What awaits travelers in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has only opened up to leisure travelers since the introduction of the tourist eVisa in 2019, and connects the modern capital Riyadh with the historic Red Sea port city of Jeddah and the Nabataean tombs of Hegra near AlUla. The country is strictly shaped by Islam: alcohol is banned, and Mecca remains completely closed to non-Muslims. The border area with Yemen is considered a risk area because of the conflict with the Houthi forces; check the current situation with the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA.
A classic route begins in Riyadh with the historic Masmak citadel and the rebuilt first capital Diriyah, continues by domestic flight to Jeddah with its Red Sea old town Al-Balad, and can be extended to the archaeological site of Hegra near AlUla, which forms its own travel region with its own chapter in this series.
This page summarizes regions, the best time to travel, entry requirements (as of September 2026), health, safety, and the advisories from the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA.
Sources: Saudi Tourism Authority
What kind of travel destination is Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is one of the world's youngest travel destinations: until 2019 there was no tourist visa at all, and since then the country has been deliberately building tourism infrastructure with multi-billion-dollar projects like AlUla, Diriyah and the Red Sea coast. Islamic law shapes everyday life, dress and legislation; alcohol and unmarried couple relationships are banned.
The country is roughly divided into the central region around the capital Riyadh, the Red Sea coast around Jeddah with the historic pilgrimage route to Mecca, the cultural region of AlUla in the northwest, and the cooler mountain provinces of Asir and Al-Baha in the southwest.
Mecca and the core area around the Prophet's Mosque in Medina are reserved exclusively for Muslims; under current entry rules, non-Muslims may not enter these places, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a route.
Tourist infrastructure is younger than in neighboring Gulf countries: public transport outside Riyadh and the pilgrimage cities is scarce, so rental cars or taxis are usually necessary. English is widely spoken in hotels and in the tourism sector.
Sources: Saudi Tourism Authority
Which regions of Saudi Arabia are worth visiting?
The most-visited destinations are the capital Riyadh with the Masmak citadel and the UNESCO site of Diriyah, the port city of Jeddah with the old town Al-Balad, and the Nabataean tombs of Hegra near AlUla. Travelers with more time can add the cooler mountains of the Asir region or the Red Sea coast near Yanbu.
Riyadh
Riyadh, the modern capital in the middle of the Nadschd desert, is historically anchored by the late-19th-century mud fortress Masmak and the adjoining souk, but is growing rapidly with skyscrapers like the Kingdom Centre. About 15 minutes' drive northwest lies Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state (1727–1818) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010: the At-Turaif district shows mud-brick palaces in Najdi architectural style, including the Salwa Palace.
About 100 km northwest of Riyadh lies the cliff Jebel Fihrayn, known as the 'Edge of the World': the rock edge drops around 300 m into a former sea basin here and offers a wide view over the desert.
Jeddah and the Red Sea coast
Jeddah, the economic gateway to the Red Sea and the traditional entry point for Mecca pilgrims, shows multi-story coral-stone houses with wooden bay windows (roshan) that provided natural cooling in its old town Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. The best-known building is the Nasseef House, built in 1881 and now a museum.
Along the Red Sea coast near Jeddah lie coral reefs suitable for snorkeling and diving; further north, near Yanbu and Umluj, new holiday regions are emerging, which get their own chapter in this series.
AlUla and Hegra
About 300 km north of Medina lies AlUla with the archaeological site of Hegra, registered in 2008 as Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site: 111 monumental Nabataean tomb façades, related to Petra in Jordan, are carved directly into sandstone. AlUla forms its own region with its own chapter in this series.
Asir and the south
In the southwest lies the mountain region of Asir around the town of Abha, at around 2,200 m elevation noticeably cooler than the rest of the country, and known for terraced fields, cloud forests and the brightly painted clay houses of the village of Rijal Almaa. The border area with Yemen in the provinces of Asir, Najran and Jazan is considered a risk area because of its proximity to the conflict with the Houthi forces, and the foreign ministries generally advise against it (see the Safety section).
In the east of the country, on the Persian Gulf coast, lies the Eastern Province with the oil metropolis of Dammam and the oasis city of Al-Ahsa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018 for its date-palm groves and historic water sources; this region is so far barely developed for tourism.
Sources: Saudi Tourism Authority · UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Destinations
Regions with their own page
Islands and regions
- RegionAlUlaAlUla lies in the northwest of Saudi Arabia in a green valley basin of sandstone cliffs, roughly a three-hour drive from Medina.
