+ 2 h / + 1 h during our summer time

Riyadh (Ar-Riyâdh)

Arabic

• 110/210 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types A, B, C and G
• Voltage converter required

Banks

9.00/9.30 am - 4.00/4.30 pm (Sun - Thu)

Shops

9.00 am - 1.00 pm and 4.30 pm - 8.00 pm (Sat - Thu)

• Islamic New Year - The date varies according to the lunar calendar
• Eid al-Fitr: date varies – Marks the end of Ramadan. In the public sector, this holiday is observed for 10 days, while private companies generally observe it for 3 to 7 days.
• Eid al-Adha: date varies – The Festival of Sacrifice. In the public sector, this holiday is observed for 10 days, while private companies generally observe it for 3 to 7 days.
• 23 September: Saudi National Day – Commemorates the founding of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
• 22 February: Renaming Day (Saudi National Day) – Commemorates the renaming of the kingdom in 1932.

The following documents are required to enter Saudi Arabia:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

• Swiss citizens require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. This can either be obtained in advance as an e-visa or issued directly on arrival.

• A return or onward ticket and valid documents for onward travel to the next country are required. 
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the entire duration of the stay is required.
• Passengers who have been in Iran within the previous 14 days are not permitted to enter Saudi Arabia.
• Entry is refused if the passport contains stamps from Israeli authorities or indications referring to the Jewish faith.

• Minors: Check with the local authorities regarding entry formalities for minors.

As of: October 2024

Saudi Arabia, known as one of the hottest and driest countries in the world, offers a fascinating range of climatic extremes:

• North (e.g. Tabuk): Winters are cool, with rainfall of up to 200 mm, mainly from November to January. Outside these months, conditions are generally dry. Night-time temperatures can fall to freezing point in winter.

• Central region (including Riyadh): Summers in Riyadh are extremely hot, with average temperatures of 33°C in July and peaks of over 50°C. Winters are mild, averaging around 14°C in January. Annual rainfall is only around 50 mm.

• Rub al-Khali Desert: Several years can pass without rainfall, and summers are extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 50°C. Winter nights can become very cold.

• Asir Highlands in the south-west: This region receives up to 600 mm of rainfall per year from the south-west monsoon in summer, with temperatures ranging between 30 and 35°C.

• Red Sea coast (e.g. Jeddah): The coastal region is hot and humid, with summer temperatures reaching up to 45°C and humidity levels of up to 80%. In winter, temperatures become more pleasant at around 30°C.

Best times to travel to Saudi Arabia:

• City and cultural trips (Riyadh, Jeddah): November to March is ideal, when temperatures are milder.
• Nature and scenic trips (Asir Mountains, deserts): October to April is best for avoiding the extreme heat.
• Coastal holidays (Red Sea): November to March, when the weather is more pleasant and ideal for beach activities.
• Desert adventures: Best during the cooler months from December to February to avoid extreme heat and sandstorms.

• Using a mobile phone in Saudi Arabia may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in shopping centres, cafés, hotels and public spaces.
• To reduce roaming charges, it is advisable to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Saudi Arabia, offering affordable mobile internet and local calls.

• Mecca: The holiest city in Islam, known for the Kaaba and the annual Hajj, the world’s largest pilgrimage.
• Masjid al-Haram in Mecca: The spiritual heart of Islam, this impressive mosque surrounds the Kaaba and welcomes millions of pilgrims each year for the sacred Hajj pilgrimage.

• Medina: The second-holiest city in Islam, home to the Prophet’s Mosque, where the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad is located.

• Al-Ula: An ancient desert oasis known for its spectacular scenery and archaeological sites such as Madain Saleh, associated with the Nabataean civilisation.

• Rijal Almaa: A traditional village in the Asir Mountains, famous for its multi-storey mud-brick houses painted in bright colours.

• National Museum in Riyadh: Offers a comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia’s history, culture and art.

• Jabal Al-Fil (Elephant Rock) in Al-Ula: An impressive natural landmark shaped like an elephant rising from the desert landscape.

• Diriyah: A historic city near Riyadh, known for the mud-brick fortress of At-Turaif and as the birthplace of the Saudi dynasty.

• King Fahd’s Fountain in Jeddah: The world’s tallest fountain, particularly impressive at night.

• Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn): A spectacular viewpoint near Riyadh offering sweeping views across a vast, seemingly endless desert landscape.

• Farasan Islands: A group of islands in the Red Sea, known for their rich biodiversity, coral reefs and opportunities to observe rare bird species.

Saudi Arabian cuisine is a delicious combination of traditional flavours, regional ingredients and influences from across the Middle East. From refined restaurants to local street-food stalls, food plays an important role in everyday life.

• Rice and meat dishes: Dishes such as Kabsa are very popular in Saudi Arabia – fragrant rice served with chicken, lamb or fish and seasoned with cardamom, saffron and cloves. Mandi, another popular dish, combines rice with meat cooked in an underground oven, giving it a distinctive smoky flavour.
• Mezze and dips: Typical starters such as hummus, tabbouleh and baba ghanoush are an essential part of Saudi cuisine. They are often served with fresh flatbread as part of a mezze platter.
• Saudi street food: Street food offers a wide range of quick and tasty options such as shawarma – spit-roasted meat wrapped in flatbread and served with vegetables and tahini. Falafel, crispy chickpea balls, are also a popular snack.
• Seafood: Thanks to its extensive coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, seafood plays an important role in Saudi cuisine. Dishes such as grilled hammour, prawns and various types of fish are commonly found on menus.
• Dates and coffee: Dates are a staple food and are often served with Gahwa (Arabic coffee). This traditional combination plays a central role in Saudi hospitality.
• Sweet treats: Kunafa, a sweet dessert made with cheese, shredded pastry and syrup, and Basbousa, a semolina cake with syrup and almonds, are popular desserts often served on special occasions.
• Tea and herbal drinks: Mint tea and herbal teas are popular drinks, enjoyed both for relaxation and to aid digestion after a substantial meal.

