Visa Information for Saudi Arabia
You can check online to see whether or not you need an entry visa for Saudi Arabia.
Six Month Validity Passport Rule: As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when travelling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveller to enter their country unless their passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
Travel and Useful Information
Getting from the Airport to City Centre
The Airport
Saudi Arabia International Airport King Khalid International Airport (RUH) or (KKIA)
By Car
It takes about 30 minutes to reach the city centre by car.
By Taxi
Taxis are located in the ground transportation centre.
Prior boarding any taxi, please make sure it is an official and authorised taxi. To identify them, the airport logo must be marked in the vehicle. Official taxis are equipped with a taximeter with flat rates.
If the vehicle does not have a taximeter, we recommend that you try to find out how much it costs to get to your destination and agree with the taxi driver or take another taxi.
There is a flat rate to go to downtown Riyadh, which is around SAR 70* (not less than SAR 70-80 and not more than SAR 200-220).
*Fares may change.
It is recommended to have written down the address of your hotel in both English and Arabic.
Uber, Bolt and Careem are available at RUH Airport. Passengers who want to use that service need to download the application to their smartphone first.
Public Transport
It is possible to travel to and from Saudi Arabia International airport by public transport. Metro station is located at Riyadh Airport Terminal 5. (link to: https://www.riyadh-airport.com/metro.php)
Useful Telephone Numbers
Saudi Arabia uses the universal European emergency number 112 for Police/Fire/Ambulance services. An operator will redirect the call to the appropriate service.
For specific cases, use the following numbers:
- Traffic Accidents: 993
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 997
- Narcotics hotline: 995
- Fire: 998
The telephone prefix for Saudi Arabia is +966.
Currency
The Saudi Arabian currency is called the Saudi Riyal Abbreviation: SAR
Exchange rates for foreign currencies, as of 1 March 2023:
USD 1 = SAR 3.75
ATM
Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted credit cards, but some establishments also accept Discover or American Express cards. Travelers’ checks are also widely accepted, but can sometimes be difficult to change.
Electricity
In Saudi Arabia, the power plugs and sockets are of type G, similar to those used in the UK. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Time Zone
Weather
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, mild in winter and very hot in summer. The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is mid-November to mid-March to avoid the summer heat.
About Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
We advise you to respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend anyone.
Capital City: Riyadh
Languages: Arabic and English
Religion: Islam
It is recommended to dress conservatively in public places, especially religious sites. The working dress code is formal (suits and ties for men, business attire for women).
All residents and visitors must carry a photo ID.
First time in Saudi Arabia? Discover the best things to do and make the most of your stay.