Saudi Arabia for First-Time Visitors: A Complete UK Travel Guide

Saudi Arabia for First-Time Visitors: A Complete UK Travel Guide

British passport holders can apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa online, usually approved within days. The best time to visit is November to March. You can fly direct from London, Manchester and Birmingham. Alcohol is illegal, the weekend is Friday and Saturday, and modest dress is expected — but women no longer need to wear an abaya.

Saudi Arabia is an easy country to travel in once you know how it works. The problem is that most of what people remember about it is out of date.

This guide covers the practical things what to sort before you fly, what things cost, and the small stuff nobody warns you about.

Getting in: the Visa

Most British passport holders can apply for a tourist eVisa online. You fill in a form, upload a photo, pay, and in most cases hear back within a few days.

It usually comes back valid for a year, with multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days at a time. Mandatory health insurance is bundled into the fee.

If you are travelling for pilgrimage, the arrangements are different and change more often. Our Umrah visa page covers the current position, but always confirm on the official Saudi portal before booking flights.

One thing that catches people out: your passport needs at least six months left on it from your date of arrival. Check this now, not the week before.

When to go

November to March. That is the honest answer.

Between May and September, daytime temperatures in Riyadh and Madinah regularly pass 45°C. You can travel then, and it is cheaper, but sightseeing becomes something you do at either end of the day.

The cooler months are also when everyone else goes, so book ahead. If you want a compromise, October and April are still warm but manageable, and noticeably quieter.

Ramadan is its own consideration. Restaurants close during daylight and the pace of the day shifts completely. For pilgrimage that is the draw. For general sightseeing, it is harder work than people expect.

Flying from the UK

You have more options than you did a year ago.

Riyadh Air, the country’s new national carrier, started flying from London Heathrow in June 2026 and added a Manchester to Riyadh route in July, three times a week. Saudia flies to Jeddah, Riyadh and now Dammam from Heathrow. British Airways serves the route, and the Gulf carriers connect through Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Jeddah is the usual arrival point if Makkah is on your itinerary. Riyadh suits you better for Diriyah, and for onward domestic flights.

Flight time is around six and a half hours direct. Saudi Arabia is three hours ahead of the UK in summer, two in winter.

What it costs

Saudi Arabia is cheaper than the UAE and cheaper than most people assume.

The currency is the Saudi riyal, pegged to the US dollar. In practice you get somewhere around five riyals to the pound, though it moves with sterling.

A decent mid-range hotel outside the holy cities runs £60 to £100 a night. A meal in a normal local restaurant is £5 to £10. Taxis are cheap. Domestic flights between Riyadh and Jeddah are often under £50 if you book ahead.

Makkah and Madinah are the exception. Hotel prices near the Haram are driven by walking distance and by the season, and they can be several times the national average during Ramadan. This is why Umrah packages that bundle flights and hotels usually work out cheaper than booking the parts separately.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere. You will barely need cash, but carry a little for small shops and tips.

Getting around

In cities. Uber and Careem both work in Riyadh, Jeddah and the other main cities, and they are the simplest option. Riyadh now has a metro. Jeddah is more spread out and you will use taxis more.

Between cities. The Haramain high-speed railway links Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah. Jeddah to Makkah takes about half an hour. Jeddah to Madinah takes roughly two. It is comfortable, reliable and far more pleasant than the coach.

For anywhere else Riyadh, AlUla, the Red Sea coast fly. The country is large, and domestic flights are cheap.

Driving. You can hire a car with an International Driving Permit. Roads are good and fuel is very cheap. City driving takes some getting used to.

What to wear

The rules have relaxed, and the coverage of them has not kept up.

Women visiting as tourists do not need to wear an abaya. Modest dress is expected shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or see-through. A loose long dress or trousers with a long top is fine. Carry a scarf for mosques.

Men should avoid shorts and vests in public. Trousers and a shirt or t-shirt is normal.

Makkah and Madinah are different, and you should dress conservatively there. Women need to cover their hair in the Haram.

Pack light layers. Buildings are heavily air conditioned and the contrast with outside is sharp.

Local customs worth knowing

Alcohol is illegal. Not restricted illegal. Do not bring any, and do not pack anything alcohol-based in your hold luggage without checking. Penalties are serious.

The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Government offices and many businesses close. Plan admin around it.

Prayer times affect the day. Some smaller shops still close briefly five times a day. Larger malls and restaurants mostly stay open now, but you will notice the rhythm.

Photographing people. Ask first, particularly women. It is taken more seriously than in Europe.

Tipping. Not obligatory. Rounding up a taxi fare or leaving 10% for good service is appreciated.

Practical odds and ends

• Plugs. Saudi Arabia uses the same three-pin plug as the UK in most modern buildings, so your charger will often fit. Bring an adapter anyway, because older hotels sometimes have two-pin sockets.
• Water. Drink bottled. It is cheap and everywhere.
• SIM cards. STC, Mobily and Zain all sell tourist SIMs at the airport, and eSIMs work well. Data is inexpensive.
• Apps. Download Nusuk before you travel if you are going for pilgrimage Rawdah slots in Madinah are booked through it.
• Language. Arabic is the language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, airports and shops.

Is it safe?

Yes, by most measures. Street crime is rare and visitors generally report feeling comfortable, including women travelling alone.

The things to be careful about are the law rather than crime. Alcohol, drugs and public behaviour are treated far more strictly than in the UK. Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice before you go, as you would for any country.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Saudi Arabia as a tourist from the UK?

Yes. British passport holders can apply online for a tourist eVisa, normally valid for a year with multiple entries and stays up to 90 days. Approval usually takes a few days.

How much money do I need per day in Saudi Arabia?

Outside Makkah and Madinah, budget around £70 to £120 a day including a mid-range hotel, meals and local transport. The holy cities cost more, especially during Ramadan.

Can women travel to Saudi Arabia alone?

Yes. Women over 18 can travel independently and no longer need a male guardian to enter the country. Modest dress is still expected in public.

Do I need to speak Arabic?

No. English is widely spoken in hotels, airports, restaurants and shops in the main cities. A few Arabic greetings are appreciated but not necessary.

Is alcohol available anywhere in Saudi Arabia?

No. Alcohol is illegal throughout the country, including in hotels. Do not attempt to bring any in.

What is the best airport to fly into?

Jeddah if your trip includes Makkah or the Red Sea coast. Riyadh if you are heading to Diriyah, AlUla or connecting onwards by domestic flight.

Guest Article.