• Greetings: men usually greet each other with a handshake and sometimes by lightly touching noses. Women may also greet each other with a handshake or an embrace. Visitors should wait until a Saudi woman offers her hand before initiating a handshake.
• Saying please and thank you: expressions of politeness such as “please” and “thank you” are very important in Saudi culture. “Min fadlak” for men and “Min fadlik” for women can be used to say “please”, while “Shukran” means “thank you”.
• Clothing: dress codes are strict in Saudi Arabia. Men should wear long trousers and shirts that cover the shoulders. Women are legally required to wear an abaya, a long black robe, in public, and wearing a headscarf is also recommended, particularly in conservative areas or at religious sites.
• Dining etiquette: food is often shared and should be taken with the right hand. Trying the food offered is considered a sign of appreciation.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public areas. Look for designated smoking areas or ask local people before smoking.
• Tipping: tipping is customary in restaurants, cafés and hotels in Saudi Arabia. Around 10-15% of the bill is appropriate, provided a service charge is not already included.

• Tap water: drinking tap water in Saudi Arabia is generally not recommended. It is safer to use bottled water, which is widely available in shops.
• Vaccinations: no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Saudi Arabia. Before travelling, standard vaccinations should be checked and updated if necessary. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. For longer stays or particular exposure, vaccination against dengue fever, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease (ACWY) and rabies is also recommended.

• In Saudi Arabia, medical care is well developed in the major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Mecca and meets high standards. In other parts of the country, including some larger cities, however, the standard of medical care can vary and is not always consistently reliable. Foreign nationals generally have access only to private healthcare facilities, as the public healthcare system can usually only be used in genuine emergencies and for initial treatment.
• It is strongly recommended to take out comprehensive international health insurance before travelling, including cover for emergency repatriation.
• On entry, travellers may bring prescription medication for personal use in quantities sufficient for a maximum of 90 days. A medical certificate and the corresponding prescription must be presented. These documents must be shown to staff of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) at the border.
• Pharmacies are widespread and generally well stocked. Many medicines that require a prescription in other countries can be purchased without one in Saudi Arabia. 

• Before and during your trip, keep up to date with the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Due to the military escalation in the region since 28 February 2026, tourist and non-essential travel is advised against. Travel disruptions are possible (e.g. short-notice airspace closures, delayed or cancelled flights).
• Due to the complex situation in the Middle East, the security situation can change suddenly. The conflict in Yemen affects Saudi Arabia; missile and drone attacks cannot be ruled out in the border region with Yemen, and such attacks may also reach other parts of the country (including Riyadh).
• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, comply with security checks and respect local regulations.

• More information on the current security situation can be found on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: 3 March 2026

• For car hire, a Swiss driving licence (held for at least 1 year) is only recognised if accompanied by an Arabic translation.

• An international driving permit is required.

• Drivers must be at least 23 years old; those under 25 and over 65 often have to pay an additional fee.
• Many rental cars have a daily mileage limit. Plan your route in advance to choose the most suitable car rental company.
• Speed limit signs are often in Arabic. Familiarise yourself with the numbers from 1 to 10 or print out a reference chart to keep in the car.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0‰.

• Long-distance trains: the Saudi Railways Organization operates long-distance rail services connecting major cities such as Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. These trains provide fast and efficient connections between the main urban centres.

• Regional trains: in addition to long-distance services, regional rail connections serve smaller towns and rural areas.

• Buses: the bus network is extensive and connects almost all parts of the country. Both urban and intercity bus services are operated by various providers.

• Metro: major cities are investing heavily in metro systems to improve urban mobility. The Riyadh Metro project is particularly notable and is one of the largest public transport projects in the world. The Riyadh Metro system is expected to open in December 2024. 

• Tickets: tickets can be purchased at railway stations, from ticket machines and from bus drivers. Tickets can also be purchased through apps and online services.

Here are the largest airports in Saudi Arabia:

• King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh – One of the main airports serving the capital, it acts as a major hub for international and domestic flights. Direct connections are available from Zurich and Geneva.
• King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah – This airport is an important gateway for pilgrims travelling to Mecca and is one of the largest and busiest airports in the country. Direct connections are available from Geneva.
• King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam – It offers both international and domestic flights and serves as the main gateway to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
• Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED), Medina – It is particularly known for serving pilgrims visiting Medina and also offers a growing range of international connections.

Saudi Arabia’s main national airlines are Saudia and Flyadeal, both of which offer an extensive network of international and domestic flights. International airlines serving Saudi Arabia include major carriers such as Lufthansa, Emirates and Turkish Airlines.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Police: 999
• Fire brigade: 998
• Ambulance: 997
• Traffic accidents: 993

Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh 11693
Tel. +966 11 488 12 91
Email: riyadh@eda.admin.ch

• Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges, etc.) is prohibited.

• The possession, transport and consumption of alcohol are prohibited.

• Drug laws are very strict (with penalties of up to life imprisonment or the death penalty).
• During Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited – this also applies inside your own car.
• Social media is subject to strict monitoring. Critical statements and sharing political content may lead to arrest and severe prison sentences.
• Bringing religious texts into the country (e.g. Bibles or Qurans) may result in their confiscation at the border.
• Travellers are required to carry their passport or a copy of it, including the visa, at all times for identification purposes.
• Muslim Pro is a particularly useful app for travel in Saudi Arabia, offering a Qibla compass, Islamic calendar and prayer times. It can also be used to check when shops close in connection with prayer times.