Saudi Arabia travel guide: what to pack, what to eat & entry rules

What to pack for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is mostly hot desert. Summers are extremely hot across most of the country, winters are mild to warm, and desert nights can be cool. Rain is rare; the south-western highlands are milder.

That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.

Pack with Saudi Arabia in mind

• Loose, light, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees
• Strong sun protection and a reusable water bottle
• A warmer layer for desert nights and air-conditioning
• For Umrah: ihram, unscented toiletries and comfortable sandals

Start from a full checklist

Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:

• Umrah packing list · 54 items
• Business trip packing list · 49 items
• Carry-on only packing list · 45 items

What to eat in Saudi Arabia

These are dishes most visitors to Saudi Arabia will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.

• Kabsa

  Spiced rice with chicken or lamb, often topped with nuts.

  Nuts & peanuts

• Mandi

  Slow-cooked meat over fragrant rice.

• Jareesh

  Cracked wheat cooked with meat and spices.

  Gluten

• Mutabbaq

  Stuffed, pan-fried pastry with meat and egg, or sweet banana.

  GlutenEgg

• Saleeg

  Creamy rice cooked in broth and milk, from the Hejaz.

  Dairy

• Dates with Arabic coffee

  Gahwa spiced with cardamom, served with dates as a welcome.

  Vegetarian-friendly

Meal times, tipping and water

During Ramadan many restaurants open only after sunset.

• Alcohol is illegal.

Local chains you will see

Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:

• Al Baik — Fried chicken and shrimp, a Saudi favourite.
• Kudu — Saudi fast-food chain.
• Herfy — Saudi burger chain.
• Al Tazaj — Grilled chicken.
• Barn's — Coffee shop chain.

General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.

Entry rules for US and UK passport holders

A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for Saudi Arabia. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.

Quick answers

Is tap water safe to drink in Saudi Arabia?

Varies — many people drink bottled. It depends on the area and the building, so many visitors stick to bottled or filtered water. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.

Do you tip in Saudi Arabia?

Not required. Around 10% for good service is appreciated where no service charge is added.

Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in Saudi Arabia?

Halal food: easy to find. Vegetarian food: moderate. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Dates with Arabic coffee. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.