Travel to Saudi Arabia
From the dramatic dunes of the Empty Quarter to the ancient wonders of AlUla and the vibrant energy of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia offers a fascinating blend of old and new. Once a destination known mainly for religious pilgrimages, the Kingdom has now opened its doors to international tourists, inviting visitors to explore its rich culture, natural landscapes, and modern attractions. Whether you’re seeking history, adventure, or luxury, Saudi Arabia promises an unforgettable journey.
Updated Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Malaysians (2025)
Malaysian citizens can apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa online before travelling. The eVisa allows multiple entries and is valid for one year, with each stay lasting up to 90 days. It can be used for tourism, visiting family and friends, or attending events.
Important:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
- You must hold proof of accommodation and a return ticket.
- Travel insurance is mandatory and can be purchased as part of your eVisa application.
- Entry requirements may change, so always check the latest updates from the Saudi eVisa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com).
Pre-travel checklist
- Valid passport (6+ months from entry date)
- Approved Saudi tourist eVisa
- Return flight ticket or proof of onward travel
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance (medical, trip cancellation, and delays)
- Modest clothing suitable for local customs
- Sufficient funds for your stay
Paying in Saudi Arabia
The national currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Contactless payments are widely accepted, and major international cards work in most urban areas. For convenience, always carry some cash for smaller establishments, taxis, or traditional markets.
Some of the merchants that accepts Touch ‘n Go eWallet Visa Travel Card includes global chains like Costa Coffee, Lulu Hypermarket, Dunkin Donuts, and even local favorites such as BinDawood supemarkets, Al Baik food chain, and Abdul Samad Al Qurashi Perfumes.
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Travel tips for Malaysians visiting Saudi Arabia
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the cooler months from October to March, when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot with temperatures up to 55 degrees celsius especially in the desert regions, so plan accordingly.
Language
Arabic is the official language, though English is commonly spoken in hotels, airports, and tourist areas. Learning a few Arabic phrases can make your trip smoother and more engaging.
Thank you – Shukran
Excuse me – Afwan
Goodbye – Ma’a as-salama
Yes – Na’am
No – La
How much? – Kam thamanuhu?
Where is...? – Ayna...?
Getting around
Domestic flights: Saudi Arabia is vast, so flying between cities is often the quickest way. Major airports are in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina. You can also use the Touch ’n Go eWallet Visa Card to book your flights easily and avoid issues with international payments.
Public transport: Riyadh has introduced a modern metro system, while other cities rely on taxis or ride-hailing apps like Careem.
Car rentals: Renting a car is a popular option, especially for visiting destinations like AlUla or the Red Sea coast. Driving is on the right-hand side and international driving permits are accepted. The Touch ’n Go eWallet Visa Card can also be used to pay for car rentals, making it convenient to manage your travel spending while abroad.
Connectivity
Staying connected in Saudi Arabia is simple thanks to its reliable mobile network coverage and fast internet speeds across major cities and tourist areas. You can easily stay online for navigation, translation, and social media by using the Travel eSIM available in TNG eWallet. It lets you purchase and activate data plans instantly without needing a physical SIM card, helping you avoid expensive roaming charges while keeping in touch with friends and family throughout your trip.
Top attractions in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh – where heritage meets modernity
Saudi Arabia’s capital blends the old and new effortlessly. Visit the restored Diriyah district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of the Kingdom’s origins. Explore Boulevard Riyadh City, known for its vibrant entertainment, dining, and shopping. Don’t miss the National Museum for an insightful look at Saudi history and culture.
Jeddah – gateway to the Red Sea
The coastal city of Jeddah is famed for its laid-back charm and cosmopolitan feel. Stroll along the scenic Jeddah Corniche, admire the world’s tallest fountain, King Fahd’s Fountain, and explore the charming alleys of Al-Balad, the old town with coral-stone buildings. Jeddah also serves as the main gateway for travellers heading to Makkah and Medina.
AlUla – ancient wonder in the desert
One of Saudi Arabia’s most stunning destinations, AlUla is home to the breathtaking Hegra (Madain Salih), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rock-cut tombs similar to Petra. Visitors can also enjoy desert activities, outdoor concerts, and stargazing. The Elephant Rock and AlUla Old Town are must-sees for photography enthusiasts.
Abha and Taif – the mountain escapes
For a cooler climate, head south to Abha in the Asir region. Surrounded by misty mountains and traditional villages, it offers hiking trails and cable car rides with stunning views. Nearby Taif, known as the “City of Roses”, is famous for its rose farms and summer festivals.
NEOM and The Red Sea Project – the future of tourism
Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects like NEOM, The Line, and The Red Sea Project are redefining sustainable luxury tourism. While still under development, selected areas are now open to visitors, offering eco-resorts, diving experiences, and futuristic landscapes.
Hajj and umrah
Many Malaysians travel to Saudi Arabia to perform hajj and umrah. These are spiritually important journeys, so it helps to understand the basic steps before you travel.
How Malaysians apply for hajj
For Malaysians, hajj is fully managed by Tabung Haji.
To perform hajj, you must:
- Register with Tabung Haji
- Have an active Tabung Haji savings account
- Receive an official hajj offer based on the national quota
Malaysia receives a fixed quota each year from the Saudi government, so waiting times can be long. You can check your queue number and status through the Tabung Haji app or any Tabung Haji branch. When your turn comes and you accept the offer, Tabung Haji will guide you through the full preparation process, including courses, health requirements and travel arrangements.
If you prefer not to wait, you also have the opportunity to go on what is called a “Private Hajj” using a Furoda or Mujamalah Visa, which is considered separate from the quota provided by Tabung Haji. However, do note that this can is quite substantially more expensive compared to performing your Hajj with Tabung Haji, as prices can start from RM43,800.
Umrah for Malaysian travellers
If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, the process is now more flexible than before. Recent visa updates mean that Malaysians can perform Umrah using several types of valid Saudi visas, not only the dedicated Umrah visa. This includes the Saudi tourist visa, family visit visa, transit visa and business visa, as confirmed in the Saudi visa handbook and recent announcements that all valid visa holders can perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.