Saudi Arabia Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	Yes	Yes
Australian	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canadian	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes	Yes	Yes
Other EU	Yes	Yes	Yes

Passport Note
(a) Unaccompanied women must be met at the airport by their sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations as far as their final destination in Saudi Arabia. If met by a sponsor, it is worth noting that there are restrictions on women traveling by car with men who are not related by blood or marriage. However, it is acceptable for women visiting for business purposes to be accompanied and met at the airport by male business partners: further enquiries can be made at the information center or embassy. Women and under-aged children should be accompanied by a Moharram (close male family member). (b) No foreign passenger who is working as a domestic servant in Saudi Arabia should be transported to Saudi Arabia unless holding a valid non-refundable return ticket.

Passports
A passport valid for at least six months at time of entry is required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above, except Muslim pilgrims holding Pilgrim Passes, tickets and other documents for their onward or return journey and entering the country via Jeddah or Medina - although sufficient evidence of Muslim faith must be provided (eg religious authenticated certificate).

Visas
Required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 18 hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation, not leaving the airport and making no further landing in Saudi Arabia (except those traveling on Saudi Arabian Airlines who are permitted to make a second stop;
(b) holders of re-entry permits and ‘Landing Permits’ issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (see General Info).

Visa Note
(a) Holders of passports with Israeli stamps in them. (b) Passengers not complying with Saudi conventions of dress and behavior, including those who appear to be in a state of intoxication, or who display inappropriate affection (especially between men and women) will be refused entry (see Social Conventions section). (c) There are special regulations concerning pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia. Contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy) for further information.

(a) The Pilgrim (Ummra) visa can only be obtained through an authorized 'Ummra Agency', appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Check with embassy for a full list of appointed agents. Administrative fees may apply. (b) Transit passengers who stay in the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port or Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina for over 24 hours can perform Ummra or visit a Holy Mosque, provided they withhold a signed agreement with one of the appointed Ummra agencies. (c) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

(a) An Exit Permit is required for most nationals, requiring a passport-size photo and must be issued by the Chief of Police (usually processed within three days after application). It is advised to enquire at the nearest embassy for further information. (b) There are further requirements for Ummra applications, but these must be submitted by the endorsed travel agent or tour operator.

Types of Visa and Cost
Family Visit: £39. Business: £39; £96 (multiple-entry). Work: SAR50 (approximately £10), if paying at embassy. Please consult the consulate to confirm the exact amount as fluctuations occur due to exchange rates. Residency: £10. Transit: £10. Pilgrim (Ummra): no charge (one to three months for a maximum of 30 days).

Validity
The visa stay period starts from the first day of entry into Saudi Arabia within the visa’s valid dates. Ummra visas are valid for 30 days for stays of up to two weeks.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see General Info. Travelers are advised to apply well in advance. Hajj or Umrah visas are only available from the consulate through an authorized travel agent. People visiting the consulate directly for Hajj or Umrah visas will not be successful.

Working Days Required
At least two working days. At least one week if applying by post. For information on processing time for all other types of visa, contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy).

Warning
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. It is believed that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia.

Four French nationals were shot dead in an incident in the vicinity of Medina on 26 February 2007. Travelers should take all necessary steps to protect their safety and should have confidence in individual security arrangements. Travelers should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places and exercise caution when traveling outside urban areas. Travelers should also avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations.

Travelers should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever	No	1
Cholera	No	No
Typhoid and Polio	2	N/A
Malaria	3	N/A

Health Care
Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, but treatment is expensive. Health insurance is essential.

Note
1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers arriving from countries of which any parts are infected.

2
Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

3
Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in most of the Southern region, except the high altitude areas of Asir Province, and in certain rural areas of the Western Province. There is no risk in Jeddah, Mecca, Medina or Ta’if. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. The recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine plus proguanil. Cerebral malaria has also occurred, but solely in the Jizan region.

Note
During the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Saudi Arabia requires vaccination of pilgrims against meningococcal meningitis. Although this applies mainly to pilgrims, other travelers may find themselves affected, especially during the month of August.


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