Guide to Ports of Entry into Saudi Arabia from the UK

Saudi Arabia has become a favourite tourist spot for global tourists and also for people who go for the Hajj. Learn which ports of entry will be suitable for you if you are planning to visit the country.

You can arrive in Saudi Arabia using several points of crossing. As the KSA receives visitors from all over the world, multiple entry points make it easier to enter the country.

However, each entry point has different rules and regulations. So, it’s better to confirm your port of entry before you enter the country from the UK. There are three different modes of entry: land, air or sea. To visit through one of the entry ports, you will need a passport and visa. 

What are the Types of Ports of Entry in Saudi Arabia?

Land, air and sea are the three favourable ports of entry for you to enter Saudi Arabia. However, most people (approximately 42% of the total tourists in 2023) visit the country for religious purposes, followed by leisure and friends and family visits (23% for both).

Now, as a UK citizen, if you visit the country for religious purposes, it would be better for you to enter the country that is nearest to Makkah. For example, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the nearest airport to Makkah. At this port, you will find dedicated terminals for pilgrims.

Table 1: Important Ports of Entry to Saudi Arabia

Major International Airports

Let’s see what some major airports in the country offer that offer a seamless entry experience for tourists.

King Khalid International Airport: The airport in Riyadh serves approximately 30 million people annually. The international airport is an ideal port of entry to access the capital city of Saudi Arabia. You can arrive here if you want to explore Riyadh for tourism purposes.

King Abdulaziz International Airport: People who want to perform Hajj and Umrah can access the port of entry. The airport is situated in Jeddah, and it serves as a port of entry for Muslim people coming for the pilgrimage. 

Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport: It is also another important port of entry for pilgrims coming from outside to travel to Medina. Take a direct flight to the airport from the UK for Umrah. However, remember that during the religious event, you might see an increase in the number of pilgrims.

Land Border Crossings

You can enter the country through various land border crossings. Saudi Arabia allows entry from different countries like the UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, etc.

UAE–Saudi Arabia Border (Al Batha): On the eastern border of Saudi Arabia, the Al-Batha land port connects the country to the United Arab Emirates. All you have to do to enter the country is to stand in line at multiple checkpoint gates. 

Jordan–Saudi Arabia Border: Al Hadithah is the largest land border port of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that connects the KSA to the Kingdom of Jordan. During the Hajj and Umrah, the port sees a significant increase in traffic. Civilian people pass through the border port during holidays and on other occasions.

If you are traveling from Jordan and prefer land transport, Al Hadithah is where you should go.

Kuwait–Saudi Arabia Border: It is another drive-through border where you can get a visa on arrival as well if you are eligible. The Khafji land border connects Kuwait to Saudi Arabia. If you are traveling from Kuwait, you might have to get in line multiple times, verify your passport and receive a gate pass for smooth entry to KSA.

The Khafji border area is also used for traveling and trading purposes.

Bahrain–Saudi Arabia: The King Fahd Causeway works as a connecting point between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The causeway was launched in 1986, which enabled both countries to develop a lot economically. The causeway is an ideal route of entry for people visiting from Bahrain.

People commonly use the port for travel and business activities. These checkpoints or border crossings work as points of entry to the country. With a Saudi Visa access these ports of entry with ease.

Oman–Saudi Arabia Border: Al-Rub’ Al-Khali is the only land port of the crossing zone connecting Oman to KSA. The crossing zone has a dedicated area for passengers, cargo and employees. The checkpoint is used for travel and economic activities. The smart border crossing facility is a unique crossing zone in the country.

Except for these land ports, the country also allows some seaports to be the point of entry into the country. Let’s look at them now.

Sea Ports of Entry

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shares its seaports with the Red Sea, and it has invested heavily in developing top-class seaports.

Jeddah Islamic Port: The port, which has historically been used in trading, now serves heavily Muslim pilgrims coming to the cities of Mecca and Medina. If you are coming to KSA for Hajj and Umrah, you may come through the Jeddah Islamic port.

King Abdul Aziz Port: The port is located in Dammam, and it is the busiest port in the Middle Eastern region. You will see that the port is mainly used for goods transportation to and from the country.

However, you might need a Saudi Arabia Cruise Visa if you are boarding a cruise from KSA, or you are traveling from outside the country, but plan to go through its maritime area.

What are the Entry Requirements & Customs Processes?

Depending on your purpose of visiting the country, the KSA government will grant you an appropriate visa.

Visa Types and Categories

Tourist Visa: If you want to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, then you can apply for a tourist visa. If you are traveling from the UK and have proof of permanent residence in the UK, you can get a tourist visa on arrival. 

Business Visa: The Saudi Arabian government allows this type of visa to people to the country on business. Only a business organisation established in Saudi Arabia can apply for a person visiting the country for business purposes.

Hajj & Umrah Visa: Muslim people who are visiting the country for pilgrimage can apply for these types of visas.

Immigration and Customs Guidelines

Do not bring alcohol or arrive drunk at the airport in Saudi Arabia. Bringing alcohol or arriving drunk in the country is illegal. In case of other valuable belongings, you must fill up a declaration form, listing all your valuable belongings.

We advise you to apply for an appropriate visa to Saudi Arabia before you visit the country, it can be a Saudi Arabia cruise visa or any other type.

Tips for Smooth Entry for Foreign Visitors

Always keep your documents ready, and check if the passport has 6 months of validity from the date of arrival to the departure. Try to keep a travel itinerary with you if you are on a leisure trip.

Unless you are traveling from the UK for a pilgrimage, avoid visiting the country during the Hajj. You will experience a tremendous crowd during this time.

Make a Plan to Visit Saudi Arabia

Now that you have learned about all the ports of entry to Saudi Arabia, make a plan to visit the country. If you are from the UK with permanent residence proof, you are eligible for a visa on arrival. But we suggest you apply and get a visa before arriving at the ports of Saudi Arabia to avoid long lines at the immigration office.