- RegionSaudi Red Sea CoastBetween the port towns of Yanbu and Umluj stretches one of the least-known coastal stretches on the Red Sea: coral reefs right off the town, more…
When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
From November to March conditions are most pleasant nationwide: in Riyadh daytime highs then sit between 21 and 29 °C, in Jeddah on the Red Sea between 29 and 32 °C. From June to August, temperatures in Riyadh climb above 42 °C, while the coast becomes humid and sultry.
| Riad | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 22 | 24 | 29 | 33 | 39 | 43 | 44 | 44 | 41 | 36 | 28 | 23 |
| Low °C | 9 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| Rainfall mm | 6 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 6 |
| Dschidda | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 29 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 39 | 37 | 36 | 33 | 31 |
| Low °C | 20 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Rainfall mm | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 5 |
Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station KING KHALED INTL (27 km, 625 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station KING ABDULAZIZ INTL (22 km, 15 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.
Riyadh, inland at around 612 m elevation, has an extreme desert climate with almost no rainfall: from June to September practically no rain falls, daytime highs reach up to 44 °C in July, and it cools to around 29 °C at night. Winter nights, with lows around 9 °C, are notably cold for the region.
Jeddah on the Red Sea stays milder but more humid: daytime highs range between 29 and 39 °C year-round, with high humidity added during high summer. Some rain falls mainly in November.
Mecca, at around 277 m elevation near Jeddah, is among the hottest cities in the country with July highs around 43 to 45 °C; for the Hajj, whose date shifts forward by about eleven days each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar, this matters independently of the usual travel season.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany
What do you need to enter Saudi Arabia?
Swiss, German and Austrian nationals need a tourist eVisa, which according to the official platform visitsaudi.com costs 535 SAR (around 140 US dollars) and is valid as a multiple-entry visa for one year, with up to 90 days of stay per entry (as of September 2026). Mecca remains closed to non-Muslims regardless of visa type.
- eVisa: apply online via the official platform visa.visitsaudi.com; the 535 SAR fee (480 SAR for Visa on Arrival) covers processing and travel medical insurance.
- Validity: multiple-entry visa, 1 year from issue, with up to 90 days of stay per entry; alternatively a single-entry visa valid for 3 months, also with up to 90 days of stay.
- Passport: must still be valid for at least 6 months on entry; an exception applies for US citizens.
- Visa on Arrival: available at several entry points for nationals of eVisa-eligible countries as well as holders of valid US, UK or Schengen visas.
- Other nationalities: separate rules apply; the current list on visitsaudi.com is authoritative, and Saudi embassies and consulates provide information.
The tourist visa does not permit entry to Mecca; travel there is reserved exclusively for Muslims with a Hajj or Umrah visa. The core area around the Prophet's Mosque in Medina also remains closed to non-Muslims.
The current information from visitsaudi.com as well as from the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA at the time of travel is authoritative.
Sources: Visit Saudi (Saudi Tourism Authority) · Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Wikipedia
What vaccinations and health precautions do you need for Saudi Arabia?
No vaccination is mandatory for tourist entry from Europe; pilgrims traveling for Hajj or Umrah must, according to the CDC, present proof of meningococcal vaccination (ACWY), issued 3 to 5 years before entry. healthytravel.ch additionally recommends hepatitis A for all travelers, and hepatitis B for men because of the head-shaving customary during Hajj.
According to the CDC, malaria only occurs in the border regions of Asir and Jazan near Yemen; the major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca and Medina are malaria-free. For the affected provinces, the CDC recommends chemoprophylaxis, for example with atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
Mosquito protection against dengue fever and leishmaniasis is also advisable outside the malaria areas. Medical care is good in Riyadh, Jeddah and Mecca, and thinner in rural areas.
Sources: healthytravel.ch, Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
How safe is Saudi Arabia for travelers?
The main structural risk is the conflict with Yemeni Houthi forces: the border area with Yemen in the provinces of Najran, Asir and Jazan, as well as the wider border region including the city of Abha, are considered a risk area where drone and missile attacks can occur. Check the current situation with the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA.
The background is the military confrontation between Yemeni Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia: drone and missile attacks have in the past been directed mainly at oil facilities and military bases, in the border provinces as well as in provinces farther away. In the event of escalation, further airstrikes and restrictions on air traffic cannot be ruled out.
