Before you go · Riyadh
Riyadh essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 28 October 2026. Entry rules and travel advice change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
Travel advice
Check your own government’s travel advice before you travel. On 27 October 2026, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia, and against all travel within 10 km of the border with Yemen; it reported that King Khalid International Airport was struck by a missile on 10 October 2026 and that further disruption to flights is likely. Check your flight with your airline before you go.
Visas and entry
Most visitors apply for the tourist e-visa on the official site, visa.visitsaudi.com: the UK government describes it as valid for a year, for multiple entries and up to 90 days in total, with health insurance included, and it can also be issued on arrival at the international airports. Some nationalities can use the electronic visa waiver (visa.mofa.gov.sa) or the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ksavisa.sa). Never pay a third-party site.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date you arrive (UK government advice).
Dress and conduct
Men and women should wear loose clothing that covers the elbows and reaches below the knees; women do not have to wear the abaya or cover their hair, the UK government notes. Avoid public displays of affection, swearing and loud music, and photograph people only with their consent. It is illegal to photograph government buildings, palaces and military sites.
No alcohol
Saudi Arabia serves no alcohol. Do not bring any into the country, and do not arrive under its influence: it is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public (UK government advice). Riyadh’s evenings are spent over coffee, mocktails and dinner instead.
Prayer times and Ramadan
Shops and some restaurants close briefly at each of the five daily prayer times; plan your shopping around them. During Ramadan (which began on 18 February in 2026), avoid eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in daylight hours; restaurants open at sunset and the evenings are long and festive. Ask before entering a mosque: many are open to Muslims only.
Money and the week
The currency is the Saudi riyal. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and restaurants. The weekend is Friday and Saturday, and Riyadh dines late.
Emergencies
Call 911, the unified emergency number in the Riyadh region. The Ministry of Health line is 937. See our health page for hospitals and pharmacies, and carry travel insurance that covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Most visitors do: apply for the tourist e-visa on the official site, visa.visitsaudi.com, or check whether your nationality can use the visa waiver or ETA.
Can I drink alcohol in Riyadh?
No. Saudi Arabia serves no alcohol, and bringing it into the country is illegal.
Do women have to wear an abaya in Riyadh?
No. Men and women should dress modestly, covering elbows and knees; the abaya and head covering are not required for visitors, the UK government notes.
What is the emergency number in Riyadh?
911.
Entry rules and travel advice change, sometimes at short notice. Check visa.visitsaudi.com and your government’s travel advice (in the UK, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia) before you travel.