Safety and security in Saudi Arabia

Travel Summary

• This year the Saudi authorities have introduced new entry requirements for Hajj pilgrims.  If you intend to travel to the Hajj, please see our Hajj-specific advice.
  
  
• There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia.  We continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners in Saudi Arabia.  We believe aviation interests and oil infrastructure remain possible terrorist targets.  On 27 August there was an unsuccessful suicide bomb attack against a Saudi Government Minister in Jeddah. Two terrorists were killed, one arrested, and one policeman killed, in an incident at a checkpoint in Jazan on 13 October 2009.  The incident took place about 110km north of the Saudi-Yemeni border.
  
  
• There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) – Swine Flu in Saudi Arabia, including deaths (source: Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health).  All passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia will be screened and subject toa temperature check. If you have an elevated temperature you may be tested for H1N1. If tested you will have to wait in the airport for the results and may be subject to lengthy delays. Passengers with negative results will be released. Passengers who test positive will be quarantined at a local hospital  There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  
• 52 British nationals required consular assistance in Saudi Arabia in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (31 cases); hospitalisations (5 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (8 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (58 cases). A significant proportion of requests for consular assistance were received from pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah, in particular in relation to disputes and dissatisfaction with tour operators. See the Pilgrimage section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Saudi Arabian Customs officials have authority to screen all electronic devices ( laptops, mobile phones, PDAs ect ) entering or leaving Saudi Arabia.  If requested, all passengers will be submitted to a thorough verification and inspection at international airports.  Anyone found to be carrying pirated or explicit materials will have their equipment confiscated.  Refusal to comply with this rule will result in detention and/or deportation.
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.   See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism/Security

There is a high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks in Saudi Arabia, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners.  We believe aviation interests and oil infrastructure remain a possible terrorist target.

The Saudi security forces continue to take action against terrorist groups which has lead to a number of terrorists being either killed or imprisoned and terrorist activities disrupted.

This success should not give rise to complacency: even though terrorist networks are disrupted we continue to believe that remaining terrorists may resort to opportunistic attacks on western targets.

Terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia have taken various forms. At their height in 2003 and 2004 they included kidnapping; large-scale truck bombings of residential compounds and Saudi government offices; an attack on the US Consulate in Jeddah; targeted shootings of individuals; small-scale car bombings; parcel bombings; and bombing of shopping areas. In February 2006, terrorists attacked an oil processing centre in Abqaiq, Eastern Province, detonating two car bombs, but were prevented from doing more serious damage; and in February 2007 four French nationals were shot dead in an incident in the vicinity of Medina. On 27 August there was an unsuccessful suicide bomb attack against a Saudi Government Minister in Jeddah. Two terrorists were killed, one arrested, and one policeman killed, in an incident at a checkpoint in Jazan on 13 October 2009.   The incident took place about 110km north of the Saudi-Yemeni border. 

You should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements. You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places. You should take sensible precautions for your personal and vehicle safety. You should avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations.

British residents in Saudi Arabia are given specific guidance by the British Embassy and Consulates, including through Wardens notices.

You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments. Any increase in regional tension might affect travel advice.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Political situation

Saudi Arabia Country Profile

Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region.  You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues.  You should follow local news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.   You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings.

Pilgrimage

• The WHO and the Saudi government advise that the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children should postpone the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages this year for their own safety.  You should be aware that there is a high likelihood of transmission of swine flu in the course of the pilgrimage. Although health care facilities for the Hajj are generally of a high standard, it is possible that, due to the large number of pilgrims, the healthcare available might be less than would normally be expected in the UK for people who are vulnerable to complications.

• This year Hajj pilgrims are required to obtain a seasonal flu vaccination with a certificate in their country of origin two weeks prior to applying for a Hajj visa.  You should carefully consider the information provided on the website of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London before travelling.

• Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia through other countries should check for advice on travel restrictions with that relevant embassy in London.

The World Health Organisation and the Saudi government advise that the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children should postpone the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages this year for their own safety.  

You should be aware that there is a high likelihood of transmission of swine flu in the course of the pilgrimage. Although health care facilities for the Hajj are generally of a high standard, it is possible that, due to the large number of pilgrims, the healthcare available might be less than would normally be expected in the UK for people who are vulnerable to complications.

This year Hajj pilgrims are required to obtain a seasonal flu vaccination with a certificate in their country of origin two weeks prior to applying for a Hajj visa.  You should carefully consider the information provided on the website of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London before travelling.  Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia through other countries should check for advice on travel restrictions with that country’s embassy in London.

Saudi government regulations stipulate that British pilgrims performing Umrah and Hajj can only travel with UK travel agencies accredited with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. You should confirm the full itinerary for your pilgrimage before departing the UK. If you find yourself in difficulties during your pilgrimage, you or your relatives should contact the British Consulate-General in Jeddah (tel: +966 2 622 5550/5557/5558).

In recent years there have been improvements in the way the Hajj Pilgrimage is organised and the last time deaths and injury were caused as a result of stampede was in 2006. As with any gathering with large numbers of people care should continue to be taken.

There has been an increase in the number of reported cases of pickpocketing and other forms of theft in Mecca, particularly in the region of the Grand Mosque and in Medina.  You should take additional care with travel documents, tickets and other valuables while visiting these two areas.  We also recommend that you should make a copy of your passport before you travel, and keep it in a safe place.

The Saudi authorities have issued instructions forbidding the taking of photographs (still or video, including mobile telephone photographs) 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 either film and/or camera.

For more general information see Hajj Pilgrims.

Road Travel

Standards of driving in Saudi Arabia are poor and this combined with large, open and straight roads which allow people to drive fast, results in a high number of serious motor vehicle accidents each year.  Care should be taken when travelling by vehicle and seatbelts should be worn at all times. When travelling between cities it is important to be aware of the large distances between urban areas and the fact that it can take emergency services some time to get to any accidents or emergencies.

