Saudi Arabia Travel Insurance

In this article:

• Travel Insurance Plans for Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia Travel Tips and Safety Information
• Other Saudi Arabia FAQs

A travel insurance plan is not required for entry to Saudi Arabia, however having healthcare coverage is required. Your travel visa will most likely include some healthcare coverage. But there may be limitations to your coverage depending on your overall health. Visit the official tourism website for more details on the health insurance coverage included in your visa. A travel insurance plan can still be quite valuable for your trip to Saudi Arabia since it includes coverages for certain trip interruptions and delays, lost luggage, missed connection and other covered unexpected events, which can help with reimbursement of covered expenses that may be required from your trip.

Travel Guard’s Deluxe Plan is a great option for travelers heading to Saudi Arabia since it offers the highest benefit limits, which can be ideal when it comes to helping protect your travel investment, especially if you’re planning a longer trip or have nonrefundable expenses like guided tours or excursions. The Deluxe Plan includes Concierge Services – get help with booking car services, event ticketing or even making restaurant reservations. While many tourists visit Saudi Arabia with no issues, you may feel better with the Deluxe Plan’s Security Evacuation coverage as well.  Finally, all of our travel insurance plans come with access to Travel Guard’s 24-hour emergency travel assistance, so you don’t have to deal with unexpected events on your own.

Travel insurance plans are usually priced between 5-7% of the total cost of your trip. There are several factors that come into play when it comes to pricing your plan, which may include the product you choose and the number of travelers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs.

To help ensure travelers to Saudi Arabia are as safe and informed as possible, Travel Guard has compiled some popular questions asked by tourists visiting the country.

For the latest information related to COVID-19 travel requirements for Saudi Arabia, please visit the official U.S. Embassy website for Saudi Arabia.

While Saudi Arabia boasts stunning historical sites and cultural experiences, travelers should be aware of unique security and cultural concerns. Although the overall crime rate is low, petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas such as markets and tourist sites. There is an underlying risk of terrorism stemming from the presence of regional militant groups, so travelers should choose accommodations with stringent security measures and maintain awareness in areas frequented by tourists.

More serious security risks, including terrorism, kidnapping, drone attacks and missile attacks, are present in border areas and in the cities of Abha, Jizan, Najran and Khamis Mushayt. Al-Qatif in the Eastern province should also be avoided if possible due to the higher risk of violence and unrest in the city and surrounding areas.

Beyond security concerns, travelers should carefully research local laws and cultural norms in Saudi Arabia. The country is a conservative Islamic society, and visitors should dress modestly and be familiar with local customs to avoid attracting unwanted attention or causing offense. Saudi Arabia has strict laws related to issues such as public displays of affection, acceptable language, photography, drug possession and alcohol consumption, and penalties for violating these laws can be severe. All travelers should dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered. While standards of dress may be more varied in larger cities, visitors should consider adopting a stricter dress code in rural areas to better blend in.

Travelers should avoid public displays of affection and consumption of alcohol outside of approved locations. Individuals should also steer clear of discussions of religion or politics, including within electronic communications. As electronic devices are subject to inspection, it is best to remove sensitive information. Photography of government buildings and locals without permission is also not permitted. Travelers should research the over-the-counter and prescription medications that are allowed in the country and should keep permitted medications in original, labeled containers.

While the government of Saudi Arabia has indicated that LGBTQ+ travelers are welcome, LGBTQ+ travelers who choose to visit the country should nonetheless remain circumspect about sharing personal information and should be aware that interacting with local LGBTQ+ individuals could put them in danger. Members of the LGBTQ+ community may also experience difficulties when seeking medical treatment.

With respect to safety issues, travelers should use reputable transportation services and should book taxis through hotels instead of hailing cabs on the street. Visitors to Saudi Arabia should also prepare for hot, sunny weather and should stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting clothing.

The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal and can be exchanged from U.S. dollars at a local bank before departure, an airport exchange kiosk or an ATM once you arrive. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, though smaller towns and vendors may only accept cash so it’s best to carry a small amount with you. Finally, if using your credit or debit cards, let your bank know of your travel plans to help avoid interruption in your finances.

The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic, though English is commonly spoken as well. It’s best practice to learn common sayings and phrases before your trip in addition to downloading a translation app that works offline.

Yes, a visa is required for U.S. tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. You should apply at least five days before you depart for your trip. Additionally, a passport is required with at least six months of validation past your arrival with one blank page for your entry and exit stamps. Visit the official tourism website for Saudi Arabia for more information on applying for a visa.

The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia is located in Riyadh. Visit the official U.S. Embassy government website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate making it hot and dry most of the year with some rainfall occurring from November to April. In general, the temperatures can get as high as 111°F in August and as low as 32°F in January.

The best time of year to visit Saudi Arabia is from November to February when desert temperatures are most pleasant. For better prices, consider visiting during the country’s shoulder season in April when crowds are smaller as well. June to August tends to have the lowest costs to visit Saudi Arabia since the hot summer temperatures keep most tourists away.

The dial code for Saudi Arabia +966 and can be used to connect to landlines and cell phones in the country. When calling from the U.S., remember to use the exit code of +011, followed by the area code and seven-digit number of the caller you’re trying to reach. To call home from Saudi Arabia, use the U.S. dial code of +1 followed by the 10-digit number you’re contacting. Be sure to contact your phone provider before departure to help avoid service interruptions and unwanted fees during your trip.

While some of the plug and voltage types throughout Saudi Arabia are similar to the U.S., there is a high chance you will still need to bring both a voltage transformer and an outlet adaptor. We recommend a universal adaptor that can be used on other trips in the future.

Solo female travel to Saudi Arabia is considered to be mostly safe as long as research is done and safety protocols from the U.S. Department of State are followed. Visit the official U.S. Department of State website for an up-to-date list of information and visit Travel Guard for additional safety advice for female travelers.

Yes, travelers visiting Saudia Arabia can rent a vehicle as long as you have a valid U.S. driver’s license or permit.

Travel to Saudi Arabia with a pet is allowed as long as requirements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are followed, such as have any required permits or certifications. Additionally, be sure to check with your airline’s pet policy before booking. For more information on pet travel requirements to Saudi Arabia, visit the official USDA website.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Saudi Arabia. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!