smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Saudi Arabia
| Saudi Arabia overall | This Advice is current for Monday, 15 March 2010. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It includes new information under Safety and Security: Terrorism (update), Crime (theft from vehicles) and Local Travel (travel outside cities, checkpoints). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Saudi Arabia due to the very high threat of terrorist attack. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you're comfortable travelling to Saudi Arabia in the knowledge that there is a very high threat from terrorism. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Saudi Arabia, you should exercise extreme caution. If you are in Saudi Arabia and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing.
Statements by international terrorist groups have called for attacks against Western interests in the Gulf region and Arabian Peninsula, including Saudi Arabia. These include references to residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against Western interests in Saudi Arabia.
Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Saudi Arabia, including in Riyadh, Khobar and other major cities. Terrorist tactics could range from bombings through to smaller-scale attacks, such as drive-by shootings and kidnapping. Past attacks have killed many people, including Australians.
Previous attacks include:
Over the past year, Saudi security officials have arrested many suspected Islamist militants said to be affiliated with al-Qa'ida.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible terrorist targets also include other commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as residential compounds, embassies, international organisations and businesses, places where foreigners are known to work, clubs, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, markets, pedestrian promenades, schools, places of worship, transportation and transport infrastructure, airports and aircraft, outdoor recreation and sporting events and cultural activities, resorts or tourist areas, oil installations and oil infrastructure. Symbols and buildings associated with the Saudi Government and security forces are also possible targets.
Although demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia, political developments in the region and international events may prompt large demonstrations or civil unrest. These demonstrations could turn violent and should be avoided.
Saudi Arabian military forces are engaged in military operations in the Al-Khoba area, against Al-Houthi rebels infiltrating Saudi Arabia from Yemen. We advise Australians to avoid travelling to the Al-Khoba area, especially Jebel Al-Dukhan (Mt Smoke), due to the ongoing military operations.
Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
The crime rate is low. Petty theft does occur, particularly in crowded places. Opportunistic theft from vehicles does occur and valuables should not be left in view.
Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended. If you do, carefully inspect the interior and exterior and the immediate vicinity for suspicious objects.
You should check with Saudi authorities whether you need approval to travel outside the main cities. You should travel with a companion if you do leave those cities.
Saudi Arabia has an extensive network of checkpoints where you must present identification papers. For more details, see Local Laws.
Pilgrims who arrive in Saudi Arabia on a Hajj visa are not usually allowed to visit Riyadh or other Saudi cities before or after the Hajj.
Women are not permitted to drive vehicles or ride bicycles.
Driving standards in Saudi Arabia are lower than in Australia. The annual death toll on Saudi roads is high. Visibility on roads can be affected by dust storms. For further advice on road safety, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Travellers entering the Gulf area by sea should be aware that many areas are sensitive in relation to security and territory. In particular, maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf are the subject of jurisdictional disputes. There are reports of detentions and inspections of vessels and arrest. For more information, you should also read our travel advice for Travelling by Sea.
Piracy in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is increasing in frequency. All forms of shipping are attractive targets for Somali pirates, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (yachts etc) and luxury cruise liners. We strongly advise Australians to maintain a high level of vigilance and to exercise extreme caution when anywhere near these waters. See our travel advice on Travelling by Sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries, including the United Arab Emirates, a transit point for many passengers travelling to or from Saudi Arabia. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Saudi Arabia often experiences extremely high temperatures. During the hottest months of the year (from June to August), the temperature can exceed 50˚C.
Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Saudi Arabia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. All Saudis wishing to marry non-Saudis must get a letter of approval from the Ministry of the Interior. See also Entry and Exit Requirements below.
Foreigners are required to carry their residency card or their passport with them at all times. The Saudi authorities have the right to check identification and this can occur regularly due to the large number of security checkpoints both in the cities and on the roads between cities. Some employers in Saudi Arabia retain the passports of their foreign employees and return them only when the employee needs to travel.
Penalties for trafficking, possessing or using drugs are severe and include the death penalty.
Homosexual acts are illegal and penalties include the death penalty.
Other offences punishable with the death penalty include murder, adultery, rape and abandoning religion (Islam).
Penalties for some criminal offences include corporal punishment and deportation. Theft-related offences may be punished with amputation, while offenders may be sentenced to lashes for other crimes.