Crime

The crime rate is low and is not usually a problem for travellers in Saudi Arabia. However, petty crime does occur, especially in crowded areas. Occasionally, British nationals have been the victims of more serious crimes such as assault and robbery, the latest being a British national who was stabbed in Jubail, Eastern Province on 20 November 2006. You should exercise caution when travelling outside urban areas.
  For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.   Local Travel

Sea Travel

Shipping serving the oil installations should be aware that oil infrastructure remains a possible terrorist target. Shipping must ensure that their SSPs are fully and robustly implemented while operating in the area.  All ships are to maintain a high state of vigilance while in Saudi Arabian ports and report anything suspicious to the appropriate authorities.
 
There have been acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around the Red Sea.  Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf.  Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; and there have been occasional arrests.  Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.

 

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

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 other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.
  The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is not permitted; nor is an intention to convert others.   The Saudi authorities do accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you are only allowed to bring a Bible into the country as long as it is for your personal use.  However, importing larger quantities can carry severe penalties as it will be viewed that it is your intention to convert others.
  Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are also enforced rigorously.  You should respect them fully.   Homosexual behaviour and adultery are illegal and can carry the death penalty.   The penalties for the possession of, or trade in, alcohol are severe. Both result in prison sentences.  The punishment for importing drugs includes the death penalty. You should not arrive in Saudi Arabia under the influence of alcohol: the consequences could be serious.  You should carry with you a doctor’s prescription for any medication you have with you.  The importation of pork products is also forbidden.   The possession of pornographic material, or of illustrations of scantily dressed people, especially women, is prohibited.   The Saudi legal system differs in many ways from the UK.  Suspects can be held without charge and those detained have in the past not been allowed legal representation.  The Saudi authorities have detained witnesses and victims of crimes.  If you require consular assistance our staff will seek to visit you as soon as they are aware of the case.  However, in some instances they have not been permitted to do so immediately or have had limits applied to access once granted.  We have raised our concern about reports of mistreatment of some suspects during their detention.   Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed.  You should avoid photographing local people.   It is illegal for women to drive.   Anyone involved in a commercial dispute with a Saudi company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute.   Passports are often retained by sponsors or government bodies for official purposes.  You should carry a photocopy of your passport.  Make sure you have included in your passport details of those who should be contacted in an emergency.   It is illegal to hold two passports in Saudi Arabia: second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities if they are discovered.   For more general information for different types of travellers see
Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

All visitors, including pilgrims, require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.  These should be applied for through visa agencies accredited to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. 

British residents in Saudi Arabia should remember that they require a valid exit/re-entry permit from the Saudi Ministry of Interior in order to leave the country.
 
On occasion, Saudi visas have been refused when passports have reflected travel to Israel or indicated an Israeli birthplace.
 
Passport validity

Passports must have a minimum validity of six months on arrival to allow the holder entry to Saudi Arabia.

Female travellers

Women visitors and residents are required to be met by their sponsor upon arrival.  Women travelling alone, who are not met by sponsors, have experienced delays before being allowed to enter the country or to continue on other flights.

Foreign women married to Saudi nationals require permission from their husbands for themselves and their children to leave Saudi Arabia.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country, or in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. 

Health

Healthcare facilities in major cities in Saudi Arabia are of a high standard.  Outside these major cities most towns have a health centre or basic hospital.  Serious cases generally necessitate ambulance/air transfer to hospitals in a major city that might be some distance away.

There have been cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in south-west Saudi Arabia, mainly in the Jizan area.  There have also been cases of cerebral malaria but only in Jizan itself.  The outbreaks of cerebral malaria are local and do not affect Jeddah or any other areas of Saudi Arabia.  If you intend to visit the Jizan region should you seek medical advice on Rift Valley Fever and cerebral malaria before travelling.  There have been a number of isolated cases of dengue fever in Jeddah over the last year.  You should take sensible precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Particularly during Hajj and Ramadan, contagious diseases spread quickly, and pilgrims should take basic medicines with them and consume adequate liquids and salts.  Saudi government regulations set out that ACWY quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine is mandatory for people travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and Umrah.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.   You should seek medical advice before travelling to Saudi Arabia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.   For more general health information see Travel Health.   Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)   There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Wafra Al-Gamma in Al-Katief district, Eastern District (Ash Sharqiyah) and at Hijrat al-Barat in Al-Kharj Governate, Riyadh.  There have been no human infections or deaths reported.
  The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

See Avian and Pandemic Flu for more details.
  A (H1N1) - Swine Flu   There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) in Saudi Arabia, including deaths (source: Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health). The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

The WHO and the Saudi government advise that the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children should postpone the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages this year for their own safety.  You should be aware that there is a high likelihood of transmission of swine flu in the course of the pilgrimage. Although health care facilities for the Hajj are generally of a high standard, it is possible that, due to the large number of pilgrims, the healthcare available might be less than would normally be expected in the UK for people who are vulnerable to complications.

This year Hajj pilgrims are required to obtain a seasonal flu vaccination with a certificate in their country of origin two weeks prior to applying for a Hajj visa.  You should carefully consider the information provided on the website of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London before travelling.  We will update these pages once we receive any further information.   Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia through other countries should check for advice on travel restrictions with that relevant embassy in London.

There is screening for H1N1 taking place at all ports of entry to Saudi Arabia. All passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia will be subject to a temperature check. If you have an elevated temperature you may be tested for H1N1. If tested you will have to wait in the airport for the results and may be subject to lengthy delays. Passengers with negative results will be released. Passengers who test positive will be quarantined at a local hospital.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the whole duration of your proposed trip before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

  Consular registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.