in Saudi Arabia
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Hegra (Al-Hijr Archaeological Site)
Hegra, inscribed as Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, is a remarkable Nabataean city in the AlUla region featuring 111 monumental rock-cut tombs whose elaborately decorated facades rise directly from the desert floor. Once the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, the site also reveals Lihyanite and Roman-era remains, alongside ancient wells and irrigation systems. Visiting at sunrise, when warm light catches the carved facades, is an experience that draws travellers back repeatedly.
UNESCO World Heritage
At-Turaif District, Diriyah
At-Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of Diriyah, preserving the founding citadel of the Saudi state in distinctive Najdi mud-brick architecture unique to the central Arabian Peninsula. Founded in the fifteenth century, the complex grew into a major centre of political and religious influence in the eighteenth century under the House of Saud. Careful ongoing restoration has brought its palaces, mosques, and reception halls back to compelling life.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Saudi Arabia. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Saudi Arabia.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Saudi Arabia see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police999
Ambulance997
Fire998
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Saudi Arabia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Saudi Arabia page at Yoogo.
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi riyal (SAR). Card payments are widely accepted across hotels, restaurants, and shops, with roughly 79% of retail transactions now cashless, though cash remains useful for souqs, small stalls, and tipping.
Saudi Arabia has a low rate of street crime and tourists generally report feeling safe in cities and tourist areas. As with any destination, it is worth staying aware of your surroundings, following local guidance, and checking your government's latest travel advice before departure.
Riyadh has a modern metro network spanning 176 kilometres across six lines, complemented by Uber and Careem, which operate reliably across major cities. Between cities, the Haramain High Speed Railway connects Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, while domestic flights are the most practical option for reaching AlUla or Abha.
November to February offers the most comfortable weather across most of the country, with temperatures in Riyadh ranging from roughly 10°C to 25°C and a busy calendar of cultural festivals including Winter at Tantora in AlUla and Riyadh Season. Summer months from June to September bring extreme heat, with desert cities regularly reaching 45°C.
Arabic is the official language, and modern standard Arabic alongside the Najdi and Hejazi dialects are most widely spoken. English is broadly understood in hotels, tourist sites, airports, and major retail areas, making it manageable for most international visitors.
No vaccinations are mandatory for most tourist visits, though routine immunisations including measles, hepatitis A, and typhoid are generally recommended. Travellers intending to perform Hajj or Umrah must show proof of a meningococcal ACWY vaccine administered at least ten days before arrival, as required by Saudi authorities.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. A tip of 10 to 12% is customary at sit-down restaurants where a service charge is not already included, while hotel porters and housekeeping staff are typically tipped 5 to 15 SAR. Tips are generally given in cash, as card terminals rarely include a gratuity option.
Yes, Saudi Arabia has strong 4G and expanding 5G coverage across its major cities and tourist areas, and international eSIM providers such as Airalo and Saily offer data plans using local networks including STC and Mobily. Activating an eSIM before departure is the most convenient option for staying connected from the moment you land.