Saudi Arabia Travel Guide
Did you know?
The surface area of Saudi Arabia is 830 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 14 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Riyadh (SA) and Washington D.C. (US) is 6735 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Riyadh click here
Country Comparison
Compare Saudi Arabia to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
EUR 
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Saudi Arabia
| Miles | Riyadh | Medina | Jeddah | Mecca | Hofuf | Taif | Al Bahah | Qatif |
| Riyadh | - | 445 | 525 | 491 | 187 | 463 | 465 | 245 |
| Medina | 445 | - | 203 | 211 | 627 | 226 | 330 | 665 |
| Jeddah | 525 | 203 | - | 43 | 710 | 83 | 183 | 767 |
| Mecca | 491 | 211 | 43 | - | 676 | 40 | 144 | 735 |
| Hofuf | 187 | 627 | 710 | 676 | - | 645 | 636 | 86 |
| Taif | 463 | 226 | 83 | 40 | 645 | - | 111 | 707 |
| Al Bahah | 465 | 330 | 183 | 144 | 636 | 111 | - | 706 |
| Qatif | 245 | 665 | 767 | 735 | 86 | 707 | 706 | - |
Best Ways to Experience Saudi Arabia
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Currency
MoreSaudi Riyal (SAR)
- EUR
- GBP
- SAR
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- SAR
- USD
| = |
Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Saudi Arabia.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Saudi Arabia
Areas with malaria
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)
Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.Infection occurs through droplets - through contact with the secretion of the patient or the host, e.g. when coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing cutlery or dishes.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Saudi Arabia for tourism
A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).
- Allowed stay: 90 days
Electricity
127V / 220V (60 Hz)
In Saudi Arabia the standard voltage is 127V / 220V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type A, B, C, G sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type B
Type C
Type GFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 41 / 231 Ranking | 34 813 871 Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10% |
Area | 14 / 230 Ranking | 830 thous. mi² It is approximately 23% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 91 / 196 Ranking | 76.4 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 74.8women 78.1 |
Median age | 76 / 157 Ranking | 30.8 Average age of population expressed in years.men 33women 27.9 |
Population growth | 56 / 172 Ranking | 1.62% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 24 / 131 Ranking | 97.6% Ability to read, write and count.men 98.6%women 96% |
GDP | 25 / 194 Ranking | 46 742 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
Yemen