23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 911.
Call 998.
Call 997 or go to the hospital.
Call 993.
Call 999 or go to the nearest police station.
Do not travel to Saudi Arabia.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel to areas within 30km of the border.
Do not travel to areas within 30km of the border with Yemen due to ongoing sporadic cross-border attacks.
See Safety.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorism is a significant threat 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 targeted others.
Further attacks are likely. There are posts on jihadist websites and social media encouraging attacks against western interests and Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure.
Other possible terror targets include:
Attacks may be planned or random, large or small. Tactics could include bombings, drive-by shootings or kidnapping.
Saudi authorities have increased security at various locations across the country.
If you go to Saudi Arabia despite the risks:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Despite the risks, if you decide to travel to an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
More information:
The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.
Military conflict in neighbouring Yemen is ongoing. Some missile and drone attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including airports. Most attacks have been intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defence systems.
Mainly these attacks occur close to the Yemen border. However, some have targeted cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Abha and Yanbu.
Targets have included:
In June and July 2019 Abha International Airport was attacked, resulting in some deaths and injuries. Such attacks may continue.
To stay safe in the event of an attack:
Demonstrations are illegal. However, politics and international events may lead to protests or civil unrest.
Public protests and events that draw large gatherings are rare, but when they do occur, can turn violent.
To stay safe during periods of unrest:
If civil unrest disrupts transport, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.
More information:
Overall the rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low.
Theft can occur, especially in crowded places 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.
Piracy occurs in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Pirates target all forms of shipping, including:
The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.
If you travel by boat to or near Saudi Arabia despite the risks:
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:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy 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 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
If you hold a resident permit (iqama), your employer must provide medical insurance. Review the policy carefully to confirm what is and isn't covered.
Tourists
Saudi tourist visas include information on medical insurance. Check the insurance policy website for further information.
Medical insurance will not cover pregnancy or maternity unless you're married and it's in your insurance policy.
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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 letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a risk in Saudi Arabia.
Given the impact of COVID-19 on the health system, medical facilities may have reduced capacity to treat new patients.
For information on Saudi Arabia's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health's website. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
Further information:
MERS CoV
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.
More information:
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.
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:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases occur. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
Outbreaks of meningitis are reported, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage.
To protect yourself from illness:
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.
More information:
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.
Local authorities have arrested Australians travelling or living in Saudi Arabia and didn't always report these cases to the Australian Embassy in Riyadh.
If you are arrested or jailed, access for Embassy staff to visit you may not be granted immediately.
More information:
Penalties for trafficking, possessing or using drugs are severe. These can include the death penalty.
More information:
Get professional advice for local legal matters, including, but not limited to:
Understand your rights and obligations. This includes if you're involved in a commercial or employment/labour dispute with a Saudi company or person. Authorities may not let you leave the country until the dispute is resolved. Commercial/labour dispute cases may take years to finalise.
If you wish to marry a Saudi national, your partner will first need a letter of approval from the Ministry of the Interior.
If you are a resident, you must always carry your residency card (iqama).
If you come on a visit or business visa you must always carry your passport. Saudi authorities have the right to check ID. There are security checkpoints, both in cities and on roads between cities.
Some Saudi employers keep their foreign employees' passports. They return them only when employees need to travel. Use your residency card (iqama) as identification if this happens.
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:
Penalties for some offences are severe and can carry the death penalty. These offences include:
It's illegal to import weapons and items held to be 'contrary to the tenets of Islam'. This includes:
Authorities scan passenger luggage on arrival.
More information:
Other illegal activities
In Saudi Arabia, it's illegal to:
It's also illegal to:
This includes on social media.
It's illegal to possess alcohol in Saudi Arabia. Authorities have detained travellers on arrival when police smelt alcohol on their breath.
It's illegal to take photos of:
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 punish people by public lashing, jail and even death.
More information:
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:
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
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
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 are 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.
More information:
The Saudi weekend is Friday and Saturday.
Always respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs.
Respect religious and cultural customs and laws especially during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Don't eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan. Authorities can detain and even deport you for doing so.
Segregation
In many places, people may be segregated by gender or family type. This includes:
While Saudi law allows non-Saudi unmarried couples to share a hotel room, it is possible that in some parts of the country, hotels may refuse accommodation to unmarried couples.
Saudi Arabia has strict codes of behaviour.
In September 2019, Saudi Arabia released new information regarding offences against public decency. More information: Public decorum
Locals will be offended if you don't respect these codes. They may interpret this as disrespect for Islam.
To avoid offending Saudis, don't be affectionate in public. This includes holding hands. Only interact with someone of the opposite sex in public if:
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.
Women visiting Saudi Arabia should cover their shoulders and knees in public. If you don’t comply with these requirements, you may face penalties.
More information is available at: Public decorum
Religious police are known as Mutawwa. Their powers have been reduced in recent years and they are a less visible presence in many Saudi cities than was previously the case.
In some parts of the country, women travellers may be approached by the religious police, usually for being perceived as not dressed modestly.
If approached by the religious police:
More information:
You need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Online visas are now available for Australian citizens. You can apply for an e-visa at: Visit Saudi.
If you're taking part in either the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, special visa conditions may apply. Umrah performers need to have a COVID-19 vaccination. The Eatmarna and Tawakkalna applications are used for obtaining Umrah and prayer permits.
Only Muslims are allowed to enter Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah. Saudi authorities have stated that Umrah will be open to a limited number of foreign visitors both inside and outside the Kingdom from 1 November 2020.
