Practical information
Well prepared for your trip
Here you will find useful information about visas, safety, local rules, climate, payment and mobile use before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: August 2026
Information about entry, safety and local rules can change. Always check current requirements with the relevant authorities before departure.
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Norwegian, Swedish and Danish citizens normally need a visa for tourist visits to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia offers an electronic tourist visa, eVisa, to citizens of a number of countries, including Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The eVisa is normally the simplest option for ordinary tourist trips.
Your passport normally has to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Conditions can change, so always check the current rules before you book or travel.
How do I apply for a tourist visa?
For most Norwegian, Swedish and Danish tourists the application can be completed digitally through Saudi Arabia's official eVisa portal.
- 1Open the official eVisa portal.
- 2Create an account.
- 3Enter your personal and passport details.
- 4Upload the required documents and photo if requested.
- 5Pay the application fee.
- 6Wait for processing.
- 7An approved eVisa is normally issued electronically.
Travel on the same passport you used in the visa application.
Is Saudi Arabia safe to visit?
Saudi Arabia has large tourist areas such as Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla and the Red Sea coast that are visited by international travellers, but the security situation in the region can change quickly. Travellers should always follow current travel advice from their own authorities.
As of August 2026, travel advice for Nordic travellers warns against all travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the border with Yemen.
There have also been missile and drone attacks against areas in south-western Saudi Arabia. Travellers should therefore follow the news and the recommendations of the authorities.
In ordinary tourist areas we recommend normal travel caution while staying up to date on current travel advice.
What should I pack for Saudi Arabia?
What to pack depends on the season and where in the country you are going. The climate ranges from hot coastal areas to cooler desert nights and mountain regions.
Clothing
- Light, breathable clothing
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees
- Lightweight long trousers
- Shirts or tops with short or long sleeves
- A light jacket or sweater for evenings and strongly air-conditioned places
- Swimwear for hotels, resorts and permitted beach areas
Sun and heat
- High-factor sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Water bottle
- Lip balm
Practical
- Comfortable shoes
- Travel adapter if needed
- Power bank
- Copies of your passport and travel documents
- Travel and health insurance details
- Medication in its original packaging
Local rules and customs
Saudi Arabia is a hospitable country, but laws, culture and norms differ from Scandinavia in some areas.
Clothing
- Visitors are expected to dress modestly in public places.
- Both women and men should avoid very revealing clothing.
- Tourists do not normally need to wear traditional Saudi clothing, but shoulders and knees should generally be covered in public areas.
Alcohol
- Alcohol is prohibited for ordinary tourists in Saudi Arabia.
- Do not bring alcohol into the country.
Drugs
- Saudi Arabia has very strict drug laws.
- Breaking drug legislation can have extremely serious consequences.
Photography
- Ask for permission before photographing people at close range.
- Avoid photographing military installations
- Avoid photographing security facilities
- Avoid photographing public security buildings
- Respect other areas where photography is prohibited
Behaviour in public
- Show respect for local customs and religious traditions.
- Avoid loud or offensive behaviour in public places.
Ramadan
- During Ramadan, tourists should be especially considerate of local customs.
- Some restaurants and opening hours may change during the day.
When is the best time to travel to Saudi Arabia?
For most travellers, October to April is the most comfortable time to visit large parts of Saudi Arabia.
Temperatures are usually milder than in the summer months, making the period well suited to
- City breaks
- AlUla
- Historic sites
- Desert experiences
- Outdoor activities
October–November
Comfortable temperatures and a great period for touring and outdoor experiences.
December–February
One of the most pleasant periods in Riyadh, AlUla and the desert areas. Evenings can be chilly.
March–April
Still a good time to travel, but temperatures are starting to rise.
May–September
Very hot across much of the country, especially inland. Red Sea coastal areas can be hot and humid.
The climate varies considerably between Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea and the mountains in the south-west.
Currency and payment
The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal, currency code SAR. 1 riyal = 100 halala.
Card payment is very widespread in Saudi Arabia, especially at
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Shopping malls
- Shops
- Tourist attractions
- Larger taxi services
Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in tourist areas, and mobile and contactless payments are also widespread.
We still recommend carrying a small amount of cash for small purchases, local markets or places where card payment is not available. ATMs are found in cities and tourist areas.
Banks and card providers may charge
- Foreign transaction fees
- ATM fees
- Currency-conversion fees
Internet and mobile in Saudi Arabia
Mobile coverage is generally good in cities and across common tourist areas. 4G and 5G are widely available in major cities and many tourist destinations.
Common mobile operators
- STC
- Mobily
- Zain
Tourists can normally buy a prepaid SIM or eSIM, depending on device compatibility and current provider rules. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and in many restaurants, malls and public places.
Roaming
- Scandinavian mobile plans can have high roaming costs in Saudi Arabia because the country is not normally covered by EU/EEA roaming.
- Check roaming prices with your mobile provider
- Consider a local SIM card
- Consider a travel eSIM
- Turn off automatic data roaming if necessary
Useful apps
- Google Maps or an equivalent navigation app
- Airline apps
- Hotel apps
- Uber or local transport apps where available
- Your own government's travel-registration app where available
Before you travel – our checklist
A quick review before departure makes the trip easier.
- Check your passport validity
- Check current visa requirements
- Read official travel advice
- Arrange travel insurance
- Check any medication
- Save important documents digitally
- Check mobile and roaming prices
- Familiarise yourself with local rules
- Check the weather forecast before departure
- Register your trip with the relevant authorities if recommended
Travel information can change
Visa rules, entry requirements, the security situation and local regulations can change at short notice.
Saudi Reiser aims to keep this information up to date, but you are responsible for checking current requirements with official authorities before travelling.
Last updated: August 2026
Official sources
Questions before your trip?
We are happy to help with practical questions and planning your trip to Saudi Arabia.