Preaching religions other than Islam may result in imprisonment and corporal punishment.
The importation and use of alcohol, pork products, pornography (including images of scantily clad people, particularly women), religious books and materials (other than those reflecting orthodox Islam) is forbidden. Generally, individuals are able to bring one bible for private use.
Possession of alcohol may result in imprisonment and corporal punishment. Travellers have been detained on arrival in Saudi Arabia when police have detected the smell of alcohol on their breath.
Women are legally required to wear the abaya, a long black coat that conceals their body shape, in all public places. The abaya is worn over loose-fitting, full-length clothing. While many local women wear a headscarf, foreign women are not generally required to follow suit. It is advisable, though, to carry a dark-coloured scarf in case you are confronted by the religious police (Muttawa) or a private citizen who takes offence.
Photography of official buildings, including government buildings, military installations, checkpoints, embassies and palaces, and some religious sites is illegal and carries harsh penalties.
Business travellers involved in a commercial dispute with a Saudi company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country until the dispute is resolved.
It is illegal for unmarried couples to live together. Hotels may refuse accommodation to couples unable to provide proof of marriage.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Saudi Arabia. Any displays of disrespect for Islam will cause great offence. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Men should avoid wearing shorts, short-sleeved or unbuttoned shirts. For details on legally acceptable clothing for women, please see Local Laws. You should seek advice on what is acceptable clothing before you arrive and take care not to offend.
Foreigner women have reported incidents of verbal harassment after being approached by the religious police (Muttawa), usually for not wearing a headscarf. If approached by the religious police, you should remain sensitive to their authority and seek to end the encounter as quickly as possible by covering your hair with a scarf and leaving the area immediately. The religious police may also approach men for wearing shorts in public places.
Public displays of affection, including kissing and holding hands, are considered offensive.
Public events are segregated according to gender.
The Saudi Government does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Saudi dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
It is illegal to hold two passports in Saudi Arabia – second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities if they are discovered.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Saudi Arabia for the most up-to-date information.
Foreign pilgrims must have Hajj visas. For more information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Saudi Arabia or visit the Ministry of Hajj website.
Women and children residing in Saudi Arabia as members of a Saudi household need permission from a male relative to depart Saudi Arabia. Women visitors and residents travelling alone who are not met by sponsors have experienced delays before being allowed to enter the country or to continue on other flights. Since February 2008, a Saudi man who wants to marry a foreign woman must sign a binding agreement to allow her and their children to travel freely to and from Saudi Arabia. This requirement does not apply to marriages before 20 February 2008.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into Saudi Arabia if you have come from or transited an area with a risk of yellow fever.
All passengers must declare any cash, transferable monetary documents or precious metals worth more than Saud Riyals 60,000 (approximately AU$20,000) on arrival to and departure from Saudi Arabia. For more information and declaration forms, visit the Saudi Customs website.
Saudi Arabia requires all travellers under the age of 15 years travelling to Saudi Arabia from countries reporting polio outbreaks to provide proof of up-to-date polio vaccination. Travellers should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Saudi Arabia for further information.
You may be refused entry to Saudi Arabia if your passport or luggage has evidence of travel to Israel, such as entry or exit stamps or any stickers with writing in Hebrew.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities in Saudi Arabia varies: most facilities in major cities offer high to very high quality services, while minor towns or small cities are adequate for routine procedures only. Private healthcare facilities generally require payment at the time of treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident or for complex medical procedures, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities may be necessary. Medical evacuation costs would be considerable.
Malaria is common in south-western Saudi Arabia (except in high altitude areas of Asir province), but the risk is low in Jeddah, Mecca and Medina. Chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria are reported. Other insect-borne diseases (including Dengue fever and leishmaniasis) occur. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and taken measures to avoid being bitten by insects, including using an insect repellent.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, hepatitis, brucellosis and rabies) are present in Saudi Arabia with outbreaks occurring from time to time. Serious outbreaks of meningitis have occurred, particularly in association with the Hajj pilgrimage. We encourage you to have vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Saudi Arabia. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
In Saudi Arabia, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
Telephone: (966 1) 488 7788
Facsimile: (966 1) 488 7973
Website: www.saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au
If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
