Saudi Arabia

Travel advice and general information about Saudi Arabia.

This is not official advice. If you need help, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Table of Contents

About Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a sovereign country located in West Asia and the Middle East.

Population: 32 million

Language: Arabic, English

Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Religion: Islam (93%)

Government: Unitary islamic absolute monarchy

Political Rights and Civil Liberties: 8/100 (Not free)

Head of State: His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Head of Government: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Information for Barbadian nationals

Entry requirements

Barbadians need to apply for an eVisitor visa to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes or to visit friends / family.

Persons intending to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage must also obtain a permit and have the required vaccinations. For more information, visit the Nusuk Hajj online platform.

Currency and payments

The currency in Saudi Arabia is called the Saudi Riyal (SAR). 1 riyal (ر.س) is equivalent to 100 halalas (هللة). Foreign currencies are not accepted by local businesses as a means of payment.

The Saudi Riyal is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 1 USD to 3.75 SAR.

Local laws and customs

Consumption of alcohol or pork is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and Islamic law is strictly enforced. You must avoid:

If you are in a same-sex relationship, please be advised that homosexual activity in Saudi Arabia is punishable by the death penalty.

There is zero tolerance to the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia. Persons convicted of drugs-related offences can expect severe penalties, and in some cases, the death penalty.

Dress code

Always dress modestly in Saudi Arabia with loose-fitting garments that cover the shoulders and legs.

Since 2018, women are not required to wear a hijab, but it may still be expected outside the tourist areas.

Communication style

Avoid speaking in Bajan creole or using Bajan terms or idioms as the locals will not understand you.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are widely accepted in the country. However, some small businesses and gas stations may not accept international cards.