Saudi Arabia
Restricted entry
(a) Holders of an Israeli passport or passports with Israeli stamps in them. (b) Passengers not complying with Saudi conventions of dress and behavior, including those who appear to be in a state of intoxication, or who display inappropriate affection (especially between men and women) will be refused entry (see Social Conventions section). (c) There are special regulations concerning pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia. Contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for further information.
Note
(a) Unaccompanied women must be met at the airport by their sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations as far as their final destination in Saudi Arabia. If met by a sponsor, it is worth noting that there are restrictions on women traveling by car with men who are not related by blood or marriage. However, it is acceptable for women visiting for business purposes to be accompanied and met at the airport by male business partners: further enquiries can be made at the Information Center or Embassy. Women and under-aged children should be accompanied by a Moharram (close male family member). (b) No foreign passenger who is working as a domestic servant in Saudi Arabia should be transported to Saudi Arabia unless holding a valid non-refundable return ticket.
Passports
A passport valid for six months at time of entry is required by all except Muslim pilgrims holding Pilgrim Passes, tickets and other documents for their onward or return journey and entering the country via Jeddah or Medina - although sufficient evidence of Muslim faith must be provided (eg religious authenticated certificate). All passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the estimated stay in Saudi Arabia.Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Yemen;
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 18 hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation, not leaving the airport and making no further landing in Saudi Arabia (except those traveling on Saudi Arabian Airlines who are permitted to make a second stop, and except nationals of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria who always require a transit visa);
(c) holders of re-entry permits and ‘Landing Permits’ issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (see Passport/Visa Information).Types of visa and cost
Family Visit: US$67 Business: US$67 ; US$165 (multiple-entry). Work: SAR50 (approximately US$17 ), if paying at Embassy. Please consult the Consulate to confirm the exact amount as fluctuations occur due to exchange rates. Residency: US$17 Transit: US$17 Pilgrim (Ummra): no charge (one to three months for a maximum of 30 days).Note
(a) The Pilgrim (Ummra) visa can only be obtained through an authorized 'Ummra Agency', appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Check with Embassy for a full list of appointed agents. Administrative fees may apply. (b) Transit passengers who stay in the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port or Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina for over 24 hours can perform Ummra or visit a Holy Mosque, provided they withhold a signed agreement with one of the appointed Ummra agencies.Validity
The visa stay period starts from the first day of entry into Saudi Arabia within the visa’s valid dates. Ummra visas are valid for 30 days for stays of up to two weeks.Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information. Travelers are advised to apply well in advance. Hajj or Umrah visas are only available from the Consulate through an authorized travel agent. People visiting the Consulate directly for Hajj or Umrah visas will not be successful.Application requirements
Family/Residency: (a) One application form. (b) One passport-size photo affixed to application form. Children traveling on parents' passport must have photos affixed on passport and endorsed by relevant authorities with photos attached on application form. Copies of birth certificate and marriage certificate of all accompanying children and spouses are also required. (c) Passport valid for at least six months. (d) Prepaid, self-addressed, recorded delivery envelope, if applying by post. If applying by post from Ireland (Rep), enclose a minimum of nine coupons. (e) Fee (payable in cash, by postal order or by banker’s draft only). (f) Medical report, authenticated by the UK Foreign Office (for persons over 15 years of age). Applicants from Ireland (Rep) should legalize their medical report at the Irish Foreign Office in Dublin. (g) A copy a of marriage certificate showing the visitor is married to the person working in Saudi Arabia whom they intend to visit. These documents must be legalized through the British Foreign and Common Wealth Office or the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter of invitation from Saudi host company endorsed by Saudi Chamber of Commerce (original and copy). (g) Letter from company or organization in own country. Work: (a)-(d) and, (e) Letter of introduction from Saudi sponsor and copy of the employment contract. (f) Copies of academic qualifications and work experience in the field of job applied for. (g) A visa authorization letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supplied by the Saudi Arabian employer. (h) Letter of No Objection if previously employed in Saudi Arabia. (i) An amount equivalent to SAR50 deposited at the Consulate’s cashier desk. Pilgrim: (a)-(d) and, (e) Airline ticket with confirmed booking (both ways). The point of entry and departure must be Jeddah or Medina. (f) Meningitis immunization certificate with validity for more than three years and vaccination issued no less than 10 days before traveling. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required, if traveling from an infected area. (g) ID card must be worn on wrist band and luggage must be clearly labelled: 'PILGRIM'. (h) Letter of approval issued by Saudi Ministry of Hajj, confirming that the authorized UK travel agent, tour operator and charities, through which the application for Hajj was submitted, have completed the necessary requirements regarding their pilgrims. (i) Proof of conversion to Islam may have to be submitted. Transit: (a)-(e) and, (f) Airline ticket reservation showing proof of leaving Saudi Arabia within 48 hours and visa valid for next destination if applicable.Note
(a) An Exit Permit is required for most nationals, requiring a passport-size photo and must be issued by the Chief of Police (usually processed within three days after application). It is advised to enquire at the nearest Embassy for further information. (b) There are further requirements for Ummra applications, but these must be submitted by the endorsed travel agent or tour operator.Working days required
At least two days. At least one week if applying by post. For information on processing time for all other types of visa, contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy).
Test required for anyone applying for work or residency permit
SAR50. Children, Hajj and Ummra pilgrims and passengers accompanying human remains are exempt.
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
30 Charles Street, London W1J 5DZ, UK
Visa section: 30-32 Charles Street, London W1J 5DZ, UK
Tel: (020) 7917 3000.
Website: www.saudiembassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1600, Fri 0900-1500.
Consular section: Mon-Thurs 0900-1130 (visa applications); 1400-1530 (passport collection), Fri 1330-1430.Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Tel: 337 4076 (information section) or 944 3126 (visa section).
Website: www.saudiembassy.net
There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. It is believed that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia.
Travelers choosing to travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia should take all necessary steps to protect their safety and should make sure they have confidence in their individual security arrangements. Travelers should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places.
Travelers should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
