Visa Requirements

British residents can visit Riyadh by applying for a visa at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in London. The consulate may take three to four days to process your visa. Please ensure that your British passport does not expire during your stay in the Kingdom. Additionally, note that during the Hajj season, authorities may prevent you from boarding the plane or deny you entry into Saudi Arabia. This regulation applies to both Muslim and non-Muslim travelers and is in place to manage the influx of visitors during the busy Hajj season.

Airlines Operating Flights from the United Kingdom to Riyadh

The following airlines operate flights from the United Kingdom to Riyadh on a scheduled basis:

• Saudi Arabian Airlines
• Royal Jordanian
• Egypt Air
• Middle East Airlines
• Gulf Air
• Turkish Airlines
• Lufthansa
• British Airways

Flight Duration from the United Kingdom to Riyadh

The flight durations from various UK airports to Riyadh are as follows:

• The flight duration from London Heathrow Airport to Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport is about 10 to 12 hours, with one stop in Cairo or Amman.
• The flight duration from Manchester to Riyadh is approximately 11 to 12 hours, depending on the airline, with a stopover in Jeddah or Istanbul.
• The minimum flight duration from Birmingham to Riyadh is about 11 hours, with a stop in Istanbul or Munich.
• The flight duration from London Gatwick to Riyadh typically takes 10 to 11 hours, with a stopover in Istanbul.

Non-Stop Flights from the United Kingdom to Riyadh

Yes, Saudi Arabian Airlines operates non-stop flights from London to Riyadh. This non-stop flight is available from London Heathrow Airport and takes approximately 7 hours to complete the journey.

Best Season to Travel to Riyadh

The best time to visit Riyadh is between November and March. During these months, temperatures range from 14°C at night to a maximum of 26°C during the day. The city is typically dry and hot in the summer, but visiting Riyadh in the winter can be a pleasant experience. Among the cooler months, November is particularly lovely, as more travelers tend to explore the streets of Riyadh during this time.

Main International Airport in Riyadh

Riyadh is served by King Khalid International Airport (RUH). This airport is the second largest in the world by land area and handled over 25 million passengers last year. King Khalid Airport is located 35 kilometers from downtown Riyadh, which is about a 30-minute ride from your hotel in the city center.

Best Five-Star Hotels in Riyadh

Riyadh offers numerous luxurious accommodations that cater to affluent travelers. These hotels are a collaboration between local businesses and international hotel chains, each striving to provide the best prices and services. Some of the top five-star hotels include:

• Narcissus Hotel & Residence, Riyadh
• Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski
• Movenpick Hotel Riyadh
• Al Faisaliah Hotel
• Fraser Suites Riyadh