Saudi Arabia Visa
Travel Requirements
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Travel Requirements
If you’re travelling to Saudi Arabia, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to within 80km of the Saudi-Yemen border. The Saudi authorities have declared the territory along the northern border and between the Hafr Al-Batin and Khafji in the Eastern Province as off limits and care should be taken not to enter these zones if travelling in the area.
COVID-19 Requirements
There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Saudi Arabia. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19.
All visitors must fill out the Registration Immunization Information Form on the Muqeem Portal before travelling to the Saudi Arabia to allow them to register their immunization data. This will enable them to use the Tawakkalna Application on their phone while in Saudi Arabia in case they need to show their vaccination status at any stage.
All visitors intending to travel to Saudi Arabia (excluding residents) must have medical insurance that covers the costs of COVID-19 treatment in outpatient clinics, emergencies and hospitals.
The Saudi authorities have introduced a number of measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19. Health and travel advice issued by the local authorities in Saudi Arabia should be monitored. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities.
Visa requirements
Passport validity
If you are entering Saudi Arabia, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Visas
All visitors need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Tourist visas are valid for 360 days from the date of issue. Irish citizens can stay up to a maximum of 90 days in total per visa. Visas cannot be extended and a daily fine will be levied for overstaying a visa.
Muslim tourists can use the tourist visa to perform Umrah as well. A specific visa is required to perform Hajj.
Countries eligible to obtain the eVisa in advance are following:
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Health insurance
All visitors intending to travel to Saudi Arabia (excluding residents) must have medical insurance that covers the costs of COVID-19 treatment in outpatient clinics, emergencies and hospitals.
Medical care in Saudi Arabia can be expensive, and without insurance, you may be responsible for paying for medical expenses out of your own pocket.
In addition, some hospitals in Saudi Arabia may not provide treatment to patients without proof of insurance or payment in advance. Therefore, having medical travel insurance can help you avoid these issues and ensure that you receive the medical care you need in case of an emergency.
When choosing a medical travel insurance policy, make sure to check that it covers any pre-existing medical conditions you may have and that it includes coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. It’s also a good idea to review the policy’s coverage limits and exclusions before purchasing it.
Currency
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR), which is abbreviated as ر.س or SAR. The Riyal is divided into 100 halalas.
The Riyal has been the official currency of Saudi Arabia since 1925, replacing the Hejaz riyal, which was in use in the western part of the Arabian Peninsula at that time. The Riyal is issued by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), which is the central bank of the country.
The Riyal is a stable currency that is widely accepted in Saudi Arabia and is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 3.75 SAR to 1 USD. This means that the value of the Riyal is tied to the value of the US dollar, and any fluctuations in the value of the US dollar can impact the value of the Riyal.
In Saudi Arabia, you can exchange foreign currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. It is important to note that some exchange offices may charge a commission or have less favorable exchange rates than banks.
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas in Saudi Arabia. However, it is recommended to carry some cash with you, especially when traveling to more rural areas or smaller towns where credit card acceptance may be limited.
Overall, the Saudi Arabian Riyal is a stable currency that is widely accepted in Saudi Arabia. Travelers should consider carrying some cash and exchanging foreign currency at reputable banks or exchange offices to ensure they receive fair exchange rates.
Culture and Etiquette
Saudi Arabia is a country in the Middle East with a rich cultural heritage and a unique set of customs and traditions. If you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia, it is important to understand and respect its culture and customs. Here are some of the most important things you should know about etiquette, culture, and customs in Saudi Arabia:
Dress Code: In Saudi Arabia, it is important to dress modestly, particularly for women. Women should cover their hair and wear loose, long-sleeved clothing that covers their legs and arms. Men are also expected to dress modestly, and it is recommended that they wear long pants and avoid wearing shorts in public.
Gender Segregation: In Saudi Arabia, there is strict gender segregation in many public places, including restaurants, cafes, and public transportation. Men and women are often separated by partitions, and it is not uncommon for women to have their own designated seating areas.
Greetings: In Saudi Arabia, it is important to greet people with respect and formality. Men should greet other men with a handshake, while women should greet other women with a nod or a smile. When greeting members of the opposite sex, it is important to wait for them to initiate the greeting.
Religion: Saudi Arabia is a deeply religious country, and Islam is the official religion. It is important to respect the country’s religious customs and avoid engaging in behavior that is considered disrespectful or offensive to Islam.
Food: Food plays an important role in Saudi culture, and it is often shared with family and friends. It is common for Saudis to eat with their hands, particularly when eating traditional dishes like rice and meat. It is also customary to eat with the right hand only, as the left hand is considered unclean.
Hospitality: Saudis are known for their hospitality, and it is common for them to invite guests to their homes for meals or tea. When invited to a Saudi home, it is important to dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering, and bring a small gift for your host.
Business Etiquette: In Saudi Arabia, business is conducted slowly and with great care. It is important to build a personal relationship with your business partners before engaging in business transactions. It is also customary to exchange gifts and engage in small talk before getting down to business.
eVisa Details:
Maximum visit: 90 days Multiple entries: yes (during 1 year) Processing: 24 hours Requires: Passport, Personal photo
