SAUDI ARABIA
Travel overseas to the Middle East, Saudi Arabia with a special and free-spirited plan that suits me

Things to consider when traveling to the United Arab Emirates.

Climate and best season

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Average temperature and precipitation in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)

Source: Weather Base (http://www.weatherbase.com/)

Cash, cards and currency exchange

The currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal. It is recommended to use currency exchange services at airports, as it can be difficult to exchange money at banks.
On the other hand, credit cards are widely accepted in most places within Saudi Arabia, so there is not much need to carry large amounts of cash.

Tips

There is no tipping culture. Tipping is not necessary in restaurants, for hotel housekeeping, or when using restrooms, but if you receive good service, it is considerate to tip to show appreciation. Drivers and guides will appreciate a tip if you feel they provided good service.

Public Safety

The security in Saudi Arabia is good compared to other Middle Eastern countries.
In urban areas, it is not particularly unusual for women to walk alone.

However, pickpocketing and theft are common in tourist areas, so please take care to secure your belongings.

Clothing

Previously, even foreign women were required to wear an abaya (traditional Arab attire), but this requirement has been abolished. As long as your clothing covers your shoulders and knees, regular clothing is acceptable. However, many local women still wear the abaya, so wearing a dress that does not show body lines can help you blend in. Around sacred areas like mosques, it is advisable to wear a hijab (headscarf), so bring one with you.

Men should also avoid going out in shorts and tank tops.

Due to the strong sunlight, it is more comfortable to have lightweight long sleeves and sunglasses.

Comfortable sneakers are recommended for footwear.

Things you should bring with you

Multi-plug, regular medication, WiFi, scarf, mobile battery, sun protection items, insect repellent, travel insurance

Visa availability and arrangements

Japanese nationals entering Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes need to obtain a visa or e-Visa in advance.
e-Visa application: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
Visa applications must be made by the traveler in person, with a prior appointment for biometric registration (fingerprints, facial photo).
Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining and at least two blank pages available at the time of entry.

Required vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for direct entry into Saudi Arabia from Japan. However, travelers from countries with a risk of yellow fever, or those who have transited for more than 12 hours in such countries, and are over 9 months old, must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate (Yellow Card).

Additionally, if entering for pilgrimage to Mecca or Medina during Hajj (pilgrimage month) or Ramadan (fasting month), necessary vaccinations are announced annually, so please check with the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Japan, the Saudi Ministry of Health, or the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.

Things to note

Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country. When traveling from Japan, be careful not to bring items like cup noodles containing pork extract or cosmetics containing alcohol.

In Saudi Arabia, it is generally prohibited to photograph local women. If there are people in the area you wish to photograph, please confirm whether it is okay to take pictures. If a local asks you to delete a photo, please comply willingly. Nowadays, Saudis also have smartphones and take videos and photos. Generally, there is no problem with photographing landscapes or meals.