SAUDI ARABIA TRAVEL GUIDE

ESSENTIALS | WHEN TO GO | WEATHER | COSTS | ACTIVITIES | SIGHTS

INTRODUCTION

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and occupies about four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula. It stands at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. It holds an important place in the religious map of the world as the cradle of Islam, the world's second-largest religion. Mecca and Madina, Islam's holiest shrines, are in Saudi Arabia. Uncountable pilgrims make their way into this country from all over the world.

As a country that strictly enforces Sharia law, if you are not prepared to accept several limitations on your behaviour and freedom of expression, or if you feel uncomfortable with such adjustments, you should not travel to Saudi Arabia.

COVID-19 TRAVEL STATUS

Updated:

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Saudi Arabia has suspended all incoming flights except for technical stops, humanitarian, medevac and repatriation flights with prior approval from GACA.Saudi Arabia has restricted entry to all travelers except for citizens or residents, GCC citizens (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), and holders of valid visa (exit/entry, business, residence {Iqamah}, and visit) issued by Saudi Arabia.All arriving travelers of all ages (except Saudi citizens) must present a negative PCR test certificate issued from a verified laboratory taken within 48 hours from the time the test is undertaken until the time on which the passenger is arriving in the Kingdom. Travelers without certificates will be denied boarding.All travelers must sign and submit a Health Disclaimer Form to the health control center upon arrival at the airport.All travelers will subject to a 2-day self-quarantine at home after arriving in the kingdom, then take PCR test by the end of period. If the PCR test is not conducted, self-quarantine at home continues for 7 days.All travelers must download and register on Tatamman and Tawakkalna Applications. Travelers must assign their home location through the Tatamman app within 8 hours of arrival and complete their daily health assessment in the Tatamman app.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

LOCATION MAP

COUNTRY MAP

Do You Need a VISA to Visit

SAUDI ARABIA?

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QUICK FACTS

• Capital: Riyadh
• Government: Absolute monarchy
• Currency: Saudi riyal (SAR)
• Area: 1,960,582 km²
• Population 33,7 million (2018)
• Language: Arabic
• Religion: Sunni Muslim majority and a Shia minority mainly in the eastern province.
• Electricity: 127 or 220V, 60Hz (US, Schuko, Type G plugs)

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

• 23 September, Unification of the Kingdom
• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are official holidays.

The Islamic weekend for the public sector is all day Thursday and Friday.

Also, work schedules may be seriously disrupted during the month of Ramadan and businesses may commonly take time off for other Islamic holidays.

FESTIVALS

WEATHER SYNOPSIS

Saudi Arabia is characterised by a desert climate, with the exception of the southwestern part of the country, which exhibits a semi-arid climate. Summers in the central region are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures exceeding 50°C. The country sees dry and cool winters with freezing nighttime temperatures. Mountainous regions experience several weeks of severe frost and snow, while eastern and western regions experience hot and humid summers. Saudi Arabia's climate is impacted by the Indian Ocean monsoons, the El Nino Southern Oscillation, and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).

TOURIST SEASONS

HOT MONTHS:

MODERATE MONTHS:

COLD MONTHS:

WET MONTHS:

DRY MONTHS:

SPORT & ACTIVITIES

HEALTH

Be aware of possible health risks in 

Saudi Arabia

Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.

Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.

Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.

Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.

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