![]() Nationals of Israel and those with evidence of visiting Israel will be denied visas, although merely being Jewish in and of itself is not a disqualifying factor. Also exempt from visa requirements are foreigners transiting through airports for less than eighteen hours, but many other entry requirements, such as the dress code and restrictions on unaccompanied females, still apply. The only significant exception is citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations. Saudi Arabia has some of the most restrictive travel policies in the world, and advance visas are required for all foreigners desiring to enter. Saudi Arabia contains the holy Muslim cities of Mecca and Medina, to which all physically and financially able Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage at least once if possible and where non-Muslims are forbidden from entering. Note that it’s much cheaper to negotiate the fare first (as locals do) rather than use the meter. Taxis are found in most of the larger towns and are known as ‘limousines’ they can be hailed anywhere. All classes have access to the train restaurant. ![]() The main difference between them is legroom (plus TV and a meal in the splendidly named ‘Rehab’ VIP class). There are three classes: 2nd, 1st and VIP class. Saudi Arabia currently has only one stretch of train track in the entire country, between Riyadh and Dammam via Al Hofuf. The front seats are generally unofficially reserved for ‘families’ (which includes solo women), and the back half for men. Unaccompanied foreign women can travel on domestic buses with their iqama (residence permit) if they're an expat, or with a passport and visa if a visitor. Return tickets are 25% cheaper than two one-way fares. Bus fares are approximately half of the equivalent airfare. Note that Medina airport lies outside the haram (forbidden) area, so it can be used by non-Muslim tourists it can be a useful gateway for Al Ula in particular. Generally, taxis only accept cash.Ĭhecking in 1½ hours before departure is advised for domestic flights. Foreign credit and debit cards are accepted at all but the smallest hotels, shops and restaurants. Travelers’ checks are also widely accepted, but can sometimes be difficult to change.Ĭash is commonly used, and automatic teller machines (ATMs) are found throughout Makkah. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted credit cards, but some establishments also accept Discover or American Express cards. ATMs are everywhere and usually reliable. The Saudi riyal (SAR) is Saudi Arabia’s official currency, with each Saudi riyal divided into 100 halala. And for Muslim travellers, Mecca and Medina represent the most sacred destinations you can imagine. It is also one of the most difficult places on Earth to visit. The birthplace and spiritual home of Islam, Saudi Arabia is as rich in attractions as it is in stirring symbolism. Travel Ideas and Money Tips for Saudi Arabia ![]()
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