Can Brits go to Saudi Arabia?
Asked by: Dr. Jayne Krajcik MD | Last update: May 2, 2026Score: 5/5 (55 votes)
Yes, British citizens can go to Saudi Arabia, with several easy electronic visa options available for tourism, business, Umrah, or study, including an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for single entry or a longer-term eVisa for multiple entries, allowing stays for up to 90 or 180 days, often with insurance included, though specific requirements for Hajj differ.
Can UK citizens visit Saudi Arabia?
You must get an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver, either before you travel or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia's international airports.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for Brits?
There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.
Can westerners go to Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has many tourist sites and destinations that foreigners would love to visit upon. Now with the somewhat leniency in their laws and the launch of their e-Visa system, tourists can visit the country.
Are non-Muslims allowed to enter Saudi Arabia?
Non-Muslims are strictly prohibited by Saudi Arabia from entering the Holy City of Mecca. However, the ban on visiting Medina, Islam's second holiest city, was lifted in 2023, allowing non-Muslims to enter the city—though access to the Prophet's Mosque remains restricted.
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Which nationalities are not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia?
April 8, 2025: According to visa agents and media reports, nationals of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, or Yemen holding or applying for a Saudi visit visa for business, tourism and family visits cannot enter Saudi Arabia until a ...
Can I stay with my girlfriend in a hotel in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, unmarried foreign couples can now stay together in hotels in Saudi Arabia, as the country relaxed these rules in 2019 as part of its tourism push, but you only need to show ID, not proof of marriage, and must respect local customs like dressing modestly. While rules have eased for tourists, Saudi nationals still need to show family ID for hotel stays, and all visitors should be mindful of local laws, such as the ban on alcohol.
Can I wear jeans in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, you can wear jeans in Saudi Arabia, but they should be loose-fitting and paired with modest tops that cover shoulders, chest, and knees, as a sign of respect for local culture, with tighter styles drawing more attention, especially for women where looser fits are preferred. While the abaya isn't mandatory for tourists anymore, dressing conservatively in loose clothing that covers elbows and ankles is recommended for both men and women in public spaces, avoiding overly tight or revealing attire.
Are Americans welcomed in Saudi Arabia?
When considering visiting Saudi Arabia, many may wonder: Is Saudi Arabia safe for Americans? Saudi Arabia is certainly a safe country for everyone to visit, including Americans. But like any tourist destination or new country, there are a number of things you need to know to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.
Can couples hold hands in Saudi Arabia?
When it comes to social etiquette, public displays of affection should be avoided, even between married couples. Holding hands is totally fine – just keep it warm and simple. Greetings between friends are also warm, but measured: men usually shake hands.
Can I wear a cross in Saudi Arabia?
No, you generally cannot wear a cross or display any non-Islamic religious symbols publicly in Saudi Arabia, as it's considered a punishable offense under strict Islamic law, risking harassment, arrest, or deportation, though some private religious practice is tolerated within secure compounds or for foreign workers.
Can Brits drink in Saudi Arabia?
Law. Ordinary people who consume alcohol in the kingdom will be fined and jailed, and foreigners will also be deported. The only people allowed to purchase Alcohol or other products from the Diplomatic Quarter are Non-Muslim Diplomats working in the Kingdom.
Do female tourists have to cover up in Saudi Arabia?
As a tourist, you are not expected to wear the same attire as locals, or to cover up to the same extent, but it's highly recommended that you dress modestly. Specifically, loose-fitted clothing that covers the shoulders, cleavage and legs. “We do prioritize modesty,” says a Saudi woman from Khobar.
Is Saudi friends with the UK?
We develop and maintain the long-standing relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia. We build on the bilateral relationship between our two governments and peoples, especially in the areas of trade and investment, education, culture, energy and climate security, and defence.
Is Saudi Arabia safe right now for UK citizens?
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Are Saudis friendly to tourists?
The Saudis are friendly and open and like visitors. However, women are still carefully looked after and male/female interaction is very respectful. As a male visitor, be cautious.
What country can you not enter with a US passport?
With a U.S. passport, you cannot legally travel to North Korea (DPRK) unless you have a special validation, and current U.S. policy effectively bans all tourists due to significant risks. Additionally, recent U.S. government proclamations impose full or partial entry restrictions on nationals from several countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Venezuela, Yemen, Somalia, Chad, Eritrea, Libya, Sudan, Myanmar (Burma), Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Haiti, Laos, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone, making travel difficult or impossible depending on the specific ban and your status.
What can you not bring into Saudi Arabia?
General hazardous materials
Firearms, ammunition, swords, and knives. Explosives, incendiary materials, flammable substances, toxic substances, and compressed gases.
Can I wear a swimsuit in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, females can wear bikinis in Saudi when you are on a boat trip or at any of the private beaches. Private beaches can be accessed at a certain fee.
Can I wear flip flops in Saudi Arabia?
If you are visiting religious places, you will need shoes that are easy to remove but are still comfortable and supportive. Strappy sandals, court shoes and heels might be appropriate for ladies attending weddings, formal gatherings or going on shopping sprees, and flip-flops are always handy.
How do you say hello in Saudi Arabia?
In Arabic, 'hello' can be expressed as 'As-salamu alaikum' (السلام عليكم), meaning 'peace be upon you', or 'Marhaba' (مرحبا). These greetings are commonly used across Arabic-speaking regions, conveying warmth and respect.
Can an American date a Saudi woman?
Saudi women are prohibited from marrying non-Arabs except with a special dispensation from the King. (A dispensation is also required before a Saudi woman may marry an Arab who is not a citizen of the Gulf Cooperation Council—i.e., Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.)
Can you drink alcohol in hotels in Saudi Arabia?
Is the consumption of alcohol allowed in Saudi Arabia? No, alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia due to its adherence to Islamic law. Are there any exceptions for non-Muslims or tourists? No, there are no exceptions, and the ban applies to all residents and visitors.
Can Arabs date before marriage?
Islam encourages individuals to marry young so that they won't fall prey to the temptation of fornication before marriage. It is perfectly acceptable for young Muslims to start dating around the age of puberty if they feel they are ready for all of the rules and potential responsibilities that come along with it.