Saudi Arabian Customs and Traditions Every Tourist Should Know
Welcome to Saudi Arabia: a country rich in culture and heritage. Ranking third-highest for tourist arrivals on a global level, the country attracts many tourists every year, and the number reached 30 million in 2024. If you are planning to go to the country as a Canadian, then you have made a great choice.
However, there are a few things that you should remember when visiting the country with a Saudi travel visa. This trip is about having a good experience while following the customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia and valuing them. So, you must learn the etiquette, social norms, attire, and other aspects of the country to have a successful trip.
Your Ticket to Exploring the Culture
Well, before you start exploring the country’s culture and heritage, you will first have to get the ticket required for it. Well, this isn’t a plane ticket. Rather, it is also about meeting the entry requirements to get access to the country. Some of the requirements that you will have to meet are:
Have a Passport
The first thing you need for your Saudi Arabian trip is a valid passport. A passport is considered valid for this kind of tourism purpose when it has at least two blank pages in it and stays valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. If your passport fails to meet these criteria, then you will have to apply for a new passport.
Get a Visa
Most international travels require you to apply for a visa, that is, unless you are on the visa-exempt list of the country. As a Canadian, you will have to apply for a Saudi travel visa for your trip, as that will help you gain access to the country. A tourist visa can be applied for in two ways: through an embassy/consulate or the internet. We suggest that people get the visa online, as that is a faster and more convenient way.
A Saudi online tourist visa or tourist eVisa comes with a validity of one year and allows you multiple entries. The total stay period on the visa is 180 days, and the stay limit for each visit is 90 days. The steps in which you will have to apply for this visa are:
- Visit the online portal for visa application.
- Fill out the Saudi visa form for application with accurate details related to you and your trip.
- Add scanned copies of necessary documents with the form. Some of the documents that fall on this list are a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, bank statements, travel itinerary, inward and outward flight tickets, and any other documents that the authority might ask for.
- Pay the fee for your visa application through a debit or credit card.
- Wait for 3 to 5 days to get your visa application processed.
- Receive the visa approval letter in the email ID that you have previously added on your Saudi visa form for application.
- Print a few copies of the approval letter and bring them with you to the airport during immigration.
- Feel free to contact the Helpdesk if you face any delay or rejection.
General Social Etiquette
Greeting someone when meeting them for the first time is common across all countries, and Saudi Arabia isn’t an exception. Some of the things that you must remember when greeting someone in Saudi Arabia are:
Greetings and Interactions
Saying “As-salamu alaykum” is equivalent to “Hello”. So, remember to say this with a slight forward tilt in your head to greet someone. Other than that, you must use your right hand for handshakes and exchanges, as using your left hand is considered offensive. Most important of all, avoid physical contact with the opposite gender in public.
Respect for Elders and Hierarchies
You must stand up when elders enter the room to pay them respect. Plus, you should also let elders speak first or be served first.
Dress Code and Modesty
Dressing right is a big part of the customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia. Some of the dressing norms and rules that you must remember after getting a Saudi travel visa are:
For Men and Women
Modest dressing is important for both men and women. They must wear full-length attire that is loose-fitted and isn’t tight around any body parts. Abayas are compulsory for women in some areas. However, a headscarf is optional but respectful. Most important of all, men and women must not wear anything that reveals their shoulders, elbows, or knees.
Dress Codes in Religious Sites
Full coverage is mandatory in religious places. So, women must wear a headscarf in mosques or during Umrah/Hajj. Whereas men should wear the Ihram during a pilgrimage.
Religious Sensitivity and Practices
Being an Islamic country, there are a few religious practices, which are integral to the customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia Some of these practices are:
Islam as the Core of Daily Life
Five daily prayers are mandatory for all Muslims in the country. So, all shops and businesses may close temporarily during that time. Friday is considered the holy day, and the weekend begins Thursday evening. Most important of all, Non-Muslims should remember that although they can visit the country after filling out the Saudi visa form, they are not allowed in Mecca and parts of Medina.
Behavior During Ramadan
Any eating, drinking, or smoking in public is strictly prohibited during daylight hours of Ramadan. This is because most people fast for the entire day during this time. Plus, restaurants may be closed or operate limited hours during the Ramadan month. Most important of all, you should remember that respectful behavior and attire are heightened during this holy time.
Dining Etiquette and Hospitality
Respecting dining and hospitality etiquette is essential for anyone who wants to have a good experience and show respect to the customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia. Some of the dining and hospitality etiquette that you must follow when visiting Saudi Arabia are:
Eating Customs
While it isn’t mandatory for all meals, traditional meals are eaten with the right hand while sitting on the floor. So, remember to respect that when visiting the country. Plus, you should remember to take off before entering dining or prayer areas in homes. Other than that, accepting tea or dates is a gesture of respect.
Hospitality is Sacred
Guests are treated with high regard. This is why you must never refuse coffee or refreshments. Always accept when offered things like traditional Saudi coffee or qahwa and dates.
Gender Norms
Gender norms work in a little different way in Saudi Arabia. Some remember to respect those at least when you are in public, after getting your Saudi travel visa. Some of the norms are:
Separate Spaces
Some places may have separate sections for families and single men, so check them before choosing a place to sit. Public displays of affection are strongly discouraged, so one should avoid doing that.
Traveling as a Couple or Family
Respect local customs on modesty and public conduct. Anyone going against these might end up with a serious issue with the authority. Other than that, foreign couples are generally not asked for proof of marriage, but discretion is key.
Gifts and Tipping Etiquette
Giving gifts or offering tips is common across most countries. Some of the norms and etiquette that you must keep in mind when practicing the same in Saudi Arabia are:
Giving Gifts
Gifts are welcome and highly encouraged as a sign of respect. However, they should be modest. Most importantly, you must avoid giving alcohol or overly expensive items.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is appreciated, but it isn’t mandatory. One can tip restaurant workers, porters, drivers, and hotel staff as a courtesy. The rate at restaurants sits at 5–10%, and that for others depends on you.
Public Conduct
Public conduct plays an important role and is integral to the customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia. Some of the norms that you must remember regarding this are:
Taking Photos
Avoid photographing locals, especially women, without permission. The same goes for government buildings, palaces, and religious sites.
Behaving in the Public
Loud behavior or playing music in public is often frowned upon. You should also avoid confrontational gestures or expressions, and be patient as things may move at a slower pace. Plus, you should also stay away from discussing religion or politics critically or bringing prohibited items like alcohol, pork products, and others. Most important of all, don’t point the sole of your foot at someone.
Feeling Confident to Blend in Saudi Arabia’s Culture by Learning Its Customs?
Blending in Saudi Arabia’s culture can seem tough as a Canadian when there is a big cultural difference at play. However, you can solve this issue when you learn the etiquette and social norms of the country after getting your Saudi travel visa. This way, you are set to have a successful Saudi Arabian trip without facing any issues. However, learning the social norms doesn’t mean you are not allowed to face any difficulties regarding your visa. In case you face some difficulties regarding the visa, then contact the Helpdesk for necessary assistance.