Travel Guide To Saudi Arabia

Embassy of India
Address: B-1, Diplomatic Quarter,
PO Box 94387, Riyadh 11693,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Working Hours
9.00 AM to 5.30 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
Tel. Nos.: 011-4884144/ 4884691 Fax No.: 011-4884750

• Original Passport (valid for a minimum period of six months at the time of submission of visa application)
• Copy of Passport
• Two recent Passport size photographs
• Duly completed Online Application Form
• Proof of confirmation of hotel accommodation
• Airlines tickets
• A letter from Employers or Sponsors or a Bank Statement of the applicant (last one month). In case of minors, document(s) from either parent may be submitted

Saudi Arabia, which is officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an Arab country situated in Western Asia. The county covers the majority of the Arab Peninsula. The freedom of religion is restricted by the laws of the country, and most of the citizens here are Muslims. Even though only Muslims are valued in the country, the locals are still very friendly and helpful towards tourists. The vast stretches of deserts, rich history, stunning forts, mosques and temples spread all across the country will overwhelm you. Other than that, the unique festivals and Islamic cultures, tradition, and etiquettes will also leave you fascinated.

• Riyadh – Riyadh is the most straight-laced of the three main cities of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is mainly a business destination as most forms of entertainment are banned here, this destination has just a few sights of interest accompanied with an extremely brutal climate. Majority of people here adhere to the dress code which consists of abaya for women and thawb for men. However, you might come across many Saudis in Westernized clothing as well.

• Jeddah – Jeddah has been a trading and port city for centuries, and this is reflected in its inhabitants who are of a cosmopolitan mix. Currently, it is considered a major commercial centre in Saudi Arabia, consisting of many government offices. Furthermore, Jeddah is also known in the kingdom for its popular shopping districts, cafes and restaurants. It is also home to the Jeddah Corniche, which is the biggest in the Kingdom with a huge bunch of beaches, resorts, and hotels clustered around it.

• Khobar – The latest of the Dammam-Dhahran-Khobar trio, Khobar is usually considered the most enjoyable of the bunch, owing to its seaside position as well as beachside Corniche. Apart from that, Khobar is also the most organised and consists of the best pedestrian-friendly walkways. Here women also have fewer restrictions compared to other eastern cities in terms of wearing hijab.

The major international airports in Saudi Arabia are located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Medinah, and Dammam. Many airlines offer regular and non-stop flights from Saudi Arabia to all the major countries in the world. Some of the prominent airlines of the country are Flynas, Mid East Jet, Saudia, and SaudiGulf. The only way to travel from India to Saudi Arabia is through flights. Some of the regular flights travel between the major Indian cities to the major cities of Saudi Arabia. Popular airlines running on this route are Emirates, Jet Airways, Saudia, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, and Air India.

Saudi Arabia is an enormously dry country where rainfall is minimal. During summers, the country experiences scorching heat and humid temperatures, making it extremely uncomfortable to explore the place. However, from November onwards, Saudi Arabia’s weather is amazingly welcoming, with quite chilly nights. It is certainly the best month to explore the place during the daytime. Even the summer month of April till October ranges between 40 to 45 degrees Celsius and goes up to 49 degrees Celsius during some seasons. The weather throughout the summer months remains extremely hot and humid, and this is certainly not the best time to visit Saudi Arabia.

Packing the essentials products like clothes and footwears usually depends on what the weather conditions are like in Saudi Arabia. Here is a list of some of the travel essentials one must never forget to pack:

• Sunscreen
• Covered Clothes
• Earplugs
• First Aid Kit
• Important documents such as travel insurance policy

• Mutabaq
  This scrumptious and popular delicacy is believed to be originated from the Yemeni, but over the years, it can be considered one of the most appetising food items in the Kingdom. Prepared from thin pastry layers, this dish is covered and folded around a blend of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, eggs, parsley, and some jalapeño peppers. The very first bite of the Mutabaq bursts into a plethora of innumerable flavours. This deliciously stuffed version of the pancake is readily available on a number of food joints.

