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Saudi Arabia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Saudi Arabia.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Saudi Arabia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Saudi Arabia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Saudi Arabia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Saudi Arabia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

Required  for all travelers going to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj or Umrah. See the  Saudi Arabia: Hajj/Umrah Pilgrimage  Yellow Book section for more information.

Meningococcal disease - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Saudi Arabia. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Saudi Arabia, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Saudi Arabia. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

• Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

• Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads
• May spread from to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• May spread to people from camels.

Middle East Respiratory virus syndrome (MERS)

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Saudi Arabia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Saudi Arabia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Saudi Arabia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Saudi Arabia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Saudi Arabia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Saudi Arabia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Saudi Arabia may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Saudi Arabia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Saudi Arabia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Saudi Arabia

Travel Advisory January 24, 2024

Saudi arabia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated after periodic review to provide information on the risk of arrest due to social media use and the importation of prohibited items.

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to  the threat of missile and drone attacks.   Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to  terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items.  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to the following locations due to the threat of  missile and drone attacks  and  terrorism :

• Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, as well as the cities of Abha, Jizan, Najran, and Khamis Mushayt;
• Abha airport;
• Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

Country Summary : U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission responsibility must adhere to the above travel restrictions.  As such, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these locations.

Missile and drone attacks perpetrated by Iran and Iran-supported militant groups have occurred as recently as September 2023.  The Islamic Republic of Iran has in the past supplied Yemen-based Houthis and regional proxy groups with weapons to conduct destructive and sometimes lethal attacks using drones, missiles, and rockets against a variety of Saudi sites, including critical infrastructure, civilian airports, military bases, and energy facilities throughout the country, as well as vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes.  Past attacks were aimed at targets throughout Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Jizan, Khamis Mushayt, the civilian airport in Abha, Al Kharj, military installations in the south, as well as oil and gas facilities.

Debris from intercepted drones and missiles has also represented a significant risk to civilian areas and populations in the recent past.  Militant groups have threatened to conduct attacks against locations in Saudi Arabia.  U.S. citizens living and working near military bases and critical civilian infrastructure, particularly near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk if missile, drone, or rocket attacks reoccur.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Saudi Arabia.  Attacks can occur with little or no warning.  Past attacks have targeted tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.  Terrorists are also known to time attacks around major holidays and/or in response to military operations.  Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and international interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens.

Be advised that social media commentary – including past comments – which Saudi authorities may deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest .  This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments about Saudi institutions, policies, and public life.  U.S. citizens have been convicted for social media activity under Saudi laws concerning cybercrime, terrorism, and disrupting public order.  Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years in some cases.  Saudi courts do not necessarily consider the timeframe of the posts or the location from which they were made to be material to these cases.

The importation of drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, pork, or any materials that could be considered pornographic or suggestive, is prohibited.   Penalties for drug possession, consumption, and trafficking are severe by U.S. standards.  An extensive list of banned items is available on our Saudi Arabia country information page .

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM).  For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Saudi Arabia.

If you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia:

• Visit our website for information on  travel to high-risk areas .
• Stay alert in large crowds and/or locations frequented by foreign nationals.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrest notification and the Department of State’s general information on arrests of U.S. citizens abroad .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report   for Saudi Arabia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Yemen Border, Abha airport, and Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Militants in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets .  Civilians that are near the border with Yemen are especially at risk.   Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including in Qatif.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to this area.

Visit our website for information on  travel to high-risk areas

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens to enter or exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A minimum of six months’ validity beyond the date of travel is recommended.

One page required for entry stamp.

Required for certain visa classes

More than 16,000 USD must be declared. Customs details are here .

Embassies and Consulates

The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.

U.S. Embassy Riyadh Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundbaout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000 Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran Off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Telephone:   (966) (13) 839-5700 Emergency Telephone:   (966) (13) 839-5700 Fax:   (966) (13) 330-6816 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

See the  Embassy of Saudi Arabia’s website  for visa information.

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

For residency permit-holders (iqama), an exit/reentry permit is required to leave Saudi Arabia as well as six month’s validity on your passport to request an exit/reentry permit.

• Saudi law requires that residency permit-holders carry their residency card (iqama) at all times while in the Kingdom. Failure to do so could result in a fine of 3,000 Saudi riyals and a jail sentence of six weeks.
• Females and minors may require a male guardian’s permission to leave the country, including U.S. citizens or dual-nationals.
• You must exit Saudi Arabia using the passport for the nationality corresponding to the one on which you entered Saudi Arabia.

Saudi law requires all Saudi citizens to enter and depart the country with a Saudi travel document. If you enter the country on a Saudi laissez-passer (temporary travel document), you may encounter difficulty leaving the Kingdom.

Saudi embassies do not have the authority to adjudicate citizenship claims or issue passports, but they may issue a laissez-passer for presumed Saudi citizens for whom citizenship has not been adjudicated, such as children of a Saudi parent or parents who were married outside of Saudi Arabia. Once admitted to Saudi Arabia on a laissez-passer, the traveler must obtain a Saudi passport before leaving the country. Saudi nationality is not conferred quickly or easily, and the processing time for a Saudi passport in these cases has often been six months or years in some cases. Obtaining a U.S. passport will not help, as you will not be able to leave Saudi Arabia without an exit visa which will not be granted if you entered as a Saudi citizen.

The Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer.

Length of Stay:  Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period. Carefully check your visa validity and length of stay granted, and clarify any questions on permitted length of stay with Saudi immigration officials on arrival. Dates are calculated in accordance with the Hijri calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar.

If you overstay your visa, you could face significant fines, detention, and/or deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy is unable to intercede, reduce fines, or prevent incarceration if you violate Saudi law.

Travel Bans:  When placed under a travel ban, you cannot exit the country, even if you are a U.S. citizen or a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen. Travel bans are rigidly enforced and can take months or even years to resolve. Only Saudi Arabian authorities and sponsors can remove travel bans.

The government may issue travel bans on people who are/have:

• charged with criminal offenses;
• under investigation;
• involved in financial or labor disputes;
• failed to report to work according to the terms of the contract (absconded);
• unpaid debts or who have passed bad checks.

The list above is not exhaustive. Private Saudi citizens may also initiate travel bans against foreign citizens for various reasons.

Residency Permits:  If you are seeking residency in Saudi Arabia, make sure you have all required legal documents authenticated before arriving. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh nor the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran can provide this service.

You should have all U.S. issued documents authenticated by the  Department of State Office of Authentications  (202-485-8000) and attested by the  Embassy of Saudi Arabia  in Washington D.C.

Work Visas: If you plan on working in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a work visa before you arrive. Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia are subject to the country’s sponsorship system, which concedes substantial legal authority over the worker to the employer. This can include the ability to prevent the employee from leaving the country. American citizens considering working in Saudi Arabia should carefully review the information about employment in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section below.

If the visitor or business visa has been annotated “not permitted to work,” you are not allowed to legally work in Saudi Arabia. You risk substantial financial penalties, detention, deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia if you work without legal permission. Additionally, without a work visa, there would be no legal grounds to pursue a case against an employer should a dispute arise.

HIV/AIDS:  To obtain work and residence permits, you are required to obtain a medical report or physical examination confirming that you are free from contagious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. If you test positive for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, you will not be allowed to work in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has not imposed HIV/AIDS or hepatitis travel restrictions on other categories of travelers. Please inquire directly with the  Embassy of Saudi Arabia  before you travel.

Vaccinations:  Visitors to Saudi Arabia should check vaccination requirements on the  Saudi Ministry of Health website.

Yemen Travel:  The Department strongly advises U.S. citizens against travel to Yemen due to the ongoing conflict in that country. See our  Yemen Travel Advisory  for further information. A visa is required to enter Saudi Arabia, and Saudi authorities generally do not permit foreign citizens to enter Saudi Arabia using land border crossings from Yemen. The Embassy and Consulates General cannot provide assistance to U.S. citizens seeking to cross the Yemeni-Saudi border.

Safety and Security

The Department of State advises you to exercise increased caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia due to terrorism and the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian targets. See the Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia here .

Do not travel:

• Within 50 miles of the border with Yemen due to terrorism and armed conflict.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and Western government interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners.

Houthis operating in Yemen have fired long-range missiles into Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting populated areas and civilian infrastructure; they have publicly stated their intent to continue doing so. Missile attacks have targeted major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, Riyadh’s international airport, Saudi Aramco facilities, and vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Rebel groups are also in possession of unmanned aerial systems (UASs or drones) which they have used to target civilian infrastructure and military facilities in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working on or near such installations, particularly in areas near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk of missile and drone attack.

On October 11, 2018 the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation issued a Notice to Airmen about threats to civil aviation and airports in Saudi Arabia posed by missiles and UASs launched from Yemen. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the U.S. Government’s Defense Internet NOTAM Service (Type “OEJD” in the search field, then click “View NOTAMs,” then scroll down to W0438/18 and click to view).

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following locations as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to:

• Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, including the cities of Jizan and Najran;
• Qatif in the Eastern province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

You can find additional details relating to safety and security in our Travel Advisory and Alerts and the website of the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia .

Crime: Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States.

• You should be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight and secure, and travel with a companion, if possible.
• Some Saudi citizens who perceive that a foreigner is not observing conservative standards of conduct or dress have been known to harass, pursue, or assault that person.
• Even when released from detention, witnesses to criminal incidents may be prohibited from leaving the country until investigation of the incident is complete.

See the websites of the Department of State  and the  FBI for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, you should contact the local police at “999” and contact the Embassy in Riyadh or one of the Consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran.Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See the Department of State’s webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department can:

• help you identify appropriate medical care;
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• provide a list of local attorneys;
• provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: If you are the victim of any form of physical violence, including domestic violence, you should contact the Saudi police by calling “999”.  In addition, victims of domestic violence can contact the Saudi National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing “1919.” The Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development runs a network of shelters for women and children. Contacting the domestic violence hotline (“1919”) is the only way to access these shelters. The Saudi National Family Safety Program also runs a Child Help Line “116111” and can assist children in accessing Saudi social services.

When reporting domestic violence, it is imperative to get a case reference number as all Saudi social and legal assistance is tied to this case number. It is also a good idea to document any injuries and obtain a copy of any medical reports. U.S. citizens should be advised that filing a police report or utilizing any Saudi victims’ assistance services may result in the Saudi authorities informing your sponsor or guardian.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Dual Citizenship: Saudi Arabia generally does not recognize dual nationality. Saudi law requires Saudi citizens to obtain official permission from the government before obtaining a second nationality. At times, Saudi authorities have confiscated the passports of U.S. citizens applying for Saudi citizenship. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship. If this happens to you or someone you know, report the incident to the U.S. Embassy.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate immediately. Be aware that Saudi Arabia generally restricts consular notification of the arrest of foreigners to the Embassy of the country that issued the travel document used to enter the Kingdom. If you enter Saudi Arabia with a Saudi travel document, or with the passport of a country other than the United States, it will be extremely difficult for the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services if you are subsequently detained. Persons detained in Saudi Arabia may be held without charges for lengthy periods and denied access to counsel; dual citizens may not have consular assistance. See the Embassy’s webpage for further information.

Drones: The importation of drones for commercial or personal use is prohibited without prior approval from the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). A customs clearance certificate authorizing importation can be obtained as part of the GACA approval process. Visit GACA’s website for further information.

Criminal Penalties: While in Saudi Arabia, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Saudi laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled; arrested; imprisoned; held without trial for lengthy periods of time; interrogated without counsel; subject to corporal punishments, including lashings; or executed.

Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, public floggings, and deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking is death. Furthermore, some laws are prosecutable in the United States regardless of local law. For examples, see our webpage on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website .

There are substantial limitations on freedom of speech and political expression in Saudi Arabia. For additional information see the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Saudi Arabia .

Faith-Related Travel Issues: Islam is the official religion of the country and is present in all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. See our Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet .

• Saudi authorities do not permit criticism of Islam or Muslim religious figures, including on social media.
• The government prohibits the public practice of religions other than Islam. Non-Muslims suspected of violating these restrictions have been jailed and/or deported. Church services in private homes have been raided, and participants have been jailed and/or deported.
• Muslims who do not adhere to the strict interpretation of Islam prevalent in much of Saudi Arabia may encounter societal discrimination and constraints on public worship.
• Public display of non-Islamic religious articles, such as crosses and Bibles, is not permitted.
• Non-Muslims are forbidden to travel to Mecca and parts of Medina, the cities where two of Islam’s holiest mosques are located.
• See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations, even when consensual, are criminalized in Saudi Arabia. Violations of Saudi laws governing perceived expressions of, or support for, same-sex sexual relations, including on social media, may be subject to severe punishment. Potential penalties include fines, jail time, or death. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is generally found in the United States. Saudi law does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, and there is no legislation requiring public accessibility. Newer commercial and government buildings, however, often include such access. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, there are numerous government-sponsored centers for people with disabilities. Note that Saudi Arabia has limited infrastructure to care for those with mental disabilities.

Students: See the Department’s Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Residents and Travelers: Married women, including non-Saudis, require their husband's permission to depart the country, while unmarried women and children require the permission of their father or male guardian.

Minor children must have their father’s permission in order to leave the Kingdom. Children visiting their fathers in Saudi Arabia, even when there is a custody agreement, can be prevented from leaving unless the father consents. This is true even if the child is an American citizen. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot obtain exit visas for the departure of minor children without their father/guardian's permission.

If a foreigner and a Saudi living in Saudi Arabia divorce, Saudi courts rarely grant permission for the foreign parent to leave the country with the children born during the marriage, even if he or she has been granted physical custody.

Foreign mothers of Saudi children, who are divorced or widowed, may apply for a permanent residency permit(iqama) without the need for a sponsor. To do so, they must prove maternity and that they were legally married to the Saudi father.

Also see the Department’s travel tips for Women Travelers .

Employment: The Arabic text of a contract governs employment and business arrangements under Saudi law. Verbal assurances or side letters are not binding under Saudi law. In the event of any contract dispute, Saudi authorities refer to the written contract.

• Sponsors have wide latitude and responsibilities for employees and family members under their sponsorship, including obtaining residence permits for the employee and for any family members.
• All residents should be issued a Saudi residence permit (iqama) and are legally required to carry it at all times.
• The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Saudi Arabia cannot sponsor private U.S. citizens for Saudi visas.
• Sponsors have been known to demand that residents working in Saudi Arabia surrender their passports while in the Kingdom. Such practices are illegal and should be reported to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development .
• Since the Saudi sponsor controls the issuance of exit permits, U.S. citizens may be prevented by the sponsor from leaving Saudi Arabia in the event of a labor or business dispute, which could take months or years to resolve.
• To change employers within the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia requires the written permission of the original sponsoring employer.
• The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General cannot assist in labor or business disputes, nor can they provide translation or legal services.
• U.S. consular officers can provide lists of local attorneys to help U.S. citizens settle business disputes, but ultimate responsibility for the resolution of disputes through the Saudi legal system, and payment for those services, lies with the parties involved. For additional information on Saudi labor law, please refer to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development’s webpage .
• Saudi customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of such banned items as alcohol, weapons, and any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam (such as pork, anything considered pornographic under strict Islamic principles, and religious materials).
• Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading matter are censored.
• Christmas and other holiday decorations, fashion magazines, and "suggestive" videos may be confiscated and the owner subject to penalties and fines.
• Electronic devices may be subject to inspection upon entry or exit. Please see the Department’s Customs Information page as well as the Saudi Customs webpage.

Importing Animals: The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia.

• Cats and dogs entering Saudi Arabia require a Veterinary Health Certificate and a dated letter from the veterinary practitioner addressed to his/her sponsor to obtain the necessary approval from the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Both documents must be authenticated by the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Service Office and the State Department's Authentications Office and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia .
• The certificate must indicate that the animal was examined and is free from disease and confirm that rabies and other vaccines are current. Information on the name, breed, sex, color, and age of the animal must also be stated.
• Please see additional information on taking a pet overseas .

Teaching English in Saudi Arabia: In recent years, increasing numbers of American language teachers have experienced contractual and other problems. Some teachers have complained about arbitrary dismissals, difficult living conditions, salary arrears, unwanted reassignments, restrictions on their movement, and inability to leave the country. Prospective teachers in Saudi Arabia should vet their potential employer and carefully review their employment offer as well as the detailed information found in the Embassy’s Guide to Teaching English in Saudi Arabia . Additionally, prospective teachers should also take care to make sure that they obtain the appropriate work visa prior to coming to Saudi Arabia. The Embassy cannot help you if you violate Saudi labor law.

Standards of Conduct and Religious Police: Norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are extremely conservative. Both the uniformed police and the religious police, referred to colloquially as the mutawwa or al-hay’a, are charged with enforcing these standards.

• Mutawwa are required to carry special identification and usually are accompanied by uniformed police.
• While a 2016 government decree withdrew the authority of the mutawwa to make arrests independently of regular police forces, visitors should be prudent in their interactions with mutawwa.
• An individual must, if requested, present his/her residence permit (iqama) or other identification to the mutawwa or the police.
• U.S. citizens who are involved in an incident with the mutawwa should report the incident to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran.

