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3,069 mi away
£1 SAR 5.16
Today
1:28 pm
+3h from you
Travel warning
Due to regional conflicts and security concerns, including a risk of attacks in places tourists visit, many areas near the border and certain provinces are considered unsafe for travel.
Weather & climate
Weather in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
37°
Overcast
Sat
25°
37°
Sun
26°
37°
Mon
27°
40°
Tue
30°
42°
Wed
29°
41°
Thu
28°
42°
Fri
29°
39°
SPF level in Saudi Arabia
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia
What British travellers need to know
You must get an e-visa or electronic visa waiver before travel or on arrival at any Saudi international airport.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
A tourist e-visa is valid for multiple entries over 365 days but allows a total stay of only 90 days within that period.
An electronic visa waiver allows a single entry and stay of up to 6 months but does not include health insurance.
You will be denied entry if your passport shows travel to Israel or if you were born there.
Good to know:
If you are married to a Saudi national, you need a permit from your husband to leave Saudi Arabia, which also applies to children of Saudi nationals.
You cannot import alcohol, pork products, pornography, weapons, narcotics, or certain religious sculptures into Saudi Arabia.
Safety in Saudi Arabia
Tips when travelling
Saudi Arabia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
You must always carry a copy of your passport and visa as ID to avoid a fine or prison.
Do not bring alcohol into the country or drink in public, as you can face severe penalties including imprisonment.
Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the elbow and below the knees, avoiding tight or profane clothing.
Do not film or photograph government buildings, diplomatic premises, military installations or palaces.
Avoid showing affection in public, swearing, playing loud music or making any critical political statements.
Bonus tips:
During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during daylight hours.
Pay any traffic fines recorded against your passport before leaving the country, as you cannot depart with unpaid fines.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Saudi Arabia
A UK driving license is accepted for short visits. An international driving permit is useful. For longer stays, a Saudi Arabian license is required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Saudi Arabia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Saudi Arabia
It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Make sure your insurance covers all activities you plan to undertake. Check the FCDO travel advice for Saudi Arabia for the latest health-related information.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Ensure you have any personal medications you require, with copies of your prescription and a doctor's letter. Saudi Arabia has high-quality medical facilities in major cities, but it is essential to have adequate travel health insurance.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in Saudi Arabia, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas. However, smaller shops and traditional markets may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Saudi Arabia
Tipping is not mandatory in Saudi Arabia but is becoming increasingly common, especially in tourist areas, as recognition of good service. While service charges are sometimes included in bills (particularly at hotels), an additional tip is always appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill, if service charge is not included. Rounding up is also common.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is common. A small tip (5-10 SAR) for exceptional service is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is a common practice.
Hotel Porter
5-10 SAR per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
10-20 SAR per night, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
50-100 SAR per day depending on the quality and length of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Saudi Arabia, as they can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM
50 GB for 200 SAR (~£42)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Saudi Arabia
Voltage
220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type G
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls, particularly in urban areas but is becoming more common in rural areas too. Some places may offer free WiFi, while others may require a purchase or have time limits.
Average speed
40 Mbps
Internet access is readily available in Saudi Arabia, with a growing 4G and 5G infrastructure in cities. Public WiFi is common, but security can be a concern. For more reliable and secure access, consider using mobile data from a local SIM.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Police
999
Ambulance
997
Fire
998
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Saudi Arabia
Country code
+966
To call the British Embassy in Riyadh: 00 966 11 488 0077
The country code for Saudi Arabia is 966. When calling from outside Saudi Arabia, you need to dial your country's exit code, followed by 966, and then the local number. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas.
Language in Saudi Arabia
Arabic(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Riyadh
P.O. Box 94351, Riyadh 11693, Saudi Arabia
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
21 days ago
Safety
- The advice that 'There are continued missile and drone attacks across Saudi Arabia. There is a risk of debris from intercepted missiles and drones falling across the region and causing further disruption' has been removed from the start of the 'Exercise increased caution' section.
- The sentence 'You should not approach any debris or sites that have been impacted' has been moved. It is now placed within the 'Regional escalation' clause, after the statement about Iranian strikes.
Warnings and insurance
24 days ago
Regional risks
- The advice on Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure has been updated: strikes have decreased but the risk of renewed strikes remains and attacks could occur at short notice.
Airports in Saudi Arabia
Beaches in Saudi Arabia
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the cooler months, from November to March. Temperatures are more moderate during this period, making it more comfortable to explore the country. Avoid the summer months (June to August) due to the extreme heat.
Saudi Arabia is generally safe for tourists. However, it's important to be aware of and respect local laws and customs, particularly regarding dress codes and public behaviour. Always check the latest travel advice from the UK government before your trip.
Women are expected to dress modestly in public. While it is not mandatory for tourists to wear an abaya (a loose-fitting, full-length robe) in most areas, clothing should be loose-fitting and cover the shoulders and knees. Headscarves are not required, except when entering mosques.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. It is illegal to import, possess, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violating these laws can be severe.
As in any country, be aware of common scams. Agree on taxi fares in advance to avoid overcharging. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or services. Keep your personal belongings secure in crowded areas.
The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments and cities. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. ATMs are readily available.
Yes, British citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Tourist visas are available online through the official Saudi visa portal, or visas can be obtained through the Saudi Embassy. Check the latest visa requirements before your trip.
Saudi Arabia is a conservative country with strong cultural traditions. Respect for elders is highly valued. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours are prohibited. Public displays of affection are not permitted. Always use your right hand when accepting or giving items.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.