PRACTICAL GUIDE
A guide to Saudi’s visa-free stopover
With Saudi grabbing headlines thanks to its 14 ambitious “giga projects”, what better time to embark on a four-day, visa-free stopover?
The Kingdom’s visa-free stopover was announced at the start of 2023 as part of the Vision 2030 programme. Saudi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has teamed up with all the airlines that stop here, so that the visa waiver can be packaged up with flight tickets. In essence, it allows visitors flying via Saudi to stop off for a variety of purposes – including tourism. The transit itself is free, and valid for a stay of up to 96 hours/four days, for 90 days from the date of issue.
If you’re flying with Saudia Airlines, all your application fees and medical insurances are included too and – best of all – the country’s national carrier is offering a complimentary night in a hotel as part of the deal; stays must be booked at least 48 hours before flight departure. Passports need at least six months’ validity, and you must have a ticket for onward travel.
‘Jeddah is different’. The motto of Saudi’s second city rings true: this metropolis blends old and new with its abundant museums, historic landmarks, and modern attractions. Born 2,500 years ago, we love this former fishing village for its Ottoman influence, in particular its Al-Balad Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many tower houses with beautiful and colourful roshan windows.
Beyond the fortifications, you’ll want to unroll your towel and brandish your snorkel at Silver Sand Beach, 40 minutes north of the city in the Obhur area, where the soft silica makes way for the Red Sea (it’s currently being restored so check with your hotel before driving out to make sure it’s open). Also along the coast, look out for Al Rahma – a unique, floating mosque which sits on stilts above the waves and can be found along the waterfront or Corniche, between the Old Town and Obhur. Further south you’ll find King Fahd’s Fountain, boasting jets that shoot 838ft, the highest in the world.
Shopaholics can get their fill here too: the vast Mall of Arabia or Red Sea Mall stocks wares from all the big brands, while open-air Baab Makkah exudes old-town charm, its after-dark stalls inviting a bartering battle or two.
Riyadh has been the capital since 1932, when Saudia was first established. Here you can indulge in a tantalising mix of Saudi and Middle Eastern cuisine, with a dash of Indian and Pakistani influence too. Head for Najd Village to discover the most authentic dishes – honourable mention goes to kabsa, a tasty combo of rice and pot-cooked meats.
Or, to seek some thrills during the more refreshing winter months, bounce between crimson dunes when you embark on a quad-biking tour out of Riyadh but avoid this in the summer, as it’ll likely be far too hot. The desert is on the city’s doorstep and is the perfect place for a spot of Saudi coffee or tea away from the urban area.
One of the country’s best-loved UNESCO sites can be found in Riyadh: ancient Diriyah. The palace ruins were once home to the Saudi royal family. In fact, this is where Saudi was first born and, thanks to a cash injection of $50 billion, is in the midst of a re-birth. Today, Diriyah is one of the key sites in Riyadh so make sure to visit if you’re stopping over in Riyadh.
Practical information
Visas
It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).
Getting there & around
Local customs
To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.
Weather
You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit the country is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime, depending on where in the country you are, and rarely exceed 30°C. The summer months between June and September can get extremely hot, with temperatures often north of 40°C. But, do as the locals do and head out after dusk when it’s much cooler!
Is English spoken in Saudi?
Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.
What is the currency of Saudi?
The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.
What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?
We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.
What’s the time difference in Saudi?
Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.
