Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Saudi Arabia.

 

We do however advise against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen and against all but essential travel between 10km and 80km of this border.

 

Since 25 March, Saudi Arabia has been leading coalition air strikes in Yemen following the request for support from President Hadi to deter continued Houthi aggression. Clashes along the Saudi-Yemeni border continue, resulting in both military and civilian casualties.

A number of SCUD missiles have been fired from Yemen into Saudi Arabia since the conflict began. Military facilities in Najran Province, Asir Province, Jazan Province and the most south-westerly part of Riyadh Province may be targeted by missiles but it’s also possible that attacks could be made on other locations.

The Saudi authorities have declared ‘out of bounds’ a zone of 20km from the entire northern border of the country, and from the border in the Hafr Al-Batin and Khafji areas in the Eastern Province. Violations are punishable by up to 30 months’ imprisonment and a SR 25,000 fine. Land border crossings remain open and the authorities have announced that signs are being placed in areas where vehicles are allowed to cross.

Tourist trips to military zones or border posts are banned by the Saudi Tourism Authority.

 

Take great care in all areas close to the Saudi Arabia-Iraq border. On 5 January 2015, 3 Saudi Arabian border guards were killed in clashes close to the Arar crossing point.

 

 

Crime

 

Although the crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low, there have been some isolated incidents of more serious crimes. On 3 November there was a shooting incident outside of a mosque in Dalwa which resulted in 5 reported deaths. Take particular care when travelling outside towns and cities. On 13 January 2014 a car carrying 2 German diplomats was fired at in Eastern province. Petty crime does also occur.

 

Road travel

 

Standards of driving are poor and there are a high number of serious accidents. You should wear seatbelts at all times. Distances between cities are large and emergency services can take some time to get to any accidents or emergencies.

 

Some Saudi cities have implemented an automated traffic system. You will need to pay any fines issued through this system before leaving the country. You can pay at the airport but only during regular Saudi office hours.

 

Sea travel

 

Oil infrastructure remains a possible terrorist target. Shipping serving the oil installations should make sure SSPs (Ship Security Plans) are implemented fully and robustly while operating in the area. All ships should maintain a high state of vigilance while in Saudi Arabian ports, and report anything suspicious to the authorities. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb areas may be at increased risk of maritime attack from pirates.

 

Pilgrimage

 

Each year around 3.7 million pilgrims participate in the Hajj. Since 2013 the Ministry of Hajj has been imposing a global 20% reduction in the numbers of Hajj pilgrims due to infrastructure works in Makkah. Pilgrims who have performed Hajj in the past five years will not be granted a visa, although we understand certain exemptions will be applied, such as for those accompanying disabled pilgrims.

 

Before you travel for the Hajj, you should carefully consider the information and advice on the website of the  Saudi Arabian Embassy in your home country.

 

If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia through another country you should check for advice on possible travel restrictions with that country’s Embassy.

 

Saudi government regulations require foreign pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj to travel with a  travel agency that is accredited with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

 

You should confirm the full itinerary for your pilgrimage before departure.  Sources state their large number of requests for government help in relation to disputes and dissatisfaction with tour operators.

 

In recent years there have been big improvements in the way the Hajj is organised. The last time deaths or injuries resulted from the pressure of the crowds was in 2006. But as with any large gathering, you should take extra care.

 

There has been an increase in the number of reported cases of pick pocketing and other forms of theft in Makkah, particularly in the region of the Grand Mosque and in Medina. You should take extra care of your passport, tickets and other valuables while visiting these areas. Make a copy of your passport before you travel, and keep it in a safe place.

 

You are not allowed to take photographs (still or video, including on a mobile phone) at the Holy Mosque at Makkah or at the Prophet’s Mosque at Medina. This restriction also includes the courtyards surrounding these two holy sites. Any violation of these instructions is likely to lead to the confiscation of your film, camera or phone.

 

Political situation

 

Public demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia. Follow local media and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances. You should avoid public gatherings or demonstrations. Despite warnings issued by the authorities, demonstrations do take place from time to time, mainly in the Shia communities in the Qatif area of Eastern Province and Al Hasa. Violent clashes have occurred between demonstrators and security forces.

 

Local laws and customs

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. It is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan. The law is strictly enforced.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal; as is an intention to convert others. However, the Saudi authorities accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you can bring a Bible into the country as long as it is for your personal use. Importing larger quantities than this can carry severe penalties.

