How to Get a Saudi Tourist Visa and Plan a Trip That Didn't Exist 5 Years Ago

Until 2019, Saudi Arabia didn't really do tourist visas. Business visas existed. Pilgrimage visas existed. But casual tourism? Not in the official framework. Now, the kingdom has explicitly pivoted to tourism as an economic strategy, which means visas are easier, infrastructure is being built at a staggering pace, and AlUla is the flagship project.

Booking a trip to Saudi Arabia requires only slightly more thought than booking a typical Middle Eastern destination.

The Visa Process

Most nationalities now qualify for a tourist e-visa. The process:

1. Go to https://www.visitsaudi.com/

2. Select your nationality and visa type (tourist)

3. Provide passport details, contact information, and email

4. Pay $140 (SAR525) (credit card accepted)

5. Receive approval email within 24–48 hours

6. Print confirmation and carry it with your passport

The visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries for a cumulative 90 days.

Special cases:

If you're traveling from a country without easy online access or your nationality isn't listed, you can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia at the airport ($150, takes 1–2 hours, requires cash or credit card).

Israel passport holders cannot visit (officially), though this is sometimes enforced inconsistently for dual nationals.

Some Gulf states, Iran, Syria are subject to additional scrutiny, though the tourist visa process is fairly streamlined.

The Booking Timeline

Plan ahead with this timeline:

Getting There

International flights to Riyadh: Most major carriers fly to Riyadh (RUH). Flight times from the US: 14–18 hours (usually 1 stop). Flight costs: $500–900 depending on season and how far in advance you book.

Riyadh to AlUla: Saudi Airlines operates this route. Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes. Cost: $80–150. Book at saudiarabianairlines.com or through your travel agent. Flights run roughly 5–6 times daily.

Ground transport in Riyadh (if you're staying a night): Riyadh is a massive, sprawling city. Uber operates. Getting from airport to hotel takes 30–60 minutes and costs $15–25 by Uber. Public transportation (buses) exists but isn't tourist-friendly.

AlUla Accommodation Options

The booking strategy: If your budget allows, stay at Habitas or Banyan Tree. The experience is part of the trip, and these properties are genuinely well-designed. If you're budget-conscious, the Hilton is solid without being memorable. Visit Maraya (the mirrored concert hall) for a tour or show — it's worth seeing even if you're not staying luxury.

Book through the hotel's direct website or Booking.com. Most offer discounts for longer stays.

The Tour Operator Question

All tour booking in AlUla goes through AlUla Heritage (the semi-official tourism authority). You can:

1. Book directly through their website: https://alulaheritagetours.com/

2. Book through your hotel (they'll arrange it, usually at the same price)

3. Book through a travel advisor (they'll coordinate with AlUla Heritage)

The tours cost the same regardless: roughly $100–150 for half-day, $150–250 for full-day. The advantage of booking through a hotel or advisor is that they coordinate timing and handle logistics.

The Budget Breakdown for 3 Days

Here\'s what to expect:

The Practical Stuff

Currency: Saudi Riyal (1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR). ATMs are everywhere in Riyadh and AlUla. Credit cards work at hotels and restaurants; bring cash for smaller vendors.

Language: Arabic is the official language. English is spoken at hotels and in tourism areas, but less common outside. Download Google Translate.

Dress code: For tourism in AlUla and Riyadh, the kingdom has relaxed traditional enforcement. Wear modest clothing (knees and shoulders covered). Women don't need headscarves (though some conservative areas may expect them). Men shouldn't wear shorts in non-tourist settings. Swimwear at pool/beach is fine.

Health: No vaccinations required for most nationalities. Travel insurance is recommended (standard coverage). Alcohol is not sold or consumed legally; don't attempt to bring it in.

Best weather: November–February (70–80°F daytime, 40–50°F night). March–April is warming up. May–October is extremely hot (100°F+).

The Honest Assessment

Saudi Arabia's tourist visa is new, the infrastructure is being built at scale, and AlUla is the flagship. This means:

Good: Infrastructure is excellent. Visa process is simple. Sites are genuinely interesting. Safety is high. Services work smoothly.

Less good: Tourism feels managed/designed. There aren't quiet corners. Costs are higher than neighboring countries (you're paying for the infrastructure investment). The destination is still being built — come back in 5 years and it will be different.

Bottom line: AlUla is worth visiting now, while it's still emerging as a destination. In a few years, it'll be more crowded and more developed. The current window is actually the best time to see the archeological sites before they become fully mainstream.

Ready to be part of Saudi Arabia's tourism opening? We can help you get the visa and plan the trip.

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