Applying for a tourist visa to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is easy. If you are from one of the 49 eligible countries, you can apply through the e-Visa website. Other countries need to apply through their nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

The fee for the visa is SAR 440 (USD 117). This includes the base fee (SAR 300) and health insurance (SAR 140). However, additional charges apply for VAT and payment processing.  

The validity of the visa depends on its type. A single entry visa allows you to stay for a total length of one month, while the multiple entry visa allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to three months.

A multiple entry visa is valid for a maximum of three months, regardless of whether you leave and re-enter the country during that period of time.

KSA combines tradition and modernity like hardly any other Arab country. While the essential aspects of the Arab culture have been preserved for centuries, at the same time, the society modernized and today combines traditional customs and traditions with openness and tolerance. The new open-minded and hospitable culture establsihed by new Crown prince MBS makes the Kingdom a very unique destination.
 

KSA of today  is considered a  tolerant country and the SAUDI’s are  hospitable and helpful to strangers. Inappropriate or unfavorable behavior is unlikely to be addressed directly by the reserved SAUDI’s , which makes it even more important to remember a few basic etiquette principles in advance. After all, as a traveler, you also want to treat the locals with respect.
 

Accept invitations – it is considered rude to turn down an invitation for a drink. Plus, you really shouldn’t miss out on the excellent SAUDI coffee and some dates either. Show respect and gratitude, smile and laugh – enjoy your stay in this beautiful country, even the locals will be friendlier to you
 

Taking photos of people without asking is considered rude, but most SAUDIs will agree to a photo if asked for permission politely. Avoid pointing your finger or arm at anyone. Before entering a mosque, check to see if it is open to visitors. Inappropriate clothing – shoulders and, knees should always be covered
 

The official language of SAUDI ARABIA  is Arabic, however, especially in the cities and among younger people, English is already very common. If there are any communication problems, the open-minded Saudi’s will even try and help communicate with gestures and hand signs. If you want to please the locals, you can of course learn some vocabulary in Arabic.
 

HELLO
marhaba

GOODBYE
mai alslama

YES
na'am

NO
Laa’

THANK YOU
aafwan

SORRY
alma trah

ALL has changed drastically , new Crown prince is protecting women , women and men in SAUDI are equal. Both women and men drive cars, go to work and hold public office. Education is highly regarded in the KSA, and many young women are beginning to study, and more and more are pursuing careers.

KSA is also a very safe destination for foreign women. You can move freely and travel alone without any problems. However, there are some behavioral guidelines you should follow as a woman: refrain from wearing short or tight-fitting clothing – shoulders and knees should remain covered. Avoid physical contact with local men – it is also not customary to shake hands with a man. If you feel more comfortable, you can cover your head with a simple shawl.

There are no set rules for tipping in KSA. Generally, the tip is at your discretion and should be given according to your satisfaction. About 10% of the invoice amount can serve as a guideline. For service providers such as cab drivers, a fixed price is given and tipping is not necessarily expected here. In hotels and restaurants, a service charge is usually already included in the bill, again it is up to your discretion if you want to give an additional tip. For tour guides and drivers, you should consider tipping about three USD per day.
 

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and values tradition in many ways. At the same time, the population is becoming open-minded and cosmopolitan. This is also reflected in the clothing, as you do not have to wear a veil or headscarf . Nevertheless, you should follow some guidelines when choosing your clothes. In general, pants and skirts should reach at least the knee. If you wear a loose T-shirt that covers your shoulders, you won’t have to worry about being looked upon at askance. Depending on where you are staying, there are other rules to follow:
 

AT THE HOTEL

In hotels and resorts, the dress code for travelers is very casual. Here, even short clothing is not a problem and you can relax by the pool in a swimsuit without any worries.

IN THE DESERT

To protect yourself from the heat and sun, it is recommended to wear long and loose clothing in light colors and a head covering in the desert. You should bring enough warm clothes for the cold nights.
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IN THE MOSQUE

At religious sites, the dress code for foreigners is also a bit stricter. According to the country’s customs, men and women in the mosque wear long clothes that cover the entire body. Here as a woman, you should also cover your hair with a headscarf. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque.

ISLAM AND RAMADAN IN KSA

KSA is a predominantly Muslim country. About 99% of the total population is Muslim,. The traditional culture of the country is closely linked to Islam so that the religion still has a significant influence on everyday life.

One of KSA’s most important traditions is the fasting month of Ramadan. For four weeks, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset and the daily breaking of the fast does not take place until after sunset. The highlight of the festivities is the three-day Eid at the end of Ramadan. A trip during this time will give you a special and authentic insight into the Muslim culture. However, even as a tourist traveling during Ramadan, you should refrain from eating and drinking in public.

With an area almost as large as half of Europe and a population of just under 38 million, KSA is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. The Saudi’s are known for their extraordinary hospitality and openness. You will surely encounter their kindness again and again during your stay. Whether in the form of an invitation to a SAUDI coffee, traditionally accompanied by dates, or through their willingness to help in all matters. By the way, you should always accept an invitation since anything else is considered impolite.

The Bedouins are one of the oldest tribes in Arabia and are firmly anchored in the culture of SAUDI ARABIA . Classically, they are desert dwellers who live as nomads. Today, they account for only about 5% of the population and have long ceased to be classic nomads. Nevertheless, even though modern technology and lifestyle have reached the Bedouins, many of them still live in close connection with nature and their history and tradition.