Saudi Arabia Travel FAQs | Tour Tips for Saudi Arabia
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Welcome! We are so happy to have you join us!
Once we’ve received your registration, you will be sent a link to a form along with your invoice—we ask each traveler in your party, including you, to please fill out this form in its entirety within 3 days of receipt. This allows us to make sure passport and medical information is up-to-date and enables us to take your travel preferences into account as we prepare for your tour. (Note that we also ask for your shirt size so we can send you a gift—please check out the sizing chart included in the form before selecting your size, to ensure you receive a good fit!)
If you require any special assistance or accommodation for a disability or have questions regarding the accessibility of the sites we will visit, please contact us at +1 (888) 771-8717. We look forward to answering any questions you may have!
Airfare booked through Living Passages is done via group booking. Ticketing for groups is not done until several weeks prior to departure, so you can expect to receive your flight information and ticket numbers approximately 3 weeks before your travel date.
All tickets are issued electronically, so you'll receive your itinerary and ticket numbers via email, along with instructions on how to change/add seat assignments or purchase more legroom. Group bookings typically require travelers to check in at the airport, so make sure you arrive at least 2 hours prior to flight takeoff in order to check in and go through security.
Travelers going to Saudi Arabia will need to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond their scheduled return date. If you don’t have a passport yet, or if yours is expiring soon, you should apply for a new one as soon as possible. US Citizens can go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html for information on how to apply for/renew passports. Please be aware that passport processing times are long, and it may take up to 13 weeks to get your passport. Wait times to get an appointment for a first-time application before the process of issuance can begin can be long depending on your location, so please do not wait to make one. Please schedule an appointment right away if you need to apply for a new passport before your trip.
To find a passport acceptance facility near you, search here: Where to Apply for a Passport Nationwide (state.gov)
Travelers will also need a Saudi visa to be issued prior to arrival in the KSA. If you are traveling with us on one of our Saudi Arabian Expeditions, in most cases Living Passages will be able to complete the Saudi Arabia eVisa process for you by gathering the necessary documentation from you and applying for your visa on your behalf. Please note that you must meet the Saudi eVisa requirements for us to complete this process on your behalf. See here for the list of countries that we are able to submit eVisa applications for on your behalf - our guests from these countries are eligible for eVisas, but some restrictions do apply. Saudi eVisa | The Official website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia (visitsaudi.com)
If your country is not on the list at the link above, you will need to check here to see what type of visa you are responsible for applying for, and how to apply for yourself: Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements - Visit Saudi Official Website
You are responsible for purchasing your visa online for Saudi Arabia, it is very easy, and the fee is $80. You should use the official site with this exact URL: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ as there are many scam sites online for purchasing visas. If you are not online or need someone on our team to purchase it for you, it can be done for an extra fee. At the time this is posted (Jan 2026), the total cost for us to purchase it for you is $230 which includes the visa.
See here for the list of countries whose citizens can submit eVisa applications - our guests from these countries are eligible for eVisas, but some restrictions do apply. Saudi eVisa | The Official website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia (visitsaudi.com)
If your country is not on the list at the link above, you will need to check here to see what type of visa you are responsible for applying for, and how to apply for yourself: Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements - Visit Saudi Official Website
If your Biblical tour with Living Passages spans multiple countries, this often means we will cross the border by land to reach our next destination. In these cases, we will all cross the border together as a group, and Living Passages will arrange for Jordanian visas to be issued as a group.
For crossings into Jordan, you will be required to purchase your own visa at the border at the time of crossing. If crossing from Jordan into Israel, US citizens are not currently required to purchase visas.
The currency used in Saudi Arabia is the Riyal (SAR). We recommend not attempting to purchase the local currency prior to your trip. It’s best to get approximately $50 USD worth of Saudi Arabian Riyal immediately upon your arrival via ATM, which will dispense any withdrawals in the local currency (at the airport if you arrive by plane, or at a gas station if you are crossing the border from Israel and Jordan).
You will only need cash for incidental spending (think an occasional ice cream or beverage at a coffee shop) or tipping (to bless your driver or climbing guide at Jabal al-Lawz), as everything else you may need cash for is already included in the tour. If you plan to use your credit card to pay for laundry service at a hotel, or any other extra services, it’s wise to check with your card issuer or bank about foreign transaction fees before you travel so there are no surprises.
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, which means temperatures can fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year and even the time of day. Mornings out in the desert are often quite cold, with the afternoon warming up as the sun gets hotter.
We recommend checking the latest weather updates online before you pack for your expedition but here is the average weather for Saudi Arabia by month.