In most areas of Saudi Arabia, and particularly in Riyadh and the central part of the Kingdom, women wear a full-length covering known as an abaya. Most women in conservative areas also cover their hair with a hijab for modesty, and many also cover their faces with a niqab.

Tourists are expected to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images; women are not required to wear abayas or cover their hair but are expected to cover their shoulders and knees, and men should not go without a shirt. Women who choose not to conform to Saudi Arabia’s dress code face a risk of confrontation by mutawwa, negative or hostile comments by Saudi citizens, and possible detention Guidelines on public decorum for tourists are available at the Saudi government’s official tourism website, www.visitsaudi.com. Many areas of life in Saudi Arabia are segregated by sex to ensure that unrelated men and women have no possibility of mingling (a punishable crime) by unmarried men and women. Less frequently, members of the mutawwa try to enforce this by asking for proof that a couple is married or related. Men and women detained for socializing with individuals who are not relatives may be charged with moral crimes such as khulwa (mixing with unrelated members of the opposite sex). Less frequently, some restaurants may refuse to serve women who are not accompanied by a close male relative In addition, a few restaurants or cafes do not have a "family section" in which women are permitted to eat. Men not accompanied by a close female family member are not allowed to enter family sections and cannot use services (such as registers at supermarkets) designated as “family.” These restrictions are not always clearly posted.

While there are now movie theaters, musical concerts, and artistic performances in Saudi Arabia, the country remains socially conservative. Social media postings which contravene cultural standards can have legal and/or criminal consequences.

Photography: The Saudi government does not permit photography of governmental facilities, such as military bases and government buildings, nor military, security, or police personnel. The Saudi government is also sensitive to photographs that may be perceived as portraying the country in an unfavorable light. This policy can include photos of mosques, impoverished areas, the local population, and traditional souks (markets). You should not take anyone’s picture without clear consent, and never take a picture of a woman or a place where women congregate. Be aware of local sensitivities whenever you are taking pictures in public. U.S. citizens have been routinely detained for violating these policies. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General are unable to intervene if you violate Saudi law.

The Hajj and Umrah: Please review the Department of State’s Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet for useful information on traveling to perform the Hajj or Umrah.

COVID-19 Testing:  COVID-19 testing is available to U.S. citizens throughout Saudi Arabia at public and private facilities. Private hospitals and clinics charge a fee for COVID-19 testing.  Cost, delivery method, and timing of results varies. Some facilities can electronically deliver results within 24 hours or less.  

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Saudi Arabia. For more information, please see the Ministry of Health’s website.

Visit the FDA's website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high-profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers in Saudi Arabia accept cash or credit card payments.  See the Department’s webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation is strongly recommended. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expatriates.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  government of Saudi Arabia  to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Please note:

• Saudi Arabia has a dry climate with extreme heat several months of the year – travelers should stay hydrated.
• Air pollution is a significant concern in many parts of Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Al Jubail, Jeddah, and Dammam.
• Many infectious diseases, such as measles, typhoid, dengue, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), are present in Saudi Arabia.

Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   (CDC)
• Saudi Ministry of Health

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  government of Saudi Arabia  to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the  CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage .

Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations   recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Saudi Arabia can be hazardous due to speeding and aggressive driving, lax enforcement of traffic regulations, and a high volume of traffic.

Beginning on June 24, 2018, women have been able to obtain a driver’s license and can legally drive in Saudi Arabia. With a valid visitor visa and U.S. or international driver’s license, visitors may drive a rental car. However, outside the major cities of Riyadh, Dhahran and Jeddah, visitors—especially women—may experience difficulty renting a car. Female residents with independent sponsorships and U.S. or international driver’s licenses also may obtain a Saudi driver’s license, necessary to drive vehicles other than rental cars. Foreign women residing in Saudi Arabia who are listed as dependents on their Saudi residency permit (“iqama”) may experience difficulties in obtaining Saudi driver’s licenses. To drive vehicles other than rental cars, a Saudi driver’s license, appropriate car registration, and auto insurance are required. Police may detain you if you cannot produce these documents.

See the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior website for further information.

Traffic Laws :

• Temporary visitors may drive using their valid U.S. or international driver's license for up to 90 days.
• Foreigners resident in Saudi Arabia who wish to drive must obtain a local driver's license from the Department of Traffic Police.
• In the event of a traffic accident, U.S. citizens should dial “993” to report the accident. You must remain on the scene until the traffic police arrive. Failure to do so can result in a criminal offense.
• Additionally, U.S. citizens should contact Najm, a private company contracted by the traffic police to complete the accident report (+966 9200 00560).
• In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, everyone involved (if not seriously injured) is likely be taken to the local police station.
• All drivers, regardless of fault, can be held in custody for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid.
• Use of front seat belts (driver and passenger) is required by law.
• U.S. citizens involved in a serious accident resulting in injury or death should immediately contact their sponsors and the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate.
• Residents should update their personal details through one of the methods available here to receive SMS notifications once a traffic ticket is issued.
• Delay in payment of any ticket might result in doubling of the ticket amount.
• Travelers will need to pay any fines issued through this system before leaving the country.

Public Transportation:

• U.S. Government employees are prohibited from using taxis in Saudi Arabia with the exception of Uber Black in Riyadh, Kareem First in Jeddah, and Majestic taxi service in Dhahran. If you must use a taxi, only use established companies, such as those offering cabs with meters. Taxis and lift services are available throughout major cities, and you should arrange a pickup by telephone or via smartphone app when possible.
• Avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi, do not travel to unfamiliar areas, and do not enter taxis with unknown passengers.

Please refer to the Department’s Road Safety page for more information. Also, it is recommended that you visit the website of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior .

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of Saudi Arabia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page .

Information for Mariners:

Mariners should also review U.S. maritime alerts and advisories on the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Saudi Arabia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Saudi Arabia Travel Restrictions

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Saudi Arabia entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Saudi Arabia from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saudi Arabia.

Can I travel to Saudi Arabia if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Saudi Arabia without restrictions.

Can I travel to Saudi Arabia without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Saudi Arabia without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Saudi Arabia?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Saudi Arabia.

Can I travel to Saudi Arabia without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Saudi Arabia?

Mask usage in Saudi Arabia is not required in enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Saudi Arabia?

Restaurants in Saudi Arabia are open. Bars in Saudi Arabia are .

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Saudi Arabia requires citizens to take COVID booster shot to travel abroad starting Feb. 9

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saudi Arabia

Among Saudi Arabia’s greatest sites are the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. These are both part of the Hajj, which brings thousands to The Kingdom every year.

Public entertainment is limited in Saudi Arabia. But, the nation possesses incredible natural wonders. Among available activities are day trips into the desert and deep sea diving off the coast.

When visiting Saudi Arabia, be aware of the limitations of the nightlife scene in any urban areas. Consumption of alcohol, public playing of music, and even mingling with the opposite sex are all forbidden. Saudi culture is very strict and should be researched before travelling.

Do I Need Vaccines for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saudi Arabia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saudi Arabia: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , yellow fever , rabies , meningitis , polio and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Required for Hajj travellers. Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Polio – Food & Water – May required for entry at certain times of year like Hajj. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Malaria and dengue are present in some areas of Saudi Arabia. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if these diseases could affect your travel itinerary.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now .

What Vaccines Do I Need for Hajj?

The following vaccines are recommended for Hajj – typhoid , polio , meningitis , hepatitis A , MMR and influenza . Some other vaccines may be recommended based on your private health history. Proof of meningitis vaccination is required for entry during Hajj.

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage that takes place in Saudi Arabia. The event brings thousands of Muslims and interested individuals to the country every year.

To avoid disease outbreaks and protect the health of citizens and travellers, Saudi Arabia has issues dome vaccine recommendations for during Hajj.

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saudi Arabia?

A visa is required for all travel to Saudi Arabia. Passports must have at least six months validity. Proof of meningitis vaccination is required for trips during Hajj (usually in September).

Sources: Embassy of Saudi Arabia and GOV.UK

What is the Climate Like in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is has a desert climate. During the summer, temperatures can reach anywhere from 40 to 50 degrees.

• Riyadh – The capital suffers the worst heat in the country. It is not unusual for summer temperatures to reach 50 degrees. Winters can go below -1 degrees. Summer evenings are easier to withstand, as cooling winds blow after sunset.
• Jeddah – Unlike Riyadh, Jeddah maintains the warmth of summer throughout the winter. Temperatures can range from 55 to 25 in later months. The summer heat is oppressive, often surpassing 43 during the day. It often cools down to around 30 at night.
• Mecca – The holy city also maintains some of its summer climate during the winter months. In winter, temperatures are usually in the mid-20’s during the day, and drop down to around 15 degrees at night. In summer, Mecca suffers from blistering heat. Temperatures often exceed 45 degrees.

How Safe is Saudi Arabia?

For members of the LGBT community, it is strongly advised not to travel to Saudi Arabia. Homosexuality is punishable by death.

Be careful getting into taxis or taking rides with locals. One of the leading causes of death is due to automobile accidents.

Be mindful of where you leave your belongings, and how you carry them on your person when out in public. Pickpockets are common in urban areas.

Be sure to study local traditions before travelling to Saudi Arabia. Not abiding by Saudi customs can have severe consequences. It is best to learn the culture so as not to stand out when visiting.

Scuba Diving in Saudi Arabia

A great way to experience Saudi Arabia’s natural gifts is to take part in scuba diving. Diving is popular among foreigners travelling to the country.

Be careful when scuba diving. It can be dangerous and very few Saudi hospitals have the necessary equipment to deal with diving injuries. Do not touch anything underwater and to study the local marine life before taking the plunge. The Red Sea is known to be full of poisonous and aggressive fish. It is best to know the do’s and don’ts.

What Should I Take To Saudi Arabia?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Saudi Arabia:

• Medical Supplies – These can be hard to come by in Saudi Arabia. Ensure to include a traveller’s diarrhoea kit, prescriptions and a small first-aid kit.
• Breathable Clothing – The climate of Saudi Arabia is one of extreme heat. Wear clothing that is not too thick, and that you wouldn’t mind sweating in.
• Conservative Clothing -Conservative dress styles are strongly encouraged due to cultural customs in Saudi Arabia. This is especially true for women.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Saudi Arabia

If you are in Saudi Arabia and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Riyadh PO Box 94351 11693 Riyadh Saudi Arabia Telephone: +966 (0) 11 4819 100 Emergency Phone: +966 (0) 11 4819 100 Fax: +966 (0) 11 481 9350 Contact Form: Click Here

If you have any questions about travelling to the Saudi Arabia or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us at or book online now and protect yourself today.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Saudi Arabia? What Vaccines Do I Need of Hajj? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Saudi Arabia? What is the Climate Like in Saudi Arabia? How Safe is Saudi Arabia? Scuba Diving in Saudi Arabia What Should I Take To Saudi Arabia? Embassy of the United Kingdom in Saudi Arabia

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COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: the national health response

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Anas Khan, 1 Yousef Alsofayan, 2 Ahmed Alahmari, 2 Jalal Alowais, 3 Abdullah Algwizani, 4 Haleema Alserehi, 5 Abdullah Assiri 6 and Hani Jokhdar 7

Background : With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), most countries rushed to take early measures to control this disease.

Aims : This paper describes and evaluates the Saudi Arabian strategic preparedness and response plan on COVID-19 up to 31 December 2020.

Methods : Saudi Arabia adopted the World Health Organization’s guidelines on response to COVID-19, which are based on nine pillars of public health preparedness and response. The measures Saudi Arabia took are assessed against these pillars.

Results : In response to COVID-19, Saudi Arabia prepared public and private institutions to deal with the pandemic. Saudi authorities established a governance system comprised of responsible committees to continuously monitor national and international updates, trace contacts, screen the population, raise awareness and take proper actions to contain the spread of this disease. After the announcement of the first case in Saudi Arabia, all schools, social events, sports activities, domestic travel and international flights were suspended. Restrictions on social movement, social and religious gatherings, travel and businesses were imposed ahead of the first 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The Hajj pilgrimage for 2020 was scaled down to limit participants and no cases of COVID-19 were detected among pilgrims. The country maintained all basic health services and immunization programmes and supported all proposals for COVID-19 drugs and vaccines. The country is working to develop its capacity to produce these products and achieve self-sufficiency.

Conclusion : Saudi Arabia took extreme measures to respond to COVID-19 which contributed to limiting the spread and effect of the disease.

Keywords: COVID-19, pandemics, public health, Saudi Arabia

Citation: Khan A; Alsofayan Y; Alahmari A; Alowais J; Algwizani A; Alserehi H; et al. COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: the national health response. East Mediterr Health J. 2021;27(11):1114–1124. https://doi.org/10.26719/emhj.21.048

Received: 05/01/21; accepted: 04/04/21

Copyright © World Health Organization (WHO) 2021. Open Access. Some rights reserved. This work is available under the CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/igo)

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) advised all countries to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (1,2). A well structured response should include: (i) active surveillance measures; (ii) continuous prevention and control of infection; (iii) effective plans for health care facilities; (iv) postponement of mass gathering events; and (v) raising public awareness and understanding of the disease (3).

According to WHO, each government is the natural leader in national risk management for overall coordination and communication. However, due to the increased burden on health systems, the strategic response to COVID-19 varied worldwide, in terms of prevention, response and operational readiness (4).

Saudi Arabia is the largest county in the Arabian Peninsula. It has a well established health care system that is offered for free to all residents. The health care system has 494 hospitals and 22.5 beds per 10 000 people (5). In 2019, the country had 113 000 physicians (6).

In the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, trends in the COVID-19 pandemic differed substantially across the region in virus transmission, number of COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations. These differences could be due to the preparedness of the public health sector, early precautionary measures, restrictions on mass gathering events, restricted international arrivals and the proportion of the population with risk factors (older people and people with comorbidities) (7). We aim to describe the Saudi Arabian strategic preparedness and response plan on COVID-19 in line with the WHO operational planning guidelines to support country preparedness and response during December 2019 to December 2020 (8). These guidelines were based on nine pillars of public health preparedness and response – pillar 1: country-level coordination, planning, and monitoring; pillar 2: risk communication and community engagement; pillar 3: surveillance, rapid response teams, and case investigation; pillar 4: points of entry, international travel, and transport; pillar 5: national laboratories; pillar 6: infection prevention and control; pillar 7: case management; pillar 8: operational support and logistics; and pillar 9: maintaining essential health services and systems. We also describe Saudi Arabia vaccine response and contribution to research on COVID-19.

Country-level coordination, planning and monitoring

National emergency response committee.

To facilitate an effective response to COVID-19, a national emergency response committee was established to develop measures across all sectors. This committee was chaired by the Minister of Health (8). The National Command and Control Center within the health ministry was activated to continuously monitor international, national and regional updates and take operational action (9).

Early measures were taken by the committee to limit the spread of COVID-19, including managing confirmed cases, repatriating Saudi citizens abroad, upgrading port procedures, facilitating and supplying the health sector with essential resources and requirements, and assessing the risks of mass gathering events (9,10). Based on the risk assessment tool of the Saudi Center for Disease Control, Saudi Arabia, at an early stage of the pandemic, issued warnings against travelling to risky countries with high incidence of COVID-19. Then, when the global spread of COVID-19 was rising, all international and domestic flights were suspended on 15 and 21 March, 2020, respectively (11).

Risk assessment tools for mass gathering events

Saudi Arabia has unique experience in using scientific tools for planning and conducting mass gathering events (12). In 2010, the Saudi health ministry established the Global Center for Mass Gatherings Medicine and developed a set of risk assessment tools for mass gathering events, including the Jeddah tool for religious mass gathering events and the Salem tool for small to medium mass gathering events. With COVID-19, the Salem tool was modified to the Salem COVID tool, which was used to assess the health risks of COVID-19 in mass gathering events (13,14). The Jeddah tool was used to conduct a strategic assessment of the health risks due to the pandemic of Umrah and Hajj (13). All decisions on holding mass gathering events were based on these tools, including suspension of Umrah and its phased limited return, and performing “Safe Hajj 2020”. All factors related to these decisions were taken into account, including the impact on national health resources and global health security (5,15–19).

Risk communication and community engagement

Risk communication and community engagement is a vital public health intervention that helps detect and respond to concerns, rumours and misinformation (20). The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health organized a daily press conference to ensure a reliable source of information for the community on the ongoing situation, procedures and efforts (21,22). Furthermore, in collaboration with other sectors, the Ministry of Health produced professional media materials that provided effective and reliable information for both the general population and health care workers. Through various media platforms (e.g. video and text messages), the Ministry of Health conveyed scientific information in non-technical language – in Arabic, as well as in the languages of the many expatriates living in Saudi Arabia – to reach the maximum number of people nationwide with reliable, official information. Of note, the Ministry of Health implemented several community empowerment strategies, such as monitoring citizens’ response to precautionary measures in social media so measures could be adjusted and modified accordingly (5).

