Can i visit saudi

Embassy Messages Alerts. Quick Facts. One page required for entry stamp. Required for certain visa classes. Embassies and Consulates. The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday. Destination Description. Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements. Saudi law requires that residency permit-holders carry their residency card iqama at all times while in the Kingdom. Failure to do so could result in a fine of 3, Saudi riyals and a jail sentence of six weeks.

You must exit Saudi Arabia using the passport for the nationality corresponding to the one on which you entered Saudi Arabia. Safety and Security. Do not travel: Within 50 miles of the border with Yemen due to terrorism and armed conflict. You should be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight and secure, and travel with a companion, if possible. Some Saudi citizens who perceive that a foreigner is not observing conservative standards of conduct or dress have been known to harass, pursue, or assault that person.

Even when released from detention, witnesses to criminal incidents may be prohibited from leaving the country until investigation of the incident is complete. Saudi authorities do not permit criticism of Islam or Muslim religious figures, including on social media.

The government prohibits the public practice of religions other than Islam. Muslims who do not adhere to the strict interpretation of Islam prevalent in much of Saudi Arabia may encounter societal discrimination and constraints on public worship. Public display of non-Islamic religious articles, such as crosses and Bibles, is not permitted. Sponsors have wide latitude and responsibilities for employees and family members under their sponsorship, including obtaining residence permits for the employee and for any family members.

All residents should be issued a Saudi residence permit iqama and are legally required to carry it at all times. Sponsors have been known to demand that residents working in Saudi Arabia surrender their passports while in the Kingdom.

Such practices are illegal and should be reported to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development. Since the Saudi sponsor controls the issuance of exit permits, U. To change employers within the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia requires the written permission of the original sponsoring employer. Consulates General cannot assist in labor or business disputes, nor can they provide translation or legal services.

Customs: Saudi customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of such banned items as alcohol, weapons, and any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam such as pork, anything considered pornographic under strict Islamic principles, and religious materials.

Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading matter are censored. Christmas and other holiday decorations, fashion magazines, and "suggestive" videos may be confiscated and the owner subject to penalties and fines. Electronic devices may be subject to inspection upon entry or exit. The certificate must indicate that the animal was examined and is free from disease and confirm that rabies and other vaccines are current.

Information on the name, breed, sex, color, and age of the animal must also be stated. Please see additional information on taking a pet overseas. Mutawwa are required to carry special identification and usually are accompanied by uniformed police. While a government decree withdrew the authority of the mutawwa to make arrests independently of regular police forces, visitors should be prudent in their interactions with mutawwa.

Embassy in Riyadh or the U. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran. Please note: Saudi Arabia has a dry climate with extreme heat several months of the year — travelers should stay hydrated. For further health information, go to: U. For further health information, go to: World Health Organization U.

HEALTH Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Travel and Transportation. Traffic Laws : Temporary visitors may drive using their valid U. Foreigners resident in Saudi Arabia who wish to drive must obtain a local driver's license from the Department of Traffic Police. In the event of a traffic accident, U. You must remain on the scene until the traffic police arrive. Failure to do so can result in a criminal offense.

Additionally, U. In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, everyone involved if not seriously injured is likely be taken to the local police station. All drivers, regardless of fault, can be held in custody for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid. Use of front seat belts driver and passenger is required by law. Embassy or nearest U. Residents should update their personal details through one of the methods available here to receive SMS notifications once a traffic ticket is issued.

Delay in payment of any ticket might result in doubling of the ticket amount. Travelers will need to pay any fines issued through this system before leaving the country. Public Transportation: U. If you must use a taxi, only use established companies, such as those offering cabs with meters.

Taxis and lift services are available throughout major cities, and you should arrange a pickup by telephone or via smartphone app when possible. Avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi, do not travel to unfamiliar areas, and do not enter taxis with unknown passengers.

Information for Mariners: Mariners should also review U. Call us in Washington, D. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips. Last Updated: May 1, Travel Advisory Levels.

Assistance for U. Embassy Riyadh. RiyadhACS state. We can help you apply for an e-Visa and also a Health Declaration in three easy steps :. At any time you may need a vaccine to enter all countries including Saudi Arabia, especially if the government decides that it is important to protect the citizens of Saudi Arabia from the spread of a virus. The most common vaccine you need for many of the middle eastern countries is the measles vaccine, followed by yellow fever and hepatitis A and B.

Your doctor may recommend that you take malaria tablets too. If you want to know more information regarding your query Do I need a vaccine to travel to Saudi Arabia? Yes, Saudi Arabia has been taking steps to restore travel within its borders.

You are considered vaccinated if all doses of a vaccine against SARS-Cov-2 have been administered for at least two weeks before traveling. Travelers who have been vaccinated with Sinopharm and Sinovac will also be accepted if they have received one vaccine dose of AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna or Pfizer as well. Like most travel application forms, the process is less clear on the official site and deadlines cannot be guaranteed. However, both men and women should dress modestly, avoiding tight fitting and revealing clothes in public.

The official Visit Saudi tourism website provides further details on what this entails. Stores and restaurants close during prayer times, five times a day. To make the most of your trip, plan your itinerary according to these times. Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country. While non-Muslims are welcome and permitted to practice their religion in private spaces, preaching in public forums or on social media platforms is prohibited.

Malicious propaganda against the country, government, and religion is a severe offense. You will find locals to be hospitable, generous, and as equally curious about you as you may be about them. It is not uncommon to be invited to share a meal or a cup of gahwa Arabic coffee and dates.

Your hosts — and even strangers — will want to extend their welcome and offer a token of their hospitality, like food or even a small gift. UK We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies. Hide this message. Home Passports, travel and living abroad Travel abroad Foreign travel advice. Foreign travel advice Saudi Arabia.

Domestic flights continue to operate. You should keep up to date with information from your airline or tour operator on the impact on any existing travel plans Transiting Saudi Arabia There are currently no transit flights through Saudi Arabia. Testing on Arrival All travellers are required to provide a negative PCR test certificate issued from a verified laboratory that does not exceed 72 hours from the time the test is undertaken until departure to the Kingdom.

All travellers will have their temperature checked, on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Data collection On arrival in Saudi Arabia, you must provide your contact details and travel information. Testing on departure Testing is not available at the airport or sea ports at departure. Regular entry requirements Visas All visitors, including pilgrims, need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. See separate guidance on the Umrah application process in the Pilgrimage section Tourist visas are valid for days from the date of issue and can be used for visits of up to 90 days, and for a total of no more than days in a single year.

Passport validity Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.