The following entry points allow travellers to enter on tourist visa:
Entering by a land entry port (for example the King Fahd Causeway from Bahrain) on a business/visit visa that is annotated “via air’’ may not be allowed (noting 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:
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Diplomatic relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia were restored in January 2021. All points of entry between the two countries have reopened. If you are planning on travelling between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, confirm your travel plans with your airline or travel agent.
Visitors on a single or multiple-entry business, tourist visa don't need an exit permit to leave Saudi Arabia.
If you hold a work or residency permit, 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.
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 are travelling with both passports, you can only leave Saudi Arabia with the passport you used to enter.
See Local laws
It's illegal to work for anyone other than your current sponsor or employer.
If you do, you may be punished with:
Entry into Saudi Arabia has been suspended for expatriates travelling from 20 countries, including expatriates who transit through any of these countries in the 14 days prior to their planned arrival into Saudi Arabia. The 20 countries are the UAE, United States, United Kingdom, Argentina, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Pakistan, Brazil, Portugal, Turkey, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Lebanon, Egypt, India and Japan.
The suspension does not apply to diplomats, Saudi citizens or health practitioners and their families although these people will be required to home quarantine on arrival for 14 days.
Tourist visas remain suspended, although it is still possible for non-Saudis to travel to the Kingdom under business or visit/family visas.
All travellers must provide a negative COVID (PCR) test result taken less than 72 hours from their time of arrival in the Kingdom.
Travellers from Australia must complete seven days of home quarantine on arrival and return a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result on day six of the quarantine period. Quarantine and testing requirements differ depending on the status of the new strain of COVID-19 in the country you're travelling from.
Your temperature may be taken at the airport and those with a body temperature of more than 38 degrees will not be permitted to travel.
On arrival you'll be required to complete and sign a Health Disclaimer form as well as download and register on the Tatamman and Tawakkalna Applications. In some regions, businesses including supermarkets and shopping malls as well as government buildings require customers to show they have registered on the Tawakkalna app before being allowed entry.
Contact your airline for the latest updates on travel restrictions and follow the advice of local authorities.
Various restrictions are in place regarding public and private gatherings and punishments may apply for breaching these restrictions. Wearing a face mask in public places is mandatory.
Monitor announcements issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health and Ministry of Interior for any updates.
When travel resumes, to enter or depart Saudi Arabia you will need to have a valid exit and re-entry visa, a work permit, iqama or visit visa.
Please check with local authorities for the latest requirements as these measures may change at short notice. Check with the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate for details.
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.
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.
More information:
Travellers under the age of 15 arriving from countries with polio outbreaks must provide proof of up-to-date polio vaccination.
More information:
Authorities may place Australians under a travel ban. This means that you won't be able to leave the country if you're a visitor or resident permit (iqama) holder and you're involved in a dispute about:
Authorities are strict with travel bans. They can take months or even years to resolve.
Only Saudi Arabian authorities and sponsors can remove travel bans. Saudi sponsors 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:
If you are a woman travelling to Saudi Arabia to live and work in the country, you may wish to arrange to be met by your work sponsor when you first arrive. If you’re not met by your sponsor, you may experience delays before you’re allowed to:
Children living in Saudi Arabia as part of a Saudi household 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:
If you're a non-resident, authorities may restrict your entry to Jeddah, Madinah and Taif during Hajj time.
Around 3 million pilgrims perform the Hajj each year.
More information:
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.
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're travelling on an Australian passport showing ‘X’ in the sex field, authorities may not allow you to enter Saudi Arabia. 'X' refers to those who are indeterminate, intersex or unspecified sex.
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:
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
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. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
Also declare any precious metals worth more than SAR60,000.
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:
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:
You must get your IDP before departing Australia.
Visitors to Saudi Arabia can only drive hire cars and not privately owned vehicles.
You must carry your driver's licence and vehicle registration when driving. If you're involved in an accident, notify the traffic police.
The annual death toll on Saudi roads is extremely high. Exercise extreme caution when driving in Saudi Arabia and always wear a seat belt. On average 20 people die on Saudi roads each day.
Safety hazards include:
There are checkpoints where you may be required to present identification.
If you plan to drive:
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.
The Saudi government lifted a ban on women driving on 24 June 2018.
The government has issued laws to discourage harassment of women, including on roads.
More information:
Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your accommodation or licensed rideshare services.
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.
More information:
Many waters near Saudi Arabia are sensitive because of territorial disputes and security issues.
Military vessels are stationed in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. This is due to the military conflict in Yemen.
There are disputes about who has jurisdiction over islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf.
People have reported vessels being inspected and crews detained.
Piracy occurs in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. See Safety
More information:
Due to the conflict in Yemen, flights in the south of Saudi Arabia can be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. Affected airports include:
Check with your travel provider for updates on flights.
The Yemen conflict has not affected flights at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Saudi Arabia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 911.
Call 998.
Call 997 or go to the hospital.
Call 993.
Call 999 or go to the nearest police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
If you're in danger, or you/your children have been a victim of domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, call:
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:
If you file a police report or use any Saudi victim services, authorities may inform your sponsor or guardian.
Contact your travel provider with any complaints about a tourist service or product.
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.
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Phone: (+966 11) 250 0900
Fax: (+966 11) 250 0902
Website: https://saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au/ryad/home
Twitter: @AusAmbKSA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusEmbKSA
The working week is Sunday to Thursday.
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.