Furthermore, the health hotline centre (no. 937) was scaled up to over 2000 employees to: (i) provide immediate support to the public and address their concerns; (ii) provide medical advice for the general population and at-risk people; and (iii) provide psychological support to the citizens to prevent anxiety and panic. This service is provided around the clock. It was supplemented by other communication channels such as Sehaty (Ministry of Health application (App)), WhatsApp and chatbots services. The needs of special populations were not overlooked; for example, the Sign Language app was developed to ensure effective messages to people with hearing disabilities (5,23).

The Ministry of Health also developed Tetamman and Mawid applications to assess suspected cases and monitor confirmed ones by providing protection and guidance to the public (24,25). The applications ensured the safety of cases and promoted recovery measures through educational information, test results, updates of contact details, daily follow-up of patients’ health status, contact with the health hotline centre (no. 937) and a countdown indicator for self-isolation (24,25).

In its national response document, the Ministry of Health presented data on the utilization of its different risk communication and community engagement messages. Over six and half billion messages were sent up to the end of August 2020, while the educational videos had over 150 million views. Furthermore, over nine million people benefited from public awareness campaigns (5). As of the 24 November 2020, the health hotline centre (no. 937) had received nearly 22 million calls.

Surveillance, rapid response teams and case investigation

The Ministry of Health activated rapid response teams of specialists in infectious diseases and infection prevention and control, including physicians, nurses, epidemiologists and public health professionals. The main functions of these teams were to evaluate and monitor confirmed cases, analyse daily data on the global burden of COVID-19, prepare daily reports, prepare periodic instructions and guidelines, update the COVID-19 manual and prepare information and training courses for the public (26).

Health electronic surveillance network

The health electronic surveillance network provided a robust online solution in response to the pandemic. The system was an integrated public health information system that created an extensive and easily accessible database on one platform to overcome the challenges of linking all health care sectors in the country. This network contributed to disease detection, response, prevention, control and community health monitoring, and enabled decision-makers to implement necessary measures based on timely and high-quality data (27).

Mass screening programmes

Saudi Arabia launched a mass screening programme for early detection and immediate control of the spread of COVID-19. The first stage focused on screening individuals in highly populated districts through field tests; this was implemented in 807 locations (5). The second stage was facilitated through the Mawid app self-assessment tool, which classifies users as low or high risk. The low-risk group was the targeted population and was screened in designated primary care centres (25,28,29). The third stage was screening suspected COVID-19 cases with no symptoms at specialized drive-through testing centres, so-called takkad centres (30) – 1 847 573 tests had been administered up to mid-August 2020 (5).

The implementation of Tetamman clinics (specialized fever clinics) was another initiative devoted to screening people suspected of having COVID-19 without prior appointments. This service was free of charge, and provided diagnostic tests and therapeutic options for people with suspected COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, cough and other common clinical characteristics of COVID-19. These clinics had an immediate effect on relieving the pressure on emergency departments (31,32). More than 239 Tetamman clinics were opened and had received more than 1.5 million visitors by the end of November 2020 (5,33).

Points of entry, international travel and transport

Many efforts and resources focused on surveillance activities at land, sea and air points of entry to control the spread of COVID-19 (34). This included screening travellers after filling the health declaration forms, intensifying epidemiological surveillance, applying precautionary measures, developing a mechanism to detect travellers from high-risk countries, and direct them as needed. National COVID-19 guidelines were issued and personnel at ports were trained on precautionary measures. Saudi airports enhanced COVID-19 awareness through posters and educational videos. Airport authorities continuously monitored and evaluated all activities in terms of preparedness and effectiveness of measures (28,35). Of note, Saudi Arabia was ranked as the safest place in the region and the sixth safest place to travel worldwide according to the standards of the European Union for coordination of travel restrictions (36).

National laboratories

Saudi Arabia increased its laboratory readiness and ability to manage and analyse COVID-19 samples, and collaborated with international reference laboratories. The National Public Health Laboratory of the Saudi Center for Disease Control, as well as many regional laboratories, actively received and analysed the increasing number of COVID-19 samples. The national laboratory adopted and monitored all standard operating procedures for samples to achieve the highest validity and reliability and rapid turnaround time (28). The results of the samples were linked immediately to the database of the Health Electronic Surveillance Network. The laboratory of the Center for Disease Control also developed readiness plans for urgent surge capacity through the activation of all regional laboratories and laboratories of other sectors in Saudi Arabia (37). At the same time, analysis of samples of other viruses continued so as to prevent the spread of other epidemics in conjunction with COVID-19 (28).

Infection prevention and control

The Ministry of Health prepared guidelines for case treatment, epidemiological surveillance, health facilities and all segments of society. Furthermore, the Saudi Center for Disease Control published the infection prevention and control manual to guide all sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic (28). Details of these guidelines are given in the national response document issued online by the Ministry of Health (5).

Health care awareness guidance

The Ministry of Health developed procedures and guidelines for infection prevention and control and health facility preparations, which included updated criteria for respiratory screening, isolation rooms, hand hygiene stations and staff training on the basic principles of infection prevention and control, such as the use of personal protective equipment and methods of hand hygiene (26). In collaboration with infection prevention and control teams, supply teams and stock control teams, the Ministry of Health continuously identified the required quantities of personal protective equipment and hand disinfection products, and their estimated use in health facilities. The Ministry of Health also established a mechanism to monitor, record and investigate COVID-19 cases in health workers and confirmed COVID-19 cases. Daily indicators were created and monitored by the Command and Control Center for appropriate action (9).

Public awareness guidance

In collaboration with the Saudi Center for Disease Control, the Ministry of Health issued and distributed public guidelines targeting high-risk locations (38). Moreover, these guidance materials were issued in various languages to ensure maximum accessibility to all citizens and residents in the country (21).

Case management

Readiness of health care facilities in saudi arabia.

All Saudi primary health care centres, hospitals and quarantine facilities were prepared to receive large numbers of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. This high level of preparedness put the health care system under constant pressure. Personnel at these facilities were aware of the definition of COVID-19 and gave priority and appropriate care to patients at risk of infection. In the early phases of the pandemic, the General Directorate of Hospitals designated reference hospitals to receive COVID-19 cases and continuously assessed their readiness. Reference hospitals reported their estimated isolation capacity, intensive care beds and their occupancy rates.

Moreover, the General Directorate of Hospitals monitored respirators and respiratory consumables, calculated the workforce required for escalation of cases and planned all necessary measures (28). Dedicated ambulance teams were allocated to transport confirmed and suspected cases to and from health facilities in cooperation with the Ministry of Health referral programme (28). Ensuring that field hospitals were prepared and ready to support the health system was a priority at the early phases of the pandemic, as these facilities were used to provide COVID-19 vaccination in large numbers. Four field hospitals with a capacity of 1100 beds were put into operation in order to increase capacity during the pandemic (5). Psychological counselling and support were provided to patients, health workers and the community in the early stages of the pandemic in cooperation with mental health teams (39). In addition, private health care facilities, home medical care and telemedicine centres were activated to relieve the strain on Ministry of Health facilities.

Digital health services were used extensively to reduce the number of visits to health care facilities, and hence reduce the possibility of infection (40). The Ministry of Health also implemented mobile apps to help affected patients and their contacts. For example, the Tawakkalna app offered a secure way to report confirmed and/or suspected cases, thus breaking the chain of infection. The app had almost seven million user at the end of August 2020 (41). Likewise, the Tabaud app provided users with a notification if they came in close contact with a COVID-19 case, or somebody later found positive for COVID-19; this app started with 15 000 participants (42). Telemedicine services served more than five million users during the pandemic; besides, the Tetamman app was used by more than one and half million users from April to August 2020 (5,43).

Quarantine process

Quarantines played an essential role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by separating confirmed and suspected cases (44). Before reaching the designated quarantine locations, each traveller returning from abroad is provided with information on the pandemic and quarantine. On arrival, educational materials, masks and hand sanitizers are offered. The medical team then completes screening procedures and triages cases to either hospital or quarantine according to their condition (45). By the end of the quarantine period, any additional polymerase chain reaction testing for cases is coordinated by the medical teams (28). With the availability of electronic bracelets and apps, the choice for home quarantine is provided if housing conditions are appropriate, and many choose this option (46).

Free health care services

The health care services in Saudi Arabia are free-of-charge for all citizens, and residents are required to have medical insurance from their employers (47). As of the 30 March, 2020, the Saudi health authority announced that COVID-19 treatment is free for all citizens and residents. This includes residency violators without any legal consequences (5).

National treatment protocol

The Ministry of Health issued a national treatment protocol for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19, which is updated regularly according to scientific studies and international protocols. This protocol aims to provide treating physicians with the best evidence-based approach for the management of COVID-19 cases, without replacing their clinical judgement. The protocol covers supportive care and pharmacotherapy for management of asymptomatic, mild-to-moderate, and severe cases. It also highlights recent evidence on the management of special populations, such as pregnant women and patients on thromboprophylaxis (48). The Ministry of Health set up several monitoring teams who were trained to evaluate compliance with the protocol to ensure effective implementation of the treatment protocol in intensive care units. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health followed up on COVID-19 management in hospitals and issued recommendations for the use of the protocol and minimization of side-effects (5).

Operational support and logistics

Inventory control.

Inventory control includes monitoring the exchange and consumption rates of medical stocks to ensure the needed supply. Several national factories joined initiatives to produce sterilizers, masks and ventilators locally to ensure the sustainability of medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic (49,50).

Electronic health support

Electronic health support (E-health) had a significant role in responding to COVID-19; it provided several key indicators for health care facility preparedness and epidemiological surveillance. These indicators included: isolation hospital health staff dashboard; blood sample reports; sample carrier shipments; supply dashboard; COVID-19 mortality reports; workforce; blood bank dashboard; and many others (51). E-health was also supported by the launch of electronic apps to educate, assess and monitor confirmed and suspected cases (24,25). Moreover, COVID-19 scientific materials were summarized and translated into different languages and uploaded onto a unified electronic platform to help communication with the public (21). E-health also supported the role of virtual clinics, telemedicine, teleconsultations, teleradiology and use of robotics to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (5).

Community volunteering

Community participation and health volunteering have a role in responding to pandemics (52). Volunteer teams underwent general and specialized training to deal with the pandemic in public places and health care facilities. The Ministry of Health estimated that these volunteering activities involved about 32 000 volunteers and 1.1 million volunteer hours as of end of August 2020 (5).

Maintaining essential health services and systems

Although all efforts of the Ministry of Health were directed towards tackling the COVID-19 pandemic as a top priority, this did not replace their primary role in maintaining essential health services for all people as required. Hospitals and health care centres ensured the provision of their services through virtual clinics and/or hospital clinics, and provided special teams to follow and monitor patients (8). Examples included diabetes, rehabilitation and specialized oncology services (53).

In various regions within Saudi Arabia, health centres provided medication and vaccination delivery services to people’s homes. To prevent further spread of communicable diseases in the community, the scheduling and monitoring of routine vaccinations for children were enhanced in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with WHO recommendations (54). The number of available appointments for routine vaccinations (seasonal influenza and paediatric immunizations) reached more than 10 million appointments as of the end of August 2020, and the efficiency of vaccination in primary care centres was monitored closely (54,55).

COVID-19 vaccination

On the 10 December 2020, Saudi Arabia approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and prioritized targeted populations – elderly people and frontline health care workers in the first phase (56). The vaccine programme was launched in mid-December 2020 and, as of 7 February 2021, 431 608 doses have been administered through four sites. The programme aims to cover 17.4 million adults (70% of the adult population of Saudi Arabia) by the third quarter of 2021. Saudi Arabia also approved the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine and an expected ten million doses were planned for delivery in February 2021.

Studies have shown the importance of exploring the etiologies, clinical characteristics and therapeutic options in many previous pandemics. Saudi Arabia paid great attention to supporting urgent medical research programmes and publishing data on COVID-19. In this context, the National Committee for Pandemic Research was formed. Its main objectives were to support and encourage scientific research, establish and publish priorities for COVID-19 research, and announce the opening of proposals for scientific research support programmes (57,58). From the start of the pandemic until May 2020, 100 proposals were granted ethical approval. Moreover, Saudi Arabia assured the use of the best protocols for new treatments and vaccines from international and national research institutions. Saudi Arabia had an important role in the research efforts for the development of COVID-19 vaccines: the contribution of the country to international trials on MERS-CoV, including trials for the development of the new ChAdOX1 vaccine and the MIRACLE trial, provided a solid basis of the country’s participation in the international efforts against COVID-19 (59–61). The Ministry of Health has supported a national clinical study of blood plasma transfusion as a treatment in more than 21 sites (62). Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has drawn up a plan to restudy the infrastructure needed to develop new drugs and vaccines to achieve local sufficiency (63). Overall, Saudi Arabia was the leading country in the Arab world, and the 18th globally, in COVID-19 research (64).

Summary of Saudi Arabia’s response

Figure 1 and Box 1 summarize the measures taken by Saudi Arabia in preparing and responding to COVID-19. In its national response document, the Ministry of Health evaluated whether each of the above-mentioned strategies achieved its aim with regard to each preparedness and response pillar and presented the relevant statistics (Table 1).

Saudi Arabia’s strategic preparedness for and response to COVID-19 is continuously evolving. Lessons were learnt from success stories and improvements made throughout the pandemic at national and international levels. Early collaborative teamwork of many sectors with clear roles and responsibilities is a cornerstone to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The next stage in the response to COVID-19 is to preserve the gains achieved to date, because the risk of resurgence of the disease remains until effective vaccines are delivered globally.

Funding : None.

Competing interests : None declared.

La COVID-19 en Arabie saoudite : plan national de riposte du secteur de la santé

Contexte  : Face à la propagation de la maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), la plupart des pays se sont hâtés de prendre des mesures précoces en matière de riposte.

Objectifs  : Le présent article décrit et évalue le plan stratégique saoudien de préparation et de riposte à la COVID-19 jusqu’au 31 décembre 2020.

Méthodes  : L'Arabie saoudite a adopté les lignes directrices de l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé sur la riposte à la COVID-19, qui s'appuient sur les neuf piliers du plan stratégique de préparation et de riposte en santé publique. L'évaluation des mesures prises par l'Arabie saoudite est basée sur ces piliers.

Résultats  : En réponse à la COVID-19, l'Arabie saoudite a préparé les institutions publiques et privées à faire face à la pandémie. Les autorités saoudiennes ont mis en place un système de gouvernance composé de comités chargés de la surveillance continue de l'évolution de la situation au plan national et international, du suivi des contacts, du dépistage et de la sensibilisation de la population, et de l'adoption de mesures appropriées pour endiguer la propagation de cette maladie. Après l'annonce du premier cas en Arabie saoudite, l’ensemble des écoles ont été fermées, et les événements sociaux, les activités sportives, les voyages intérieurs et les vols internationaux ont tous été suspendus. Des restrictions sur les mouvements sociaux, les rassemblements publics et religieux, les déplacements et les entreprises ont été imposées avant la survenue des 100 premiers cas confirmés de COVID-19. La participation au pèlerinage du Hadj de 2020 a aussi été soumise à des restrictions, si bien qu'aucun cas de COVID-19 n'a été détecté parmi les pèlerins. Le pays a maintenu tous les services de santé et les programmes de vaccination de base et a soutenu toutes les propositions de médicaments et de vaccins contre la COVID-19. L'Arabie saoudite travaille au renforcement de sa capacité à fabriquer ces produits et à son objectif d'autosuffisance.

Conclusion  : L'Arabie saoudite a pris des mesures extrêmes pour lutter contre la COVID-19, ce qui a contribué à y limiter la propagation et les effets de la maladie.

كوفيد-19 في المملكة العربية السعودية: الاستجابة الصحية الوطنية

أنس خان، يوسف السفيان ، أحمد الأحمري، جلال العويس، عبد الله القويزاني، حليمة السريحي، عبد الله عسيري، هاني جوخدار

الخلفية : مع انتشار مرض فيروس كورونا 2019 (كوفيد-19)، سارع معظم البلدان إلى اتخاذ تدابير مبكرة لمكافحة هذا المرض.

الأهداف : هدفت هذه الدراسة الى وصفً وتقييمً خطة التأهب والاستجابة الاستراتيجية للمملكة العربية السعودية بشأن كوفيد-19 حتى 31 ديسمبر / كانون الأول 2020.

طُرق البحث : اعتمدت المملكة العربية السعودية المبادئ التوجيهية الصادرة عن منظمة الصحة العالمية بشأن الاستجابة لكوفيد-19، والتي تستند إلى تسع ركائز للتأهب والاستجابة في مجال الصحة العامة. ويجري تقييم التدابير التي اتخذتها المملكة العربية السعودية في ضوء تلك الركائز.

