Welcome to our Saudi Arabia itinerary! If you are looking for well-developed tips for an unforgettable journey, you are in the right place. Enjoy and get inspired!
Saudi Arabia has finally opened its doors to travelers. Until quite recently, the country rarely issued tourist visas, did not actively seek visitors from abroad, and remained shrouded in mystery.
Why I should go
That is a very good question. As we mentioned at the beginning, Saudi Arabia has only recently begun developing as a tourist destination. Some things may still not work as smoothly as you would expect—such as tourist information, maps, and practical services—and you may encounter a number of difficulties along the way.
It can feel a little like traveling in the Middle East in the 1990s. You will need to be more resourceful, ask questions, and actively look for information; it will not simply find you as it might in a highly developed tourism destination such as Thailand.
Travelers who seek out less-visited countries will probably be delighted, while those with limited travel experience may find the trip disappointing.
Many people imagine Saudi Arabia as a second Dubai. They assume that Riyadh and Jeddah must be glittering showcases of this oil giant. While Riyadh is a modern city, it is not Dubai, and anyone looking for cutting-edge architecture may be disappointed. I would probably compare it to Brunei. Everyone knows that Brunei is one of the world’s very wealthy countries, yet travellers are often surprised by what its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, actually looks like.
When travelling to Saudi Arabia, leave your preconceptions behind and try to enter the country with an open mind. Then you may be pleasantly surprised, excited, and truly enjoy your time there. Do not expect Dubai-style service—Saudi Arabia feels more authentic, unspoiled, and pristine: exactly the kind of experience many travellers are looking for.
When should I go?
I would divide the year into two seasons: “hot” and “too hot.” The best time to travel is from November to early March, when daytime temperatures are generally around 20–25°C. During summer, temperatures can rise above 50°C.
Also remember that if you travel during Ramadan (April 1–January 31, 2022), almost everything will be closed during the day—it is the fasting month. Prices also go crazy during the pilgrimage to Mecca (July 7–12, 2022).
Visa
Most recently, they can be obtained through the online portal—you just need to fill out the application at Saudi eVisa | The Official Website for Tourist Visas to Saudi Arabia (visitsaudi.com).
You need to have your photo, passport, flight ticket, and accommodation booking (which you can arrange through Booking.com) saved in advance on your computer desktop. Your passport must not contain an Israeli stamp!!!!! If it does, you will not be allowed to enter the country.
What should I know before traveling to Saudi Arabia?
This country was one of the most closed-off places in the world for many years, and various rumors circulated about it. When it comes to clothing, it is more relaxed than, for example, Iran. Women do not have to wear a headscarf, although it is still recommended, especially in villages and outside cities—the requirement was lifted four years ago, but not everyone seems to understand that yet. However, both women and men should wear long pants, and women should wear longer sleeves. Tank tops are not acceptable for either men or women, and women should not wear low-cut tops.
What is prohibited to bring into Saudi Arabia?
Customs checks here are very thorough. Importing any alcohol, drugs or narcotics, pork products, and erotic or pornographic publications or media is strictly prohibited.
Visible symbols of other religions may be confiscated—even a Christian cross worn around the neck can be a problem. Any magazines or newspapers containing photos of even partially undressed women may also be confiscated; for example, a model in a swimsuit can cause serious issues. Problems may also arise if immigration authorities notice clear signs that a traveler has consumed alcohol upon arrival—so do not have that last beer at the airport in Istanbul, for example.
What else do I need to keep in mind?
- If you are not a married couple, a hotel may refuse to accommodate you together, and each person may need to book a separate room. It does not matter whether it is a five-star or three-star hotel. As we said, sometimes it happens and sometimes it does not—just be prepared for it.
- To prove that you are married, they need to see a copy of your marriage certificate.
How can I get there?
You can easily get to Saudi Arabia from Vienna with the following airlines:
- Pegasus Airlines with a layover in Istanbul
- Flydubai with a layover in Dubai
- Emirates with a layover in Dubai
- Saudia — direct flight
- Turkish Airlines with a layover in Istanbul
What is the best way to get around here?
Renting a car is probably the best option!!!! Not only are rental prices great, but gasoline is so cheap that water costs more here. Of course, there are trains, buses, and domestic flights, but renting a car is clearly the best choice for getting around.
It is best to rent a car directly at the international airport (do not do it in the city, as rental services do not always work for foreigners) through reputable international companies such as Avis, Hertz, or Europcar. The price for a car starts at around €25 per day without insurance. So if there are two to four of you, the costs drop dramatically. Gas costs around 45 cents per liter.
What do you need when renting a car?
- You need your driver’s license and an International Driving Permit.
- You can get an International Driving Permit on the spot at the document offices of the public order police department at the relevant district police headquarters. It costs €10, and you need to present your valid driver’s license and one photo.
- At least two years of driving experience, meaning you must have held your driver’s license for a minimum of two years.
Things to keep in mind
- The car should come with unlimited mileage. Some companies state that if you exceed a certain limit, you pay for every extra kilometer. Distances in Saudi Arabia are long, so choose a rental company that says “unlimited kilometers.”
- Make sure to insure the car. If anything happens, you could end up paying very high costs.
Driving here is easy; the roads are better than back home and, most importantly, they are well marked. Be sure to download maps for driving. I used the Maps.me app, which worked great. It is an offline map.
Trip itinerary:
I assume you want to see as much as possible, so you will rent a car. Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering places such as Mecca, so do not even try. If you are caught (for example, during a random check and without the required pilgrimage visa issued by the embassy; the best-case scenario is immediate deportation. In the worst case, you could face trial and go to jail.) These areas are marked with signs indicating that non-Muslims are not allowed.
Day 1: Flight to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Rent a car directly at the airport—preferably in advance, rather than relying on getting one upon arrival.
Day 2: Full-day tour of Riyadh
- Masmak Fortress — the top historical attraction
- Diriyah — the birthplace of the Saudi dynasty and a gateway into the country’s history. It is about 30 kilometers from the city center. (At the time this itinerary was written, the site was closed again.)
- Kingdom Tower — the main modern attraction, where you can see all of Riyadh from the top. It is probably best visited at sunset.
- Camel races — camel races take place every Thursday. Ask at your hotel reception where and when they start.
Day 3: A full-day journey to AlUla—around 1,000 kilometres along a well-maintained desert road. Leave early in the morning so you do not have to rush unnecessarily.
Day 4: A full-day tour of Madain Saleh (Hegra), a desert Nabataean city similar to Petra in Jordan.
Day 5: Transfer to Yanbu on the Red Sea. The distance is approximately 370 kilometres via a well-maintained road.
Day 6: Diving — Arrange this through a local tour operator, even if they may initially seem reluctant to help. You can also swim at designated local beaches or resort areas, but women should not wear the same style of swimwear commonly used in Europe; modest, covering swimwear is expected, including in the sea.
Day 7: Transfer to Jeddah — approximately 350 kilometres.
Day 8: A full-day city tour. The most interesting part is likely the historic district, which is entirely listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of several historic buildings; some have not been restored and look rather rundown.
Day 9: Fly home from Jeddah.
How much does a trip like this cost? If you were traveling with friends—say, a group of three—sharing one economical car and staying in three-star hotels, this itinerary would cost roughly €500–700 per person, excluding food and the main international flight. Food prices are broadly similar to those at home. Return flights generally range from approximately €250–500.
What are the current prices of groceries, transportation, services, and other expenses? Check prices and average living costs in Saudi Arabia.
We hope you found the article, “Saudi Arabia: Travel Advice, Tips and Itinerary,” helpful. If you have any questions, leave a comment and we will be happy to answer.