When you travel with us to Saudi Arabia, you will want to wear loose-fitting clothing that is breathable, layers well, and protects you from the sun. Natural fibers with an open weave such as linen or lightweight wool are fantastic at keeping you cool. Clothing that is designed to be rinsed and hung to dry quickly for repeat wear the next day is also very useful, such as hiking clothing you can find at an outdoor outfitter store. This won’t be a trip where you need any fancy outfits, so casual, conservative, and functional clothing will be all you need to feel comfortable and prepared.
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, which means temperatures can fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year and even the time of day. Mornings out in the desert are often quite cold, so a long-sleeve undershirt, sweater, and jacket that you can shed as the sun gets hotter will serve you well - however, always check for the latest weather updates online before you pack for your expedition, and don’t forget sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat!
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is still opening up to the West, and as a Christian tour group, we want to be sensitive to the culture and ensure positive interactions with everyone we meet. You will find that modesty is very important to the culture, and this requires extra care when packing - for example, both men and women should leave shorts and form-fitting attire at home and bring pants instead.
For women visiting Saudi Arabia, we recommend longer shirts that cover your shoulders, upper arms, and cleavage, as well as your rear (such as a tunic). Tops that reveal shoulders and cleavage are not considered appropriate in Saudi Arabia. Pants and skirts should also be loose-fitting and cover the knee.
A headscarf for the ladies is not necessary but is a way to show honor to our hosts. While the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not require foreigners to cover their hair, it is considered graceful to do so in public settings such as the airport or in town. If ladies would like to bring a headscarf, choose a long, lightweight, non-synthetic fabric - this can be carried with you and placed over your head when the situation calls for it.
Our host country will be very appreciative as they observe our respectful conduct, and your witness for Christ will be given an advantage on our journey!
Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes that you will be able to walk around in on uneven ground, dirt, or rocks. We recommend your shoes already be broken in so you don’t get blisters! These will protect your feet when we are out in the desert of Midian, as well as keep you comfortable when traveling. It’s also nice to have a pair to change into at the end of a long day, so do bring a pair of comfortable shoes as well, such as sandals - the locals wear them, too!
If you need to do laundry on the trip, there are two options:
- Use the laundry service at your hotel. The best time to do this is when you are staying at the same hotel for two nights in a row or more. It doesn’t typically cost too much to make use of the laundry service, so check with the hotel front desk when you check-in.
- Do your laundry by hand. If you have delicate items or have packed clothing that dries quickly, it’s easy to do it in the sink at the hotel.
Camping at the base of the real Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia is an awe-inspiring experience! You don’t have to be a hiker or camper to enjoy a night under the stars, either - amenities at our camp include a mobile kitchen and bathroom, private tents, cots, and warm sleeping bags. Fall asleep in comfort to the sounds of a crackling fire, nestled under the shadow of the blackened peak of Jabal al-Lawz… and wake to the brilliant sunrise over the desert of Midian for your morning tea or coffee.
While we have native Saudi tribesmen ready to guide those eager to climb Mount Sinai, you don’t need to climb the mountain to see the evidence of the Exodus - numerous rock inscriptions, including proto-Canaanite Hebrew letters, and sites of incredible archaeological significance abound for you to explore at the base! Evidence of the Israelite camp at Jabal al-Lawz is all over the area, and you can appreciate the significance of the site just as well from the base of the mountain as you can from the top!
Much of the tour in Saudi Arabia requires a reasonable level of activity - there are some slightly more demanding walks at certain sites that we would consider a hike, various elevations, and a busy schedule. It’s a good idea to begin working on your endurance now, especially if you do not typically do much walking. If you are not used to heat, please keep in mind that the sun can sap your energy and you will need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. We will spend hours each day driving in the desert as well.
If you are camping at the base of Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia and hoping to climb the mountain, be advised that this is both a strenuous and rewarding climb! The mountain's elevation is 8,640 feet above sea level, and the ascent is steep. Consider training well in advance!
If you are concerned about your mobility and need more information about this tour, please give us a call at (888) 771-8717 and we can discuss the activity level as it pertains to your needs specifically.
Climbing the real Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia is both a challenging and rewarding experience!
If you're signed up to camp and climb, you'll begin the day bright and early - waking up before the sunrise to have breakfast, and then make your way to the base of the mountain. Your climbing guides are local herdsmen who grew up on the mountain and will not speak English. You will gather in groups of 4 or 5 travelers per guide. Each guide will go at a different pace, and you will have time (even up to the moment you begin the hike) to decide which group to go with, so consider this prayerfully. If you don't feel your best the morning of the trek, please do not go. God may have a very special appointment for you back at the camp, as He has for many.
