Make your Saudi Arabia Trip Memorable with these Travel Tips
Saudi Arabia is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world but it has certain travel norms. To have a peaceful stay in the country, it is indeed important to follow those rules and regulations. So, if you are planning to visit this spiritual centre of Islam, you are required to be well aware of their policies.
Another piece of advice is that to plan a trip well is that all the bookings must be done in advance. Booking Flyadeal flights via Cleartrip can help you save a few bucks. Cleartrip offers special deals from time to time, which you can avail to get special discounts on your flight tickets. To make your Saudi Arabia trip a memorable one, here are few tips to follow:
1. Check out your reason to visit the country
Irrespective of your purpose to visit the country, whether it is for traveling or business, be clear about why you are visiting the country as the visa that you’ll require to enter the country will seek your exact travel purpose. For pilgrimage, there is a separate visa; and for business trip, you are required to show proof of appointments for business in the country. Professionals like journalists, photographers and writers do not easily get the visa. Therefore, listing the job title plays a crucial role in getting the visa. Hence one needs be extra careful in this regard. In addition, while you apply for the visa, ensure that you are applying for it a few weeks before your scheduled travel dates. The visa application process to visit the country takes time and also involves background check and investigation regarding the purpose of your visit.
2. Arrange for Travel Insurance
When you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, talk to your insurance provider and check if your insurance policy covers you outside the country as well. If not, then opt for an insurance plan that does. Though the healthcare facility in the country is not bad, yet as a traveller, you may have to burn your pocket if your traveling is not insured aptly.
3. Avoid carrying non-Islamic items
In Saudi Arabia, carrying any item that Islam does not allow is strictly prohibited. Such items include pork, porn material, alcohol, etc. The law of the country bans the public adherence of any religion except Islam, hence even if you follow a non-Islamic faith, ensure that you worship only in private.
4. Track the Weather
If you are visiting the country in between November and February, keep a live tracking of the weather conditions. In the current years, the country has faced heavy rains and flooding, which have caused serious damage. During your visit, observe the weather reports frequently to ensure the precautions can be taken to avoid any danger. The best thing you can do is to avoid planning your trip during these months.
5. Mind your gestures and behaviour
Take note that shaking hands or kissing, even if in greeting or a farewell, in public is not an appropriate gesture in Saudi Arabia. Also, remember that the citizens of the country speak too closely when two same-sex people are having conversations. Respect their way of conversations and do not shout from a distance.
6. Show Respect towards Local Customs
Saudi Arabia has strict customary restrictions, particularly for women. Women cannot travel alone, neither are they allowed to drive. Females are advised to visit the country with an elder or husband. In addition, there are certain areas where men and women are kept separate, and women aren’t permitted to enter in certain places. Beaches and amusement parks might have different visiting hours for men and women, so it’s better to learn about them prior to your visit. These customs may seem strange to you, yet be prepared to follow them and gather knowledge about further associated customs prior to your visit.
In addition, travel with your partner to Saudi Arabia only if you have an official marriage license. Unmarried couples who are applying for a visa will have to face rejection, as they are not permitted to travel together.
7. Photography and music norms
There are certain restrictions around photography in Saudi Arabia. You cannot take pictures of government buildings, airports, Muslim women, military installations and palaces. Also playing music in public is prohibited in the country, as it is regarded as a factor of public disturbance. You can listen music inside your hotel room until and unless it is not loud to offend any outsider.
8. Maintain modesty in dressing
When you are in Saudi Arabia, ensure to dress modestly. As the country is a conservative country, you must give special attention to your dress. Women should wear a dress that covers their full body like loose trousers or skirts, long-sleeved shirts, etc. Though a headscarf is not sternly required for travellers, however wearing one will depict your respect for the native culture. In addition, wearing the traditional abaya may help you avoid any arguments. Women should ensure to be as covered as possible. Men also should wear full-length trousers and their shirts must have sleeves. Though dressing conventionally is important, specifically for women, but men also should follow the native dress codes.
9. Try to travel in a group and avoid alcohol
The stringent government rules do not permit a tourist to travel to the country all alone. Hence, while you apply for a tourist visa, you will be required to prove that you are traveling with an organized tour group of four or more. During your visit, ensure to avoid drinking alcohol, as it is illegal in the country. Even the flights or the hotels in Saudi Arabia do not allow you to booze.
How flyadeal flights and Cleartrip can help your trip to Saudi Arabia?
Flyadeal is a Saudi airline considered as an economic arm of the General Organization of Saudi Airlines. This is operating in the economic aviation system of the country. Book a Flyadeal flight via Cleartrip, which is a travel site on which one can avail special offers on flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. This is a low-cost flight booking platform with safe booking process. Top routes that Flyadeal covers in Saudi Arabia include Riyadh to Jeddah, Jeddah to Riyadh, Dammam to Jeddah, Madinah to Riyadh, etc.
Plan appropriately with Cleartrip and do have an understanding of the unique culture of Saudi Arabia. You can also book your accommodation with the help of Cleartrip and can enjoy a memorable visit to this destination. Remember that Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer to respectful and well-prepared visitors who follow their norms.
Photo Courtesy: The photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the Creative Commons License. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.