النتائج : استجابة لكوفيد-19، جهّزت المملكة العربية السعودية مؤسسات عامة وخاصة للتعامل مع الجائحة. حيث أنشأت السلطات السعودية نظامًا للحوكمة يتألف من لجان مسؤولة عن الرصد المستمر للتحديثات الوطنية والدولية، وتتبُّع المخالطين، وفحص السكان، ورفع مستوى الوعي، واتخاذ الإجراءات المناسبة لاحتواء انتشار هذا المرض. وبعد الإعلان عن الحالة الأولى في السعودية، أُوقفت جميع المدارس، والمناسبات الاجتماعية، والأنشطة الرياضية، والسفر الداخلي، والطيران الدولي. وفُرضَت قيود على التنقُّل الاجتماعي، والتجمعات الاجتماعية والدينية، والسفر والأعمال التجارية قبل ظهور أول 100 حالة مؤكدة من حالات كوفيد-19. وخُفِّض عدد حجاج بيت الله الحرام لعام 2020 من أجل الحد من المشاركين فيه، ولم يُكشف عن وجود أية حالات إصابة بكوفيد-19 في صفوف الحجاج. وواصل البلد تقديم جميع الخدمات الصحية الأساسية وبرامج التحصين ووفر الدعم لجميع المقترحات المتعلقة بعقاقير كوفيد-19 ولقاحاته. كما يعمل البلد على تطوير قدرته على إنتاج تلك المنتجات وتحقيق الاكتفاء الذاتي منها.

الاستنتاجات : اتخذت المملكة العربية السعودية تدابير مُشدَّدة للتصدي لمرض كوفيد-19 ما ساهم في الحد من انتشار المرض وتأثيره.

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Saudi Arabia Vaccine Requirements: Do I need a vaccine to travel to Saudi Arabia?

Thanks to the initiative of local authorities to promote international travel, Saudi Arabia has welcomed a lot more visitors to its stunning stretches of sand and beaches in recent years.

And, even though the pandemic led to the closure of the borders to protect residents and workers, local health authorities stepped up to the task to establish international health regulations that will encourage safe travel in the country.

Saudi Arabia is a marvelous destination in the Middle East. Its bustling cities, impressive landscapes, and captivating culture will make your trip unforgettable.

What do I need to travel to Saudi Arabia?

Depending on your nationality you might need to apply for a visa. Nowadays, most passport holders can obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) online. You can easily check if you qualify for one with our visa checker tool . If you need a paper visa, you will need to reach out to the nearest Saudi embassy.

Passengers are no longer required to obtain a health declaration form before entry to Saudi Arabia.

Lastly, you will need to consider the health-related requirements. Depending on which parts of the country you are visiting, and when you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia, you might need to get a vaccination for some diseases.

Which vaccines should I get to travel to Saudi Arabia?

Although the vaccines are not mandatory for most travelers, the World Health Organization (WHO) does recommend obtaining some routine vaccines to enter Saudi Arabia. The recommended vaccines are COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, and tetanus.

If you’re coming from a country with a high risk of yellow fever transmission, then you will be required to present proof of your immunization status on arrival. Meningitis and polio vaccination is required if traveling during Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage that attracts thousands of international travelers and Muslims each year. The meningitis vaccine is particularly important, and it’s given to unvaccinated travelers and those at increased risk at local medical facilities or at the Saudi Ministry of Health upon arrival.

If traveling during Hajj, make sure to bring proof of your vaccination status.

How do I get a Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa?

If you qualify for an electronic visa, you can easily apply through iVisa’s simplified application process. All you need to do is follow these three steps:

Step one - Application: Complete our application form with your personal information and details of your trip.

Step two - Confirmation: Make sure that all the details of the form are filled out correctly to avoid any delays or issues with your application. Once you are sure, upload the required documents.

Step three - Payment: Select your processing speed and preferred method of payment. We accept credit or debit cards.

You can easily add health insurance to your visa application. iVisa makes it easy for you to obtain all the travel documents you need in one place.

What documents do I need to apply for the Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa?

To apply for a visa, all you’ll need is a valid passport , with at least six months of validity after your arrival in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, you will need a recent passport photo . For best results, we recommend that you get one at a photo studio.

You can also use our photo service to obtain a digital one.

What is the price and processing time of the Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa?

The full price of the visa will depend on how fast you want to get it. We offer three processing times:

• Standard Processing: 6 days for USD $197.99 .
• Rush Processing: 3 days for USD $247.99 .
• Super Rush Processing: 2 days for USD $280.99 .

Additionally, applicants will need to pay the government fee of USD 87.00 and the medical insurance in case of an emergency abroad, for USD 38.00 .

The Saudi Arabia e-Visa is a multiple entry visa and has a validity of 1 year after issued . You can use it to travel around the country for 90 days in Total .

Is there anything else I need to know before my trip to Saudi Arabia?

You should be mindful of the culture, rules, and local laws. Saudi Arabia is a traditional Muslim country and some western behaviors can be considered disrespectful and, in some cases, they can even be illegal. Make sure you learn about the local traditions before your trip.

Abiding by local laws and traditions also includes following the proper dress code. Do not wear clothing that leaves skin exposed or that is transparent. Women should also consider wearing a head scarf.

We also recommend that you bring your international driving permit and rent a car to move around in Saudi Arabia. Car accidents are frequent among local drivers, so you might be safer driving your own car.

Where can I learn more about the Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa?

You can count on iVisa to stay informed. For further information on the Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa and health requirements, reach out to our customer service team via chat or email at [email protected] .

They are always available to provide you with a personalized service and the best travel advice that will have you returning again and again.

Related Articles

Saudi Arabia Visa For Eu Citizens

Saudi Arabia Visa For Hajj

Saudi Arabia Visa Documents

• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.saudiembassy.net/visa-types

TRAVEL SUPPORT

Travel requirements by destination

All destinations.

Afghanistan

Covid-19 testing requirements.

All passengers above the age of 8 years old are required to hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted maximum 96 hours prior to departure.

Travel to and from Dubai

If you're travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai, please check our Travel requirements for Dubai. (Opens page in the same tab)

List of laboratories

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT PCR test.

Search and book flights

Latest updates

All restrictions lifted starting 01 November 2022

Mask requirements

Masks are required on board and at the airport in your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

If you're travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai, please check our Travel requirements for Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) .

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Angola. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travel from Angola

Passengers are advised to ensure they meet all travel requirements for the countries of their final/transit destinations.

If you're traveling to, from or transiting through Dubai, please check our Travel requirements for Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) .

Travel eligibility

Travel from argentina.

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID‑19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  in each of our current destinations. You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID‑19 RT PCR test..

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Australia. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Austria. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Bahrain. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are changes to the required documents for travel to Bangladesh.

Masks are required on board and in the airport at your destination.

Visa-on-arrival services for nationals of the following countries are now available at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka:

• United States of America
• All GCC countries
• All European countries

New Zealand

• Russian Federation
• South Korea

Read through the guideline for all arriving passengers on the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh portal (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

Passengers who are not fully vaccinated must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test certificate for a test taken within 72 hours before departure.

Children under 12 years old are exempt from the COVID-19 PCR test requirement but must follow the requirements that apply to their accompanying family members.

Please refer to the Vaccination requirements section for more details.

Vaccination requirements

Vaccinated passengers

Travelers who have received the required doses (single/double dose) of a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine and carry a valid vaccination certificate are not required to present a pre-departure COVID-19 test certificate to enter Bangladesh.

Unvaccinated passengers

Travelers who have not received the required doses (single/double dose) of a COVID-19 vaccine must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test certificate for a test taken within 72 hours before departure.

Required documents

The Online Health Declaration Form (HDF) is no longer required for travel to Bangladesh.

Travel from Bangladesh

Passengers must follow the COVID-19 PCR testing requirements of their destination and present the test result certificate at check-in. The COVID-19 PCR test certificate must be issued by approved hospitals or organizations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  .

This is a recommended list of authorized COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT PCR test.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Belgium. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Brazil. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Before you travel, please ensure you understand the requirements for travel to Canada (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

While travelers will no longer have to submit their quarantine and vaccination information through ArriveCAN, they can continue to use the optional Advance Declaration feature in ArriveCAN (free as a mobile app or on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website) to save time at the airport by submitting their customs and immigration declaration in advance of arrival. 

Download the ArriveCAN app here (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

Travel from Canada

If you're traveling to or transiting through Dubai, please check the travel requirements for Dubai , the requirements of your final destination, and the departure requirements below set by the Canadian government.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to China. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

From 7 March 2022, fully vaccinated passengers are not required to take a pre departure COVID 19 test for travel to Cote d’Ivoire.

Passengers who are not fully vaccinated, except children under below 12 years old, travelling to Abidjan from any country must have a valid printed negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test taken not more than 72 hours before arrival. A certificate from any government approved laboratory is acceptable.

All arriving passengers are required to undergo a free COVID-19 antigen testing upon arrival.

Travel from Cote d’Ivoire

All departing passengers who require a COVID-19 PCR test for their final destination must conduct the test at a government designated laboratory. From 20 September 2021 the COVID‑19 PCR certificate must include a QR code.

The COVID-19 test cost is 25,000 FCFA payable online.

Passengers travelling from Abidjan must take the required pre-departure tests at designated testing centres approved by Institute Pasteur.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Cyprus. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Wearing face masks is recommended on all flights to and from Cyprus, as well in all indoor areas while in Cyprus.

Czech Republic

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Czech Republic. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Denmark. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travel rules for Dubai residents

Follow the latest travel advice for residents travelling to and from Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) . The information changes frequently so please check back before you travel.

Travel rules for tourists

Follow the latest travel advice for tourists travelling to, through and from Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) . The information changes frequently so please check back before you travel.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Egypt. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID 19 vaccination certificate or a COVID 19 test result to enter the country. Quarantine restrictions have also been lifted.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Ethiopia.

Visa-on-arrival services are available for eligible passengers provided they apply for OK-to-board approval before traveling to Ethiopia.

Exemptions:

• Transfer passengers
• Passengers with sticker visas
• E-visas with a confirmation page showing the passenger details along with a photo of the passenger will be accepted
• A visa on arrival will only be granted to passengers who were born in Ethiopia, whose passport states Ethiopia as their place of birth
• Children of Ethiopian nationals or Residence Card holders who are traveling with their parents, who will be allowed to enter the country with a visa on arrival eligibility or if they have a pre-issued sticker or e-visa
• Passengers with Africa Union IDs or Diplomatic IDs issued by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, given the ID is valid
• Passengers with Ethiopian Origin ID

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to France. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Germany. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travel from Ghana

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Greece. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

From 25 June 2022, arriving and departing passengers will no longer be required to complete a health declaration form.

From 13 March 2022, all nationalities are allowed entry into Guinea provided they complete the following requirements on arrival.

Passengers who are fully vaccinated must present proof that they have complete the required doses of the any of the following vaccines:

• Astra Zeneca
• Sinopharm and Sinovac
• Johnson & Johnson

Fully vaccinated passengers are not required to present a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test.

Passengers unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test taken not more than 72 hours before travel.

Travellers who present a COVID-19 recovery certificate dated less than six months are not required to present a vaccination certificate on arrival.

Passengers between the ages of 5 and 18 years are exempt from the vaccination requirement but must take a PCR test not more than 72 hours before entry into Conakry.

Any passenger who presents symptoms of COVID 19 (e.g. fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sneezing, poor general condition, etc.) on arrival will undergo a standard diagnostic test (PCR) and be isolated while waiting for the test results. If found positive for COVID 19, the traveller will be treated at a dedicated processing centre.

Hong Kong, China

Effective March 1, 2023, travelers are no longer required to wear masks on board flights to Hong Kong and at Hong Kong International Airport.

Please visit the official website (Opens an external website in a new tab)  for more details. 

Please check the government website  for eligibility and mandatory quarantine requirements before you travel to Hong Kong.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Hungary. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Effective February 13, 2023 (11:00 a.m. IST), travelers may be subject to random COVID-19 PCR testing on arrival in India.

Effective February 13, 2023 (IST 11:00 a.m.), pre-departure COVID-19 testing and registration on the Air Suvidha portal are no longer required for passengers traveling from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

However, all travelers arriving in India are subject to random COVID-19 testing on arrival at the airport.

Vaccination and Satu Sehat Apps are no longer mandatory requirements.

Masks are optional on board and at the airport in your destination.

The following categories of passengers are exempt from the entry restriction:

• Indonesian nationals
• Non-Indonesian nationals holding diplomatic visa and official visa
• Non-Indonesian nationals holding limited stay permit (ITAS) and permanent stay permit (ITAP)
• Non-Indonesian nationals holding diplomatic stay permit and official stay permit
• Non-Indonesian nationals holding visit visas
• Non-Indonesian nationals holding limited stay visas
• Non-Indonesian nationals holding Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business travel card
• Foreign nationals from 92 territories who are eligible for visa on arrival services and who are visiting Indonesia for tourism purposes

International to international transit/transfer through Jakarta (CGK) airport is now allowed for a maximum of 6 hours. International to domestic transfer is allowed and travelers must present all entry requirements at the first port of entry. 

International to international transit or transfer through Denpasar (DPS) airport is now allowed for a maximum of eight hours. Between 2:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. (LT), the airport closure period, international to international transit or transfer passengers must clear CIQ and must fulfill DPS entry requirements.

Visa-free entry or visa on arrival is only allowed through CGK, DPS, KNO, SUB, UPG, MDC, YIA, BTH, LOP, PDG, BPN, PKU, KJT, DJJ and BTJ.

Visa-free entry for tourists only applies to citizens of South East Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

Visa on arrival for tourists only applies to nationals of 92 territories: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland Republic, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Monaco, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, San Marino, Seychelles, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (British citizens only), United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vatican and Vietnam.

Passengers who have the following types of British passports are not eligible for visa on arrival services:

• British Overseas Territories Citizen
• British National (Overseas)
• British Overseas Citizen
• British Subject
• British Protected Person

All eligible foreign nationals can apply for an e-visa on arrival (E-VOA) and pay the visa fees online before traveling to Indonesia at https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/ (Opens an external website in a new tab) 

Passengers who are eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival can stay for 30 days and must comply with the following requirements:

• Minimum six months passport validity
• Return or onward ticket
• Visa-on-arrival fee of IDR 500,000
• Sufficient funds
• Tourists can stay a maximum of 30 days and request a one-time extension for another 30 days at the nearest immigration office.
• Exit Indonesia from any immigration checkpoint
• Visa-free entry and/or a visa on arrival cannot be exchanged for a resident visa

Foreign nationals who have an emergency passport, temporary passport, travel document or laissez passer are not eligible for visa on arrival services.

Foreign nationals from countries not specified can visit Indonesia by applying for a visit visa or limited stay visa before arrival.

Visit visa and limited stay visa can apply to the following purposes:

A. Visit Visa

• Tourism purposes
• Emergency work activity
• Business discussion
• Purchase of items
• Film activity
• Food, medical and humanitarian support
• Governmental duty including G20 activity or international meetings 144th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU)
• Joining ship in Indonesia territory
• Marine industry development
• Foreign worker candidate trial on the ability to work

B. Limited Stay Visa

• As an expert staff
• Gather together to work on ships, float equipment or installation operated in Indonesian territory and Economic Exclusive Zone Indonesia
• Quality control of items or production
• Inspection or audit of branch office in Indonesia
• After-sales activity
• Installing or repairing a machine
• Non-permanent construction work
• Undertaking a film production for commercial purposes and has been approved by the appropriate authorities
• Foreign workers on a skills trial
• Visa index C313 (non-work purpose): foreign investment for period of 1 year
• Visa index C314 (non-work purpose): foreign investment for period of 2 years
• Visa index C316 (non-work purpose): study / education
• Visa index C317 (non-work purpose): family reunion

Guarantors must apply for visit visas and limited stay visas online (Opens an external website in a new tab)  to the Directorate General of Immigration based on the visit purposes.

Visit visas and limited stay visas are granted by the Director General of Immigration in the form of an electronic visa (eVisa). Visit visas with an eVisa Number ending in DN cannot be used for entry, as this code is for a visa extension for foreign nationals who have entered Indonesia and are currently staying in Indonesia (On Shore Visa). Visit visa numbers to enter Indonesia should end with LN (Off Shore Visa).

Diplomatic visa and official visa are regulated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Holders of diplomatic and service passports from 91 countries (Opens an external website in a new tab)  can enter Indonesia with the free visa facility if the visit purpose of the visit is related to diplomatic or official visits with supporting documents:

• Carrying a diplomatic duty note or visit statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic Indonesia and or foreign state ministry
• Invitation letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic Indonesia for those attending meetings and or conferences in Indonesia

All passengers arriving in Indonesia must also complete the electronic Customs Declaration form https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/ 

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Iran. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Entry to Iran is allowed only for Iranian nationals and foreign nationals who have any of the following:

• Residence permit
• Entry visa (merchants)
• Work permit visa;
• Medical visa
• Investment visa
• Exit and return stamp from Iran Immigration

Eligible passengers must apply for the Entry Visa online and receive approval before traveling to Iran.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Iraq. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Passengers holding a paper visa and one-way or return tickets require OK-to-board approval. To get OK-to-board approval, they must submit copies of their passport, flight booking reference and visa 48 hours before their date of travel. The required documents must be submitted to:

• Baghdad: [email protected]
• Basra: [email protected]

The following passengers can travel to Iraq without OK-to-board approval:

• Passengers holding a valid sticker visa

All passengers who have recently traveled to or through Bangladesh will not be allowed entry to Basra.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Ireland. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate, COVID‑19 test result or complete the Passenger Locator Form.

