Destination Guides
Saudi Arabia

 
assport/Visa
 
Passport/Visa

Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes

 
Restricted entry

(a) Holders of an Israeli passport or passports with Israeli stamps in them. (b) Passengers not complying with Saudi conventions of dress and behaviour, 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.

 
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 travelling 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 Centre 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 six months at time of entry is required by all 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). All passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the estimated stay in Saudi Arabia.

 
Visas

Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Yemen;
(b) 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 travelling on Saudi Arabian Airlines who are permitted to make a second stop, and except nationals of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria who always require a transit visa);
(c) holders of re-entry permits and ‘Landing Permits’ issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (see Passport/Visa Information).

 
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).

 
Note

(a) The Pilgrim (Ummra) visa can only be obtained through an authorised '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.

 
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.

 
Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information. Travellers are advised to apply well in advance. Hajj or Umrah visas are only available from the Consulate through an authorised travel agent. People visiting the Consulate directly for Hajj or Umrah visas will not be successful.

 
Application requirements

Family/Residency: (a) One application form. (b) One passport-size photo affixed to application form. Children travelling on parents' passport must have photos affixed on passport and endorsed by relevant authorities with photos attached on application form. Copies of birth certificate and marriage certificate of all accompanying children and spouses are also required. (c) Passport valid for at least six months. (d) Prepaid, self-addressed, recorded delivery envelope, if applying by post. If applying by post from Ireland (Rep), enclose a minimum of nine coupons. (e) Fee (payable in cash, by postal order or by banker’s draft only). (f) Medical report, authenticated by the UK Foreign Office (for persons over 15 years of age). Applicants from Ireland (Rep) should legalise their medical report at the Irish Foreign Office in Dublin. (g) A copy a of marriage certificate showing the visitor is married to the person working in Saudi Arabia whom they intend to visit. These documents must be legalised through the British Foreign and Common Wealth Office or the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter of invitation from Saudi host company endorsed by Saudi Chamber of Commerce (original and copy). (g) Letter from company or organisation in own country. Work: (a)-(d) and, (e) Letter of introduction from Saudi sponsor and copy of the employment contract. (f) Copies of academic qualifications and work experience in the field of job applied for. (g) A visa authorisation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supplied by the Saudi Arabian employer. (h) Letter of No Objection if previously employed in Saudi Arabia. (i) An amount equivalent to SAR50 deposited at the Consulate’s cashier desk. Pilgrim: (a)-(d) and, (e) Airline ticket with confirmed booking (both ways). The point of entry and departure must be Jeddah or Medina. (f) Meningitis immunisation certificate with validity for more than three years and vaccination issued no less than 10 days before travelling. A yellow fever certificate may be required, if travelling from an infected area. (g) ID card must be worn on wrist band and luggage must be clearly labelled: 'PILGRIM'. (h) Letter of approval issued by Saudi Ministry of Hajj, confirming that the authorised UK travel agent, tour operator and charities, through which the application for Hajj was submitted, have completed the necessary requirements regarding their pilgrims. (i) Proof of conversion to Islam may have to be submitted. Transit: (a)-(e) and, (f) Airline ticket reservation showing proof of leaving Saudi Arabia within 48 hours and visa valid for next destination if applicable.

 
Note

(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.

 
Working days required

At least two 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).

 
Passport/Visa Information

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
30 Charles Street, London W1J 5DZ, UK
Visa section: 30-32 Charles Street, London W1J 5DZ, UK
Tel: (020) 7917 3000.
Website: www.saudiembassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1600, Fri 0900-1500.
Consular section: Mon-Thurs 0900-1130 (visa applications); 1400-1530 (passport collection), Fri 1330-1430.

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Tel: 337 4076 (information section) or 944 3126 (visa section).
Website: www.saudiembassy.net

 
 
 
ontact Addresses
 
Saudi Arabian Information Centre in the UK

18 Seymour Street, London W1H 7HU, UK
Tel: (020) 7486 3470.
Website: www.saudinf.com

 
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the UK

30 Charles Street, London W1J 5DZ, UK
Visa section: 30-32 Charles Street, London W1J 5DZ, UK
Tel: (020) 7917 3000.
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1600, Fri 0900-1500.
Consular section: Mon-Thurs 0900-1130 (visa applications); 1400-1530 (passport collection), Fri 1330-1430.

 
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the USA

601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Tel: (202) 337 4076 (information section) or 944 3126 (visa section).
Website: www.saudiembassy.net

 
 
 
ealth
 
Health

No 1
No No
2 N/A
3 N/A

 
1

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers 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.

 
Food & drink

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

 
Note

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

 
Other risks

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A is common and hepatitis B is endemic. Visceral leishmaniasis occurs in the southwest of the country. Cases of Rift Valley Fever have been reported, mostly in the Jizan area.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

 
Health care

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

 
 
 
ublic Holidays
 
Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.

Jan 10 2006
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Sep 23 Saudi National Day. Oct 22-24 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 31 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

 
Note

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. During Hajj (when pilgrims visit Mecca) all government establishments and some businesses will be closed for 10 to 14 days. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix.