Saudi Arabia — Visas and Healthcare
Passports and Visas
All visitors require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and visas are only granted to those with sponsorship in the country. Tourist visas are granted only to selected groups on a limited basis. Everyone who enters the Kingdom should have a valid passport with at least six months validity in addition to the appropriate visa and a return ticket, with all necessary documents. Women entering the Kingdom alone must be met by a sponsor or male relative and have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Entry may be refused to any visitor arriving in an intoxicated state, men wearing shorts, women in tight clothing or with legs and arms exposed, and to couples displaying affection in public. There are special requirements for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj or visiting holy sites. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia.
Americans
US citizens require a passport valid for six months after intended travel and visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Visitors must hold all documents required for next destination, and return or onward tickets. Housemaids or wives traveling unaccompanied, joining their husband, must be met at the airport by sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations up to their final destination in Saudi Arabia. Moslim female passengers must be: accompanied by Mahram, who should be one of her immediate family members such as father, brother, husband or son, who must be aged 18 years or older; or over 45 years of age and traveling within a group of female passengers of the same age, who are accompanied by a group leader until their departure. It is strictly prohibited for Pilgrims traveling with Hajj or Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia via Riyadh King Khalid International (RUH). Departure from Riyadh King Khalid International RUH) is permitted. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia.
UK Nationals
British passport holders require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel and visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Visitors must hold all documents required for next destination, and return or onward tickets. Housemaids or wives traveling unaccompanied, joining their husband, must be met at the airport by sponsor or husband; and have confirmed onward reservations up to their final destination in Saudi Arabia. Moslim female passengers must be: accompanied by Mahram, who should be one of her immediate family members such as father, brother, husband or son, who must be aged 18 years or older; or over 45 years of age and traveling within a group of female passengers of the same age, who are accompanied by a group leader until their departure. It is strictly prohibited for Pilgrims traveling with Hajj or Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia via Riyadh King Khalid International (RUH). Departure from Riyadh King Khalid International (RUH) is permitted. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia.
Canadians
Canadians require a passport valid for six months after intended travel and visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Visitors must hold all documents required for next destination, and return or onward tickets. Housemaids or wives traveling unaccompanied, joining their husband, must be met at the airport by sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations up to their final destination in Saudi Arabia. Moslim female passengers must be: accompanied by Mahram, who should be one of her immediate family members such as father, brother, husband or son, who must be aged 18 years or older; or over 45 years of age and traveling within a group of female passengers of the same age, who are accompanied by a group leader until their departure. It is strictly prohibited for Pilgrims traveling with Hajj or Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia via Riyadh King Khalid International (RUH). Departure from Riyadh King Khalid International RUH) is permitted. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia.
Australians
Australians require a passport valid for six months after intended travel and visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Visitors must hold all documents required for next destination, and return or onward tickets. Housemaids or wives traveling unaccompanied, joining their husband, must be met at the airport by sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations up to their final destination in Saudi Arabia. Moslim female passengers must be: accompanied by Mahram, who should be one of her immediate family members such as father, brother, husband or son, who must be aged 18 years or older; or over 45 years of age and traveling within a group of female passengers of the same age, who are accompanied by a group leader until their departure. It is strictly prohibited for Pilgrims traveling with Hajj or Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia via Riyadh King Khalid International (RUH). Departure from Riyadh King Khalid International RUH) is permitted. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia.
South Africans
South Africans require a passport valid for six months after intended travel and visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Visitors must hold all documents required for next destination, and return or onward tickets. Housemaids or wives traveling unaccompanied, joining their husband, must be met at the airport by sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations up to their final destination in Saudi Arabia. Moslim female passengers must be: accompanied by Mahram, who should be one of her immediate family members such as father, brother, husband or son, who must be aged 18 years or older; or over 45 years of age and traveling within a group of female passengers of the same age, who are accompanied by a group leader until their departure. It is strictly prohibited for Pilgrims traveling with Hajj or Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia via Riyadh King Khalid International (RUH). Departure from Riyadh King Khalid International RUH) is permitted. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia.
Irish Nationals
Irish passport holders require a passport valid for six months after intended travel and visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Visitors must hold all documents required for next destination, and return or onward tickets. Housemaids or wives traveling unaccompanied, joining their husband, must be met at the airport by sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations up to their final destination in Saudi Arabia. Moslim female passengers must be: accompanied by Mahram, who should be one of her immediate family members such as father, brother, husband or son, who must be aged 18 years or older; or over 45 years of age and traveling within a group of female passengers of the same age, who are accompanied by a group leader until their departure. It is strictly prohibited for Pilgrims traveling with Hajj or Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia via Riyadh King Khalid International (RUH). Departure from Riyadh King Khalid International RUH) is permitted. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia.
New Zealanders
New Zealanders require a passport valid for six months after intended travel and visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Visitors must hold all documents required for next destination, and return or onward tickets. Housemaids or wives traveling unaccompanied, joining their husband, must be met at the airport by sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations up to their final destination in Saudi Arabia. Moslim female passengers must be: accompanied by Mahram, who should be one of her immediate family members such as father, brother, husband or son, who must be aged 18 years or older; or over 45 years of age and traveling within a group of female passengers of the same age, who are accompanied by a group leader until their departure. It is strictly prohibited for Pilgrims traveling with Hajj or Umrah visas to enter Saudi Arabia via Riyadh King Khalid International (RUH). Departure from Riyadh King Khalid International RUH) is permitted. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia.
Healthcare
Anyone arriving in Saudi Arabia from a country infected with yellow fever requires a vaccination certificate for entry. People traveling to perform Hajj and Umrah are required to be inoculated against meningitis before travel and must present a vaccination certificate on arrival; a meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all travelers. Respiratory infections are common among pilgrims during the Hajj season; Influenza vaccine is recommended for all pilgrims during the Hajj. Not compulsory, but definitely advisable, is vaccination against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid fever. There is a malaria risk in the south and parts of the western region of the country and visitors should take advice on anti-malarial precautions at least four weeks before leaving; an outbreak of cerebral malaria has occurred in Jizan. Rift Valley Fever has also occurred, mainly in the Jizan area. Dengue fever has been reported. An outbreak of bird flu was confirmed in April 2007; however the risk is low for travelers, but contact with domestic, caged and wild birds should be avoided and poultry and egg dishes well cooked. Food poisoning is a risk outside the good hotels. Visitors should only drink bottled water. The standard of medical care and facilities in Saudi Arabia is high, but treatment is expensive, therefore health insurance is strongly advised for all travelers.
Safety
The US and British authorities believe terrorists may be planning further attacks against Westerners and in places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia following recent incidents in which foreign nationals were killed. Aviation interests remain a possible terrorist target. Attacks in the past have included kidnappings, targeted shootings and bombings of shopping areas, government offices and car bombs. Visitors who choose to risk entering the country should ensure they have individual security arrangements, remain vigilant, keep a low profile and avoid public gatherings. Visitors should be particularly alert in public places frequented by foreigners such as shopping malls, restaurants and hotels and in the desert outside Riyadh. Pilgrims are increasingly being targeted by pickpockets in Mecca and Medina and are advised to take care of personal possessions. In recent years pilgrims have died due to overcrowding and stampedes. Religious police patrols rigorously enforce codes of behavior and dress prescribed by Islamic law and visitors should respect these.