Travel from Ireland

Emirates passengers can undergo COVID 19 testing at the following facilities.

Emirates passengers can undergo COVID 19 testing at the following facilities. Find the testing facility closest to you and present your Emirates ticket or booking confirmation. You should receive your test results within 96 hours after the sample is taken. Emirates is not liable for the samples, their transfer and analysis as carried out under the full responsibility of these laboratories, nor for any delay in the release of test results.

• RDT Care (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Randox Health (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Travel Health (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Vida care (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Liffey Medical (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Better2know (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Tropical Medical Bureau (Opens an external website in a new tab) 

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Israel. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Italy. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Japan. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any testing, vaccination or quarantine requirements.

All passengers must register on the Visit Jordan portal (Opens an external website in a new tab)  prior to departure and complete the required form to get a QR code. The QR code must be presented at check-in and to authorities on arrival in Jordan.

Exceptions:

• Jordanian passengers and their families, spouses and children regardless of their nationalities
• Transit passengers
• Diplomats and employees of regional and international organisations as well as their dependents and family members with a special and/or normal passport who are residing in Jordan and who have a permanent QR code with an indefinite validity that can be used to return to Jordan on several trips

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab) i  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

All passengers who require visas should apply for and obtain an e-visa before traveling to Kenya. The e-visa can be obtained through this website (Opens page in a new tab)  . Minors under 16 years of age are exempt from the visa requirement.

Passengers holding Refugee or Alien travel documents must have a visa at all times.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

Korea, Republic of

From March 1, 2023, all passengers are requested to upload their health questionnaire information on the  Q-Code location (Opens an external website in a new tab)   or complete the Health Questionnaire (yellow form) before arrival for quarantine inspection.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Kuwait. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Lebanon. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab) (Opens an external website in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab) (Opens an external website in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Malaysia. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID 19 vaccination certificate or a COVID 19 test result to enter the country. Quarantine restrictions have also been lifted.

Malaysian International boarders are open and, passengers can travel to Malaysia provided they comply with the Entry Visa requirements. For further details, please refer to Visa Services (Opens page in a new tab)  on The Official Portal of Malaysian Immigration Department  (Opens page in a new tab) 

Visa On Arrival services is partially suspended. Passengers must refer to the Malaysian Embassy in their respective country of departure to confirm VOA eligibility.

Other information

International and domestic transfer passengers 

• Transit passengers must follow the requirements of the carrier and final destination.
• Flight itinerary must be planned with the shortest connecting flights, and transit time must not be more than 24 hours.
• Passengers arriving at Kuala Lumpur international Airport (KLIA)* and connecting to an international flight departing from KLIA 2 must complete the requirements for travel to Malaysia as they must clear immigration and collect their luggage (not applicable to pre-approved charter operations) *Emirates operates from Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA, also known as KLIA1 or MTB.

The following are some of airlines Operating from KLIA2.*

• FD Thai Air Asia
• Z2 Philippine AirAsia
• D7 Air Asia X
• 5J Cebu Pacific
• QZ Indonesia Air Asia
• AK Air Asia
• 3K Jet Star
• TR Scoot International

* Passengers must check with their onward carrier to verify which terminal they operate from

There are changes to the required documents for travel to the Maldives.

Passengers traveling to the Maldives must complete the online Traveler Declaration Form (Opens an external website in a new tab)   within 96 hours before arrival in the Maldives, obtain a QR code and present it at the time of check-in at the airport.

Passengers traveling to the Maldives as tourists must have a confirmed hotel reservation for their stay at registered tourist facilities.

Travel from Maldives

Passengers traveling from Maldives must confirm the COVID-19 PCR test requirements of their destination country and present the test result certificate at check-in. Please contact your resort’s guest relations department for assistance with COVID-19 PCR testing, if required.

Passengers traveling from Maldives must complete the online  Traveler Declaration Form (Opens an external website in a new tab)   within 96 hours before their flight’s departure. Obtain a QR code and present it to the officials at the entrance to check in, and to Immigration officers on departure.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Malta. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test. 

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Mauritius. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination and quarantine.

To facilitate arrival process, passengers are encouraged to complete the arrival form on www.safemauritius.govmu.org (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

Masks are not required on board or while at the airport.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Mexico. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Wearing face masks is optional on board flights and inside airport terminals. However, travelers are advised to wear them in confined spaces.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Morocco. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or a COVID‑19 test result, or to complete the Passenger Locator Form.

Netherlands

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to the Netherlands. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Requirements for travel to a specific city or region

Travelers can now complete a New Zealand Traveler Declaration if they are flying into Christchurch, Wellington or Queenstown. Effective late August, travelers will be able to complete a New Zealand Traveler Declaration if they are flying into Auckland. For details, please visit the official website. (Opens an external website in a new tab)   

For more information and assistance, you can email or call the NZTD Contact Center (Opens an external website in a new tab)  , available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

• +64 4 931 5799 – for international callers (please note that charges may apply from your service provider) 
• 0800 359 269 – toll-free number for New Zealand-based callers 
• 1800 359 269 – toll-free number for Australia-based callers

Travelers arriving at New Zealand international airports now have the option to complete a digital declaration instead of a paper Passenger Arrival Card before traveling to New Zealand. Find out more 

Home/New Zealand Travel Declaration 

There are no longer any COVID-19 testing, vaccination and quarantine requirements for travel to Nigeria. There are changes to the required documents.

Masks are optional on board and at the destination airport.

Passengers are required to complete the Health Questionnaire Form (Opens an external website in a new tab)  before departure or upon arrival.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Norway. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Oman. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Pakistan.

Philippines

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Poland. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Portugal. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID 19 testing, vaccination and quarantine requirements for entry to Russia. Foreign nationals must complete the entry form provided on board.

Passengers may be subject to selective COVID-19 testing upon arrival.

Travel from Russia

Foreign passengers must complete arrival forms which are distributed on board.

Saudi Arabia

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Saudi Arabia. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Only passengers who meet the following conditions will be allowed on flights to Senegal.

• Residents of countries that are not affected by the temporary restriction of non-essential movement to Senegal or have not imposed restrictions on the movement of Senegal nationals
• Nationals of member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• EU citizens
• Third-country nationals regularly established in Senegal and holding a residence permit issued by the competent services of the Republic of Senegal

Passengers holding a Seychelles passport must be allowed to board without any additional checks or requirements. They are exempt from obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It is crucial to uphold their constitutional right of return, ensuring their unrestricted travel to Seychelles.

Passengers who hold dual citizenship with Seychelles and are traveling with a passport issued by a country other than Seychelles are exempt from the eTA requirement. However, they must provide documentation confirming their Seychelles nationality for verification purposes. Once the necessary documentation is provided, they should receive an “Ok to Board” message.

All other foreign passport holders must complete the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) process before departure. They can obtain the eTA at https://seychelles.govtas.com/ 

This is a  recommended list of authorized COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)   where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified  designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

From February 13, 2023, there are no longer any COVID-19 testing, vaccination or quarantine requirements for entry to Singapore.

All passengers traveling to Singapore must comply with the current public health and entry requirements. 

Passengers who have no travel history to any country or region classified by the Singapore Ministry of Health as a Restricted Category country or region in the last seven days before travel to Singapore will not be required to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon entering Singapore, regardless of the passenger’s vaccination status. Such passengers will also no longer be subject to any COVID-19 testing, whether pre-departure or in Singapore. Similarly, every flight into Singapore may carry unvaccinated passengers.

As of February 9, 2023, there are no countries/regions in the Restricted Category.

Effective April 26, 2022, fully vaccinated passengers traveling to Singapore will not be required to undergo pre-departure testing, except for non-Malaysian Work Permit Holders (WPHs) holding an In-Principle Approval (IPA) in the Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process (CMP) sectors.

• All other unvaccinated or partially vaccinated passengers flying to Singapore must present a negative certificate for COVID-19 Antigen Rapid test (ART) or COVID-19 PCR test taken within 2 days before departure to Singapore 
• There are no on-arrival tests required for all passengers 
• Passengers scheduled to transit in Singapore will no longer be required to take a pre-departure test or further COVID-19 tests upon arrival.

Requirements for the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid test (ART) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test certificate:

• A COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test must be taken at, and issued by an internationally accredited or recognized laboratory, clinic or medical facility specified on the Singapore Ministry of Health website
• Administered by a trained professional including a medical professional or government-recognized trained professional in the country or regional of departure, or
• For eligible travelers, a self-administered test that is remotely supervised by an approved ART provider in Singapore
• Must be in English
• Test result
• Date that the test was taken
• Name of the passenger as stated in their passport and at least one other personal identifier, such as the date of birth or passport number
• Self-swabs are not allowed

The COVID-19 PCR and ART test requirement does not apply to:

• A fully vaccinated passenger 
• Children 12 years old and under in this calendar year 
• Passengers who have been given an exemption by a relevant Singapore government agency 
• A transfer or transit passenger who is not seeking entry into Singapore
• Medical discharge memo issued by the relevant state authority or licensed medical professional; OR
• Result of a positive COVID-19 PCR Test administered at an internationally accredited or recognized lab/clinic/medical facility; OR
• Result of a positive antigen rapid test (ART) administered by a trained professional 
• States their name, and at least one other personal identifier such as the date of birth or passport number matching the information on their passport used for entry into Singapore
• States their date of infection or the discharge date, which must be between 7 and 90 days before the scheduled date of departure for the flight to Singapore
• Passengers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated who can present a positive COVID-19 PCR test or professionally administered ART result taken between 14 and 90 days before the scheduled date of departure of the flight to Singapore or a discharge letter that:
• States their date of infection or the discharge date, which must be between 14 and 90 days before the scheduled date of departure for the flight to Singapore
• Is issued by a relevant state authority or licensed medical professional
• Passengers who have been given an exemption by a relevant Singapore government agency

Prior to travel, please check this list of accepted COVID-19 vaccinations for entry  .

Passengers vaccinated in Singapore can present their vaccination status in any of the accepted formats:

• Vaccination certificate
• Vaccination status as shown in the HealthHub or TraceTogether app.

For passengers vaccinated outside of Singapore, any of the following proof of vaccination formats will be accepted: 

• Digitally verifiable vaccination certificate; OR
• Name (per travel document used for entry)
• At least one other personal identifier, e.g. date of birth or passport number (per travel document used for entry)
• Country of vaccination
• Name of vaccine(s) administered, i.e. different names for different vaccine type
• Vaccination date(s)

The vaccination requirements for entry do not apply to travelers below 13 years old at the time of arrival (i.e., aged 12 and below by year of birth)

Pass holders who cannot be vaccinated due to special considerations will be issued with an exemption letter by a Singapore Government Agency and must present this at check-in.

All work pass holders, Student’s Pass holders, their dependents, and holders of an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter must be fully vaccinated to enter Singapore. This includes passengers with travel history to all countries/regions, including Category I and II.

Effective February 1, 2022, 12.01am (Singapore time), all Work Pass holders, Student’s Pass holders and their dependents, and holders of an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter entering Singapore must present one of the following proofs of vaccination at check-in:

• an acceptance letter issued by the Safe Travel Office (STO) confirming that the traveler’s vaccination certificate has been verified using the Vaccination Check Portal or
• Traveler’s name as stated on the passport
• At least 1 other personal identifier (e.g. date of birth or passport number), corresponding exactly to the information in the traveler’s passport used for entry into Singapore
• Name of vaccine(s) administered (if more than 1 dose, the name of each vaccine administered) and
• Vaccination date(s) (if more than 1 dose, the date each dose was administered). Passengers must complete their vaccination at least 14 days before entering Singapore.
• Vaccination status updated on the HealthHub (Opens an external website in a new tab)  or TraceTogether (Opens an external website in a new tab)  app

All travelers must submit their  Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) (Opens an external website in a new tab)  within three days before arrival in Singapore. If passengers have not submitted their SGAC before departure, air operators should advise them to do so to facilitate a smooth arrival process in Singapore. 

Please note that there are no fees for completing the SGAC online.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated passengers arriving as of August 29, 2022, will no longer be required to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) order, nor be subject to an exit-SHN COVID-19 PCR test.

To avoid tests and quarantine, travelers must fulfill the public health requirements. Travelers who cannot meet the public health requirements and refuse any test(s) and/or quarantine may be turned away from Singapore.

Yellow fever vaccination:

If you have visited any country at risk of Yellow Fever transmission (Opens an external website in a new tab)  in the past six days before arrival in Singapore, you must present an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever. 

Travelers who can’t present a yellow fever vaccination certificate must quarantine for up to six days on arrival. Quarantine also applies to those who are ineligible to receive the vaccination, e.g., children aged one year and under and individuals with contraindications.

South Africa

Travel from south africa.

Check-in will close promptly 60 minutes before departure to ensure on-time departures.

The use of masks is not mandatory.

COVID-19 testing and vaccination are no longer required for travel to Sri Lanka.

Wearing of face masks is optional.

Sri Lankan nationals / dual citizens who are traveling on Sri Lankan passports / Sri Lanka emergency travel document holders are allowed entry into Sri Lanka.

Foreign nationals are allowed entry to Sir Lanka if they have any of the following documents:

• Approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Landing endorsement
• Residence visa

Visa on arrival is also available except for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan and Syria, who must have an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in advance to be accepted for travel to Sri Lanka.

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Sudan. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID 19 vaccination certificate, COVID 19 test result or complete the Passenger Locator Form Quarantine restrictions have also been lifted.

Travel from Sudan

If you are travelling from Sudan, you must take a COVID-19 PCR test before departure according to the requirements of your final destination.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Sweden. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Switzerland

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Switzerland. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Taiwan, China

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Tanzania. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Thailand. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Nationalities who are eligible for travel to Tunisia can now be accepted for travel, including nationalities who are eligible for visa on arrival services.

Passengers will be accepted based on meeting all requirements.

All non-resident passengers are required to have a return ticket. All non Tunisian residents (holding valid residence cards) are not required to have a return ticket.

Visa on arrival must be preapproved with an application submitted by the sponsor to Immigration HQ in Tunisia.

Travel from Tunisia

All passengers except Libyan nationals who are transiting through Tunisia to Libya should have an OK TO BOARD to be accepted on Emirates flights.

All passengers are advised to arrive at check in 4 hours before departure with all the correct documents required for their destination of travel.

Documents must be printed and soft copies will not be accepted.

Check-in counters will close 90 minutes prior to departure.

The boarding gate will open 60 minutes prior to departure.

Passengers are no longer required to undergo COVID-19 testing before traveling to Uganda.

Visa on arrival services in Uganda are suspended for majority of countries.

All travelers holding ordinary passports from countries whose citizens are required to have visas to enter Uganda will be required to apply for visas online (Opens an external website in a new tab)  prior to travel, and will receive an approved notification that they must print and carry with them as travel authorization.

Exempted countries are:

• Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, Cuba, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Island, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Travel from Uganda

Before you travel from Uganda, check the rules for traveling to, from or transiting through Dubai.

Proof of vaccination may still be required for travel from Uganda, depending on the entry requirements of the country you will be visiting. Passengers are advised to bring proof of vaccination with them when traveling.

United Kingdom

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to the UK. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms. 

Visit the official website  for more information. 

Please also read the latest guidance  for people with COVID 19 and their contacts.

Travel from the United Kingdom

Before you travel from the UK, check the rules for traveling to, from or transiting through Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) from your point of origin.

Proof of vaccination may still be required for traveling abroad from the UK, depending on the entry requirements of the country you will be visiting. Passengers are advised to bring proof of vaccination with them when traveling.

Emirates has partnered with the following providers in the UK to offer you special COVID-19 testing rates:

Concepto Clinic, Randox

Find out more about our partners, the tests and special rates available (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  .

Before planning your trip to the UK, you must check the rules for transiting via Dubai from the countries you have visited.

If you are traveling between countries with different rules, you need to follow the most restrictive requirements.

This means that rules that are not otherwise mandated by the UK government for entry may therefore apply to your trip. This can include the following:

• Passengers who have been in or transited through certain countries may not be permitted to enter or transit via Dubai.
• Passengers transiting via Dubai from certain countries may be required to provide a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test conducted at an approved facility within a defined number of hours before departure from their origin, regardless of vaccinated status. This can also include a second PCR test performed at the airport of origin only a few hours before departure.

United States

There are changes to the COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Vietnam. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a COVID-19 test result to enter the country. Quarantine restrictions have also been lifted.

From 15 February 2022, Emirates is permitted to resume regular commercial flights into Vietnam. Passengers entering Vietnam must comply with current regulations on immigration, quarantine and disease control. All travellers are required to have the following applicable documents on hand on scheduled flights for entry:

• Visa, permanent residence card, temporary residence card, or valid visa exemption certificate

From 15 May 2022, a pre-departure COVID-19 RT‑PCR or RT‑LAMP test will no longer be required for entry into Vietnam.

