Saudi Arabia Travel Guide

Saudi Arabia — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

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

A passport valid for at least six months at time a visa is issued is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Passport Notes

(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. (d) Women and under-aged children should be accompanied by a Moharram (close male family member), unless they have prior authorization. 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.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) transit passengers staying less than 18 hours. Hajj visas are free, although there are charges for services provided in Medina and Mecca. The Canadian government advises that Canadians need a letter of invitation from a Saudi national or company to apply for a visa.

Visa Note

(a) The Pilgrim (Umrah) visa can only be obtained through an authorized "Umrah Agency," appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Check with the embassy for a full list of appointed agents. Administrative fees may apply and further requirements for Umrah applications must be submitted through an endorsed travel agent or tour operator. A list of endorsed agencies is available from the embassy website (see Important Addresses). (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 Umrah or visit a Holy Mosque, provided they withhold a signed agreement with one of the appointed Umrah agencies. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. (d) An Exit Permit may be needed, requiring a passport-size photo and must be issued by the Chief of Police (usually processed within three days after application, enquire at relevant consulate/embassy). 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 Cost

Family visit: £39, single-entry; business: £39, single-entry, £96, multiple-entry; work: £10; residency: £10; transit: free; pilgrim (Umrah): no charge, although the agency may charge an administrative fee (one to three months for a maximum of 30 days). Transit visas are required for stays longer than 18 hours.

Validity

The 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. Umrah visas are valid for 30 days for stays of up to two weeks.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy). 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

Two to five days, though delays are not uncommon. Travelers should allow for several weeks processing time.

Travel Warnings

There have been intermittent clashes with Saudi forces and Yemeni rebels on the Saudi-Yemen border since early November 2009. This comes on the back of the renewed fighting in Northern Yemen between rebels and the Government of Yemen since August 2009. There is a continued risk of clashes. We advise against all but essential travel to areas close to the Saudi-Yemen border in the Jizan, Asir and Najran provinces. Travelers should exercise caution in all areas close to the Saudi-Yemen border.

Saudi Arabian Customs officials have authority to screen all electronic devices ( laptops, mobile phones, PDAs etc) entering or leaving Saudi Arabia. Anyone found to be carrying pirated or explicit materials will have their equipment confiscated. Refusal to comply with this rule will result in detention and/or deportation.

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