Saudi Arabia

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. The threat of an attack is particularly high in the Eastern Province and surrounding areas.

Attacks often target the minority Shia community, including:

• Shia religious sites
• members of the security and police services

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

Further attacks are likely.

Other possible terror targets include:

• shopping malls
• restaurants
• recreational facilities
• other symbols of Western culture

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:

• 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. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

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:

• get professional security advice
• arrange personal security measures

More information:

• Kidnapping

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, Abha and Yanbu.

Targets have included:

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

In June and July 2019 Abha International Airport was attacked, resulting in some deaths and injuries. Such attacks may continue.

The situation remains volatile.

Demonstrations and protests

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:

• plan your activities to avoid possible unrest on days of national importance
• take care around Friday prayer times
• monitor the media for new threats and avoid affected areas
• be ready to change your travel plans
• follow the advice of local authorities

If civil unrest disrupts transport, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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

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

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.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 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:

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

Resident permit holders

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.

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.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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:

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

More information:

• Medicine

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are 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:

• 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:

• dengue
• 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:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• brucellosis
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Outbreaks of meningitis are reported, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled, treated or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• 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.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

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.

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:

• Arrested or detained overseas

Drugs

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

More information:

• 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 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.

Marriage

If you wish to marry a Saudi national, your partner will first need a letter of approval from the Ministry of the Interior.

Residency card

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.

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
• lashing
• heavy fines
• deportation

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

• murder
• adultery
• rape
• same-sex relations
• abandoning the Islamic religion

Illegal items

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

• alcohol
• 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.

More information:

• Visit Saudi - Laws and Etiquette
• Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA)
• Saudi Customs 

Other illegal activities

In Saudi Arabia, it's illegal to:

• show sympathy towards Qatar
• object to the Saudi Government's policy on Qatar, including on social media
• 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
• charity and fundraising activity, including online or via social media without prior approval from local authorities
• 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, the royal family, the leadership or Islam

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:

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

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

LGBTI laws

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:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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:

• Australian Embassy 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

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

More information:

• Staying within the law

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:

• Dual nationals

The Saudi weekend is Friday and Saturday.

Always respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs.

Ramadan

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at 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.

Segregation

In many places, people may be segregated by gender or family type. This includes:

• cinemas
• public events
• restaurants
• food courts
• some shops

Accommodation

Hotels may refuse accommodation to couples who can't prove they're married.

Behaviour

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:

• you're related
• they're your spouse
• their spouse is present

Dress

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:

• be respectful
• cover your hair with a scarf
• leave as soon as you can

More information:

• Advice for women

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Entry visa

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

The following entry points allow travellers to enter on tourist visa:

• King Khaled airport in Riyadh
• King Abdulaziz airport in Jeddah 
• King Fahad airport in Dammam
• Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz airport in Medina
• King Fahad Caauseway from Bahrain 
• Al batha land port from the UAE 

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:

• a significant fine
• a prison sentence while waiting to be deported

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.

Exit visas

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

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 visitor or resident permit (iqama) holder and you're involved in a dispute about:

• business
• labour
• employment 

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:

• 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 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:

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

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.

More information:

• 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.

More information:

• Embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia

Women travellers

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:

• enter the country
• continue on to another flight

Work visa

It's illegal to work for anyone other than your current sponsor or employer.

If you do, you may be punished with:

• fines
• detention
• deportation
• a ban from entering Saudi Arabia

Hajj

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.

In 2020, the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah (Mecca) is expected to fall between 28 July and 2 August.

More information:

• Hajj

Validity

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.

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 Australian Embassy may not be able to provide you with 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. 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: 

• Saudi Customs 

On 5 June 2017, Saudi Arabia indefinitely closed its air, sea and land borders with Qatar, disrupting regional passenger and cargo movements. If your planned route includes Qatar, verify plans with your airline or travel agent.

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

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. On average 20 people die on Saudi roads each day.

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
• know what to do in case of an incident or accident
• check with Saudi authorities if you need approval to travel outside the main cities
• 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.

Women drivers

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:

• 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

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:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

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:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

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

• Jazan
• Abha
• Wadi Aldwasir
• Bisha
• Sharourah
• Najran
• Baha

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:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Emergency services

Call 911.

Fire and rescue services

Call 998.

Medical emergencies

Call 997 or go to the hospital.

Traffic accidents

Call 993.

Police

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.

Domestic and child violence services

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

• 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.

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.

Australian Embassy, Riyadh

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.

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