Travelers must fill out a traveler’s health declaration form and present it on arrival in Zambia.

There are changes to travel eligibility and the COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements.

Passengers will be accepted for travel if they have a vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test taken not more than 48 hours before departure for Zimbabwe.

Passengers who do not present a valid vaccination certificate or negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate will not be accepted for travel.

Passengers who are not fully vaccinated must have a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test taken not more than 48 hours from the time of departure for Zimbabwe. Children below 12 years old are exempt from the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement.

Returning residents who do not present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate or a vaccination certificate will be required tested for COVID-19 on arrival at their own cost.

Fully vaccinated passengers are not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test.

All vaccines will be accepted as long as you have received all the required doses before travel.

Passengers must complete the health declaration form (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  and the data entry form (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  .

Returning residents who do not present a valid negative PCR test certificate will be required to quarantine for 10 days at their own expense.

Tourists who do not present a valid negative PCR test certificate will be denied entry.

Travel from Zimbabwe

All passengers travelling from Zimbabwe except children below 12 years old must have a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued not more than 48 hours before departure or must be fully vaccinated and have a vaccination certificate.

• COVID-19 information hub

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Saudi Arabia

Warnings and insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

Areas where FCDO advises against travel  

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. 

Saudi Arabia-Yemen border  

FCDO advises against:  

• all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen 
• all but essential travel to areas between 10km and 80km from the border with Yemen 

Abha International Airport  

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Abha International Airport in Asir province.  

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Arriving in Saudi Arabia from Sudan 

If you’re arriving in Saudi Arabia from Sudan, contact the Saudi authorities for the latest entry clearance procedures. See the latest  Sudan travel advice  for information about how to leave Port Sudan.

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics. 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. 

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

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Saudi Arabia

Latest update.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Saudi Arabia overall due to the threat of terrorism and missile and drone attacks.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Saudi Arabia (PDF 399.86 KB)

The Middle East (PDF 1.45 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Emergency services, fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 997 or go to the hospital.

Traffic accidents

Call 999 or go to the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Saudi Arabia overall.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Saudi Arabia overall due to the threat of terrorism and missile and drone attacks. 

See Safety .

Do not travel  to areas within 30km of the border with Yemen.

Do not travel  to areas within 30km of the border with Yemen due to ongoing conflict in Yemen.

See  Safety .

Reconsider your need to travel between 30km and 80km of the border with Yemen.

Reconsider your need to travel between 30km and 80km of the border with Yemen due to the threat of missile and drone attacks.

• An increased threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region and ongoing military action in the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. Demonstration and protest activity may occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. 
• This may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and flight diversions and other travel disruptions. 
• Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Avoid possible targets such as energy infrastructure. Be alert at places frequented by foreigners and at large-scale entertainment events. Take official warnings seriously. 
• Demonstrations are illegal. Avoid demonstrations or large public gatherings as they can turn violent. There may be severe penalties for participating in demonstrations or protests.
• Missile and drone attacks originating from Yemen and targeting sites in Saudi Arabia are possible. Most attacks are intercepted. Follow the advice of local officials.
• Crime rates are low, but theft happens, especially in crowded places and from vehicles. Physical, verbal and sexual harassment can occur.
• Be prepared for extreme weather. From June to August, temperatures can exceed 50°C. Sandstorms and dust storms are common.
• Driving can be hazardous. The annual road death toll is extremely high.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Travellers to Saudi Arabia (excluding residents) must have medical insurance that covers the cost of COVID-19 treatment. This is included in the cost of a tourist visa (eVisa). See further details on the  Visit Saudi  website.
• Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome have been reported. Avoid contact with camels or products contaminated with camel secretions.
• Sandstorms and dust storms can cause allergies and breathing problems. Discuss your travel plans with a doctor if you have an existing condition.
• Malaria, including chloroquine-resistant strains, is present in south-western Saudi Arabia. Consider taking anti-malarial medication. Other insect-borne diseases include dengue and leishmaniasis. Use insect repellent.    

Full travel advice:  Health

• Many laws in Saudi Arabia are different to those in Australia, including for same-sex relations and abandoning the Islamic religion. Punishment may include imprisonment and the death penalty. Get professional advice for local legal matters. You may be prevented from leaving the country until issues are resolved.
• It’s illegal to mock, provoke or question public order, religious values or public morals. Criticising Saudi Arabia, the royal family, the leadership or Islam is also against the law. These laws extend to social media posts, even if posted many years ago and outside Saudi Arabia. Foreigners have been sentenced to decades in prison for offensive tweets made outside Saudi Arabia years before their visit to the country. 
• Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
• It's against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage. If you're sexually assaulted, you may face criminal prosecution. Authorities may not consider you to be a victim of crime.
• In Saudi Arabia, men and women should dress modestly in public. Cover your shoulders and knees and avoid tight-fitting clothes or clothes with profane language or images.
• Same-sex relationships are illegal. Saudi Arabia does not recognise or allow same-sex marriages and rights.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Australian citizens holding valid Australian passports can apply for a tourist visa online or on arrival. Check the  Saudi eVisa  website for current information on tourist visas. A visa does not guarantee your entry to Saudi Arabia. Check visa conditions before your arrival.
• All Saudi visa holders are permitted to perform Umrah throughout the year, except around Hajj time, when only Hajj visa/permit holders can enter Makkah (Mecca). Monitor the media for information about the dates the Hajj time starts.
• Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry have launched the ‘ Nusuk’  platform to register and facilitate pilgrim procedures for both Umrah and Hajj.
• Unless you’re a resident of Saudi Arabia, you must have medical insurance that covers the cost of COVID-19 treatment (see ‘Health’). See further details on the  Visit Saudi  website.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Embassy of Australia in Riyadh.
• Follow the Embassy's social media channels for local information (see 'Local contacts').

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

There is a threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. An attack could happen anywhere, at any time.

Several terror incidents have happened in Saudi Arabia in recent years, including those targeted at Saudi security forces. 

On occasion, attacks have targeted the minority Shia community in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province.

Expats have died or been injured in attacks that were targeted at others.

Further attacks are possible. 

Possible terrorism targets include:

• shopping malls
• restaurants
• recreational facilities
• entertainment events
• embassies and consulates
• other symbols of Western culture

Attacks may be planned or random, large or small. Tactics could include bombings, drive-by shootings or  kidnapping .

If you're in Saudi Arabia:

• be alert to possible threats and avoid possible targets for a terror attack
• always have a clear exit plan in case there's a security incident
• monitor the media for new or emerging threats
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Civil unrest and political tension

The political situation within Saudi Arabia is currently stable. However, the  security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

Military tensions remain in neighbouring Yemen. Missiles, explosive-laden drones and explosive-laden boats have targeted civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including ports and airports. Some attacks have been intercepted by the Saudi military.

Many of these attacks occur close to the Yemen border, especially in the provinces of Jazan, Najran and Aseer (including Abha). Urban centres in the Eastern Province have been targeted, in addition to oil infrastructure in that province. The capital Riyadh, and cities on the Red Sea, such as Jeddah and Yanbu, have also been targeted. Other areas may be targeted from time to time.

Targets have included:

• urban areas
• oil infrastructure
• government facilities
• public facilities, such as airports

Such attacks may continue. The frequency of attacks vary and not all individual attacks are always widely publicised.

To stay safe in the event of an attack:

• if you hear a loud explosion or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover
• stay away from windows or openings.
• seek shelter in the centre of the building at the lowest level possible
• be aware that if an incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris can pose a risk
• after an attack, stay away from any debris
• follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for emerging threats

Demonstrations and protests

Demonstrations are illegal, and any large spontaneous gatherings are unusual. You should avoid these, as they could turn violent. Penalties for participating in demonstrations or protests may be severe. 

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Overall the rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low.

Theft can occur, including in crowded places, malls and from vehicles.

Carry only what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure place.

Keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving.

Take care when travelling outside towns and cities, and in crowded areas.

Piracy  occurs in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Pirates target all forms of shipping, including:

• commercial vessels
• pleasure craft
• luxury cruise liners
• naval vessels

The  International Maritime Bureau  issues piracy reports.

If you travel by boat to or near Saudi Arabia despite the risks:

• monitor piracy reports for the region
• exercise extreme caution
• be alert to possible threats
• avoid confrontation

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Make sure any unused SIM cards are kept in a safe place or deactivated by contacting your service provider, to prevent misuse by others. Do not share any verification code received on your mobile with others. Verify any text message claiming to be from the bank by communicating directly with the bank.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media, even for comments published many years earlier. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Climate and natural disasters

It's very hot in Saudi Arabia. June to August are the hottest months of the year. The temperature can be over 50°C.

Sandstorms and dust storms are common.

If a  natural disaster  or  severe weather  occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor the media and local sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. Travellers to Saudi Arabia (excluding residents) must have medical insurance that includes coverage for the cost of COVID-19 treatment. If you're entering  on a tourist visa (eVisa), coverage for COVID-19 treatment is included in the visa cost. See further details on the  Visit Saudi  website.

Your policy also needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

You should confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Resident identity card holders

If you hold a resident identity card (Iqama), your employer must provide medical insurance. Review the policy carefully to confirm what is and isn't covered.

Medical insurance will not cover pregnancy or maternity unless you're married and it's in your insurance policy.

If you're admitted to one of the intensive care units, you won't be allowed to move to another hospital without prior approval by both hospitals as well as your travel insurance provider.

Saudi tourist visas include some medical insurance. Check the Visit Saudi  website and the insurance policy  website  for further information.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Saudi Arabia . Take enough legal medicine for your trip. Carry your medicine in its original packaging and a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor that states:

• the medicine's brand and scientific (chemical) name
• the prescribed dosage and the duration of treatment, and
• that it's for your personal use.

Saudi authorities may detain or deport travellers for:

• carrying medication to treat HIV/AIDS or hepatitis
• testing positive for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis - see  Health

Health risks

Cases of  Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported in Saudi Arabia.

Other Middle-Eastern countries have reported imported cases from returned travellers.

Avoid contact with camels. Don't consume raw camel milk, undercooked camel meat, or anything contaminated with camel secretions.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, cough, breathing difficulties or diarrhoea.

• MERS information card

Sandstorms and dust storms

Sandstorms and dust storms are common. They can cause allergies and breathing problems. During sandstorms or dust storms either stay indoors, wear a mask or seek medical advice.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria  is present in the Asir and Jizan areas by the border with Yemen.

Cases of chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria are reported.

Other insect-borne diseases that occur include:

• leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases occur. These include:

• brucellosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled, treated or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Don't swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to waterborne diseases, such as  bilharzia (schistosomiasis) .

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Most facilities in major cities offer high to very high-quality services.

Facilities in minor towns and small cities can only do routine procedures.

If you're treated at a private facility, you may need to pay before doctors will treat you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Facilities for travellers with a disability are different to Australia. 

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

Actions that are offensive or anti-social but not criminal in Australia could be against Saudi law.

If you break Saudi law, even without knowing, the punishment may be severe.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Ensure that you read carefully the information on our  Consular Services Charter to find out what we can and cannot do.

Local authorities have arrested Australians travelling or living in Saudi Arabia and didn't always report these cases to the Embassy of Australia in Riyadh.

If you're arrested or jailed, access for Embassy staff to visit you may not be granted immediately.  

• Arrested or detained overseas

Penalties for trafficking, possessing or using drugs are severe. These can include the death penalty.

Police may detain you if you're accompanied by someone who is involved in drug cases, including trafficking, possessing or using drugs. You may remain in detention until investigations of all parties are concluded.

• Carrying or using drugs

Local and commercial matters

Get professional advice for local legal matters, including , but not limited to :

• family law – divorce, child custody and child support
• business or employment matters

Understand your rights and obligations. This includes if you're involved in a commercial or employment/labour dispute with your employer or sponsor. Authorities may not let you leave the country until the dispute is resolved. C ommercial or labour dispute cases may take years to finalise.

You also need to understand your rights to make decisions for your children or yourself if you're in Saudi Arabia as a dependent sponsored by a primary visa holder. If you're sponsored and are involved in a custody or domestic violence dispute with the primary visa holder, you may be unable to leave Saudi Arabia for an extended period if the primary visa holder/sponsor refuses to issue an exit visa to allow you to leave the country. 

If you wish to  marry  a Saudi national, your partner will first need a letter of approval from the Ministry of the Interior. Check current requirements and timeframes directly with the relevant local authorities.

Resident identity card

If you're a resident, you must always carry your resident identity card (Iqama).

If you travel on a visa, you should always carry your passport. Saudi authorities have the right to check ID. There are security checkpoints, both in cities and on roads between cities.

Serious offences

Authorities can detain you without charge if you're suspected of committing an offence.

You may have to wait months for legal help or for a court appearance while authorities investigate.

Trials are held under Islamic law and procedures.

People convicted of serious offences can face:

• long jail sentences
• heavy fines
• deportation

Penalties for some offences are severe and can carry the death penalty. These offences include:

• serious physical assault
• same-sex relations
• abandoning the Islamic religion
• offences perceived to undermine the state

Illegal items

It's illegal to import, possess or trade in weapons and items held to be 'contrary to the tenets of Islam'. This includes:

• pork products
• pornography – including images of scantily clad people, particularly women
• political and religious books, comics and materials, other than those about Islam
• drones, without prior approval

Authorities scan passenger luggage on arrival.

• Saudi Customs  

Other illegal activities

In Saudi Arabia, it's illegal to:

• preach or publicly practice a religion other than Islam
• produce or distribute printed or electronic material, without the Ministry of Culture and Information's authorisation
• publicly display or wear non-Islamic religious symbols or text
• be involved in charity and fundraising activities, including online or via social media without prior approval from local authorities
• post advertisements that result in an income on social media without a license from the relevant local Saudi authorities. Violators could face a five-year prison sentence and fines of up to five million Saudi riyals
• offend the reputation of tourism in the Kingdom, which may include posting negative reviews online about tourist destinations and activities
• say anything blasphemous
• have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage
• get pregnant or give birth outside of marriage

It's also illegal to:

• mock, provoke or question public order, religious values or public morals
• criticise Saudi Arabia, its people, policy, the royal family, the leadership or Islam
• support any group or organisation considered by Saudi authorities to practice violence
• these actions are also illegal in social media posts, even if they were made outside Saudi Arabia and years prior to your visit. Foreigners have received lengthy prison sentences for offensive tweets made in the past.

It's illegal to possess or trade in alcohol in Saudi Arabia. Authorities have detained travellers on arrival when police smelled alcohol on their breath.

It's illegal to take photos of:

• government buildings
• military sites and checkpoints
• diplomatic missions
• some religious sites

Get permission before taking photographs of people, especially women and children.

Same-sex relationships are illegal. Saudi Arabia doesn't recognise or allow same-sex marriages and rights. Authorities can impose severe punishment. 

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Passports with 'X' gender identifier

You will not be able to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows 'X' in the gender field. 

Sexual assault

If you're  sexually assaulted , you may face criminal prosecution. Authorities may not consider you to be a victim of crime.

Sexual assault victims may be jailed after reporting incidents to local police or when seeking medical help.

If you're a victim of sexual assault, find out about support services as quickly as possible from the:

• Embassy of Australia in Riyadh
• Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra

Consular officers can't provide legal or medical advice. However, they can provide lists of English-speaking service providers who may be able to help. See 'Local contacts'.

Major Events (music festivals, cultural and sporting events)

If you’re travelling to Saudi Arabia for a major event (for example, the MDLBEAST Music festival), you may need to take extra precautions. Reports of sexual harassment at music festivals, sporting events and other major events are common.

Women face greater risks than men and may be more vulnerable.

These risks include:

• unwanted attention
• verbal harassment
• groping (especially at crowded events)
• sexual assault 

Safety advice for women attending large-scale events

Although sexual harassment is illegal in Saudi Arabia, it still occurs, particularly in major public events, such as music festivals.

Consider your clothing and dress. Many countries are more conservative than Australia and have different standards for women and men. Dressing conservatively may help you avoid unwanted attention. This includes clothing styles that locals may consider different.

Be aware of your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable, leave.

Be cautious of unsolicited invitations from strangers, especially if they try to separate you from your travelling companions.

Only use licensed taxis or approved ride-share services (such as Uber, Bolt, or Jeeny). Refuse offers from drivers who approach you.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law

Dual citizenship

The Saudi Government doesn't recognise dual nationality for its citizens. Authorities will seize extra passports if they find them.

If you're a dual national (e.g Australian/UK nationals), and you're travelling with both passports, you can only leave Saudi Arabia with the passport you used to enter.

If you're a dual citizen and entered the country on a non-Australian passport, this limits the  consular services  we can provide, including if you're arrested or detained.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Always respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs.

The Saudi weekend is Friday and Saturday.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Saudi Arabia. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws during this time.