• Malabari Paratha
  This flaky layered flatbread tends to melt away in your mouth. Considered as a staple dish amongst the expat population here, this dish has now also become extremely popular amongst all other residents residing in the Kingdom. Served with curry, this scrumptious flatbread never disappoints.

• Luqaimat
  Luqaimat is doughnut-like dumplings which is one of the most delectable desserts you’ll ever come across. It is crunchy from the outside and incredibly soft from the inside. Luqaimat is also a Ramadan favourite.

• Falafel
  Falafel is a spicy and deep-fried delicacy which is prepared using faca beans along with ground chickpeas. These are best served with a tasty topping of pickled veggies, hot sauce and salads of your choice. This popular street food is undoubtedly one of the most preferred and devoured street foods in the country.

• Mall of Dhahran, Dhahran
  Spread across one vast floor, Mall of Dhahran is a family-oriented shopping centre, which offers an extensive variety of more than 400 local as well as international brands. All your shopping needs will be taken care of as you explore the spacious hypermarket and check out some of the most amazing mid-ranged and upscale boutiques as well as hunt for bargains.

• Red Sea Mall, Jeddah
  One of the largest malls in Jeddah, the Red Sea Mall consists of a curved-glass building, which was opened back in 2008. You can check out the array of local as well as international brands here. Apart from that, you can also find a huge variety of restaurants and cafes in the area.

• Al-Rashid Mall, Al Khobar
  Al-Rashid Mall is quite a spacious shopping centre which was established back in 1995. This shopping spot boasts a variety of amazing local and international store brands. The mall got expanded back in 2006, and now features a significantly large chain of the supermarket, also consisting of various traditional shops and restaurants.

• Zafran Indian Bistro
  Location: Rubeen Plaza, North Ring Road | Hittin District, Rubeen Plaza, Exit2, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  Contact: +966 11 562 2229

• Ginger Leaf
  Location: North Corniche Road, Jeddah 236132861, Saudi Arabia
  Contact: +966 9200 03800

• Talwar - Indian Restaurant
  Location: 14th Street | Al Khobar Corniche, Al Khobar 34427, Saudi Arabia
  Contact: +966 50 246 9289

When going on a trip to Saudi Arabia, it becomes important to be aware of some of the healthcare centres to avoid any mishappenings caused due to an emergency. Below is the list of some healthcare centers you can contact when in need:

• Dr Siddiqa Hospital
  Location: Mushrifah Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  Contact: +96626721764

• Saudi German Hospital
  Location: Salama Jeddah 2550, Saudi Arabia
  Contact: +971 4 389 0000

• Al Azhar Hospital
  Location: Naseem Riyadh 276619, Saudi Arabia
  Contact: + 04862 223 000

The official currency of Saudi Arabia is Saudi Riyal.

Locals easily understand English; however, it is always better to keep a few local phrases handy for a great trip.

The following medical expenses are covered: 

• Travel insurance includes medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency medical evacuation. Even dental care expenses such as acute anesthetic treatment of teeth are covered.

“Deductible”means a cost-sharing requirement under this policy, that provides that the insurer will not be liable for a specified rupee amount or percentage of claim amount or number of days or number of hours, as specified in the policy schedule and which will apply before any benefits are payable by the insurer. A deductible does not reduce the sum insured and is applicable per event, upto the specified limits mentioned.

