Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourism and the result is one of the most extraordinary travel destinations on the planet. Ancient Nabataean cities carved from rock, coral-reef coastlines on the Red Sea, gleaming modern capitals and a hospitality culture that puts guests first — Saudi Arabia is not just a destination, it's a revelation. Here's everything you need to plan your visit, including how to get your Saudi Arabia visa online.
About Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has transformed the country's approach to tourism. International visitors now have access to heritage sites like Hegra (AlUla), the ancient cities of Mada'in Salih, the Red Sea's untouched reefs and the alpine valleys of Asir. Major events including the Formula E race, MDLBeast Soundstorm music festival and the Saudi National Day celebrations draw visitors throughout the year.
The best time to visit is November to March when temperatures across most of the country are mild and pleasant (15–28 °C). Avoid July and August in inland cities — temperatures can exceed 45 °C.
Saudi Arabia Visa Online: How to Apply
Citizens of 49 countries can apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa online — a single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa valid for one year with stays of up to 90 days. The application is simple: fill in your details, upload your passport scan and pay the fee. Approval typically comes within minutes to a few hours. Women travelling solo can apply independently without a mahram requirement. Apply for your Saudi visa online through our portal and receive your e-visa by email.
Best Cities & Hotel Booking in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's cities offer very different experiences — here's where to focus your hotel booking in Saudi Arabia:
- Riyadh: The capital is a city of grand boulevards, world-class museums and outstanding restaurants. Stay near King Abdullah Financial District or Olaya for easy access to the best the city offers.
- Jeddah: The cosmopolitan Red Sea gateway with Al-Balad (UNESCO-listed old city), beach clubs and exceptional seafood. A must for first-time visitors.
- AlUla: The jewel of Saudi tourism — ancient Nabataean rock tombs, dramatic sandstone canyons and a growing collection of luxury eco-lodges.
- NEOM / Tabuk: A glimpse of the future — the Sindalah island resort and mountain escapees in Sharma and Shigger are opening to visitors.
- Abha & Asir: Cool mountain air, terraced farms and a unique cultural tradition of face and wall painting — Saudi Arabia's most underrated region.
Top Things to Do in Saudi Arabia
- Hegra (Mada'in Salih), AlUla: Towering Nabataean tombs carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs — Saudi Arabia's answer to Petra, Jordan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Al-Balad, Jeddah: Wander the historic coral-built merchant houses with their ornate wooden mashrabiya screens. A living UNESCO Heritage neighbourhood.
- Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn): A dramatic cliff-edge overlooking an endless desert plain near Riyadh — one of the most spectacular views in the Arabian Peninsula.
- Red Sea Diving & Snorkelling: The Saudi Red Sea coast has some of the least-touched coral reefs in the world. Snorkelling and diving tours operate from Jeddah and Yanbu.
- National Museum, Riyadh: Eight galleries tracing Saudi Arabia's history from the geological formation of the Arabian Peninsula to the modern kingdom.
Food in Saudi Arabia
Saudi cuisine is rich, generous and built for sharing. Kabsa — fragrant rice with chicken, lamb or fish, cooked with dried limes and spices — is the national dish and found everywhere from roadside restaurants to five-star hotels. Other essentials include mandi (slow-cooked smoked meat over rice), jareesh (crushed wheat with meat and tomato) and mutabbaq (stuffed pastry with meat, egg and spring onion). Finish with a cup of Arabic qahwa (coffee with cardamom and saffron) and fresh dates.
Culture & Etiquette
Saudi Arabia is deeply Islamic and visitors are expected to dress conservatively — women should cover shoulders and knees; head covering is not required for non-Muslim women but is appreciated in mosques. Alcohol is illegal throughout the country. Photography at religious sites, palaces and military installations is prohibited. Embrace the legendary Saudi hospitality — an invitation for coffee or a meal is a genuine honour and should be accepted graciously.
Plan Your Saudi Arabia Trip
Apply for your Saudi Arabia visa online, book your hotels in Riyadh or Jeddah, and prepare to be surprised. Saudi Arabia rewards curious, respectful travellers with experiences that simply do not exist anywhere else on earth.