Saudi Arabia Travel Guide
Nabataean tombs in AlUla, mud-brick Diriyah, coral reefs off Jeddah and misty mountain villages in Asir. Ahlan wa sahlan: your welcome to the Kingdom, in English and Arabic.
From desert canyons to the Red Sea
Saudi Arabia is huge, so most first trips combine Riyadh and Diriyah in the centre, AlUla in the north-west and Jeddah on the Red Sea, linked by short domestic flights.
AlUla
A desert valley of sandstone cliffs, Nabataean tombs and palm oases, and Saudi Arabia's most spectacular heritage destination.
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's capital is where old Najd meets glass towers, with world-class museums, a brand-new metro and the Kingdom's liveliest events calendar.
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia's relaxed Red Sea port: coral-stone merchant houses, a long seafront promenade and the gateway to Makkah, Madinah and the coast.
Diriyah
The mud-brick birthplace of the first Saudi state, now restored as Riyadh's most atmospheric evening out.
Abha and Asir
Saudi Arabia's green, misty south-west: juniper forests, cliff-top villages and the Kingdom's highest peaks, refreshingly cool in summer.
Red Sea Coast
Some 1,800 km of coral reefs, islands and empty beaches, from luxury island resorts to quiet fishing towns.
Al-Ahsa
One of the largest palm oases on Earth, with cool sandstone caves, centuries-old souqs and a slower, gentler side of Saudi Arabia.
Things you can't miss
Hegra (Al-Hijr)
The Nabataeans' great southern city, where more than a hundred carved tombs rise out of the sand north of AlUla.
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At-Turaif, Diriyah
The restored mudbrick capital of the First Saudi State, on a bluff above Wadi Hanifah at the edge of Riyadh.
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Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn)
Sheer cliffs on the Tuwaiq Escarpment where the plateau ends and the desert plain stretches to the horizon.
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Al Balad (Historic Jeddah)
Jeddah's historic heart, where tall coral-stone houses with carved wooden balconies lean over lanes that once led pilgrims to Makkah.
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Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
A 52-metre sandstone elephant in the desert near AlUla, best watched as the sun sets and the fire pits light up.
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Rijal Almaa Heritage Village
A cluster of stone tower houses, up to eight storeys high, tucked into a green valley below the Asir escarpment.
Read guide →Map of Saudi Arabia
Tap a pin to open the guide. Switch on neighbouring countries to see the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Oman and Egypt.
Ancient Arabia, newly open
Since tourist visas launched in 2019, travellers can finally see what was long off-limits: the 2,000-year-old tombs of Hegra, the birthplace of the Saudi state at Diriyah and Jeddah's coral-stone old town.
Beyond the cities the country turns wild: the sheer cliffs of the Edge of the World, red dunes, green Asir peaks over 3,000 m and Red Sea islands where you can snorkel among turtles and reef sharks.
- Walk among the Nabataean tombs of Hegra
- Watch sunset over Riyadh from the Edge of the World
- Lose yourself in the alleys of Al Balad, Jeddah
Photo: ほっきー, CC0
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Getting your eVisa
Citizens of more than 60 countries can apply online for a one-year multiple-entry tourist eVisa, usually approved within minutes, and many can get a visa on arrival. Our guide explains eligibility, fees and the free stopover visa.
Read the visa guide visa.visitsaudi.com ↗The Gulf, Jordan & Egypt
Saudi Arabia borders seven countries. Bahrain is a drive across the causeway, Dubai and Doha are short flights away, and Petra and the Egyptian Red Sea pair perfectly with AlUla.
UAE from Saudi Arabia
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are less than two hours' flying time from Riyadh, an easy add-on to a Saudi trip for skyline, beaches and culture.
Bahrain from Saudi Arabia
Just across the King Fahd Causeway from Al Khobar, Bahrain is the Gulf's easiest weekend hop, with island history, pearling heritage and a lively food scene.
Qatar from Saudi Arabia
Doha's museums, souqs and waterfront are a short flight or a scenic desert drive from Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.
Jordan from Saudi Arabia
Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea are a short flight or a road trip away from north-west Saudi Arabia, and the perfect partner for AlUla.
Oman from Saudi Arabia
Mountains, wadis and a gentle coastal capital: Oman is Arabia at its most relaxed, now reachable by a direct road across the Empty Quarter.
Egypt from Saudi Arabia
Just across the Red Sea, Egypt's pyramids, Nile temples and resort coast are a two-hour flight from Jeddah or Riyadh.
GCC Grand Tour
Four ways to combine Saudi Arabia with its neighbours, from a fly-and-flop Gulf capitals circuit to an overland Nabataean adventure into Jordan.
Saudi Arabia travel blog
10 Days in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, AlUla and Jeddah
Desert capital, Nabataean tombs and a coral-stone old town: the classic first trip to Saudi Arabia, planned day by day.
Read article →Saudi Arabia eVisa: Who Can Apply, Cost and How It Works
One online form, a fee that includes medical cover and a visa valid for a year: everything you need to know before you apply.
Read article →
What to Wear in Saudi Arabia: Dress Code and Etiquette for Visitors
No abaya required, but modest clothing expected: a practical guide to dressing and behaving well in the kingdom.
Read article →Saudi Arabia FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Most visitors do. Citizens of around 68 countries, including the UK, EU, USA, Canada and Australia, can get a tourist eVisa online on visa.visitsaudi.com or on arrival. GCC citizens need no visa.
How much does the Saudi tourist visa cost?
Around SAR 535 (about US$140) online, including compulsory medical insurance and VAT, or around SAR 480 on arrival. Fees can change.
Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia right now?
Crime against tourists is low, but in October 2026 the regional conflict led to attacks on airports and several governments advise against all but essential travel. Check your government's latest advice before booking.
Can non-Muslims visit Makkah and Madinah?
Non-Muslims may not enter Makkah. They can visit Madinah, but parts of the central area around the Prophet's Mosque are reserved for Muslims.
What should I wear in Saudi Arabia?
Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Foreign women do not have to wear an abaya or headscarf, except a headscarf in mosques.
Can I drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia?
No. Alcohol is illegal for visitors and cannot be brought into the country.