Saudi Arabia Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit for UK Families

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a captivating destination for UK families, offering a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and profound spiritual significance. From the serene holy cities to futuristic urban landscapes and stunning desert vistas, there’s an incredible array of experiences waiting for you. This guide will help you navigate the essentials, ensuring your family trip to Saudi Arabia is inspiring and unforgettable.

What are the entry requirements for UK citizens?

As a British citizen travelling from the UK, you will need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. The authorities in Saudi Arabia set and enforce these rules, so it’s important to understand them before you travel. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you plan to arrive. If your passport shows you have travelled to, or were born in, Israel, you may not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.

Visa Options for UK Travellers

There are several visa options available, depending on your reason for travel and how long you wish to stay:

• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):
  • You can apply for an ETA if you are travelling for tourism, business, study, medical treatment, or Umrah.
  • An ETA is valid for 730 days from its issue date.
  • It allows for multiple entries, but your total stay across the 730-day period cannot exceed 180 days.
  • You must apply for an ETA online before you travel.
  • An ETA does not include health insurance for your visit.
• E-visa:
  • If you are travelling as a tourist, you can apply for an e-visa.
  • E-visas are valid for 365 days from the date of issue.
  • They allow for multiple entries, but your total stay across the 365-day period cannot exceed 90 days.
  • You can apply for an e-visa online or when you arrive at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports.
  • An e-visa includes health insurance for your visit up to 100,000 Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR). Medical treatment can be expensive, so you might consider additional travel insurance.

If you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia by land, for example, via the Bahrain causeway, you must check your visa carefully as some visas only allow air entry. If you are transferring through Saudi Arabia, you might need a transit visa if you pass through immigration control, leave on a separate ticket, or have a connection time over 12 hours. Always check with your airline or travel agency.

We can help with your Saudi visa application, making the process straightforward for your family. For more detailed information on visa types, you can also refer to our Saudi Arabia Visa for UK Citizens - Complete Guide.

What vaccinations do I need?

For entry into Saudi Arabia, you must have certificates proving you’ve had a yellow fever vaccine if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. If you are an Umrah pilgrim, you will also need a meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine certificate.

What are the customs rules?

Saudi Arabia has strict customs rules. It is illegal to import items such as alcohol, pork and pork products, pornographic material, distillery equipment, weapons, narcotics, re-treaded or used tyres, used clothing (except for personal use), and certain religious symbols or sculptures. Personal videos, books, and electronic devices may be examined. Some items, like agricultural seeds, live animals, religious books (except for personal use), chemicals, certain pharmaceutical products, wireless equipment, radio-controlled model airplanes, and archaeological artefacts, may require special approval. You may also need a licence for satellite phones, listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, or powerful cameras or binoculars. If in doubt, contact the Saudi Embassy in the UK.

What are the best places to visit for families?

Saudi Arabia offers a wealth of experiences for families, blending spiritual journeys with cultural exploration and natural wonders.

• Makkah and Madinah: For Muslim families, a visit to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah is a deeply spiritual and moving experience. The Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah are awe-inspiring. The atmosphere of devotion and community is truly unique. We can book hotels close to the Haram in Makkah and Madinah, ensuring comfort and convenience for your family. For more on planning this journey, see our Umrah Guide for UK Families.
• Jeddah: This vibrant Red Sea port city is often the gateway for Umrah pilgrims and a fantastic destination in its own right. Explore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its distinctive coral-stone houses and bustling souqs. Families will love the Corniche, with its playgrounds, public art, and views of the Red Sea. The city also boasts excellent seafood restaurants and modern shopping malls.
• Riyadh: The dynamic capital city blends tradition with modernity. Visit the historic Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state, with its beautifully restored mud-brick architecture. Explore the National Museum to delve into Saudi history and culture. For panoramic city views, head to the Kingdom Centre Tower or Al Faisaliah Centre. Riyadh also has numerous parks, entertainment centres, and family-friendly dining options.
• AlUla: Step back in time in AlUla, an ancient oasis city in the northwest. Its most famous site is Hegra (Madain Salih), Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring monumental tombs carved into sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans. The stunning desert landscapes, rock formations, and ancient ruins make it an incredible place for exploration and photography. Families can enjoy desert adventures, stargazing, and exploring the Old Town.
• Abha and the Asir Region: For a completely different experience, head to the mountainous Asir region in the southwest. Abha, the provincial capital, offers cooler temperatures and lush green landscapes, a stark contrast to the desert. Explore traditional villages like Rijal Almaa, known for its unique architecture and vibrant colours. The cable cars offer spectacular views of the valleys and terraced farms, making it a refreshing escape for families.
• Eastern Province (Dammam & Khobar): Along the Arabian Gulf, cities like Dammam and Khobar offer beautiful corniche areas, family parks, and access to Half Moon Bay, a popular spot for beach activities and water sports. The King Fahd Causeway connecting to Bahrain is also a notable landmark. These cities provide a relaxed, coastal experience for families.

