SAUDI ARABIA
A beauty opens her doors to the world
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Via Air Route
There are plenty of airline services to Saudi Arabia, airlines such as Emirates, SilkAir, Oman Air, British Airways, Saudi Airlines, Etihad Airways among others. King Fahd International Airport occupies 776 sq km of area and is the largest airport in the world.
Via Sea Route
Cruise liners currently do not stop in Saudi Arabia. A ferry service on the Red Sea that connects Safaga in Egypt with Duba and Yanbu in Saudi exist such as Namma Shipping Lines. There is also a sea connection from Suez in Egypt to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
Via Road Route
Road travel with very erratic driving standards especially in the Eastern Province is to be noted. Road travel must be ventured only with caution. However, the King Fahd Gateway that connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain is an engineering feat and the journey is spectacular. The road quality is upgraded from time to time, much of which is of a high standard. Borders between Iraq and Saudi have opened since October 2019. A new road link is planned between Oman and Saudi. It is also possible to drive between Saudi and Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and the UAE.
Via Rail Route
As of now, there are plans by the Saudi Railway Organization to network Jeddah to Jordan, Yemen, and eventually to Egypt.
Air
Air is the most convenient mode of travel around the country. Flyadeal, Flynas, SaudiGulf Airlines are the main domestic carriers. There are special flights organized for pilgrims during the Hajj to and from Jeddah
Taxi
Taxi services are metered and easily available in all major cities. Negotiating a fare especially for long-distance travel is possible. However, it is easier to follow the meter charges and fares are not very expensive. There are also car hire agencies both at the airport and in town. The minimum driving age is 25 and all valid documentation is required as well. Road travel along the Corniche between Mecca and Taif is worth an experience.
Coach/Bus
SAPTCO is a bus travel company that offers stations in major cities. Tickets are affordable and vehicles are clean and comfortable. Try the Riyadh-Dammam route, a five-hour journey to indulge in a desert voyage that will take you through the depths of the desert. KSA Travels also offers plenty of bus routes with their services.
Train
Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) operates the rail system and the main railway line is the Riyadh-Dammam line which is a 570 km stretch. There are also daily train services that are air-conditioned with comforts depending on the ticket. Food and beverages are served with comfortable seating. The railway on the west coast has been abandoned for a while now. SRO also operates trains between Mecca and Medina.
Travel Tips
- Be aware of the local customs and religious rules and be respectful of them.
- Understand travel advisories and do your research on the local conditions before traveling.
- Please follow the entrance rules that are separate for men and women.
- As it is an Islamic country, refrain from public displays of affection and dress modestly.
- Seek permission before photographing locals.
- Plan your itinerary according to the prayer times as all stores and restaurants are closed during prayer times.
- Be respectful of the Muslim religion at all times.
- Consumption of alcohol is illegal.
- Familiarize yourself with Saudi rituals and greetings, and be aware that men are not allowed to shake the hands of women.
- Carry your passport identification at all times and keep all travel documents safe.
- Playing music in public is prohibited.
Dress Code & Etiquette
- The dress code is conservative and foreign men should wear long trousers and not shorts.
- Female travelers are encouraged to cover their hair and wear the abaya, a garment, especially when visiting Mosques
- Islamic rules have to be followed and local customs have to be respected.
- Shaking hands is always with the right hand. Using the left hand is considered unclean.
- Never show the sole of your feet or shoes as it is considered an insult.
- Pork and alcohol are forbidden
- Muslims observe fast during the month of Ramadan. Please be aware of the special rules that the tourists are expected to follow during this period.
- Any form of public display of affection is prohibited.
What to Pack?
- Sunglasses, Sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Travel Documents
- Electronics
- Thawb for men and Abaya for women
- Headscarf
- Comfortable Shoes
- Jackets
- Full Body Clothing
- Backpack
Facts
- Capital : Riyadh
- Population : 34,218,169 (2019 estimate)
- Area : 1,149,690 sq km
- Currency : Saudi Riyal (SR) (SAR)
- Land : 99.3%
- Elevation : 665 M
- Water : 0.7%
- Time Zone : UTC+03:00 (AST)
- Map Referred : Middle East
- Driving : Left
How to arrive?
A valid passport is required fto enter or exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A minimum of six months' validity beyond the date of travel is recommended. BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp.
You must get an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver (EVW) either before you travel or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia's international airports. The type of e-visa or EVW you choose depends on your reason for travelling and how long you want to stay.
About your travel to Saudi Arabia
Visa Stuff
How often have I driven through Jordan and seen the signs in Aqaba pointing to Saudi Arabia? But Saudi Arabia has only allowed tourism and granted visas since 2019. Then Covid came and brought tourism to a standstill worldwide. For about 2 years now, you see more and more influencers on social media sharing the breathtaking impressions from Alula, Medina, Jeddah and Riyadh and all the small villages that reveal cultural highlights of the world. You can now easily obtain a tourist visa online. Until now, Jeddah in particular has been a destination for Muslim pilgrims from all over the world traveling to Mecca and Medina. Mecca is and remains the holiest city and only Muslims are allowed to enter. However, Medina now allows access to some mosques.
Hegra in Alula, the sister of Petra, should not be missing from any travel itinerary. The Nabateans have visibly left their mark there. Tourism is so new in this beautiful country that we are very excited about our first trips. Here you can still go on a journey of discovery and enjoy the authenticity of the people. Everything is still very expensive, tour guides are still being trained, so this trip is suitable for travelers who are open to unforgettable experiences.
Phasellus accumsan dapibus nunc vel vestibulum. Donec consequat mattis nibh, ut lacinia urna placerat vitae. Pellentesque quis sem tortor, in gravida mi. Nam pulvinar tincidunt elit vitae rhoncus. Sed eget malesuada nulla.
Phasellus accumsan dapibus nunc vel vestibulum. Donec consequat mattis nibh, ut lacinia urna placerat vitae. Pellentesque quis sem tortor, in gravida mi. Nam pulvinar tincidunt elit vitae rhoncus. Sed eget malesuada nulla.
Phasellus accumsan dapibus nunc vel vestibulum. Donec consequat mattis nibh, ut lacinia urna placerat vitae. Pellentesque quis sem tortor, in gravida mi. Nam pulvinar tincidunt elit vitae rhoncus. Sed eget malesuada nulla.