Before departing, listen to the main driver on where to meet at the end of the climb when you come down from the mountain, so you don't inadvertently end up on the wrong side and end up forced to walk all the way around the mountain to get to the vehicles at the end of a strenuous day!
As you climb, you will need to be aware and attentive to your surroundings at all times: there are no emergency services, trails, or signs to point you in the right direction. If you sustain any injuries, know that your teammates will have to help you down from the mountain. This is not a place to try to push past your physical capabilities: utmost care, preparation, and acceptance of your physical limitations are vital to your safety and the safety of your teammates. Stay hydrated, listen to your body, and speak to your teammates if you do not feel well.
The climb itself is rocky - you will find yourself walking over loose rocks, scrambling up and down boulders, and picking your way through thornbushes. It can be very helpful to pack a collapsable, lightweight trekking pole to help keep you steady on the descent and spare your knees, but you will also want to keep a hand free. At times, you may need to slide down rock on your behind on the way down. Climbers on past trips recommend bringing leather climbing gloves to protect your hands.
Expect to be on the mountain for up to 7-9 hours, depending on which location you choose to hike to. From the base to the Plateau of the 70 Elders, it can take between 3.5-4 hours depending on your level of fitness. From there, you can return to the base, or press on to Elijah's Cave or the blackened peak! The hike from base to peak and back can take between 8 to 9 hours in total. Elijah's Cave is also incredible - just note that there are some narrow walkways to get to the cave, which may present an issue for those with a fear of heights. Any of these routes will vary in the length of time it takes to arrive and return, so prepare yourself physically as best as you can in order to achieve your goal!
Your cell service may not work on all parts of the mountain, although there is a small cell tower nearby. This is a great reason to download some maps of the mountain and learn how to navigate them on your phone. Some climbers like to lay pins on the maps to help them know what they are seeing when they arrive at the view from the mountain.
If you have more questions about the climb, please give us a call at (888) 771-8717!
Those who make it all the way up to the blackened peak of Jabal al-Lawz train hard for this strenuous and rewarding climb! This climb can take up to 9 hours to reach the peak and return to the base. Even if you aren't sure you can make it to the peak, you can still reach Elijah's cave or the Plateau of the 70 Elders, so it's worth it to start climbing stairs, going for long hikes, and doing cardio work-outs to get in shape!
Another factor to keep in mind as you prepare is the elevation difference between your location and the Jabal al-Lawz and Jabal Maqla mountain range. Beside the steep ascent, the mountain's elevation is 8,640 feet above sea level, and the air may feel much thinner depending on what you are used to.
About two weeks before departure on your tour, Living Passages will mail you a few little gifts: a button-down shirt that is perfect for keeping the sun off, luggage tags to help you and the porters keep track of your bags, and a name badge to make it easy to identify who is part of the tour group.
We will also mail you hard copies of tour documents for you to bring with you on the trip. These will include any visas or insurance documents that we’ve arranged on your behalf as well as a day-to-day itinerary, a contact list complete with hotel and guide information, a list of your fellow travelers, and a final letter with any updates to help you navigate your travel.
We hope these things will be a blessing to you and help you on your journey! If you want to guarantee to be recognized by fellow travelers, we ask that you wear your complimentary Living Passages shirt and name badge upon your arrival.
Each shirt is custom-ordered based on the size you requested in your traveler information form when you completed your registration, according to the size chart provided. Because shirts are customized for each tour and traveler, we unfortunately don’t have the ability to exchange these gifts at this time. However, if your shirt does not fit you as desired, please still bring it on the tour and have it with you at dinner on the first night: you may find that other travelers are looking to swap for a different size as well and that you can exchange them amongst yourselves!
If you are taking the group air, you will be on the same flight as most of your group - you’ll be traveling overseas together and will likely meet as you wait at your gate or board the plane, especially if you are wearing your complimentary Living Passages shirt!
If you have booked your own flights that arrive at the same time or earlier than the group air schedule, you will meet your tour group at the airport when you arrive, and then leave the airport together.
More specific information will be provided to you as the departure date draws closer, but in either scenario, expect to collect any luggage you may have checked and make your way to the Arrivals Hall of the airport - look for the representative holding a “Living Passages” sign who will be waiting to greet you! To make it easier to identify one another (and help the representative spot you in the busy airport!), please wear your Living Passages button-up shirt for your arrival, along with your name badge. It also helps to attach your Living Passages luggage tags to each bag you’re traveling with. (These items, along with your tour documents, will be mailed to all US residents approx. 2 weeks before departure. For participants residing in other countries, our representative will hand-deliver your items to you on the first day of the tour.)