The situation in the Gulf region remains tense overall; an elevated abstract threat of terrorist attacks continues undiminished according to the Federal Foreign Office, with incidents in 2021 and 2023 in Jeddah. The FDFA additionally points to tense conditions in the Eastern Province around Al Qatif, as well as an elevated risk for international shipping in the Red Sea.
Outside the regions named, the crime rate is considered comparatively low according to the Federal Foreign Office; phone scams, on the other hand, are widespread. Possession of alcohol and drugs is a criminal offense, and drug offenses can carry the death penalty; photographing military facilities and security-related incidents is prohibited.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Switzerland
How do you travel to Saudi Arabia and get around the country?
International flights mostly land in Riyadh (King Khalid International, RUH) or Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International, JED); both airports have year-round nonstop connections from European hubs such as Frankfurt, Zurich, Geneva, Vienna, Rome, London and Paris. Within the country, domestic flights and the Haramain high-speed rail connect Jeddah, Mecca and Medina.
| Route | Mode of transport | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh airport – city center | Taxi, rental car | around 30–45 min |
| Riyadh – Jeddah | Flight | around 1 h 30 min |
| Riyadh – Diriyah | Taxi, rental car | around 20 min |
| Riyadh – Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) | 4x4 vehicle | around 1 h 30 min |
| Jeddah – Medina | Haramain high-speed rail | around 2 h |
| Jeddah – AlUla | Flight | around 1 h 20 min |
| Riyadh – AlUla | Flight | around 2 h |
According to FlightConnections, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is served nonstop by, among others, Saudia, Riyadh Air and Lufthansa from Frankfurt, Zurich, Geneva, Vienna, Rome, London, Paris and Madrid; flight time from European hubs is around 6 to 7 hours. King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah offers nonstop connections including Paris, Milan and London.
From North America there are seasonal nonstop flights between Riyadh or Jeddah and New York or Washington; from Australia and Latin America, travelers usually connect via European or Arab Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Doha, which themselves serve as major international hubs.
Between the Red Sea cities, the Haramain high-speed railway connects Mecca, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City and Medina; Riyadh is not yet connected. For other routes, domestic flights with Saudia, Flynas and flyadeal are the fastest option, complemented by a nationwide long-distance bus network. The Federal Foreign Office explicitly warns against desert drives, such as crossing the Rub' al Khali; for driving yourself, an international driving license combined with the national one is required.
Sources: FlightConnections · FlightConnections · Saudi Tourism Authority
What money do you need in Saudi Arabia, and how do you pay?
The national currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR, ر.س), divided into 100 halala and fixed to the US dollar since 1986 (1 US dollar equals 3.75 riyal). Card payment is widely accepted in cities, hotels and shopping malls; markets and smaller establishments more often expect cash.
Banknotes come in 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 riyal, plus coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 halala and 1 riyal. ATMs are ubiquitous in cities and accept international cards.
The fixed peg to the US dollar keeps prices stable and easy to calculate. When paying by card, it's worth choosing billing in riyal rather than your home currency to avoid unfavorable dynamic currency conversion.
Tipping is not mandatory; in restaurants around 10% is customary unless a service charge is already included. Drivers and guides appreciate a small cash extra.
Sources: Wikipedia
Where is the best place to stay in Saudi Arabia?
In Riyadh, most hotels are in the Olaya and King Abdullah Financial District neighborhoods or near Diriyah; in Jeddah, along the corniche or near the old town Al-Balad. Around AlUla, new desert resorts dominate, often with views of the sandstone cliffs.
Riyadh offers the widest choice of international hotel chains, from business hotels in the financial district to new boutique accommodations near the historic Masmak citadel. Jeddah is concentrated along the corniche with views of the Red Sea, just a few minutes' walk from the old town.
AlUla deliberately focuses on upscale, sustainably oriented accommodations with direct desert settings; simpler options are rarer than elsewhere in the country, since the region has only been developed for tourism in the past few years.
What do you eat in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi cuisine is rice-based and regionally distinct: kabsa, a spiced rice dish with chicken or lamb, is considered the national dish. Along the Red Sea coast around Jeddah, fish and Yemeni-influenced dishes like mandi are more common, along with Arabic coffee (qahwa) with dates as a welcome ritual.
Kabsa is prepared with rice, meat, raisins and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom, and is often eaten from a shared bowl. In Jeddah, mandi is common, a meat dish of Yemeni origin cooked in an underground oven; saleeg, a creamy milk rice with chicken, comes from the Hejaz region.
Arabic coffee with cardamom, served with dates, is a fixed part of hospitality. Alcohol is banned nationwide, even in international hotels; non-alcoholic cocktails ('mocktails') are widespread.