What is Saudi culture like and what food should we try?

Saudi culture is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and Arabian hospitality. Families are central to society, and you'll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Modesty in dress is appreciated, especially for women, and it's respectful for both men and women to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the elbow and below the knees; women do not have to wear an abaya or cover their hair. Public displays of affection are generally avoided.

Saudi cuisine is a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern and local flavours. Don't miss trying:

• Kabsa: A fragrant rice dish cooked with meat (chicken, lamb, or camel) and a blend of spices.
• Mandi: Slow-cooked meat (often lamb or chicken) served with aromatic rice, traditionally slow-cooked in an underground pit oven.
• Shawarma and Falafel: Popular street foods, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
• Dates and Arabic Coffee: Offered as a sign of hospitality, these are staples of Saudi culture.

You'll find a wide range of international and local restaurants, with many offering family sections. Bhatti Travel can book halal-friendly hotels elsewhere in Saudi Arabia to ensure your family's comfort.

How do we get around Saudi Arabia?

Getting around Saudi Arabia is becoming increasingly convenient for travellers:

• Car Hire: Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for exploring areas outside major cities. You can use a UK photocard driving licence for the first 3 months, and after that, you must apply for a local licence; hire car companies may require an International Driving Permit.
• Ride-sharing Apps: Uber and Careem are widely available in major cities, offering a convenient and affordable way to travel locally.
• Domestic Flights: For covering long distances between cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla, domestic flights are efficient and widely available.
• Haramain High-Speed Railway: This modern train connects Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah, offering a comfortable and fast way to travel between these key destinations.

When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia largely depends on where you plan to go. Generally, the cooler months from October to April are ideal for most of the country, especially for exploring cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, and desert regions like AlUla. During this period, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from mild to warm, making sightseeing and outdoor activities enjoyable.

The summer months (May to September) can be extremely hot in the central and coastal regions, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. However, this is a good time to visit the cooler, mountainous Asir region, where temperatures are significantly lower. If you are planning Umrah, remember that it is possible.

Where should we stay?

Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every family and budget, from luxurious international hotel chains to comfortable local hotels and serviced apartments. For families, serviced apartments or hotels with family rooms and amenities like swimming pools are often a great choice. As mentioned, we can book hotels close to the Haram in Makkah and Madinah, and halal-friendly hotels elsewhere, ensuring your stay is comfortable and convenient.

What should we pack for our trip?

When packing for Saudi Arabia, consider the climate and cultural norms:

• Modest Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover the elbow and below the knees are required for both men and women; avoid tight-fitting clothing, profane slogans, or political symbols.
• Comfortable Footwear: You'll likely do a lot of walking, especially at historical sites and in the holy cities.
• Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen are essential, even in cooler months.
• Essentials for Umrah: If performing Umrah, remember to pack your Ihram garments and a small prayer mat.

Staying Connected

Staying connected while abroad is easy with modern technology. We recommend the Maya eSIM for reliable mobile data throughout your trip. Get a Maya eSIM at this link.

Before you book, check the latest FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK.

How Bhatti Travel can help with your Saudi Arabia trip

Bhatti Travel is a family-run travel agency on Waterloo Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester, helping UK travellers for over 40 years. We arrange your travel to Saudi Arabia, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for your family. We can help with your Saudi visa application, guiding you through the process. We can book hotels close to the Haram in Makkah and Madinah, and halal-friendly hotels elsewhere in Saudi Arabia. Get in touch with our experienced team today. You can WhatsApp or call us on 0161 620 9352, or visit our enquiries page.