Your tour group will use WhatsApp and/or Signal to stay in contact prior to and during your Christian tour. Download the apps before you leave if you are able. After you have downloaded the app, please be sure to send Living Passages the cell phone number that you will be using during your travels so we can add the correct number to the group chat. If you have flight delays or encounter any problems while traveling, this app is a great place to mention them to keep the coordinator informed of any issues - or to help you find the group once you arrive!
If you have trouble with the app, don’t worry - you can connect with your tour representative by email, and they will be happy to help you get the app working on the first day of the tour so you don’t miss out on any communications or photos that other travelers share on the trip.
Airlines change their luggage restrictions frequently, and no airline is the same. It’s always best to check directly with the airline you are booked on to see the latest luggage requirements, and what kind of items you are allowed to bring on the plane.
Living Passages strongly recommends traveling light and packing everything you will need for your trip into a carry-on bag and “personal item,” such as a small backpack. Checked luggage can sometimes be lost by airlines, resulting in travelers not receiving their baggage for days after their arrival. This can cause unnecessary issues, and your tour schedule may not allow much time or opportunity for purchasing replacement items if your luggage is lost.
Because of this, as well as ever-increasing fees for checked luggage, we suggest not checking a bag unless absolutely necessary, or limiting yourself to a single checked bag in these cases. Our buses have limited room for luggage transportation, and there will not be space to keep more than a small backpack with you on the bus. In Saudi Arabia, many of our travel days will be spent in a 4WD vehicle with 3 other passengers and all your luggage. Space will be very limited, so please be considerate of your fellow passengers.
If you need to check a bag, be sure to pack a couple of changes of clothing, necessary toiletries, and all medications, cameras, etc. in your carry-on luggage just in case your checked luggage is delayed. This way, if your checked bag is delayed or lost, you’ll have what you need to enjoy the first days of your tour while the airline forwards it to you, without missing valuable days of your trip to shopping.
Special luggage tags will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure - please attach these to each piece of luggage. They are very helpful to baggage handlers at hotels!
Always bring all necessary medications with you in their original containers, along with copies of the prescriptions. It’s wise to bring enough for the entire trip, along with a little extra, as there will not always be a place to get refills. If you wear eyeglasses, bring an extra pair and the prescription just in case.
In Saudi Arabia, toilet paper is not always guaranteed in public restrooms – it’s wise to carry some tissues or a travel toilet kit just in case! Hand sanitizer spray is great for a quick cleanse while traveling, too! In Saudi Arabia, restrooms may be few and far between out in the wilderness as we drive to many Biblical sites. If you need to use the facilities, please let your driver know as soon as possible.
Being well-hydrated will help you feel your best on this trip. Consider bringing some electrolytes to put in your water each day, such as NUUN Tablets, or something equally easy to pack in your suitcase to keep you refreshed and energized. Always bring water with you when you leave for a day of touring!
You might want to consider wearing a fanny pack or light daypack to carry your water, camera, Bible, and any other incidentals you may need for a day of touring. For those who are camping and considering climbing Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia, we recommend something like the Osprey Daylight Plus, which can fit a water bladder and has plenty of storage while remaining lightweight and comfortable. Whatever you choose to use, make sure it fits the carry-on flight restrictions of the airline you’re flying with if you’ll be using it as your personal item on the plane. We always recommend that you keep your passport, wallet, and cash in a secure location that is out of sight. While crime is low, a money belt or pouch that is worn beneath your shirt will keep your valuables more secure from pickpockets you may encounter in crowded areas. Do not keep your passport, wallet, or phone in your pockets or in your name badge lanyard, as these are easily accessed or stolen.
For more packing tips and product recommendations, check out our blog for 8 Tips to Help You Pack Like a Pro.
Saudi Arabia is very different from many places you may have visited before. Here are some things to keep in mind as you travel:
- The country is predominately Muslim. Prayer takes place 5 times a day at scheduled times. We may be preparing to see a site when the drivers or guides will need to take their prayer time. Please anticipate interruptions like this and be prepared to have a patient, Christ-like, humble response.
- Media, including internet webpages and newspapers, are monitored and censored. Not all websites will be accessible.
- Do not wear or bring any religious symbols (crosses, fish symbols, or Jewish symbols especially) with you on this trip. Do not bring tracts or gospel documents to pass out. You will endanger yourself and the rest of the group if you choose to ignore this. They are very serious about this, and it is a punishable crime in the KSA. A personal Bible is fine.
- Men should never engage in conversation with Saudi women who could be married, even in a light or friendly manner.
