A Comprehensive Saudi Travel Guide for Americans
Are you an American planning to take a little trip to Saudi? Then, you need proper planning and understanding of the different aspects of this trip, including getting a Saudi Arabia travel visa. However, that is definitely not all and there is more to it.
So, it is always best to start planning for your trip by understanding the different aspects of it. This will ensure zero obstacles on your way to a successful trip.
Understanding Travelling to Saudi Arabia
Let us first understand the basics before we get knee-deep into the planning process. This way you get to lay out a great foundation that helps in making the rest of the process easy.
Why Visit Saudi Arabia?
Situated in the heart of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is one of the most visited countries in the world. More than 100 million people visited the country in the year 2023 to explore significant places and get a taste of rich history.
Location
The country of Saudi has held an important place in ancient world trade for 4,000 years. This can be attributed to its opportune location, connecting South Asia, the Mediterranean, Egypt, and the Far East. This has in return helped in the growth of the country as a whole, making it a significant part of the world map.
Religious Importance
Saudi Arabia gets most of its tourism due to its important place in the Islamic religion. Many go to the KSA every year to take part in Hajj and Umrah. These are pilgrimages centered on the holy town of Mecca. This helps them get closer to their god or Allah and seek forgiveness for all their deeds.
Landmarks
The modern attractions of Saudi Arabia also pull in a great number of tourists every year. Places like Edge of the World, Jeddah Tower, King Fahd’s Fountain, and others are always crowded with tourists coming from all corners of the world.
All of these things as a whole make Saudi a great place for you to explore with a Saudi Arabia travel visa.
What American Travelers Need to Know
Traveling to Saudi Arabia is very similar to traveling to any other part of the world. For instance, you will need your valid passport and Saudi Arabia travel visa if you want to enter the country. However, that might not be all for citizens, residing in countries like:
- Iran
- Somalia
- Libya
- Yemen
- Turkey
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- The Democratic of Congo
These individuals will need to get permission before they get to enter the country. However, one traveling from the United States of America is not required to be worried about these things as the restrictions do not concern them.
Preparing for Your Trip to Saudi Arabia
Well, preparing to go for a trip can actually be very stressful. This involves understanding different steps which is why most people often end up making a few mistakes during the process. However, we have got it easy for you, so there is less for you to worry about.
Visa and Travel Authorization
Traveling to Saudi Arabia without a valid visa is impossible, especially if you are not on the visa waiver list of Saudi. So, this means, you will be required to apply for a visa first thing. This visa works just like a travel permit that simplifies your entry into the country. The steps for getting your Saudi Arabia travel visa are:
Visit the website: Visit the Immigration website of Saudi or just sign in on our site.
Fill in the application: Locate the correct visa application form and fill in the accurate details about yourself and your trip.
Upload documents: Attach the scanned copies of your important documents with the form and ensure all of them match the criteria. You will basically have to add scanned copies of the first two pages of your passport, hotel bookings, recent photographs, bank statements, flight tickets, and others. Please ensure that the passport that you are using is valid and comes with a validity of 6 months and a minimum of two blank pages.
Make the payment: Pay the fee for your travel visa through your preferred method like a credit or debit card.
Wait for visa approval: Wait a few days to get an email containing the approval letter for your visa in the mail that you have provided in your application form. This generally takes a few hours to days. After which you should get the letter printed and bring its copies with you to the airport. However, if you do not receive the letter even after 3 to 5 days then you should swiftly contact our Helpdesk for assistance.
Packing Essentials for Saudi Arabia
Packing is an important part of any trip. This is why you should never rush this and carry everything that is needed for a successful trip.
Clothing and Cultural Sensitivity
Well, the Arabic culture is very different from the one in the United States. KSA citizens practice modest dressing. So, naturally, you will have to follow the same rules when you enter the country. Both men and women dress modestly and do not wear anything that even slightly supports nudity.
