Saudi Arabia has always had the reputation of being the holiest country for Muslims across the world. It is home to the two holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah, of Islam. For as long as we could remember, Saudi Arabia has never promoted itself as a tourist destination and has followed quite strict rules regarding the allowance of visas. Since the year 2019, Saudi Arabia has started to emerge as a tourist destination. The kingdom has started working on becoming the next tourist destination in order to diversify its economy from its oil industry heritage.
Millions of Muslims travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to date, and this number is only increasing by every passing year. Due to this rapid increase in the number of pilgrims, the Umrah and Hajj packages have gained popularity among the pilgrims as they provide convenience and guidance specifically to first-time travelers. Packages provided by the trusted Islamic travel include other services like flight and hotel bookings. They provide Cheap Umrah packages, including flights and accommodations, to make it convenient for their customers. Whether you are someone who is planning a pilgrimage, business trip, or a vacation, this guide will help you navigate all the steps and is convenient to follow for someone who is travelling to the kingdom for the first time.
Saudi Arabia Travel Guide: Key Essentials for First-Time Travelers
Visa Application Process
Saudi Arabia has simplified its visa process in recent years and has made it quite easier for tourists to attain the visa and visit the kingdom. However, there are several factors that one must consider regarding visa and are stated as follows.
- The travelers can apply for a tourist e-visa online, which allows for multiple entries and a stay of up to 90 days.
- If you are visiting the country as a pilgrim, you will have to acquire the Umrah visa, but make sure that you apply through an authorized travel agent.
- The travelers must have a passport with a validity of at least six months, a recent photograph for documentation, and proof of accommodation in the destination country.
- Travelers must keep in mind that the fees vary depending on the type of visa and duration of the stay.
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia
If you are a first-time traveller and are oblivious to the fact that what is the best time for you to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, then below given is a brief guide on how travelling during different months will alter your experience as a traveler.
November to February
This is the ideal time to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the weather is pleasant and the temperature falls between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. This weather is perfect to explore the outdoor attractions and the crowds are also low, which results in the reduction of rates regarding flights, accommodation, and transport. The winter break also falls during this time in the UK, so Muslims can book an Umrah visa from the UK and perform Umrah, along with visiting various places in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
June to August
The tenure between June and August is extremely hot, with the temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. As a tourist, you must avoid travelling during this period unless it is necessary and you are staying in the coastal areas like Jeddah.
Ramadan
If you are someone who is travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the month of Ramadan, you must keep in mind that the flight and accommodation rates are extremely high during this time. The crowd density of pilgrims is also at an all-time high as most people travel to the holy city of Makkah to perform Umrah during Ramadan to seek the abundant reward.
Cultural Etiquette and Dress Code
Saudi Arabia is a conservative country with pretty strict cultural norms. In order to preserve its reputation as a religious hub around the world there are several rules that the kingdom has formulated and every tourist is obliged to follow them. These rules are articulated as follows.
Dress code
Women must wear loose fitted clothes, preferably abaya and a headscarf when visiting the religious places. Although, the head covering is only mandatory around religious places and there is no compulsion of wearing hijab all the time.
Gender Segregation
Public spaces like restaurants and public transport may have separate sections for men and women.
Public Behavior
It is mandatory to avoid public displays of affection and refrain from consuming alcohol or pork.
Photography
The tourist must ask for permission before taking photos of people and public buildings and monuments. If these rules are not followed through, the tourists might face consequences such as law suite or fine.
Transportation and Getting Around
There are several modes of transportation that one can opt for according to their requirement, timeline, and budget. Some of the modes of transportation are mentioned, as follows:
Flights
Saudi Arabia has excellent domestic flight connectivity. The major airlines like Saudia and Flynas operate frequent flights between the cities.
Public Transport
There are metros in Riyadh and Jeddah, two major metropolitan cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
In the urban areas, the ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem are widely available.
Car Rentals
Renting a car is a good option for exploring the remote areas, but there are certain rules that you must abide by when driving. It is recommended to get a driver along with renting a car to save yourself from the unnecessary hassle.
Saudi Arabia is a destination that offers something to everyone. There are vast variety of cuisines which cover street food as well as Michelin-starred restaurants, along with the local souks and high-end luxury malls for shopping enthusiasts.
The history and archaeology geeks can visit the kingdom and travel along the itinerary to explore and learn about various monuments and forts that were built by the ancient civilizations. By respecting the local customs, planning effectively, and keeping an open mind, you can enjoy a memorable and enriching experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.