Travel Guide to New York from Saudi Arabia 2026: Best Time and Visa

A practical guide to travelling to New York from Saudi Arabia: the US visa, its best places, and month-by-month weather.

Visa: a traditional tourist visa, no waiver

Saudi citizens need a traditional tourist visa (B-1/B-2) to enter the US — there's no visa waiver or ESTA program available to Saudi passport holders as is the case for some other nationalities (source: Wikipedia). The process requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate in Jeddah, and applying early ahead of your travel date is recommended to avoid interview scheduling delays.

Four sharply distinct seasons

The overall annual climate is moderate with an average around 13°C (source: Wikipedia), with a sharp contrast between a hot, humid summer and a cold winter that regularly sees actual snowfall, averaging around 76cm annually between December and March. Spring and autumn are best for anyone wanting extended outdoor sightseeing without summer heat or harsh winter cold.

Best places in New York

More detail on the top spots: the Statue of Liberty needs an advance ferry booking, especially if you want to go inside the statue itself rather than just visit the island. The Met is so enormous it's nearly impossible to cover in one visit — pick specific sections that interest you in advance rather than trying to see everything.

Seasonal events

• Rockefeller Center Christmas tree display: from late November through January, a globally famous festive winter atmosphere.
• New York City Marathon: usually the first Sunday of November, one of the world's largest marathon races with tens of thousands of participants.
• Summer Central Park festivals: during summer, free outdoor concerts and performances.

Check the exact dates each year from the official source.

What about the food?

New York is one of the world's most diverse cities for cuisine given its major cultural mix — from pizza and famous street food carts to upscale international restaurants. Halal restaurants are widespread, especially in Manhattan, including specialty food carts that have become landmarks in their own right.

Who this trip suits

New York suits anyone who loves vibrant urban life, theater, shopping, and museums together, and works well for both solo and family trips given its huge variety of activities.

Where to stay based on your plan

Getting around

The New York Subway runs 24 hours and covers nearly all five boroughs, and is the cheapest and fastest way to get around despite some aging stations. Walking is an excellent option in Manhattan given how close together its landmarks are, and the famous yellow taxis or ride-hailing apps are a comfortable alternative for longer distances or late hours.

Common mistakes

• Applying for the visa late: the process requires an in-person interview and can take longer than a Schengen visa — apply as early as possible.
• Expecting mild weather in January or February: winter is genuinely cold with an average high of only around 4-5°C, with real snowfall possible.
• Trying to cover the entire Met in one visit: its sheer size makes this nearly impossible — plan for specific sections in advance.

A practical note on tipping

Tipping culture in the US is fundamentally different from Saudi Arabia and isn't optional to the same degree — restaurants typically expect around 15-20% of the bill, and taxi drivers and hotel bellhops also expect a small tip. Ignoring this custom can come across as an unintentional slight, so it's worth budgeting for it in advance rather than being caught off guard at every transaction.

Flights and hotels

Compare flight and hotel prices for New York via Agoda — one platform for both, with flexible cancellation on most bookings.

For a direct booking from the carrier's own site, or to compare prices first:

• Riyadh Air
• Qatar Airways
• Etihad Airways
• Oman Air
• Air India

Anyone looking for accommodation that meets specific standards can register for free with Halal Booking for a discount on their first qualifying booking within the GCC. For major global hotel chains, IHG includes InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and more.