Entering Saudi Arabia in 2025
Saudi Arabia - The Kingdom is embracing visitors with a fusion of bustling cities, ancient heritage and stunning landscapes. With simple instructions, we make sure you have access to the most recent entrance information so you can travel with confidence, regardless of your reason for visiting—tourism, business, or religious.
Things to Know Before Entering Saudi Arabia
Before traveling to Saudi Arabia in 2025, all visitors should be aware of these important admission details. Keep yourself informed for a stress-free and easy trip.
Visa & Entry Requirements
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entrance into Saudi Arabia, along with one current passport-style photo and at least two blank pages.
- Visitors should apply for a Saudi visa type that is appropriate for their intended purpose while going to Saudi Arabia for long-term activities like education or employment.
Currency & Payments
- The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal, which is used extensively for daily transactions all around the nation.
- Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Rounding up or offering 5–10% in restaurants or for hotel services is customary.
- ATMs are generally available, and credit cards like as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted at numerous merchants, restaurants, hotels, transit providers, and other businesses around the nation.
Culture and Photography Restriction
- You should get agreement before photographing anyone, especially women, and avoid taking photos of government, military, or police buildings and personnel.
- The holy month of Ramadan prohibits eating, drinking, and smoking in public throughout the day.
- There is typically little public interaction between unrelated men and women, and it should be handled carefully.
Health & Travel Insurance
- Saudi Arabia requires all visa applicants to have health insurance.
- Travel Insurance for Saudi Arabia is highly recommended to get supplemental travel insurance for extra coverage, such as medical evacuation, luggage loss, trip disruptions, and cancellations, as the included coverage may be restricted.
Custom rules & Practical tips
- Be aware of public etiquette, such as avoiding making noise in public, and comprehend gender segregation, even though it isn't as rigid as it formerly was.
- Alcohol and pork products are severely prohibited, and those who violate the law face harsh punishments.
- Avoid any public criticism of Islam, whether in person or on social media, as this can lead to arrest.
Saudi Arabia Highlights
Capital: Riyadh
AST, UTC +3
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Language: Arabic and English
Hot, arid
Best Time to Visit:
Popular Tourist Sites:
FAQs about entering Saudi Arabia
1.
Do I need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
Yes. You may need a visa for your trip to Saudi Arabia, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. To check whether you are from a country eligible for a Saudi Arabia eVisa, check your requirements above.
2.
How can I apply for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia?
You can use the GVC website to apply for a Saudi Arabian tourist visa. In order to apply, you must upload the necessary files, including a copy of your passport and a current photo, and pay the visa cost. Processing an application might take up to 72 hours on average.
3.
What are the document requirements for a Saudi eVisa?
A valid passport with at least six months left on it, a current digital passport photo, a confirmed round-trip airline reservation, and evidence of lodging, such as a hotel reservation, are often required in order to obtain a Saudi eVisa. Additionally, you must have a working email address and a method of using a credit or debit card to pay the visa charge.
4.
Can I enter Mecca and Madina if I am a non-Muslim?
It is forbidden for non-Muslims to enter Mecca. You can go into Medina, but stay away from Al-Masjid al-Nabawi.
5.
How can I check my Saudi Arabia visa status?
This registered email will get all alerts, acknowledgements, and updates. Moreover, the 'Check status' option on our website allows you to monitor the application's current state in real time. For tracking purposes, you must use the reference number we gave you.
Reliable & Up-to-Date Entry Information
We provide thoroughly verified entry requirements for Saudi Arabia, ensuring that every detail has been carefully examined for accuracy. By relying exclusively on these trusted sources, we guarantee that travelers receive the most current, precise, and reliable guidance, allowing them to prepare with confidence before their journey to Saudi Arabia.
Source: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/eservices/pages/default.aspx
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