Saudi Arabia eased the visa regime for Russians unusually

The main attraction is still open only to Muslims

Saudi Arabia has simplified the visa regime for Russians: now you can get a single entry e-visa for 90 days. No additional documents are required, all coronavirus restrictions have been lifted – you can just buy a ticket and go on a trip. Can a country like Saudi Arabia become attractive for tourists, MK figured it out.

In connection with the changed political situation, Russians are increasingly interested in alternative destinations for tourism instead of the usual Europe – and are looking closely at where and what is interesting. Saudi Arabia is still perceived as an unconditional exotic, the flow of tourists there is extremely small: this country began to let guests in only in 2018.

There are no direct flights from Moscow to Jeddah or other cities in Saudi Arabia. The cheapest ticket with a transfer in Dubai will cost 50 thousand rubles round-trip (subject to departure in early December). A flight to Riyadh will cost a little cheaper – from 44 thousand rubles for a flight with a transfer in Istanbul or Baku. The best time to fly is December, January or February. In summer, the temperature often rises to +50.

Prices for hotels in Jeddah start from 3500 rubles per day.

If we are talking about an organized tour, then the prices for a three-day trip with excursions and accompaniment start at $ 850 per person – and this price does not include airfare. Interesting offers include, for example, a trip through the Alnofood Alkbir desert with an overnight stay in a campsite. Well, a full-fledged tour for 7 days will cost about 3 thousand dollars per person (excluding flights).

“Such tours are very rarely interested, so everything is selected individually. Large groups are not recruited yet. Tourists often ask about the sea, but this is not a strong point of Saudi Arabia, we recommend not counting on it. The fact is that you can’t undress in public places, which means you can’t swim, ”said an employee of the travel agency, who introduced herself as Marina.

The main point of attraction for tourists interested in history is Mecca and Medina: important places in the biography of the Prophet Muhammad are located just on the territory of present-day Saudi Arabia. However, only Muslims can enter there. People with a European appearance may be asked to show a certificate of acceptance of Islam or read a prayer in Arabic. Pilgrimage tours are also organized for Muslims. Unfortunately, nothing shines for Christians and representatives of other faiths – you will have to take a word from those who describe Mecca and Medina as beautiful ancient cities.

Tourists are left with something else. For example, the port city of Jeddah deserves attention, the center of which has preserved unique Arab architecture (clay houses with carved balconies, shutters and doors), as well as the ancient city of Madain Saleh, which was the center of caravan trade on the way from Petra to Mecca. There are preserved tombs, including pre-Islamic period. In the city of Ad-Diriya, a visit to the Al-Turaif area, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is recommended. Lovers of natural beauty will love the rocks of Jebel Fikhrain, which are called the “end of the world”: these are sheer cliffs without any greenery, next to which you can find the fossilized remains of ancient animals and plants – almost Martian landscapes.

The inability to get to Mecca and Medina for Christians is not the only restriction in Saudi Arabia. Tourists should remember that alcohol is prohibited in the country – you can’t even bring with you the one bought in duty free. If you are traveling during Ramadan (Muslim fasting), you must not drink or eat in public places. Restrictions on unaccompanied women entering the country were lifted in 2018, but ladies need to remember about a reasonable dress code – it is best to wear loose clothes that cover your knees and elbows. You also need to be careful with manifestations of love in public: this is not a country where kisses and hugs in the street will be treated with understanding.