Saudi Arabia
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 Saudi Arabia | |
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| Information | |
| Language: | Arabic |
| Capital: | Riyadh |
| Population: | 28,436,752 |
| Currency: | Saudi Riyal |
| Hitchability: | <rating country='sa' /> |
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| <map lat="24.56788668653" lng="44.085131250105" zoom="4" view="0" float="right" /> | |
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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a country in Western Asia. It's generally hard to get visas for people who are not Muslim and not from Muslim countries.
Hitchhikers are known for their determination though, so if it is truly your desire to visit, the easiest way is to gain a position as an English teacher in a private academy. There are many jobs in this industry. The TEFL certificate to each is easy to obtain, and can be got over the internet with a minmum of a month to complete. When you find a job, the company will pay for your visa and flights into the country. The contracts generally state a trial period. You can then do as you please when in the country. There are no barriers to internal travel, except within holy cities. To get out the country, it is quite easy to be sacked by a company, and they are obliged to pay your airfare back home.
Other ways to enter the country are as visiting family to current numbers living out there, and this is difficult to obtain.
It has been whispered that within the next 2-3 years, KSA will begin issuing tourist visas. Which probably means 20-30 years at the speed Saudis work. (Edit 2020: This was written back in 2014 and the Saudis managed to introduce the tourist visa in September 2019, so it "only" took 5 years :P )
When you are in, hitchhiking is quite feasible. Saudis are generally well educated, as fascinated by the West. The highways are built on the USA system, and are difficult to hitch on. However, stand at an exit, and a Saudi will soon stop to ask if you need help, and will run you out to a good place. The ferry to the Farsan Islands is free from Abha, and hitchhiking in the islands is very easy, as is wild camping.
Saudi hospitality is golden (if you dont happen to be from India, Pakistan, Sudan, or any of the pool of poor countries it indentures as modern slave labour). Saudis have a warm heart, and are keen to cut through misunderstandings about their society. You will often be offered bread, food, tea, soft drinks... especially during religous holidays. A trip to the desert, or a Saudi wedding, are priceless cultural events.
Contents
Visa
The mythical Saudi tourist visa has apparently become a reality, although it is fairly expensive. Saudi Arabia has begun issuing online visas for attendees of certain international events (the first one being the Formula E race in Riyadh on December 15, 2018). You'll obviously have to buy a ticket for the event, pay the visa fee and insurance. The total for the Formula event was around €240. According to the website, the visa is valid for 30 days, however those who got the visa reported only 14-day validity. You may arrange the dates as you like, however they must include the date of the event. It is unclear whether you actually have to attend the event, likely not. Offical website:sharek.sa
Update 2019: The Saudis have finally introduced an actual independent e-visa in September 2019, so going there is now easier than Iran. It costs around SAR470 (around EUR110) incl. mandatory insurance. Offical website. It's a multi-entry visa valid for a year, with 90 days per individual stay. It is unclear whether it is valid for overland entry (the usual rule in Saudi Arabia is that your first entry should be via an airport). It is definitely not valid for overland entry from Bahrain.
Language Barrier
It’s very unlikely you’ll meet someone who speaks English, especially in rural areas. Be ready to use offline Arabic translators — though they aren’t always reliable. The best option is a voice translator: just hand your phone to the driver so they can speak directly into it while they're driving.
Also keep in mind that city names are often pronounced differently than they’re written. Double-check pronunciations, or be ready to point to the city on a map when giving directions. And most importantly, learn at least a few basic Arabic words.
Heat
Try to avoid hitchhiking in Saudi Arabia during the summer. Temperatures can rise past a brutal 50°C, while in winter they stay around a much milder 20°C. Keep this in mind and avoid spending too much time outside. It’s best to hitchhike in the evenings.
During the day, find shade under highways, at mosques, or near gas stations to catch your breath. Drivers often stop their cars to prevent overheating, which can slow down travel. Always carry enough water with you — dehydration here is no joke. Fortunately, most drivers keep plenty of spare water in their cars and are usually happy to share.
Food
Most drivers will offer you food—not just snacks, but full, hearty meals of rice, chicken or mutton, and vegetables, either at their homes with their families or in local restaurants. It’s a deeply rooted cultural tradition. Meals are typically shared while sitting on the floor and eating with your hands, making the experience communal and welcoming. Sharing food often turns into an opportunity to meet families, exchange stories, and build new friendships. Most probably you'll never have to buy food yourself due to hospitality of Saudi Arabia people.
