Saudi Arabia is opened for tourists

Nowadays it is hard to find the places in the World which are still difficult to reach because of visa restriction. Up to now Saudi Arabia was one of these place, but not any more.

Saudi Arabia is huge country and here is a short list of things to see and to do in AlUla.

Tourist Visa

From 27th of September 2019 Saudi Arabia launched eVisas for 49 countries and it also relaxed strict dress codes for female tourists.

How to get visa

Tourist can apply for visa in eVisa Portal. The eVisa is a one-year, multiple entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country.

Saudi Arabia Tourist visa costs SAR440. SAR300 is a visa fee and SAR140 is health insurance fee. This fee doesn’t includes VAT (in Saudi Arabia VAT is 15% currently). So the total visa cost is SAR462 including VAT. Saudi Arabia has fixed riyal exchange rate with US dollar. Currently it is $US1 = SAR3.75. So at the moment visa costs US$123 or €113.

Eligible countries

Here is a list of eligible countries to apply for eVisa:

North America

• Canada
• US

Europe

Asia

• Brunei
• China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Kazakhstan
• Singapore
• South Korea

Oceania

• Australia
• New Zealand

Travel restrictions

Non-Muslims still are forbidden from visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Behavior and Dress code

It is very important to follow dress code while visiting Saudi Arabia – both men and women are asked to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public.

Alcohol is banned country and it is even illegal to bring alcohol or drugs into country.

Also during Ramadan avoid eating or drinking in public during the day at this time.