 

Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are strictly enforced. Women should wear conservative, loose-fitting clothes as well as a full length cloak (abaya) and a headscarf. Men should not wear shorts in public.

 

It is illegal for women to drive.

 

Homosexual acts and adultery are illegal and can be subject to severe sanctions.

 

Penalties for the possession of, or trade in alcohol are severe. Both result in prison sentences. Do not arrive in Saudi Arabia under the influence of alcohol.

 

If you bring medication with you, carry a doctor’s prescription. Importing pork products is forbidden. The possession of pornographic material, or of illustrations of scantily dressed people, especially women, is prohibited. Electronic devices may be screened by customs officials on arrival and departure.

 

The punishment for smuggling drugs includes the death penalty.

 

Photographing government buildings, military installations, and palaces is not allowed.  You should avoid photographing local people.

 

It is illegal to hold two passports in Saudi Arabia. Second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities if they are discovered.

 

You should carry a photocopy of your passport for identification. Make sure you have included emergency contact details.

 

The Saudi legal system differs in many ways from other countries.. Suspects can be held without charge and are not always allowed quick access to legal representation. The Saudi authorities have detained witnesses and victims of crimes. If you need consular assistance, your Embassy staff will try to visit you as soon as they are aware of the case, but in some instances Embassy staff have not been permitted to do so immediately or have had access limited.

 

Anyone involved in a commercial dispute with a Saudi company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute. Sponsors and government bodies often retain passports for official purposes.

 

Health

Healthcare facilities in major cities are of a high standard. Most towns have a health centre or basic hospital. Serious cases may mean a transfer by ambulance or by air to hospitals in a major city that might be some distance away. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Contagious diseases spread quickly, particularly during Hajj and Ramadan. Flu, colds and respiratory problems are very common. Bring basic medicines with you and consume adequate liquids and salts. During the period of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims must have a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis. 

 

Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in patients from Saudi Arabia have been reported to the World Health Organization. 

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 997 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Terrorism

There is a heightened threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, affecting western interests and places visited by foreigners. Opportunistic attacks on Saudi or western targets are also possible.

 

On 22 May, there was an attack at the Imam Ali mosque in al-Qadeeh, which resulted in multiple casualties. There was a further attack on 29 May at the al-Anoud mosque in Dammam, which also resulted in casualties. ISIL has claimed responsibility for both attacks.

 

There are regular posts on jihadist websites encouraging attacks against  western interests, including teachers, schools and oil workers; other groups could be targeted. On 21 April, the Saudi Ministry of Interior advised on its website that security forces had been placed on alert following reports of a threat to Aramco oil installations and shopping malls throughout the Kingdom. In recent months there have been attacks on US, Danish and Canadian citizens in Saudi Arabia, in one case with fatal consequences. You should remain vigilant and alert to local security developments, and take suitable security precautions to enhance your safety.

 

Flooding

 

Heavy rains can cause flooding between November and February. During this period you should check weather forecasts in the two English language newspapers (Arab News and Saudi Gazette) follow any advice issued by the Civil Defence.

 

Entry requirements

Visas

 

All visitors, including pilgrims, need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. You should apply for a visa through visa agencies accredited to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

 

During the Hajj, all Muslim visitors travelling to Jeddah and Medina will need to have a valid Hajj visa. Non-Muslim visitors travelling to these destinations may be asked to explain the purpose of your trip or asked to show evidence of appointments before being allowed to board a flight to Jeddah. Any Muslim visitor arriving in Jeddah or Medina without a valid Hajj visa will be refused entry. This requirement does not apply to other airports or foreign residents in Saudi Arabia. For further detailed advice on visa requirements for Hajj and Ummrah, contact the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in your home country.

 

Foreign residents in Saudi Arabia will need a valid exit or re-entry permit from the Saudi Ministry of Interior to leave the country.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.

 

The Saudi authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Document

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are not valid for entry into Saudi Arabia. However, ETDs are accepted for exit from Saudi Arabia.

 

Previous Travel to Israel

 

You may be refused entry to Saudi Arabia if your passport contains evidence of previous travel to Israel or indicates Israel as your birthplace.

 

Female Travellers

 

If you are a female visitor or resident you must be met by your sponsor on arrival. Otherwise you may face delays before being allowed to enter the country or to continue on other flights.

 

Foreign women married to Saudi nationals must have permission from their husband  to leave Saudi Arabia.