American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia need to know that it is an Islamic country where the Islamic Shariah law is enforced. Saudi Arabia is home to the two largest mosques in the world, Masjid al-Haram and Masjid Al-Nabawi, which are Islam’s most sacred sites. It plays a major role in giving rise to ideas related to Islamic culture and religion, as well as ideas that are strongly opposed by other parts of the world. As a result, it is important for American Muslims travelling to the country to be aware of the laws and customs in Saudi Arabia.
Religious sanctions in Saudi Arabia are enforced by a combination of regulations, punishments, and government recognition of private space. As per the Shariah law, women must be covered from head to toe when out in public and must have a male chaperone when going out for shopping and sightseeing. Non-Muslims are barred from entering the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. All food and alcohol imports are banned and locals are not allowed to consume them. Furthermore, non-Muslim religious activities are strictly prohibited.
American Muslims should also be aware that non-Sharan religious activities are considered illegal in Saudi Arabia and can result in punishment. For instance, while there are places of worship open to the foreign Christian community, it is illegal to distribute literature or to discuss topics which could be found offensive to Islam. Non-Muslims are also banned from taking part in public religious celebrations or organizing iftar meals. Non-Muslims can, however, participate in private religious and social activities.
From a cultural perspective, American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia should be aware that there is a significant difference between the values and culture of the United States and those of Saudi Arabia. Generally, Saudi Arabia strictly enforces religious, traditional, and social taboos which are heavily monitored by the authorities. These include dress codes, and behavior that is tantamount to public displays of affection, sexual harassment, and discussion of sensitive topics such as politics and religion.
In addition to religious and cultural laws, American Muslims have to take care of certain procedures while travelling to Saudi Arabia. For instance, it is important to obtain all necessary visas and permits before travelling. Also, visitors need to fill in all required entry forms and complete the necessary health checks. Additionally, visitors need to be aware of the climate of the area they are travelling to as well as the health impacts of Saudi Arabia, especially during summer.
Overall, American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia must bear in mind that the laws and customs of the country are slightly different from those of the US. They should be aware of the religious laws and cultural norms as well as ensure they have all the necessary paperwork prior to travelling.
International Travel
American Muslim travellers may wish to know what travelling to Saudi Arabia from the United States entails. When travelling to Saudi Arabia from the United States, visitors need to obtain a visa. The Saudi Arabian embassy in the US issues visas for United States citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia. Visas are categorized according to length of stay, purpose of travel, and the activity that will be carried out in the country. Allowable activities include business, tourism, and religious pilgrimage. Visas cost anywhere from 50 USD to 200 USD and can be applied for online.
Travellers may also need to look into the availability of flight routes that go from the US to Saudi Arabia. There are numerous airlines that offer direct flights from the US to different parts of Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah and Riyadh. Booking tickets in advance is highly advised, especially during the peak seasons. Furthermore, it is important to note that passengers may be subjected to additional security checks at the airports, being aware of this could save them time when travelling in Saudi Arabia.
American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia should also bear in mind that in some cases, they may need to look into the availability of accommodation in the areas they will be traveling to. As mentioned, the two holiest cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina, are off-limits to non-Muslims. This means that travellers looking to visit either city will have to find a hotel outside the city. Visiting during Eid and Hajj seasons will require additional planning and organization as these are peak periods for religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
In addition, American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia should also check the safety and security standards of the country. Saudi Arabia is generally considered safe to visit, however, travellers nonetheless should take the necessary precautions when travelling in the country. They should avoid travelling alone, especially at night and be aware of their surroundings when touring in public areas.
Requirements on Entry
American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia need to be aware of the items and documents they may need to carry on entry. The following are all items which are important to possess when travelling to Saudi Arabia: valid visa, current passport, immunization card, visiting card from a hotel/place of residence, proof of health insurance, vaccination certificate, and driver license. Travellers may also need to present their tickets, hotel confirmations, and other documentation upon request.
Travellers are also advised to keep their documents organized as Saudi Arabian authorities will conduct detailed immigration checks at the gates. US citizens may also need to carry a valid US-issued driver’s licence upon entry. Additionally, visitors need to carry cash in small denominations as US credit cards may not work in most locations and ATMs are scarce. It is also important to note that travelers should exchange their money before reaching Saudi Arabia as US banks are not allowed to operate.
American Muslims should, and importantly, all travellers should pay close attention to the local customs and rules when in Saudi Arabia. A few rules to be aware of include; dress conservatively, no displaying physical affection, do not take pictures of people, avoid discussing controversial topics such as religion and politics, and refrain from drinking alcohol. However, visitors should not hesitate to seek help when needed or ask any questions regarding the local customs.
Rules and Regulations
American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia should acquaint themselves with the country’s regulations before their trip. Since Saudi Arabia is a Muslim-majority country, there are some laws and regulations that must be abided by for the safety of all included. All visitors to Saudi Arabia are expected to respect the local culture and avoid behaviours that could be deemed as inappropriate. For instance, making physical contact with a Saudi Arabian citizen (even those of the same gender) is prohibited.
American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia should be especially careful when it comes to alcohol, as drinking or possessing alcohol is a criminal offence. Furthermore, pork and pork products are strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia, and there are strict laws in place relating to drugs. Additionally, any type of clothing, public behaviour, or media that could be considered inappropriate or offensive is prohibited.
It is also highly advisable for American Muslims and other visitors to be aware of local laws governing foreign residents. For instance, a foreign resident must not behave in any manner that goes against Islamic principles or is indecent or contrary to public decorum. In addition, any activity that is deemed to disrupt social peace and public security must be avoided. Furthermore, visitors are not allowed to participate in any political activities when in Saudi Arabia.
Medical Assistance
American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia should research the availability of medical assistance in the country, as well as having medical travel insurance. While certain medical facilities are available in large cities, medical treatment in rural areas might be difficult to access. Furthermore, visitors should also be aware that different medical standards may be adopted in Saudi Arabia as compared to the United States.
Emergency and urgent medical care may be available in some municipalities in Saudi Arabia but visitors should check beforehand to ensure that the medical facilities are up to international standards. It is advised to take out comprehensive medical travel insurance before travelling to Saudi Arabia as medical costs can be expensive. Furthermore, non-residents must carry proof of insurance at all times, with them for the duration of their stay in Saudi Arabia.
American Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia should also bear in mind the possibility of contracting a long-term illness while in the country. Common illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes are rampant in Saudi Arabia and require medical attention. Thus, travellers should ensure they get checked for any existing or pre-existing conditions before travelling and that they are aware of the health risks in Saudi Arabia.
Leaving Saudi Arabia
American Muslims should be aware of the laws regarding exiting Saudi Arabia. All visitors should ensure that they complete all necessary exit formalities prior to leaving. This includes signing and obtaining the necessary documentation from the concerned authorities, such as confirming hotel reservation, obtaining a check-out permit, obtaining a re-entry permit, and signing an exit declaration.
When checking out, visitors should also leave their hotel rooms in a safe and orderly condition. They should make sure to check out on time and pay all due balance. It is also important to note that any item given to the visitor as a gift or souvenir must be given back to the person who gave it. Also, any item rented or borrowed from another person will need to be returned to that person before leaving.
Lastly, American Muslims and other visitors should make sure that their passports are valid for at least six months before leaving Saudi Arabia. Travellers should keep their passport in a safe place throughout their stay in the country as it is the most important document when travelling. It is also important to leave the country with your passport as it is the only form of identification accepted when travelling through operational airports.
