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 NoteRestricted entry: (a) Holders of
passports with Israeli stamps or an Israeli birthplace in them have, on occasion, been refused entry/visas. (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. (c) There are special regulations concerning pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia. Contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy) for further information (see
General Info). (d) Women and under-aged children should be accompanied by a
Moharram (close male family member). 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 (women are not permitted to drive). 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.
PassportsA passport valid for at least six months at time of entry is required by all nationals 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).
VisasRequired by all nationals 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) 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 and further requirements for Ummra applications must be submitted through an endorsed travel agent or tour operator. A list of endorsed agencies is available from the embassy website (see
General Info). (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 not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info). (d) 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. (e) Visa dates correspond to Hijra months, not Gregorian months - check dates carefully.
Types of Visa and CostFamily Visit:
£39 (single-entry).
Business: £39 (single-entry); £96 (multiple-entry).
Work:
£10.
Residency:
£10.
Transit: £10.
Pilgrim (
Ummra):
no charge, although the agency may charge an administrative fee (one to three months for a maximum of 30 days).
ValidityThe visa validity starts from date of issue. 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 Ummra visas are only available from the consulate through an authorized travel agent. People visiting the consulate directly for Hajj or Ummra visas will not be successful.
Working Days RequiredAt 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).
WarningThere 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? |
| Diphtheria | Sometimes | |
| Hepatitis A | Yes | |
| Malaria | Sometimes | |
| Rabies | Sometimes | |
| Tetanus | Yes | |
| Typhoid | Sometimes | |
| Yellow Fever | No* | |
Health CareMedical facilities are generally of a high standard, but treatment is expensive. Health insurance is essential.
Note* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travelers arriving from an infected area.
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