- The mutawa (police group that monitors women’s clothing) may approach at any time to ask you to cover your head. There may be some areas that women are not able to enter.
- In some restaurants, male and female dining areas may be separate.
- Never eat, pass, or receive food with your left hand.
- Alcohol and pork are prohibited and bringing them can be punishable by 3 months in jail.
- It is considered rude to show the sole of your foot or shoe - please be mindful of how you sit or cross your legs so that you are not exposing the bottom of your feet to anyone.
- In the city, shops often close from 2:00 to 4:00 pm to avoid the worst of the heat.
There are some significant restrictions on photography. Please respect them by:
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- Not taking pictures of any government or official buildings (airports, military facilities, etc).
- Not taking pictures of Saudi people without direct permission (Wahabi belief prohibits making images of any living creature).
- Never taking pictures of Saudi women
If in doubt, skip the photo and don’t risk it. You may need to pay a fee at some sites for permission to use your camera.
If you want drone footage, please let us know - we may be able to secure permission for that for you in advance, as drones are allowed in Saudi Arabia. (Please note that if you are arriving through Jordan, Jordanian security will confiscate drones.)
- Always drink bottled water.
- Smoking is very common in Saudi Arabia, and you will encounter it everywhere: hotel lobbies, airport lounges, etc. You may find residue even in non-smoking hotel rooms, and your drivers may smoke as they take you from site to site. Please know that, unfortunately, we have no control over this.
- Saudi Arabia is known for its excellent medical community, and hospitals are often staffed by top American nurses and doctors. Special Saudi Arabian medical insurance is provided to you along with your visa which we’ve arranged on your behalf.
Tipping is customary in the Middle East just like it is here at home. For good service, tips are between 10-15%.
Tips for your tour guides and drivers are included in your tour. However, if you end up requiring extra attention from a driver, or if you climb Mount Sinai and your Bedouin guide is helpful to you, do consider taking care of them financially with a little something extra.
Porterage for your luggage is prepaid, although if there is an awkward moment with a bellman, an additional 5 riyal is appreciated when he’s brought your luggage up to your room.
Tipping for all your meals provided by Living Passages is included, although this does not include sodas, specialty coffees, juices, etc. If you are seated for a meal and order a beverage, it’s customary to leave a small tip on the table and settle your bill before retiring to your room.
To make sure you can use your phone while traveling, contact your cell phone service provider before you leave to ask about plans that cover you in Saudi Arabia. If they have an international plan, you can add it to your phone then. If you need to add unlimited data, please do, but if using the hotel wifi at the hotel in the evenings will be enough for your use, do not feel that it’s necessary.
There will be internet access at the hotels we stay at in Saudi Arabia. Some offer it for free, others charge, and some will offer it for free in the lobby areas. If you need to stay connected and able to email, call, and contact others while traveling, we recommend purchasing an international mobile plan with unlimited data.
To charge electronics in Saudi Arabia, you will need a voltage converter and a plug adaptor. Saudi Arabia operates on a 220V supply voltage and 60Hz, so if you plan to bring any electrical appliances, including hair dryers or battery banks for recharging your phone on the go, you will need to convert the voltage so it does not ruin your appliances.
Additionally, power outlets require a different type of plug than you are used to in the United States - in Saudi Arabia, you will find they primarily use “type G” plugs, also used in the UK (picture three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle). We suggest a voltage converter and an adapter with multiple outlets and USB ports.
Since many of the Old Testament sites we visit in Saudi Arabia are far apart, this requires a lot of driving and provides few places to charge your phone or camera. Especially for those choosing to camp at Mount Sinai, you may find it handy to bring a portable charger with you - solar power, a hand crank, and lots of charging ports mean you’ll always be able to get a charge!
As you travel, it can be hard to absorb all the sights, sounds, and teaching all at once. We have several recommended reading suggestions for you before you travel, to more fully prepare if you wish to dig deeper and find even more significance in the locations we will visit. Keep an eye out for an email containing relevant articles and reading material specific to your tour. Alongside your reading of the scriptures pertaining to these sites, we suggest:
- The Exodus Mysteries of Midian, Sinai & Jabal al-Lawz by Glen A. Fritz
- The Writing of God, by Dr. Miles Jones (for a special discount, use the code "Living")
Most of all, begin to pray now for your travel companions, your driver, guides, and hosts, your housekeepers, the shop owners, and all those God brings to your mind. Pray for God’s blessing on your trip, that He will use your investment to His glory, and for a Christ-centered response to each day and every situation. He will provide plenty of opportunities as you travel to be His hands and feet—what a blessing and a privilege!