Last updated: 24 Oct 2025
Saudi Arabia
About
| There is a veil hung over Saudi Arabia that distorts the reality that resides behind it. Lift the veil, however, and you will find that many conceptions of Saudi Arabia are misconceptions. It is a country with many areas of beautiful oases and dramatic mountain-tops, beaches and rivers. Its cities, although having no nightlife, do have plenty of cafes and restaurants. There are also shops galore, from the souk to the huge department store. Indeed, Saudi Arabia`s major cities are generally very modern, with amenities of a high standard. Muslim visitors should take the pilgrimage to Mecca in January to see the Kaabah Enclosure, the Mountain of Light, the Plain of Arafat and the House of Abdullah Bin Abdul Muttalib, where Muhammad was born. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter these holy cities. Go shopping in the traditional souks, large department stores and mall complexes. Shopping is a much-loved way to spend time in Saudi Arabia - possibly since there are no bars, casinos, nightclubs, theatres or cinemas. Find some of Saudi Arabia`s ancient crafts and skills. In Jebel-al-Qara, the potteries have been worked by eight generations of the same family. |
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| Official Name: | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| Native Name: | Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah |
| Capital: | Riyadh (RUH) |
| Currency: | Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) |
| Language: | English is understood. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 966 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +3 hours (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best Time to go: | November – February (winter). Saudi Arabia has a very mild winter, with some rainfalls. During the summer, temperatures can rise to 50°C. |
| Best For: | Historical sites, Cosmopolitan Lifestyle |
| Plugs: | 127/220 volts AC (with plans to change completely to 220 volts), 60Hz. Flat and round two-pin plugs and British-style square three-pin plugs are used |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | As this is a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants and shirts and women should keep their arms and legs covered. In some areas, women may be required to wear the abaya and niqab (black robes and veil). Religious police patrols rigorously enforce codes of behaviour and dress prescribed by Islamic law and visitors should respect these. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality and adultery are illegal and can carry the death penalty. Photography of military personnel, military buildings and government buildings is not allowed, and where there are “no photography” signs. Women are not allowed to drive. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan is prohibited during daylight hours. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. The official weekend is Friday and Saturday. Avoid eating outside of the main hotels. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Saudi Arabia without incurring customs duty: • 600 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco. • Goods to the value of SAR3,000. Digital devices can be subject to inspection – and often by officials who may not know how to properly operate such devices. The result can occasionally involve wiped hard drives but is more often just a delay. With the country’s ban on pornography, it is wise to remove risqué images from your devices. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Alcohol, narcotics and drugs (except medicines for personal use accompanied by a prescription), electronic cigarettes, pornography, counterfeit goods, religious books (besides the Koran), pork, firearms, natural pearls, live animals and birds, all types of palm trees, most foods, and items listed as prohibited by the Arab League (copy available from the embassy). |
Issuing Authorities
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mission
711 Jan Shoba Street, Hillcrest, Pretoria
Tel: 012 072 0200
Email: zaemb@mofa.gov.sa
Website: www.mofa.gov.sa
Public Holidays 2025: Feb 22; Mar 31; Apr 1-3; Jun 5-8; Sep 23
Public Holidays 2026: Feb 22; Mar 20-22; May 26-29; Sep 23
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Tourist visas are available on arrival or an e-visa can be applied for: visa.visitsaudi.com/
All other Visa Applications are to be made through Tasheer
Web: vc.tasheer.com
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry
- Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Saudi Arabia, including accommodations, food, and transportation expenses.
- For VOA: Once you arrive at your destination’s airport or entry point in Saudi, use the self-service devices (KIOSK) or go directly to the passport control office to apply for your visa on arrival.
Visa Processing Time
Up to 3 working days
Visa Validity
The multiple entry visa is valid for a year from its issue date. The visa allows for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Cost
E-visa / Visa on arrival: SAR 395
Other visa types: refer to vc.tasheer.com
SA Representative
SA Embassy
7184 Mohammed Al Abadry Street, Al Khuzama District, Riyadh
Tel: +966(11) 482 8515
E-mail: riyadh.info@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/saudi_arabia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk | |
| Pilgrims travelling for Hajj/Umrah: | Compulsory: Yellow Fever, Meningococcal Meningitis |
