PLAN YOUR TRIP

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced an electronic visa service called eVisa. The eVisa is a multi-entry electronic travel authorization that allows citizens from eligible countries to visit KSA for a short-term stay (90 days per year). The eVisa has been designed to speed up the process of getting a visa for KSA and travelers can easily apply through the official website : https://visa.visitsaudi.com/. Visitors will need to have a valid passport for a minimum 6 months from the date of entry in the country. The cost for the tourist eVisa is 535 SAR, it includes a fee for full health insurance during your stay in the Kingdom. Travelers eligible for this eVisa can also get it directly upon arrival in the country.

Our concierge service can proceed with the application of your eVisa and if you are not eligible for the eVisa, we can assist you for the obtention of another type of visa, please contact one of our team members to assist you with your visa application.

Arabic is the official language. English, the language of business, is still barely spoken in most of the regions of Saudi Arabia. We recommend our visitors to have on their mobile phone a translation software if needed.

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, 93% of the inhabitants are Muslims and each day, millions of pilgrims are coming from all around the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah and Hajj.
Most of Saudi Muslims are Sunni, however, a Shia minority is estimated at 10% to 15% of the population.
Islam is a religion of tolerance, reconciliation and peace, and most of the people are following the strict rules implemented in the country, for this reason, it is safe for all genders to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). You will have no trouble finding an ATM that accepts Visa and Mastercard bank cards. In major cities, many restaurants and hotels accept payment by card. However, it is always to carry some cash, especially to pay in small supermarkets and local restaurants where only MADA cards or cash are accepted. Travelers can also easily find an exchange office to exchange their local currency into Saudi Riyals.

The Kabsa is the national dish in Saudi Arabia, it is a traditional dish made with spices, rice and tender meat, the most commonly used ones are camel, lamb, chicken or fish.

Saudi Arabia has a rich and diverse culture and art identity that has been shaped by its islamic heritage, its historical role and its bedouin traditions. Calligraphy, Patterns, Poetry, Folk music & dancing and traditional dresses and clothing are some of the relevant elements representing the important culture of the country.

The Saudi working week begins on Sunday and ends on Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the official rest days.

Office hours tend to be 9 AM to 1 PM and 4:30 PM to 8 PM, with some regional variations. Usually shops and restaurants close late in the night and many of them, including supermarkets are open 24/24.

Saudi National Day : September 23rd
Saudi Founding Day : February 22nd 
Flag Day : March 11th 
Eid holidays : The date vary each year

Saudi National Day : September 23rd
Saudi Founding Day : February 22nd 
Flag Day : March 11th 
Eid holidays : The date vary each year

Mild winter, warm spring and autumn, dry and very hot summer, especially in July and August. Along the coasts, the temperature is a little more pleasant, and the southern regions a little more temperate. In the region of AlUla, temperatures can be very cold from November to March.

Speeding and the unpredictable behavior of many road users greatly increases the risk of traffic accidents. Never venture yourself into the desert, it is recommended to join a convoy of several all-terrain vehicles. It is absolutely vital to carry a GPS and an adequate amount of water, food, fuel and spare parts. In some big cities it can be very challenging to drive so we recommend travelers to take extra caution while driving as the traffic guidelines are barely respected.

Medical care is usually insured. Hospitals require advance payment or a statement of financial security before treating patients.
If you regularly take medication, make sure to take enough with you. Remember, that the importation of drugs containing narcotics ( e.g : methadone) or substances used to treat mental disorders is subject to special regulations in many countries including in Saudi Arabia. If necessary, obtain information on this subject, before departure, from the competent foreign representation (embassy or consulate).

Saudi Arabia time zone is UTC+3. During Summer, no additional offset is applied in Saudi Arabia.

The choice of your clothes must inevitably be adapted to the cultural and religious context of the country so as not to disturb the progress of the trip for the whole group. Womens are recommended to wear loose clothes such as tunic and pants, covering the shoulders, arms and legs. Necklines are to be avoided. It will be convenient to take with you a scarf to cover your head if necessary during certain visits.
Mens can wear comfortable clothes as per their preference, however they should avoid wearing topless shirts.
In general, travelers should avoid wearing clothes with any degrading images or not respectful of the culture of the country.

– Warm sweatshirt and/or jacket (late fall, winter, early spring)
– Clothes that can be layered (late fall, winter, early spring)
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Hat (for sun or keeping warm, depending on the season)
– Flashlight or headlamp
– Comfortable walking/hiking shoes or boots 
– Camera 
– Plug adaptor