Saudi Arabia Rules For Travel

Entry Requirements

Visitors to Saudi Arabia are required to obtain a visa prior to travel, or obtain one when entering the country. The visa must be obtained from the Saudi Arabia Embassy, or one of its consulates in the visitor’s country of residence. For most travelers, tourist visas require a letter of invitation or sponsorship from a citizen or business in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, travelers from some countries may need to provide evidence of their occupation, income or financial stability, and a round-trip ticket. Before starting the visa application process, visitors must also check if they require an entrance permit.

Customs and Quarantine

Upon entry, authorities will conduct a physical and electronic search on all passports and visas. Visitors must declare all items on the customs declaration form and may be subject to taxes or fines if prohibited items, including pork products, alcohol, narcotics or pornography, are found. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has very strict Islamic law, and any display of public affection or inappropriate clothing may result in arrest. Visitors should also be wary of purchasing uncertified cultural items, as it is illegal to export them from the country. It is prohibited to bring in items such as whistles, remote-controlled toys, weapons and animals into Saudi Arabia.

Safety and Security

The crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low and most visits are trouble-free. However, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves. Pickpocketing and purse snatching is common in urban areas, and visitors should avoid carrying large amounts of money, wearing expensive jewelry and displaying other valuables. Women travelers, in particular, should carry less cash and remain in public areas with a companion, especially at night. When riding in taxis, visitors should use licensed taxis with drivers who can produce a valid identification card.

Transportation

Transportation around Saudi Arabia is mainly by private cars or taxis, as the public transport system is still underdeveloped. All transportation within the cities must be arranged by the visitors, and the cost of taxis in Saudi Arabia is usually very affordable. Car rental is also a popular option for visitors, but drivers must have an International Driving Permit (IDP), as Saudi Arabia does not recognize foreign licences. Additionally, visitors should be aware that while traffic laws exist, they are generally not enforced, so extra caution should be taken on the roads.

Environment and Climate

Saudi Arabia is located in a major desert area, and visitors should be prepared for arid and hot climates. Temperatures will typically range between 19 to 43 degrees Celsius during summer months, and 5 to 28 degrees Celsius during the winter months. The climate is also very dry, with little to no rainfall occurring throughout the year. Visitors should also be aware that dust storms can occur during the summer months, and sand storms in spring and autumn.

Health Concerns

Visitors to Saudi Arabia must ensure that all required vaccinations are up to date, including getting a meningococcal meningitis vaccination, as it is a requirement to enter the country. Aside from this, basic health precautions should be taken, and visitors should avoid drinking from public water supplies and consuming unpacked food, to reduce the risk of illnesses, such as traveler’s diarrhea. Additionally, visitors should be aware that the air quality in the city is very poor, and may aggravate respiratory issues, such as asthma.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Saudi Arabia varies greatly in quality and price, and visitors should research the area they are traveling to before they arrive. Hotels, apartment blocks and private villas are available but are generally expensive. Alternatively, guesthouses are available at a cheaper rate, although they may not offer the same level of service as the more luxurious accommodation options. As different regions often observe separate customs and religious practices, visitors should also be mindful of the local customs when selecting their accommodation.

Money Matters

The official currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Arabian riyal (SAR). ATMs in the cities and airports often dispense the riyal in local denominations. Credit cards are accepted in restaurants, hotels and shopping malls, but not generally in places like markets. Travelers cheques can also be cashed at banks, but banks usually have long queues and limited opening hours. Additionally, visitors should take care when using online banking services, as fraud is common in the country.

Restricted Areas

Some areas of Saudi Arabia are restricted to the public, and visitors should get official permission before entering such areas. These include, but are not limited to, military and industrial facilities, scientific laboratories, oil refineries and pipelines, power stations, military bases, television and radio networks and airfields. If caught entering a restricted area without permission, travellers may be detained, and foreign nationals may risk being deported.

Women’s Rights

Women travelling to Saudi Arabia should observe local customs to avoid disrespecting the nation’s religious sensibilities. Women should wear modest clothing that covers their arms, legs and head, and should avoid public displays of affection. Women travelers can usually mingle freely with men outside and, in certain cities, can access public amenities. Some museums, restaurants and most shopping malls allow women in, but women should take care when visiting smaller shops operated by conservative religious traders.

Gender Segregation

Gender segregation is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia, and visitors should be aware of the rules that govern public behavior, especially in the more conservative areas. Any physical contact or public displays of affection, such as holding hands or hugging, between people of the opposite sex could lead to arrest or detainment. In addition, it is illegal for women to drive in Saudi Arabia, and women may also face difficulties when travelling alone.

Religious Practices

As Saudi Arabia is a theocracy and has strict religious practices, visitors should be aware of the nation’s religious laws. Non-Islamic religious practices are not tolerated, and visitors should dress conservatively and avoid making any offensive or disrespectful remarks about religion or politics. In addition, certain activities are forbidden during Ramadan, such as eating, drinking and smoking in public.

Public Behavior and Etiquette

The culture in Saudi Arabia is largely respectful of elders and authority, and visitors should take care to observe the same respect for authority and the elderly. Visitors should also be aware that public displays of affection between genders, and talking loudly or using bad language, are frowned upon, and can result in arrest or detainment. Additionally, visitors should be prepared to take off their shoes before entering a home, and should also avoid wearing revealing clothing, as it is seen as inappropriate in public.

Jose Richard

Jose M. Richard is a journalist and author based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Jose has written extensively on Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region. Jose is passionate about promoting understanding of the region and its people, and his work has been recognised with international awards.

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