Places to sleep
Finding a place to stay while hitchhiking in Saudi Arabia is relatively easy. A significant number of drivers, excluding truck drivers — may invite travelers to their homes, either to rest or to meet their families.
When private accommodation is not offered, mosques provide a reliable alternative. In Saudi Arabia, mosques function as public spaces that are open 24/7. It's usually only for Muslim people, but nobody controls it and if someone asks you and you'll explain your situation - most probably it will be ok. Visitors are generally free to enter any time, pray, rest, drink water, use the bathroom, sleep on the carpet, and charge their phones.
This accessibility makes mosques an important and welcoming resource for drivers and travelers in the region.
Things to be aware of
Suspicion of drivers: Saudi Arabia has strict laws and truck drivers are often reluctant to pick up hitchhikers. Large backpacks may raise suspicion of drug smuggling or other illegal activity. Some drivers will refuse outright, while others may require reassurance, such as showing the contents of your bag, passport, or visas, before agreeing to take you.
Cultural restrictions: Saudi culture and religion differ greatly from Europe. Hitchhiking as a woman is considered unsafe due to strict gender norms and female hitchhikers often report being harrassed in Saudi Arabia. Also discussions about religion can also be sensitive. Travelers of other beliefs may face pushback, particularly from older people, so it is often best to keep such conversations vague. Tattoos and piercings are frowned upon, especially in mosques, and should be covered if possible.
Police may occasionally stop hitchhikers, usually out of curiosity rather than hostility. They may ask questions or check luggage, but generally remain friendly once reassured. This is less strict in Saudi Arabia compared to neighboring countries such as Egypt or Jordan, where police and military checks can be much more difficult.
Curiosity and hospitality: Saudi Arabia is very hospitable toward foreigners. Travelers are often invited to family gatherings, shown around, and offered food or even money. Since few people visit the country outside of the capital — and even fewer by hitchhiking — locals are usually curious and will ask many questions.
Crossing borders by land Crossing borders with neighboring countries can be challenging. It is generally not permitted to cross on foot, so finding a vehicle is necessary. Drivers are sometimes hesitant to take hitchhikers across due to concerns about illegal activity. At border stations, some people offer rides through the border for payment. In rare cases, border officials may assist by placing travelers on a bus or other vehicle crossing the border.
Cities
The most conservative of the countries cities, it is a joyless, bland and totalitarian city, full of religious police. For cheap food and a more real atmosphere, head down town on cheap local buses *2SAR and go to Little Manila, the Philipino district, which is a breath of fresh air.
Here, and Medina, are off limit to non-Muslims. Your visa on your passport will stipulate that whether you are or are not a Muslim.
Personal Experience
In 2012, lukeyboy95 did a 4 month stint in the country as an ESL teacher. It is a great place to save money for travels. It is tax-free, you are paid in dollars, and the companies pay all living costs. Work is easy, and gives plenty of scope for planning other trips. I travelled 2 years with the money earned. Just be very VERY weary of Visa conditions. You need permission from your company to leave the country. In Saudi, it is not uncommon to be picked up without even putting your thumb out. It is a HIGHLY safe society, as you would expect with all the chopping (exagerated) that goes on... you can go anywhere, at any time. Exercise more caution in conservative zones, where zenophobia could be higher. Highways are great, with alot of private cars. I hitchhiked on the Red Sea coast, and a bit in Dammam. Very easy. The Farasan Islands are absolutely beautiful and deserted, and there are many interesting sights, including the mountains. Alot of cultural sensitivity is required.
In 2015 I was able to get a 3 day transit visa at the vfs Tasheel office in Amman, Jordan (the address is: First Floor, Amman Gate Building, 7th Circle, Near Abu Aishah Mosque P.O.Box: 850445, Amman 11185, Amman, Jordan) There I convinced the guy I needed to get through overland to get a flight from Dubai (even though I had no proof), and they let me submit an application. It took 5 business days to process, and when I got it they let me hitchhike into the country from the border south of Ma'an. From there I went to Madein Saleh, and then to Hail. The police eventually caught on and told me (as I was on my 3rd day at this point) that I had to leave, so they bought me a flight to Dubai. They were always very courteous, and even with only 3 days it was a fascinating experience. Knowing arabic helped immensely as many people only spoke that. - PhyiscsHipster
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