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.
Americans: Passport and visa required.
UK nationals: Passport and visa required.
Canadians: Passport and visa required.
Australians: Passport and visa required.
South Africans: Passport and visa required.
Irish nationals: Passport and visa required.
New Zealanders: Passport and visa required.
Health
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.
