Welcome To The Mystery, Culture & Heritage In The Wondrous Oasis - The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia

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.

Safety Tips

• Stay alert and avoid confrontation.
• Be aware of travel advisories and the current situation in the country before traveling.
• Stay away from demonstrations and anti-riot processions.
• Keep belongings safe and do not travel with a lot of expensive jewelry.
• Be aware of Travel Health Notices for Saudi Arabia and exercise caution of drone attacks.
• Travel in groups with the advice of a travel agent, couples should preferably be married.
• Be respectful of local culture and remember that nightlife has to follow the strict Saudi laws of no drinking and music.
• Female travelers need to have a sponsor, a male traveler from the family.
• Carry along appropriate travel documents and if you are a pilgrim, you will need to carry a specific visa.
• Law prohibits the public observance of any religion other than Islam.

Health Tips

• The Ministry of Health Portal is the help and support services provided by the government.
• Be cautious about hygiene practices and do not touch animals to avoid MERS.
• Consult your doctor before you travel and take along a medical kit.
• CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations before travel; Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Anthrax, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Tdap, Chicken Pox, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Influenza. 
• Carry health and medical evacuation insurance in case of an emergency.
• Avoid swimming in lakes, rivers, or ponds that are unchlorinated water.
• Carry insect and mosquito repellents. Include anti-malarial drugs in your medical kit.

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.
• 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.
• Males and females travel separately.
• 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
• Rida, Izar, Pins (for pilgrims)

Nearby Places

Bahrain (603 km)

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, Bahrain National Museum, Al-Fatih Mosque, Bab el-Bahrain Souk, and more are the top attractions in Bahrain. This Gulf Island nation in the Middle East is worth a visit. Bahrain is officially called the Kingdom of Bahrain and comprises 40 natural islands and 51 artificial islands centered around Bahrain Island.

Qatar (638 km)

Visit Qatar, the amazing Arab country with splendid beaches along the Gulf coastlines and dunes. Explore the ultramodern architecture with Islamic design influences and enjoy some of the top attractions such as the Museum of Islamic Art, Corniche waterfront promenade, The Pearl, Katara Cultural Village, and more.

Kuwait (649 km)

The Kuwait Tower, Al Sadu House, Kuwait House of National Works, Grand Mosque, Tareq Rajab Museum, and more are the top tourist attractions in Kuwait. The country is situated at the tip of the Persian Gulf and is famous for its hot dunes and splendid cityscape.

Distance Between Places of Importance In And Around Saudi Arabia

UAE (894 km) Yemen (994 km)

Interesting Facts About Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia boasts of the largest sand desert on earth and is the 14th largest country as well.
• Public health care services are free.
• The banking system is the most advanced in the country.
• Saudi Arabia has the world’s largest desalination plant.
• Alcohol consumption is prohibited in the country.
• Saudi is the only country in the world without a natural river.
• The world's biggest camel market is in Riyadh.
• Saudi Arabia has a large oil reserve, more than any other country in the world after Venezuela.
• The country is the third-largest producer of dates in the world.
• Birth control is considered illegal in Saudi Arabia
• Non-Muslims are not given Saudi citizenship.