What culture and festivals shape Saudi Arabia?
Islam permeates everyday life, law and dress; the country is regarded, with Mecca and Medina, as the birthplace and spiritual center of the religion. The most important holidays are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, following the Islamic lunar calendar, as well as National Day on September 23, commemorating the founding of the kingdom in 1932.
Since reforms began in 2019, the abaya is no longer mandatory for women, but modest dress with covered upper arms and skirts below the knee remains socially expected; tight or shoulder-baring clothing is unwelcome in public spaces. For men, shorts are uncommon outside leisure facilities.
During Ramadan, daytime restrictions apply: restaurants outside hotels often close, and authorities work shortened hours. Non-Muslims, too, should refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day.
Art festivals like the Diriyah Biennale and concert series as part of Riyadh Season show the country's cultural shift since 2019; at the same time, criticism of religion, the royal family and the government, as well as public displays of affection, remain punishable offenses.
What experiences are worthwhile in Saudi Arabia?
Highlights include the Masmak citadel and the mud-brick district of At-Turaif in Diriyah near Riyadh, the coral-stone old town Al-Balad in Jeddah, and the Nabataean tombs of Hegra near AlUla. Travelers staying longer can add a hike at the cliff Jebel Fihrayn ('Edge of the World') or dives along the Red Sea coast.
Riyadh and Diriyah
The Souk al-Zal next to the Masmak citadel sells spices, textiles and antiques; the National Museum offers an overview of the history of the Arabian Peninsula across several floors. In Diriyah, guided tours lead through the restored mud-brick palaces of At-Turaif, and in the evening the Diriyah Gate area lights up the historic core.
Jeddah and the Red Sea coast
A walk through Al-Balad reveals the characteristic roshan bay windows of the coral-stone houses; the Nasseef House from 1881 is now a museum. Along the corniche, reefs invite snorkeling and diving, with a growing number of dive centers.
AlUla and the desert
In AlUla, a visit to the tomb façades of Hegra can be combined with a drive through the rock formations of Elephant Rock; the cliff Jebel Fihrayn, around 100 km from Riyadh, is suitable for a day trip with views over the desert, ideally in the cooler morning or evening hours.
Sources: Saudi Tourism Authority · UNESCO World Heritage Centre
How do you travel responsibly in Saudi Arabia?
The newly developed regions of AlUla and the Red Sea coast officially focus on sustainable tourism, with limited visitor numbers at archaeological sites and reef-protection rules for diving. Since tourism infrastructure has only been built up since 2019, travelers should show particular consideration for local customs and regulations.
- At UNESCO sites like Hegra or At-Turaif, move only with licensed guides and on marked paths.
- When snorkeling and diving along the Red Sea coast, don't touch corals and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Respect modest dress even outside hotel grounds, especially in traditional districts like Al-Balad.
- Strictly observe photography bans on people, especially women, as well as on military and security facilities.
Sources: Saudi Tourism Authority
Which countries can be combined with Saudi Arabia?
The most obvious choices are the neighboring Gulf countries: Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates can be added via short nonstop flights from Riyadh or Jeddah. Jordan, with the historically related Nabataean sites of Petra, also complements a visit to AlUla thematically.
The flight from Riyadh to Dubai or Doha takes around 2 hours, several times daily with multiple airlines; flights to Bahrain take similar times. Amman in Jordan is reachable from Riyadh in around 3 hours and offers, with Petra, a direct comparison to the Nabataean tombs of Hegra.
Each of these countries requires its own visa; the Saudi eVisa platform explicitly notes that the tourist visa is valid only for Saudi Arabia itself.
Who is Saudi Arabia suited for, and who is it less suited for?
Saudi Arabia suits culture and history enthusiasts who want to experience archaeological sites like Hegra or the newly accessible historic old towns without heavy mass tourism. It is less suitable for anyone expecting nightlife, alcohol, or established tourist infrastructure like Dubai's, as well as for travelers who want to visit Mecca without being Muslim.
Culture travelers and photographers benefit from access to sites that have only been open for a few years, often still without large visitor numbers. Active travelers find a growing range of hiking, climbing and diving in AlUla and along the Red Sea coast.
Anyone who can't do without alcohol is out of place here. Since the reforms beginning in 2019, women can travel alone and apply for an eVisa, but should expect stricter social rules than in Europe. Because of the conflict in the border area with Yemen, it's worth checking the current situation with the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA before booking.