All men are supposed to wear loose and flowy T-shirts and trousers that cover their bodies properly. On the other hand, all women are supposed to wear full-length and loose clothes that cover their chest, neck, knees, and other parts. Moreover, women are also supposed to cover their heads when they enter any religious place. So, remember to carry all these things in your bag when you are traveling to Saudi.
Health and Safety Precautions
Apart from packing your clothes, you will also be required to follow a few health precautions if you want to have a successful trip. For instance, all Americans who are traveling to the country with a Saudi Arabia travel visa should be careful when eating or drinking anything. These have the potential of infecting their body and resulting in adverse conditions.
Moreover, you will also be required to use some insect repellent cream or spray to create a barrier against all insect bites. Most importantly, carry your regular and necessary medications with you. Plus, you should also remember the emergency medical number of Saudi Arabia (997), in case things get out of hand.
Understanding Saudi Arabian Culture
Saudi Arabia is a vibrant country that welcomes all tourists with open arms. Most people who have visited the country with a Saudi Arabia travel visa have something positive to say about their trip. So, if you also want to have a similar experience then you must start by understanding a few important things about the country.
Key Cultural Norms and Etiquette
The most important thing that you should maintain during this trip is to be respectful towards the culture of Saudi and its people. For instance, you should always greet people when you meet them. One good way of doing that is to say As-salamu alaykum which translates to Hello in Arabic. This makes you look more respectful towards the Arabic culture and helps you become a good traveler.
Dos and Don’ts in Saudi Arabia
There is a small list of dos and don’ts that everyone should keep in mind when exploring the different cities in Saudi Arabia. For instance, women should dress modestly and avoid showing any skin. Moreover, you should also avoid showing any PDA (public display of affection), whistling, or spitting when you are outside. Plus, if you are traveling during the holy month of Ramadan then you should also avoid eating, smoking, or drinking outside during the day as everyone is fasting.
Language and Communication Tips
Learning the local language really helps in making a trip more successful. This will allow you to communicate with the locals and get a closer look at the Saudi Arabian culture. On top of that, it also makes it easy to shop from the local shops and markets when most people do not speak English. You will just have to learn some of the basic words, just like As-salamu akaykum.
- Shukran is Thank you
- Na’am is Yes
- La is No
- Please is Min fadlak for men and Min fadlik for women
- Ma’a as-salama is Good Bye
Top Attractions in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is filled with tourist-worthy places. These offer you insights into the country’s history or simply unlock beautiful views. These are:
Riyadh:
The capital city of Saudi Arabia is home to many iconic locations. So, you should definitely keep these on your list of exploration when visiting Riyadh. Some of the places that you must visit are the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom Centre Tower, Masmak Fortress, and others. Moreover, you should also remember to visit the famous art galleries like that of Al Ajlan and Abstract Art Gallery.
Jeddah:
Known as the Gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in the entire Saudi Arabia. Many people get Saudi Arabia travel visas to explore places like the Makkah Gate, Bilal Masjid, Al Rahma Mosque, Jeddah Flagpole, and others. Plus, you can also spend relaxing time at beaches like Silver Sands Beach, Al Saif Beach, and Jeddah Waterfront Park.
Al-Ula and the Ancient Nabatean Sites:
The Al-Ula is one of the most ancient sites in the entire Saudi Arabia. Being the former meeting point for those of the Neolithic, Roman, and Ottoman eras, this one holds a lot of importance in history. This is why all individuals must visit this place during their Saudi trip. Moreover, you should also explore the other ancient Nabatean sites like Petra. These are recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, which adds more importance to these places.
Ready to explore Saudi Arabia with your visa?
Visiting Saudi Arabia will help you understand the rich history of the Arabs in the best way. This place is filled with historical places and the local culture still has ties to the time that is long gone. So, visiting this place with a Saudi Arabia travel visa will definitely be one of the best decisions that you can make as a tourist.
However, you should remember to apply for the visa a little early to avoid any issues like last-minute delays. But in case, if you still face difficulties then the Helpdesk is your key to solving it all.