Don't eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset during  Ramadan . Authorities can detain and even deport you for doing so.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Segregation

Segregation in public places is much less strict than it used to be, particularly in Saudi Arabia's major urban centres. However, it may still occur in some areas of public places such as gyms, restaurants and shops. Segregation may be by gender or family.

Accommodation

Individual travellers seeking to share accommodation have sometimes been refused joint occupancy. The situation is changing as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia transforms. You should contact your accommodation provider to seek clarification on the requirements. It is important to respect local customs and act in a culturally appropriate manner.

Further information can be found on the Visit Saudi Official Website .

Saudi Arabia has strict codes of behaviour. You can be fined for violating Saudi Arabia's Public Taste Regulations. Read more on  Public decorum .

Locals will be offended if you don't respect these codes. They may interpret this as religious or cultural disrespect.

To avoid offending Saudis, don't be affectionate in public. This includes holding hands.

Get advice on what is acceptable clothing before you arrive.

Both men and women are asked to dress modestly in public. Avoid tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images.

Men and women visiting Saudi Arabia should cover their shoulders and knees in public. If you don’t comply with these requirements, you may face penalties.

Read more on  Public decorum .

In some parts of the country, women travellers may be approached by authorities, usually for being perceived as not dressed modestly.

If approached by the authorities:

• be respectful
• leave as soon as you can
• Advice for women

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Travelling from Sudan to Saudi Arabia

See the travel advice for Sudan for information about flying from Sudan to Saudi Arabia.

Y ou need a valid visa to enter Saudi Arabia. You can apply for an e-visa at the  Visit Saudi  website.

Australian citizens holding valid Australian passports can apply for tourist visas online or upon arrival. Requirements and policies can change at short notice. Visit the  Saudi eVisa  website for current information on tourist visas.  A visa does not guarantee your entry to Saudi Arabia. Check visa conditions prior to your arrival.

If you've had a travel ban placed against you in the past to prevent you from re-entering Saudi Arabia, you should check the duration of the ban prior to your arrival, or you may be denied entry to Saudi Arabia. 

If you have a previous unresolved legal case in Saudi Arabia, you may be arrested when you arrive. This is regardless of the passport you use to re-enter Saudi Arabia (whether you use an Australian or other passport). 

Tourist visas are valid for 12 months and allow for multiple entries starting from the date of issuance. The total period of stay must not exceed (90) days throughout the total 12 months of the visa validity. The visa cannot be extended and cannot be used to gain employment in the country or perform any other paid activities or organise unpaid events in the country.

Ensure that you read and understand the conditions of your visa. A daily fine will be imposed if you overstay your visa or exceed the maximum stay conditions. You won't be permitted to leave the country until the fine is paid in full. In line with the  Consular Services Charter , the Australian Embassy cannot waive or reduce fines, or request the local authorities to do so.

Tourists under the age of 18 may not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia unless accompanied by a guardian.

Australians visiting Saudi Arabia for purposes other than tourism must obtain a separate and special visa from visa agencies accredited to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Contact your nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate for more information.

The Nusuk  platform has been launched to register and facilitate visas and travel arrangements for Hajj and Umrah.

Only Muslims are allowed to enter Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah.  

You may not be allowed to enter through a land crossing, for example the King Fahd Causeway from Bahrain, on a business/visit visa that is annotated “via air’’. Note that this may be written in Arabic. Carefully read and understand the restrictions of your Saudi business/visit visa.

If you’re transiting through Saudi Arabia, you may need a transit visa.

If you overstay your visa, you may face:

• a significant fine
• detention while waiting to be deported
• a ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia

Deportation processes may take time to resolve.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia  for details about visas, currency, customs, vaccination and quarantine rules.

Around Hajj time, Saudi authorities restrict entry to and exit from some airports including Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu, and Taif to Hajj visas holders only. Other travellers may need to justify their need to travel to any of these cities/airport before they can be allowed to board the flight. You can still enter Saudi Arabia through other entry points. Check with your airline, travel agency and your nearest Saudi Embassy/Consulate for up-to-date information.

Visitors on a single or multiple-entry business, work or tourist visa don't need an exit permit to leave Saudi Arabia.

If you hold a resident identity card (Iqama), you'll need to get an exit/re-entry or final exit permit from the Saudi Ministry of Interior. You must do this through your sponsor.

You may not be eligible for an exit re-entry visa to leave Saudi Arabia if your passport has less than six months validity.

If you're the main visa holder, make sure that all your dependents have valid passports as you may not be allowed to obtain an exit re-entry visa.

See  Local laws

It's illegal to work for anyone other than the sponsor or employer officially registered as your employer/sponsor on your residence permit in the Saudi Passports Office’s system.

If you do, you may be punished with:

• a ban from entering Saudi Arabia

Holders of any type of visa other than a work visa or a resident identity card (Iqama) are not allowed to work in Saudi Arabia.

Border measures

Travellers to Saudi Arabia (excluding residents) must have medical insurance that covers the cost of COVID-19 treatment. 

• Visit Saudi Official Website .

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination.

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Saudi Arabia if you're travelling from an area with a risk of yellow fever.

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF)

Polio outbreaks

Travellers under the age of 15 arriving from countries with polio outbreaks must provide proof of up-to-date polio vaccination.

• Embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia

Travel bans

Authorities may place Australians under a travel ban. This means that you won't be able to leave the country if you're a tourist, visitor or resident identity card (Iqama) holder and you're involved in a dispute about but not limited to:

• employment 

Authorities are strict with travel bans. They can take months or even years to resolve.

Only Saudi Arabian authorities, and in very limited cases your sponsor, can remove travel bans. Saudi sponsors may have considerable power in dispute negotiations.

Private Saudi citizens may also initiate travel bans against expats.

The government may issue travel bans on people who:

• are charged with criminal offences
• are under investigation
• are involved in financial or labour disputes
• have unpaid debts or who have passed bad cheques

Travel bans on women and children

Children living in Saudi Arabia up to the age of 21 with a Saudi Arabian father need permission from a male relative to leave Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities have introduced fees for dependants that apply to iqama holders.

If you're an expat with outstanding fees for dependants, you may have to pay the fees before you can:

• apply for an exit or re-entry visa
• renew your Iqama
• leave for the final time

If you're a non-resident, authorities may restrict your entry via air or land to Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu and Taif during Hajj time. The restrictions may start from one month prior to the Hajj time.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Other passport conditions

If you're travelling on an emergency passport, Saudi authorities will not allow you to enter the country. You must have a full validity passport to enter. You can exit the country on an emergency passport but may be required to provide a police report and/or letter from the Embassy to explain why your passport is different to the passport on which you entered the country.

If you obtain a new passport while in Saudi Arabia to replace your old, lost or stolen passport, you must register the new passport number with the Saudi passport office. Ensure this process is completed prior to your departure, as this service may not be available at airports. Check with your employer/sponsor or the Ministry of Tourism (depending on your visa type) for information on where to complete this process.

If you're travelling on an Australian passport showing ‘X’ in the 'sex' field, authorities will not allow you to enter Saudi Arabia. 'X' refers to those who are indeterminate, intersex or unspecified sex.

Australian travel-related documents issued to non-Australian citizens will not be accepted to enter Saudi Arabia with a tourist visa (even if you obtained the visa online prior to your arrival). You'll need to contact your nearest Saudi Embassy/Consulate for up-to-date advice and information on the acceptance of your travel document and to seek options and confirmation on the appropriate visa that will be accepted to enter the country.  If your entry into Saudi Arabia is denied despite holding a valid Saudi visa, the Embassy won’t be able to assist to facilitate your entry.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If you lose your passport before arriving in Saudi Arabia:

• you may not be able to enter the country
• the Embassy of Australia may not be able to provide you with a new passport , as personal lodgement is compulsory to obtain a new passport
• you may have to return to Australia

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

The local currency is the Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR).

When you enter or leave Saudi Arabia, declare amounts of more than SAR60,000 or equivalent per family or group. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Also declare any precious metals worth more than SAR60,000 per family or group.

You can change Australian dollars at commercial banks and exchange bureaus.

ATMs are widely available. Ask your bank if your cards will work in Saudi Arabia.

More information: 

Local travel

Driving permit.

If you have a residency permit (iqama), you'll need to get a Saudi driver’s licence.

To drive in Saudi Arabia, you'll need:

• a valid Australian driver's licence, and
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before departing Australia. 

Visitors to Saudi Arabia can only drive hire cars and not privately owned vehicles. You may only be allowed to use your Australian driving licence and IDP for up to 3 months from arrival in the country. Check with the local Traffic Police and your rental company for up-to-date information.

You must carry your driver's licence and vehicle registration when driving. If you're involved in an accident, notify the traffic police and ask for their instructions.

Road travel

The annual death toll on Saudi roads is extremely high. Exercise extreme caution when driving in Saudi Arabia and always wear a seat belt. 

Safety hazards include:

• drivers ignoring road rules and driving while distracted
• bad weather limiting visibility
• poor road conditions in some parts of the country
• camels straying onto roads

There are checkpoints where you may be required to present identification.

If you plan to drive:

• check your insurance covers you
• learn local traffic rules and behaviour
• know what to do in case of an incident or accident
• always keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving

Some Saudi cities have an automated traffic ticketing system. If you're fined, you must pay the fine through this system before leaving the country.

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis and rideshare services

Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your accommodation or licensed rideshare services  (such as Uber, Bolt, or Jeeny).

Registered public taxis can be in poor condition, often  without meters and without seatbelts .

Don't share taxis with unknown passengers.

Public transport

Saudi Arabia has inter-city bus and limited rail services throughout the country.

Travellers often use limousine services for long-distance travel.

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

Many waters near Saudi Arabia are sensitive because of territorial disputes and security issues.

Due to the military conflict in Yemen, military vessels are stationed in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

There are ongoing disputes about who has jurisdiction over the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf.

People have reported vessels being inspected and crews detained.

Piracy  can occur in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. See  Safety

• Travelling by boat

Due to military activity in Yemen, flights in the south of Saudi Arabia can be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. Affected airports include:

• Wadi Aldwasir

Check with your travel provider for updates on flights.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Travelling with pets

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia. Prior permit/approval to bring the pet/s must be obtained. Please contact your airline or visit the  Saudia website and the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for more information and requirements.

Tourism Call Centre

Call 930 (from inside Saudi).

Call +966 92 000 0890 (from outside Saudi).

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Highway Patrol

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

General Directorate of Passports

Emergency medical consultation, domestic and child violence services.

If you're in danger, or you/your children have been a victim of domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, consider calling:

• local Saudi police on 999
• the Saudi National Domestic Violence Hotline on 1919

Call 116 111 for the Child Help Line. The Saudi National Family Safety Program runs this service. They help children access Saudi social services.

When reporting domestic violence:

• get a case reference number – all Saudi social and legal help is tied to this case number
• document any injuries and get a copy of any medical reports

If you file a police report or use any Saudi victim services, authorities may inform your sponsor or guardian.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Contact the Australian Embassy in Riyadh for consular help.

Embassy of Australia, Riyadh

Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Phone: (+966 11) 250 0900 Fax: (+966 11) 250 0902 Website:  saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au/ryad/home X:  @AusAmbKSA Facebook: facebook.com/AusEmbKSA  

The working week is Sunday to Thursday.

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Saudi Arabia travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 15, 2024 13:01 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, saudi arabia - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Saudi Arabia due to the threat of terrorist attacks and security incidents.

Border with Yemen - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to areas within 80 km of the border with Yemen, due to rocket, missile and mortar attacks on Saudi population centres near the border.

Abha International Airport - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the Abha International Airport, in Asir Province, due to the risk of missile and drone attacks.

Al Qatif and its suburbs - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Qatif and surrounding suburbs, such as Al Awamiya, in Eastern Province. Ongoing tensions between Saudi security forces and local militants create potential for unrest.

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Border with Yemen

Armed groups in Yemen regularly target Saudi interests near the border in retaliation for Saudi involvement in the war in Yemen. Houthi militias regularly launch rockets, missiles and mortars at Saudi population centres near the border.

• Exercise extreme caution if you are travelling to or within other parts of southwestern Saudi Arabia
• Airports in the area may be closed with little or no notice. Verify your travel plans before leaving for the airport

Northern Saudi border

The Saudi authorities have declared an “out of bounds” zone of 20 km from:

• the entire northern border of the country
• the border in the Hafr al Batin and Khafji areas in Eastern Province

Violations are punishable by up to 30 months in prison and a SAR 25,000 fine.

Direct access to land border crossings remains available and signs are being placed in areas where vehicles are allowed to cross. Consult local authorities before attempting to cross a land border through this area.

From May to September, 2017, clashes between Saudi security forces and activists and militants have caused casualties in Al Awamiya in the Qatif region of Eastern Province. Although the situation has calmed, tensions remain high and there is a heavy security presence in the area.

Al Awamiya and Al Musawara

Civil unrest and armed clashes may occur. Saudi forces may impose curfews with little or no notice.

If you must travel to Al Awamiya and Al Musawara suburbs of Qatif, exercise extreme caution and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Missile strikes and drones

Missiles and drones have been launched from Yemen into Saudi Arabia, most of which have been intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defence systems. The majority of these events occur close to the Yemen border, however some have occurred in cities such as Riyadh, Abha, Yanbu as well as in parts of the Eastern Province. Urban areas, military, oil and public facilities, such as airports, may be targeted by these missiles and drones. These events are expected to continue to occur and the situation remains unpredictable. Given the significant range of recent strikes Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea and the Gulf are at risk.

Missile and drone interceptions may cause scattered debris or fragments. Seek shelter during these events, stay away from doors and windows and follow the instructions of local authorities.

If you encounter debris or fragments:

• don’t get close to or touch them
• move away from them immediately
• contact local authorities

There is a threat of terrorism. Attacks have occurred throughout the country. Latest large-scale attacks have targeted the Shia minority in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia’s security forces and places of worship where large groups gather. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Heightened security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced on short notice.

• Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
• Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and public celebrations. Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks

There is a threat of kidnapping in Saudi Arabia. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia. They occur predominantly in Shia communities in the Qatif area of Eastern Province. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Security forces quickly prevent demonstrations from forming or gathering momentum.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

The next Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is expected to take place from June 14 to 19, 2024. Traffic in Mecca peaks during Eid al-Adha.

Religious sites during Hajj

There are safety risks at religious sites due to overcrowding. Pilgrims have been killed or injured in stampedes. The sites are far from the Canadian embassy. Contact your travel agent for information on available services and support.

Useful links

• Information on entry requirements during the pilgrimage

The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded areas and at holy sites.

• Don’t show signs of affluence
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Roads in larger cities are generally well maintained. Roads in rural areas are less developed, poorly lit and range from pavement to sand or gravel.

• Exercise extreme caution when driving
• Don’t drive off-road unless you are in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles and with an experienced guide
• Ensure you are well prepared with a sufficient supply of gas, water and food, and a cell or satellite phone
• Leave your travel itinerary with a relative or friend

Driving risks

Poor driving habits, disregard for traffic laws and road markings, and excessive speed are common and cause fatal accidents.

Only use pre-arranged, licensed taxis. Avoid shared or unregistered taxis.

Marine transportation

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Gulf, particularly around the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Tunbs. Iran and the United Arab Emirates each claim sovereignty over the islands.

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Saudi Arabian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Saudi Arabia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required  Business visa: required  Student visa: required  Working visa: required

All visa applications, with the exception of applications for tourist visas, must be sponsored by a Saudi citizen, a travel agency, or an organization.

Overstaying your visa will result in heavy fines, and you will be unable to exit the country until the fine has been paid.

Tourist visa

You can obtain a tourist visa online before your trip or upon arrival at the airport. The tourist visa allows for multiple entries and is valid for one year. You can stay up to a maximum of 90 days in total per visa. You cannot extend a visa. Muslim tourists can apply for the tourist visa to perform Umrah. A specific visa is required to perform Hajj.

Apply for a tourist visa online - Visit Saudi Arabia

Obtaining a visa

You can obtain a visa at an agency authorized by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia to Canada in Ottawa. If you reside in a foreign country, you may obtain a visa from the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

Women entering Saudi Arabia

Women must be met by their sponsors at the port of arrival or risk being denied entry. This does not apply to women entering the country on a tourist visa.

You must present a valid Hajj or Umrah visa, depending on the pilgrimage you will be making. These visas are only valid for travel to Jeddah, Mecca and Medina, and for travel between these cities. Non-Muslims are forbidden from travelling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj must travel with a travel agency that is accredited with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Female pilgrims under the age of 45 must be accompanied by a mahram (a close male relative). Female pilgrims over the age of 45 may travel unaccompanied by a mahram but with a travel agency, provided they submit a letter stating that their mahram, or someone who could be considered their mahram, authorizes their travel.

In the period preceding and during the Hajj pilgrimage, Muslim visitors with a valid Hajj visa will be allowed to board flights to Jeddah, Medina and Taif. Muslim travellers with business or visit visas must enter through any other entry point.

• Foreign representatives in Canada
• Nusuk Hajj Platform – Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

Entry and exit permits

Holders of residency permits.

