Saudi Arabia, which is a country with a historic and ancient culture, is fast emerging as a tourist hub for international travellers. With the holy cities of Mecca, Medina and Riyadh being cosmopolitan cities, there is so much for each traveller. Here is your complete travel guide to Saudi Arabia 2026.
Visa & entry requirements
Your travel to Saudi Arabia starts with entry into the country and visa rules. For those travelling to perform Umrah, there are great options for Umrah packages with flights that suit your travel requirements. If you want to find cheaper packages, Islamic Travel has many options that consist of flight packages, hotel bookings, and visa arrangements.
· E-visa available
Travellers from qualifying nations in 2026 can apply for an eVisa, an easy and convenient process nowadays. Islamic Travel provides information and support with the eVisa application in the event of a religious pilgrimage.
· On-Arrival Visa
Except for the eVisa, Saudi Arabia also issues on-arrival visas to some countries’ tourists. An on-arrival visa is collected from the airport for visitors arriving for a short term for business, tours, or transit. Always check the current advice, as legislation can change.
· Umrah & Hajj Visas
Saudi Arabia possesses the holiest of Islam’s places, and millions of Muslims perform Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina annually. Religious pilgrims need an Umrah or Hajj visa. Islamic Travel facilitates the booking of December Umrah packages with flights and assists with the visa process.
· Israel Passport Holders
Israeli citizens are further restricted when travelling to Saudi Arabia. While the kingdom has opened up some of them in recent years. An Israeli citizen will discover that there are severe restrictions on obtaining a visa.
Dress Code & Cultural Etiquette
The traditionally conservative religious and cultural decorum of the kingdom means that one will want to learn about dress codes and decorum.
Ø For Men
Men visiting Saudi Arabia must be modestly dressed. While not an official or formal dressing guideline, men shouldn’t wear shorts outside, particularly while visiting mosques.
Ø For Women
When visiting Saudi Arabia, women should wear simple dress. Women should cover their legs and arms and wear loose-fitting clothes to stay comfortable.
Ø Abaya (Long Black Cloak)
The women must wear an abaya whenever they are outdoors. The abaya is something that the women wear, but not foreign women necessarily. Although the law mandates Saudi women should wear an abaya.
Ø Loose-Fitting Clothes
For women and men, it is greatly recommended that they wear loose garments. This follows the modesty laws of the kingdom and will make your trip so much easier.
Ø Headscarf (hijab) is optional
Hijab (scarf) is obligatory for local women, but the foreign women are exempted. It varies with the place or occasion. It is always recommended to keep a scarf with you, particularly while going to places of worship like Mecca or Medina.
Prayer Times & Business Hours
Saudi Arabia provides five daily prayers, and the pace of the country is based on the prayer times. Don’t forget to plan it, as firms and government offices are closed for prayer.
Five daily prayers
Saudi Arabia prayer time is an integral part of the daily routine. Companies usually close for each prayer for the five prayers of the day. Islamic Travel also provides Easter Umrah Packages 2026 and help the travellers to coordinate the times of the journey during prayer time.
Shopping Malls & Restaurants
Most of the restaurants and shopping malls close during prayer for a brief period but reopen soon. It is a local tradition, but it does not look like such a big thing.
Government offices
Government offices and banks are also closed during prayer time. If you have some important official work to attend to, ensure that you do work in other hours except prayer hours.
Alcohol & strictly prohibited items
Alcohol and other forbidden material are strictly not allowed in Saudi Arabia. Consumption of alcohol is also strictly forbidden, and the violators can be punished very severely, i.e., jailed or deported.
Internet & social media restrictions
Saudi Arabia accesses the internet publicly, but the country can block some websites and social media software.
Some websites & apps blocked
There are some websites, especially those containing adult material or political discussion, that are censored. It is advisable to consider this when developing your web usage plans.
VPN use is common
The majority of travellers to Saudi Arabia employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) when looking at censored content while there. VPNs allow the viewer to avoid censorship and access the internet.
SIM cards available
If you are going to use mobile data, local SIM cards are readily available. You can buy them at the airport or some of the shops. The packages are traveller-friendly.
Transportation & getting around
Saudi Arabia has the most developed transport means, i.e., domestic flights, buses, and taxis. Domestic air transport for passengers travelling within Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam cities.
Safety & Travel Tips
Saudi Arabia is generally safe to visit as a tourist. However, the visitors should be careful in some situations, particularly when using roads and traffic. Islamic Travel provides Umrah tickets from UK and professional travelling tips and simple travelling advice.
Best Time to Travel
November and February is the best and ideal time to visit Saudi Arabia, when the weather is nice. Summer (June to August) is extremely hot, particularly in desert areas.
Must-Visit Places in 2026
Below are some must-visit places that one shouldn’t miss during his travel in 2026.
1. AlUla
AlUla is an ancient town that is becoming a world-favourite place due to its beautiful natural and historical landscapes.
2. Riyadh
Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital, is itself a modern city with rich heritage combining with modern technology.
3. Red Sea project
It is a new tourism development focusing on luxury resorts, marine life, and untouched natural beauty.
4. Mecca & Medina
Mecca is a very religious city because it has much importance in Islamic history. Medina is a serene and peaceful city.
