Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia travel guide for the Irish
Irish citizens need an eVisa before arrival; apply online, pay the fee, and you can stay up to 90 days. If you already have a valid multiple‑entry visa, you may skip the eVisa step. Changes in visa policy or passport validity will affect the decision.
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GuideSaudi Arabia
Key facts
- Visa required
- eVisa online, up to 90 days
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR), ~0.27 EUR
- Plug type
- Type G (UK three‑pin), 230 V 60 Hz
- Tipping
- Not required; 10 % where no service charge, round up rides
Quick answer
Irish passport holders must obtain an eVisa before travel; the process takes 1–3 days and costs about 100 SAR (≈ 24 EUR). If you already hold a Saudi multiple‑entry visa, you can travel without a new eVisa.
Entry requirements for Irish citizens
Apply for an eVisa on the official Saudi portal (visa.visa.gov.sa). Required documents: passport (valid ≥ 6 months), a recent photo, and a credit‑card for payment. The eVisa is valid for 90 days stay, single entry, and can be used for tourism, business or pilgrimage (Hajj/Umrah requires a separate permit).
- Passport valid 6 months beyond intended departure
- Online application, email receipt
- Pay 100 SAR (~24 EUR) via credit card
Irish embassy contacts in Saudi Arabia
Ireland does not have a resident embassy in Saudi Arabia. Irish citizens should contact the British Embassy in Riyadh for consular assistance, or the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi (UAE) for visa‑related queries.
- British Embassy, Riyadh – +966 11 488 5555
- Irish Embassy, Abu Dhabi – +971 2 444 3300
Estimated travel costs in EUR
A 10‑day trip for one adult, mid‑range, averages around 1 200 EUR (including flights, accommodation, meals and local transport).
| Item | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip flight (Dublin‑Riyadh) | ≈ 600 ( economy) |
| Mid‑range hotel (7 nights) | ≈ 350 |
| Meals (average 30 EUR/day) | ≈ 300 |
| Local transport & entry fees | ≈ 150 |
Prices are 2026 estimates; actual costs vary by season and booking time.
Flight time and time‑difference
Direct flights from Dublin to Riyadh take about 6 h 30 m. Saudi Arabia is UTC+3 year‑round, so Dublin (UTC+1 in summer, UTC+0 in winter) is 2–3 hours behind.
Power plugs and voltage
Saudi Arabia uses Type G plugs (same as the UK). Voltage is 230 V, frequency 60 Hz. Irish travellers should bring a Type G adapter; most Irish devices accept 230 V.
Tipping etiquette
Tipping is not mandatory. Where a service charge is absent, rounding up the bill or leaving about 10 % is appreciated. For taxis, round up to the nearest whole riyal.
Emergency numbers
Unified emergency line: 911 (Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Eastern Province). Police: 999. Ambulance: 997.
Questions people ask
Do the Irish need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Irish passport holders must obtain an eVisa online before travel, unless they already hold a valid multiple‑entry Saudi visa.
How much does a trip to Saudi Arabia cost in EUR?
A typical 10‑day mid‑range itinerary costs about 1 200 EUR, covering flights, hotels, meals and local transport.
Where is the nearest Ireland embassy in Saudi Arabia?
Ireland has no embassy in Saudi Arabia; the British Embassy in Riyadh provides consular help, and the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi handles visa matters.
What plug type should I bring?
Saudi Arabia uses Type G (UK three‑pin) plugs; bring a compatible adapter for Irish devices.
Is tipping required in Saudi Arabia?
No, but rounding up the bill or leaving about 10 % where no service charge is common practice.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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