If you have a resident permit (iqama), you can't leave the country without obtaining an exit (or exit/re-entry visa if you intend to return to Saudi Arabia) from the Saudi Ministry of Interior. You must have your sponsor's approval to obtain these visas.

Single-entry visa

Single-entry visa holders don't need an exit permit.

Outstanding fees for dependents

Prior to exit, expatriates who have outstanding fees for dependents may be required to pay at the point of exit prior to departure if they have an exit re-entry visa, or on renewal of their exit re-entry visa.

Regional travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Saudi Arabia because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveller visited Israel prior to coming to Saudi Arabia.

Health entry requirements

You must produce a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test certificate and proof of a criminal background check if you intend to work in Saudi Arabia.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Hajj 2024 - 26 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

There are vaccination entry requirements in place for travellers entering Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Hajj or for seasonal work in Hajj zones.

These include vaccinations for COVID-19, polio, meningococcal meningitis, and yellow fever. Before travelling, make sure you meet all requirements for participating in Hajj or Umrah.

For more information, visit the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health’s page for Hajj and Umrah health regulations.

Hajj and Umrah Health Regulations - Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (external)

Large numbers of people in small areas can enable the spread of infectious diseases and increase the risk of injury. Take the time to prepare for your trip and know how to reduce the risks.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Cases of locally-acquired   Middle East respiratory syndrome  (MERS) have been reported in this country.

MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Some people infected with MERS-CoV experience no symptoms, while others may experience mild flu-like or more severe pneumonia-like symptoms. About one-third of reported cases have result ed in death.

Eat and drink safely ,   and   avoid close contact with animals, especially camels. If you must visit a farm or market, make sure you practise good hygiene and  wash your hands  before and after contact with animals.

There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect against MERS.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Modern medical care is available in large cities. Adequate medical services are available in smaller cities. Immediate cash payment may be required.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Legal process

The Saudi judicial system is based on Sharia (Islamic law). The legal process may be slow and cumbersome. Those suspected of, and witnesses to offences may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by Saudi authorities. Seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Authorities may place a legal travel ban on individuals involved in ongoing legal cases or investigations, or who have outstanding debts. Saudi citizens are also permitted to place travel bans on individuals.

Drugs and alcohol

Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession and consumption of alcohol,  illegal drugs or products containing their ingredients are severe.

Saudi authorities practice zero tolerance and make no distinction between alcohol and soft or hard drugs. Drug offenders may be sentenced to corporeal punishment or death.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Religious proselytism

It's illegal to:

• engage in religious proselytizing
• criticize Islam
• practise any religion other than Islam in public spaces

Be cautious when discussing religious issues.

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

Dress and behaviour

The country’s customs, laws and regulations adhere to Islamic practices and beliefs. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions in order to avoid offending local sensitivities, especially in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and in mosques.

Women should observe the strict Saudi dress code and wear conservative and loose-fitting clothes, including a full-length cloak (abaya) and a head scarf. Men should not wear shorts in public or go without a shirt. Seek guidance concerning acceptable clothing before your arrival.

Public spaces

Avoid physical contact, such as holding hands, in public.

Women aren’t allowed to associate with men in public unless the women are accompanied by other family members. A woman can be charged with prostitution if she’s found associating with a man who is not a relative.

Restaurants can have two sections: one for men only, and the family section where families, accompanied females and unaccompanied females are served.

Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice

The Mutawa, also known as the religious police, have harassed, pursued and assaulted foreigners they believe disregard strict Saudi standards of conduct and dress. Often, they will simply instruct women to cover their hair. The Mutawa carry special identification and are typically accompanied by a uniformed police officer.

• If you’re stopped by the Mutawa, cooperate and ask them for their credentials. Offer to accompany them to the nearest police station
• Don’t hand over identification documents
• Inform your sponsors if the police retain your documents

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Saudi Arabia prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Further, it is illegal to be transgender. Those convicted may face the death penalty.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to show identification at any time.

• Carry identification documents, including your residency permit (iqama) or entry visa, at all times
• Leave your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Saudi Arabia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Saudi Arabia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

Marriage between a foreign woman and a Saudi man

A Saudi man who wishes to marry a foreign woman must obtain permission from Saudi authorities. He must also sign a document that gives irrevocable permission to his wife and the children born of their union to enter and exit the country without restrictions. This law has been in effect since 2008, and is not retroactive. Regardless, the foreign spouse and their children may still have difficulty leaving Saudi Arabia.

Common-law unions

Common-law relationships are illegal and are subject to severe punishment, including the death penalty.

Extramarital relations

Extramartial relations are illegal and subject to severe punishment, including the death penalty.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Saudi Arabia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Saudi Arabia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Saudi Arabia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Royal family

Criticizing the royal family is illegal.

Be cautious when discussing political issues.

Pork Products

It’s prohibited to import and consume pork-based products.

Photography

It’s forbidden to photograph official buildings (e.g. government, military institutions) and holy sites. Seek permission prior to photographing individuals.

Prohibited activities and censorship

Dancing and music are prohibited.

Imported and domestic audio-visual media and reading materials are censored in Saudi Arabia.

Imports and exports

Airport authorities will thoroughly examine all electronic devices entering or leaving Saudi Arabia. Pirated or explicit materials will be confiscated. You may be detained or deported if you don’t comply. If deported, you’ll be barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia.

The importation of any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam, such as pornographic materials, drugs, alcohol and weapons, is prohibited.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Women are now legally allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia.

If you’re involved in an accident:

• don’t disturb the scene until the traffic patrol arrives
• don’t make any financial arrangement with the other drivers
• immediately contact your visa sponsor and the Canadian embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate of Canada in Jeddah

In a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, regardless of fault, drivers may be held for several days until responsibility is determined and restitution is made. If severe injuries or death occur, compensation may need to be paid to the victim’s family for the injuries or loss of life.

Automated ticketing system

Some Saudi cities have implemented an automated traffic ticketing system. All fines issued through this system must be paid before leaving the country. Payment can be made at the airport during regular Saudi office hours.

The currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR).

Heavy rains

Although Saudi Arabia is one of the driest countries in the world, heavy rains occur occasionally between the months of November and February and can cause major flooding. This can severely affect overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services.

• Exercise caution
• Monitor local news and weather reports
• Follow the advice of local authorities

Sand storms

The weather is very dry and hot from May to October. Sand storms and dust storms may occur during the summer months.

Shamals, sand-laden winds from the northern deserts, occur most frequently in early summer and can blow at significant speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. These storms can also cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal for some people.

If a dust storm is occurring:

• stay indoors
• keep windows closed
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 999
• medical assistance: 997
• firefighters: 998
• general security: 989

Consular assistance

Bahrain, Oman, Yemen

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Saudi Arabia: Here are the updated rules for Hajj 2024 that prioritise pilgrims' health and safety

Would-be pilgrims must meet vaccination criteria and obtain official permits

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has announced updated conditions for performing Hajj in 2024, which include several new requirements aimed at ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims.

The Ministries of Hajj and Umrah, along with the Ministry of Health, specified that all pilgrims must obtain a Hajj permit through the Nusk platform, which is crucial for the legitimacy of their pilgrimage.

Get exclusive content with Gulf News WhatsApp channel

Additionally, registration through the Sehaty application is required to verify vaccination status.

Key conditions set forth for the 2024 Hajj include:

• Mandatory registration in the Sehaty app to confirm necessary vaccinations.

• Residents within Saudi Arabia must have received the COVID-19 vaccine, influenza vaccine, and meningitis vaccine within the last five years.

• International pilgrims are required to have the Neisseria meningitidis vaccine administered at least 10 days but not more than five years prior to their arrival, verified by a certificate from their home country. They must also be vaccinated against polio.

• Saudi Arabia warns against unauthorised operators and fake websites for Hajj pilgrims
• Saudi Arabia: Not permissible to perform Hajj without permit
• Fighting polio: Hajj pilgrims get health boost in Bill Gates-supported disease control effort in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia sets deadline for Hajj registration

Further general conditions for all pilgrims:

• A valid passport through at least the end of Dhu Al Hijjah 1445 (June 7, 2024).

• A minimum age requirement of 12 years.

• Vaccinations against COVID-19, seasonal flu, and meningitis.

• A health certification confirming the pilgrim is free from any infectious diseases.

The announcement follows a recent statement by the Council of Senior Scholars, emphasizing that performing Hajj without an official permit is considered sinful. The measures aim to facilitate the smooth conduct of Hajj rituals and to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims, ensuring a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for all attendees.

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Hajj 2024: Saudi Arabia issues new health and safety rules – Everything to know

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued updated health and safety rules for the upcoming Hajj 2024.

Read also : Saudi Arabia opens Umrah pilgrimage to all visa holders

According to The Gulf News, the Ministries of Hajj and Umrah, along with the Ministry of Health, have asked all pilgrims to obtain a Hajj permit through the Nusk platform, which is important for the legitimacy of their pilgrimage.

Muslims who want to perform the hajj pilgrims must meet vaccination criteria and get official permits.

Nusuk app takes the lead as the most downloaded travel application in the Kingdom, as per the 2023 report by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission. Download securely from authorized platforms: https://t.co/lEyg8AW8Va #Makkah_and_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You pic.twitter.com/9hq4VDQfz2 — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) April 28, 2024

Saudi Arabia has reportedly announced updated conditions for performing Hajj this year. These include several new requirements directed towards ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims.

Registration through the Sehaty application is also required to verify vaccination status.

Let’s take a look at the key conditions set forth for the 2024 Hajj:

• It is mandatory to register in the Sehaty app to confirm vaccinations.
• Residents within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, influenza vaccine, and meningitis vaccine within the last five years.
• International pilgrims must have the Neisseria meningitidis vaccine administered at least 10 days but not more than five years before they arrive in the Kingdom. This should be verified by a certificate from their home country. They are also required to be vaccinated against polio.

Pilgrims must follow some general conditions. These are as follows:

• The passport must be valid through at least the end of Dhu Al Hijjah 1445 (June 7, 2024).
• Pilgrims must be aged 12 years.
• Pilgrims are required to get vaccinations against COVID-19, seasonal flu, and meningitis.
• The pilgrim must have a health certification confirming they are free from any infectious diseases.

The Council of Senior Scholars has issued a Fatwa that bans performing Hajj without an official permit. They urge those planning to partake in the pilgrimage to adhere strictly to the regulations and guidelines. #Makkah_and_Madinah_Eagerly_Await_You pic.twitter.com/AElpMRVkra — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) April 27, 2024

This announcement reportedly follows a recent statement by the Council of Senior Scholars, stating that performing Hajj without an official permit is sinful. This measure aims to facilitate the smooth conduct of rituals and enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims during Hajj. It also ensures a safe experience for all attendees.

Read also : Abu Dhabi: ‘Deadpool’ star Ryan Reynolds takes over Yas Island; Watch

Cover image source : Twitter

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Saudi arabia card payments market to grow by 7.6% in 2024, forecasts globaldata, media enquiries.

If you are a member of the press of media and require any further information, please get in touch, as we're very happy to help.

30 Apr, 2024 Saudi Arabia card payments market to grow by 7.6% in 2024, forecasts GlobalData

The Saudi Arabia card payments market is forecast to grow by 7.6% to reach SAR550.5 billion ($146.8 billion) in 2024, driven by consumers’ increasing preference for electronic payments, a surge in contactless payments, and the government’s push for a cashless society, according to GlobalData , a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics , reveals that card payment value in Saudi Arabia registered a growth of 17.8% in 2022,  followed by 9.7% in 2023 to reach SAR511.5 billion ($136.4 billion), driven by a rise in consumer spending.

Ravi Sharma, Lead Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While cash has traditionally been a preferred method of payment in Saudi Arabia, its usage is on decline in line with the rising consumer preference for electronic payments. The country has a robust digital payment infrastructure, supported by a developing card market and a well-established card acceptance infrastructure. The government is taking steps to enhance the infrastructure in the country by encouraging merchants to adopt at least one electronic payment option apart from cash.”

Cash remains an integral part of the Saudi consumer payments landscape, particularly for lower-value transactions. However, there has been a consistent decline in cash usage, while electronic payment methods have witnessed an increase. The government also aims to reduce the country’s dependence on cash, promote electronic payments, and encourage payment innovation. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan is aimed at reducing cash transactions and increasing the share of electronic payments to 70% of all transactions by 2025. This will greatly benefit debit and credit card adoption and usage.

Sharma adds; “The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way Saudi consumers make payments, with an increasing number of consumers preferring contactless payments supported by an improved payment infrastructure. Contactless cards have been on the rise in the country with the Saudi Arabian central bank reporting 363.4 million transactions using NFC-enabled mada cards in February 2024 compared to 331.7 million in February 2023. This surge was supported by a robust contactless payment infrastructure, with 1.8 million POS terminals driving contactless payments as of February 2024.”

In terms of card preference, debit cards dominate the overall card payment space, accounting for 85% of the overall card payment value in 2023. The government’s financial inclusion initiatives, consumers’ preference for debt-free payments, and prudent consumer spending have resulted in their dominance. Credit and charge cards, on the other hand, are not very popular in Saudi Arabia primarily due to a religious aversion towards debt.

Sharma concludes: “Saudi consumers are gradually embracing electronic payments, moving away from cash, supported by government push, improvements in payment infrastructure, growing consumer awareness, and rising adoption of newer technology like contactless. The Saudi card payments market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% between 2024 and 2028 to reach SAR705.2 billion ($188.1 billion) in 2028.”

If you are a member of the press or media and require any further information, please get in touch, as we're very happy to help.

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Opinion Why we shouldn’t panic if bird flu becomes the next pandemic

It’s true that the recent spread of bird flu among dairy cows is an “ enormous concern ,” as Jeremy Farrar, the World Health Organization’s chief scientist, described it last week. While only two people in the United States have contracted this H5N1 strain of the avian flu (one last year and one this month), wider spread could be catastrophic, given that, in past outbreaks, the disease has killed one of every two people who are infected.

But before anyone panics, let’s take a step back and look at the facts. Health officials have a plan in the event avian flu becomes the next pandemic. In fact, as Dawn O’Connell , the assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services, told me, the federal government is much better prepared to respond to pandemic influenza than it was for covid-19.

To start, it’s much easier today to access personal protective equipment such as masks, gowns and goggles through commercial markets than it was before the coronavirus hit. But even if those supply chains are “pinched,” O’Connell said, the Strategic National Stockpile has plenty to provide for farms, health-care systems and other affected entities.

The stockpile also contains the antiviral medication Tamiflu, which works against seasonal flu and is expected to work well against H5N1. Like antivirals for covid , Tamiflu reduces the chance of an influenza infection becoming severe when taken soon after symptoms emerge. Unlike covid treatments, however, Tamiflu can also be given to close contacts of infected individuals to prevent them from falling ill.

O’Connell explained there are tens of millions of courses of Tamiflu available in the national stockpile. The federal government has also funded states to build their own stockpiles, which means “tens of millions” more treatments are available. And this is on top of commercially available Tamiflu, which people can buy at pharmacies with a prescription from their doctors.

Another key preventive measure is vaccines. O’Connell, who also oversees vaccine-preparedness efforts, explained that the federal government contracts with three manufacturers that can make avian flu vaccines. Each uses the three platforms approved by the Food and Drug Administration to develop the vaccines: egg-based, cell-based and recombinant. That means if one platform doesn’t work, or if one company encounters production problems, there are other options.

Moreover, because quite a few influenza strains have already been identified, the federal government keeps a library of antigens, which are used in vaccines to trigger an immune response to flu viruses. Every year, for the seasonal flu shot, scientists try to predict which strains will be dominant that fall. They then analyze existing antigens, test them against the strains, and select the closest-matching antigens to make that year’s flu vaccine.

Two antigens in the library appear to match H5N1, O’Connell said. The federal government also has adjuvants, the component of vaccines needed to help enhance the body’s immune response to the shot, ready for the bird-flu shot as well.

In fact, the federal government has already developed hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses that are ready to be deployed against the avian H5N1 strain. In addition, they have 10 million doses that need finishing touches, which could be completed within weeks.

If more are needed, there are two options. The first is to make more vaccines using the same technology as seasonal vaccines. O’Connell estimates that manufacturers could produce 125 million doses within 130 days. Because the vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, this would only cover a fraction of the U.S. population.

The second option would be to pursue mRNA vaccines, which could be made much faster than the traditional platforms. Even if these vaccines end up not being as effective or as durable as traditional ones, they could be a useful first shot that buys time for additional vaccines to be made.

Of course, there is a third option, which is to scale up vaccine production now. O’Connell has a good answer as to why this isn’t happening: To make hundreds of millions of doses of avian flu vaccines, manufacturers would have to stop producing seasonal flu shots. This would also takes a lot of extra funding from Congress. “We’d have to be sure that we were in a position that it warrants that,” she said.

With no evidence of human-to-human transmission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has assessed that the risk to humans is low. Therefore, we have not yet reached the point where ramping up vaccine production is necessary. But if we did, it is reassuring to know that the United States would be in a better place to respond compared with the start of the covid pandemic.

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