Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the biggest country in the Arabian Peninsula. Its diverse geography includes forests, grasslands, mountains and deserts. It is no wonder that Saudi Arabia offers countless activities and sights to explore, including scenic natural and archaeological trips, diverse landscapes and the warm hospitality of the locals.

While Saudi Arabia is known as a religious destination for the Hajj and other Islamic pilgrimages, it has many other attractions worth exploring. UNESCO has acknowledged six cultural sites worth visiting, including Al-Ahsa Oasis, At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah, Hegra Archaeological Site, Ḥima Cultural Area, Jeddah and the Rock Art in the Ha'il Region.

Do not miss out on visiting Al Bahah in Saudi Arabia. Known as a “green area” in the country, Al Bahah is surrounded by lush forests and winding valleys. This highland city in the Hijaz Region offers a truly unique experience.

For beach lovers, visit the Farasan Islands, which boast rich natural habitats. The Farasan Islands are a group of protected islands. Home to wild animals and colorful sea creatures, this archipelago is a heaven for explorers interested in the cultural heritage and geographic diversity in Saudi Arabia.

Through Saudi Arabia's online portal, tourists from more than 40 countries can now apply for tourist visas to enter the kingdom easily and efficiently.

Travel Tips for Saudi Arabia

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Saudi Arabia

A guide to Saudi Arabia's local transportation

Public Transportation

By Train

By Air

Rent Car

In urban areas, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah, there are developing public transportation systems, including buses and metro lines. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are also convenient for getting around cities.

Practical Tips for Saudi Arabia

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is Saudi Arabia's currency?

Saudi Arabia's currency is the Saudi riyal, with an exchange rate of US$1 equals to around 3.75 SAR.

What types of tourism are there in Saudi Arabia?

Recreational and religious tourism is essential in this country. You can visit their beautiful natural sites in Jeddah, Yanbu, Abha and Umluj. For culinary exploration, plan to try various delicious culinary delights, such as kabsa, shawarma and mandi (a rice dish). You will find them in restaurants or traditional markets. If you want a shopping place, go to the grand shopping centers. There are Kingdom Centre in Riyadh, Mall of Arabia in Jeddah and Galleria Mall in Riyadh. Travelers can get various items like jewelry, handcraft and food product.

What are the visa and entry requirements for visiting Saudi Arabia?

Recent years have seen Saudi Arabia open its doors wider to tourism. Most visitors will need to obtain a visa through the e-Visa platform or on arrival, depending on their nationality. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Is Saudi Arabia open to tourists?

Recently, Saudi has been progressing to be more open to tourists. One of the initiatives is the e-visa program for tourists. There are specific rules for tourists to obey. This is about maintaining the spiritual value of worship and the security of the places. One of them is not allowing non-Muslim tourists to enter Mecca and Medina. The government provides the Taif-Riyadh road, an alternative way for non-Muslim tourists not to cross Mecca.

What is the main language in Saudi Arabia?

While Arabic is the official language, English is widely understood in major cities and by people working within the tourist industry. Learning a few basic Arabic greetings can be beneficial.