“One of the best places on earth to journey into the past, discovering the historical places featuring magnificent natural wonders, and experience the future with the stunning modern buildings & structures.”
Click on the images below to read articles I’ve written on each incredible place I’ve been in Saudi Arabia.
Why Visit Saudi?
Saudi Arabia is a nation known to the world as a place surrounded by vast sandy deserts and abundant in oil resources. Little did we know that Saudi Arabia is also rich with diverse and incredible natural wonders that you can only find here. On top of that, it has a remarkable historical background of the earliest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula, a region that has played an important role in trade and was the birthplace of Islam. Untouched and yet-to be discovered places like AlUla, home of Hegra the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saudi. Tabuk, which I plan to visit soon, is believed to be the location of Mt. Sinai, the split rock in the story of Moses which we read in the Bible, and many Unique and off-beaten paths that only a few have explored.
Today, massive transformation can be observed in Saudi Arabia from a modern structure, hosting prestigious and international events and concerts. A lot of new attractions were established, and there are ongoing plans for the making of new modern cities like Neom. It is really one of the best and safest places on earth to travel. In 2019, Saudi Arabia has already opened its country to tourists around the world; hence, it’s about time to discover and explore this amazing country.
When is the best time to visit Saudi?
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the winter, from Mid-November to Early March, when temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C. In this month’s edition, you can enjoy all festivals and events and marvel in all tourist spots with chilly temperatures.
Avoid the summer months from April to October, as the temperature is mild to extremely hot!
Required Visa?
In 2019, Saudi Arabia launched tourists visa allowing casual visitors to visit the Country for tourism purposes. Currently, there are 66 eligible countries that can apply for eVisa online. You can check your visa eligibility in visitsaudi.com for more info. The eVisa will be a one-year, multiple entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. This cost is around 90 to 130 USD depending on the country you are coming from. The tourist visa allows you to take part in tourism-related activities such as, events, family & relatives visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) and excludes other activities such as studying.
Note: To my fellow Filipino (kababayan) who are living in GCC country with resident ID, good news is you can apply eVisa. However, if you are coming from the Philippines, your best option is to visit Embassy/Consulate. From there you can submit your application for tourist visa along with required documents such as proof of residence, return ticket, proof of employment, bank statement, flight itinerary, identification and Hotel accommodation.
What to Pack?
I suggest travelling light whenever you are visiting any country, quality not quantity. Not unless you are visiting during winter which requires more jackets, but still, I believe you can manage to sort things out. Below are some of the travel tips for your reference!
- Don’t forget to bring your passport, visas, related health certificates, tickets, ID, money, credit card, map, itinerary and other important documents needed during traveling.
- For your clothes, consider the climate of your destination before packing. Prepare only what is needed.
- Always, be updated of the weather forecast
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them. In this way you will save a lot of space in your luggage.
- Always bring power bank with you for emergency purposes in case your phone got low bat.
- Please check the adaptor plugs required in country of destination for charging purposes.
- Remember the rules on carrying liquids; you may have to remove them at your point of departure. I believe rules is always 100 ml below.