• Medical Expenses (inclusive of Repatriation and Emergency Medical Evacuation), Daily Allowance in case of hospitalization, Compassionate Visit benefits, the following will not be payable for Any pre-existing condition, Routine examinations, Expenses for rest or recuperation at spa/ health resort/ sanatorium, Pregnancy (including childbirth, miscarriage, abortion or related complications ) or treatment relating to the removal of physical flaws or anomalies (cosmetic treatment or plastic surgery).
• Cosmetic surgery, unless such cosmetic surgery is rendered medically necessary as part of treatment for accidents and burns whilst being abroad.
• Suicide, attempted or wilfully self inflicted injury or illness, mental disorder, anxiety, stress or depression, venereal disease, alcoholism, drunkenness or the abuse of drugs, or any loss arising, directly or indirectly, from any injury, illness, death, loss, expense, or other liability attributable to HIV and/or any HIV related illness including AIDS and/or any mutant derivative or variation thereof however caused.
• Treatment which could be reasonably delayed until the Insured’s return to India, which will be decided jointly by the treating Physician and the Emergency Assistance Service Provider and shall be in accordance with accepted standards of medical care.
• The Insured taking part in naval, military or air force operations; war and nuclear perils.
• Insured engaging in air travel unless he or she flies as a Fare Paying passenger in an aircraft licensed to carry passengers.
• Participation of the Insured in winter sports, mountaineering and such other professional sports or any other hazardous or potentially dangerous sport for which the Insured members are adequately trained, physically fit and using proper equipment. and that too only if specifically agreed and mentioned in the policy schedule.
• Hazardous occupation, or if engaged in any criminal or illegal act.
• Medical Expenses in respect of Experimental, investigational or unproven treatments or treatments which are not consistent with or incidental to the diagnosis and treatment of the positive existence or presence of any Illness for which confinement is required at a Hospital. Any Illness or treatment which is a result or a consequence of undergoing such experimental or unproven treatment.
• Naturopathy treatment.
• Non Allopathic treatment e.g. - Ayurvedic, Yogic, Homeopathic, Unani treatment(s).
• Under no circumstances shall this insurance contract be deemed to provide cover and no liability be incurred to pay any claim or provide any benefit hereunder to the extent that the provision of such cover, payment of such claim or provision of such benefit would expose us to any sanction, prohibition, or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade or economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States of America & India

You can avail the Travel Insurance online and enjoy the benefits offered by ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*)

Loss of passport and documents:

Reimbursement of actual expenses incurred in connection with obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport or reasonable cost of replacing/obtaining the stolen documents/ tickets if the passport belonging to the Insured / Insured Person be lost

Home Fire Insurance Contents & Home Burglary Insurance (contents):

Cover against any loss or damage of the Contents at Home of the Insured in India caused by Fire and Allied perils or through burglary and/or housebreaking while the Insured is on a trip abroad.

Hijack Distress Allowance

Payment of distress allowance in case of hijack of a common carrier for more than certain number of hours whilst on the trip. You can easily avail the allowance by filing a claim online through Travel Insurance cover online process.

Medical Expensesinclusive of Repartration  and Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you are sick or injured during the journey, your medical expenses can prove to be costly. In such cases,  Travel Insurance cover greatly helps. The insurance company also offers a cashless settlement with the network hospitals or you can also opt for the reimbursement process within 30 days of hospitalization.

Legal Expenses

Payment of legal costs and expenses incurred by the Insured towards claims from third Parties for compensation in respect of death or disablement arising due to an injury whilst on a trip abroad.

Personal Accident

Payment of compensation if the Insured sustains accidental bodily injury during a trip resulting in death or Permanent Total Disablement or Permanent Partial Disablement within 12 months of occurrence of such injury.

Trip Cancellation/Or Interruption

Payment towards the non-refundable prepaid payments incurred on the trip being cancelled and additional cost of transportation in case of Interruption: due to medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters or other listed reason in policy wordings.

Trip Delay

 Reimbursement of additional expenses if trip is delayed beyond a period, due to airline problems, medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters.

 Daily Allowance in case of Hospitalisation

 Payment of daily allowance for the days the Insured is hospitalised beyond a specified number of days, as mentioned in the Policy Schedule, for which a valid claim is admissible under the Policy whilst on a trip abroad.Emergency Accommodation

 Payment of compensation for the additional cost of emergency accommodation if the Insured/ Insured Person could not stay in the accommodation originally booked due to ­fire& flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, explosion, outbreak of major infectious diseases.

During a trip there are chances of unfortunate events such as loss of checked in baggage, medical emergency, loss of passport that can spoil your international trip, be it business or leisure. Travel insurance can protect you from such events ensuring that you are left stuck in foreign land.