Asia · Western AsiaOutline guideCountry in West Asia
Photo: Pfly, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Saudi Arabia (Arabic: السعودية, as-Suʿūdīyah) is the quintessential Arab kingdom. Vast deserts, scorching heat, immense oil wealth, camel races, glitzy shopping malls, traditional souq markets – you can find every Arabian cliche you can think of and then some here. A deeply conservative country that was entirely closed off to (non-pilgrimage) tourism for decades, the government did a drastic policy U-turn in 2019 and has been trying to open up the country to the world and shed the country's straight-laced image, with mixed success.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Saudi Arabia.
Cards and cash
Larger businesses will accept all cards, however most smaller businesses accept debit and credit cards but some will refuse if the amount is small.
Tipping
Tipping is generally not expected, although service staff are always happy to receive them and taxi fares are often rounded up (or, not uncommonly, down).
A starter pack with prepaid SIM and talktime starts from about SR75, and you can sign up in most any larger mobile shop (bring your passport).
Mobile networks
Tap water in the major cities is generally considered safe, although it's not always particularly tasty, and in the summer can be very hot.
There are no major health risks for traveling in Saudi Arabia: water is generally drinkable, and food is usually, but not always, hygienic.
Covered in the guide
Saudis, North Africans, and other Middle Eastern Arabs share a common culture; therefore, what is considered good manners in the Arab world is applicable to Saudi Arabia.
Covered in the guide
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital of and the largest city in the Kingdom
a summer tourist mountain resort city in the southwest near the Yemeni border
the home of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest petroleum company
a large metropolitan city on the Red Sea, known for its distinctive coral houses in the old town
the largest industrial city in the kingdom. It contains two main sections: Jubail Industrial city (which is a run by the Royal Commission) and the old Jubail city.
the holiest city in Islam and commonly visited as part of the Hajj pilgrimage; off-limits to non-Muslims
the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad, and the second holiest city in Islam
a Yemeni-influenced city with a remarkable fortress
one of the largest sand deserts on earth
the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca
Ruined Nabataean city similar to Petra, a
Extensively restored ancestral home of the Saud dynasty on the outskirts of Riyadh, now a
Grandiose megaprojects on the Red Sea coast that aim to put Saudi Arabia on the tourism map
Places in Saudi Arabia on the World Heritage List.
Hegra
Listed 2008
Al-Ahsa Oasis
Listed 2018
Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia
Listed 2015
Qaryat al-Faw
Listed 2024
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Southwestern highlands with a temperate climate and strong Yemeni influence.
Covering the Gulf coast, the center of Saudi oil production, and the heart of Saudi Arabia's Shi'a minority.
The birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, the birthplace of Islam, and the home of trade and commerce. Islam's two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, are situated here and receive millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from all over the world each year.
The birthplace of the House of Saud. Often regarded as the most conservative part of the country.
Rarely visited, home to upcoming Neom megaproject.
Public transport and paid services in Saudi Arabia.
By bus
The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates long-distance buses linking together all corners of the country.
By train
The railway network in Saudi Arabia used to be underdeveloped, but there has been a major push to expand rail coverage.
By plane
Saudi Arabia is a large country, which makes flying the only main means of long-distance travel (although trains are starting to offer serious competition on some routes).
By car
Highway quality is highly variable, except highways that connect major cities, which are generally excellent.
By taxi
Within cities, taxis are the only practical means of transportation.60/km, but outside Riyadh you'll often have to haggle the price in advance.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Saudi Arabia.
Finding apps for Saudi Arabia…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Jeddah · International · JED
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Riyadh
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 21° | 24° | 29° | 34° | 40° | 43° | 44° | 44° | 40° | 35° | 27° | 22° |
| Avg. low | 7° | 9° | 13° | 19° | 24° | 26° | 28° | 28° | 25° | 20° | 14° | 8° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 6 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 6 |
| Humidity | 40% | 32% | 27% | 24% | 17% | 11% | 12% | 13% | 15% | 20% | 36% | 43% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$50
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$145
Per person, per day
Luxury
$375
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $80 | $220 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $30 | $70 |
| Local transport | $5 | $15 | $30 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $55 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 3 of 4Reconsider travel
Reconsider travelto Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Iranian-supported Houthis, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use any airport in Saudi Arabia. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to: The cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu The provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran. U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take similar precautions. Armed conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial flights are operational from Saudi Arabia, though they have been significantly disrupted at times. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Saudi Arabia. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorism is a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles. Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region. Potential…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel FCDO advises against: all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen all but essential travel to the rest of Saudi Arabia Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Regional tensions Following a serious incident at King Khalid International Airport on 10 October 2026 at approximately 3pm local time, we advise British nationals to stay away from King Khalid International Airport until it is secure and to follow advice from the Saudi authorities. Since 13 July, the Houthis (a military group in Yemen) have launched missiles and drones targeting several locations in Saudi Arabia. There is a heightened threat against airports, Saudi military and defence buildings, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Yanbu, as well as shipping in the Red Sea. Further attacks against airports as well as disruption and cancellations are very likely. As an alternative to airports within Saudi Arabia, British nationals wishing to leave Saudi Arabia should consider travelling by land to a neighbouring country and flying from there. Plan your journey carefully, including checking the travel advice for any entry and exit requirements. See ‘Regional risks page’ for more information on land routes. In addition to the threat from Houthi attacks, there remains the possibility of renewed attacks by Iran. The US and Iran…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Saudi Arabia.
Food & drinkWhile the Middle East is vast and diverse, similar culinary traditions can be found across the region. They have been formed by the Mediterranean climate, commercial routes to Europe, Asia and Africa, and the Abrahamic…
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThe annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims and is the largest annual gathering of people in the world.
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Travel tipsThis page is an overview of ferry services in the Red Sea. It gives only basic information, see each ferry port or country's "Get in by boat" section for more on times, fares, and other practicalities - especially visas.
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Culture & historyPre-Islamic Arabia refers to the history of the Arabian Peninsula up to the proclamation of Islam by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.
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Culture & historyIslam is one of the world's most important religions, second only to Christianity in number of adherents. Its followers are called Muslims and their houses of worship, mosques.
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ItinerariesThe geographical and cultural diversity of Asia makes a great number of itineraries across Earth’s largest continent possible, from Marco Polo to the Karakoram Highway.
Wikivoyage
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