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Areas where FCDO advises against travel听听

Saudi Arabia-Yemen border听听

FCDO advises against:听听

• all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen听
• all but essential travel to areas between 10km and 80km from the border with Yemen听

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel听

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.听

Travel insurance听

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out听more about听FCDO听travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 鈥楤ritish citizen鈥� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government鈥檚 understanding of Saudi Arabia鈥檚 current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Saudi Arabia set and enforce entry rules. If you鈥檙e not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .听

Passport validity requirements听

To enter Saudi Arabia, your passport must have an 鈥榚xpiry date鈥� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.听

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.听听

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.听

Previous travel to Israel听

You may not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows that you have travelled to, or were born in, Israel.听

Visa requirements听

You must get an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver, either before you travel or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia鈥檚 international airports. The 听you choose depends on your reason for travelling and how long you want to stay.

If you overstay your visa, you could face large fines, detention and deportation. You could be banned from returning to Saudi Arabia.听听

Applying for an e-visa听

You can apply for an e-visa if you are a tourist. You must get an e-visa to perform Umrah.听

E-visas are:听

• valid for 365 days from the date of issue听
• valid for multiple entries, but only for 90 days in total across the 365 day period听听

or when you arrive at any of Saudi Arabia鈥檚 international airports.

An e-visa includes health insurance for your visit 鈥� for more information contact the Ministry of Tourism.

You must get a separate visa for Hajj. See Pilgrimage.

Applying for an electronic visa waiver

Electronic visa waivers are for:

• 迟辞耻谤颈蝉尘听
• 产耻蝉颈苍别蝉蝉听
• medical treatment听
• 蝉迟耻诲测听
• Umrah (outside of Hajj Season)

An electronic visa waiver allows you to enter Saudi Arabia once and stay for up to 6 months.

An electronic visa waiver does not include health insurance for your visit.听听

at least 48 hours before your flight, or up to 90 days in advance. You will need to give your flight details.

Travelling overland听听

Your visa may only allow you to enter Saudi Arabia by air. If you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia by the Bahrain causeway, check your visa before travelling. Ask your travel agent or the Saudi Embassy if you need help.听

Travelling through Saudi Arabia听

If you鈥檙e transferring through Saudi Arabia, you may need a transit visa if:听

• you will pass through immigration control听
• you will leave Saudi Arabia on a separate ticket to the one you arrive on听
• the connecting time between your flights is more than 12 hours听

Check with your airline or travel agency if you require a transit visa.

Exit, re-entry and final exit permits听

If you live in Saudi Arabia, you must get an exit or re-entry permit from your sponsor to leave and re-enter the country. If you leave Saudi Arabia on a final exit permit, you must apply for a new visa to return to the country.听听

Wives and children of Saudi nationals听

If you鈥檙e a woman married to a Saudi national, you must get a re-entry or final exit permit from your husband to leave Saudi Arabia. This also applies to children of Saudi nationals.

Flight restrictions around Hajj听

If you plan to travel around the time of the Hajj pilgrimage, check with your airline for any flight restrictions.听

The Saudi authorities have stopped visitors who are not performing Hajj from flying to Jeddah, Madinah and Taif. You may need a Hajj visa to board flights to these places during Hajj.听听

You will still be able to enter Saudi Arabia through other airports.

Vaccine requirements听听

To enter Saudi Arabia, you must have certificates to prove you鈥檝e had a:

• yellow fever vaccine if you鈥檙e coming from a
• meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine if you鈥檙e a Hajj or Umrah pilgrim or a seasonal worker

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

Customs rules听

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Saudi Arabia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.听

Items it鈥檚 illegal to import include:

• 补濒肠辞丑辞濒听
• pork and pork products听
• pornographic material听
• distillery equipment听
• 飞别补辫辞苍蝉听
• 苍补谤肠辞迟颈肠蝉听
• re-treaded or used tyres听听
• used clothing except for personal use听听

• certain sculptures such as religious symbols听听 听 Other items may be examined, including:听

• personal videos听
• 产辞辞办蝉听
• electronic devices听听

You may need special approval to bring some items such as:

• agricultural seeds听
• live animals听
• religious books (except for personal use)听
• chemicals and harmful materials听
• some pharmaceutical products听
• wireless equipment听听
• radio-controlled model airplanes听
• archaeological artefacts听

Using technical equipment听

You may need a licence for:听

• satellite phones听
• listening or recording devices听
• radio transmitters听
• powerful cameras or binoculars听

If you need information on customs rules, contact the .听

罢别谤谤辞谤颈蝉尘听听

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

Terrorism in Saudi Arabia听听

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.听

Terrorists have threatened to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including on:听

• residential compounds听
• military, oil, transport and aviation interests听
• public places, including restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centres and mosques听

Be aware of your surroundings, particularly during high-profile events, and avoid large demonstrations.

Conflict affecting Lebanon

Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on , and . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you鈥檙e affected by a crisis abroad.

Political situation听听

Public demonstrations are illegal. Avoid any protest or demonstration and follow the advice of local authorities.听听

颁谤颈尘别听

The crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low, but there is petty crime. There have also been more serious crimes, including crimes against women. Take care when travelling outside towns and cities.听

Laws and cultural differences听听

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and Islamic law is strictly enforced. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion so you do not cause offence. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK.听听

You should avoid:听

• showing affection in public听
• swearing and rude gestures听
• playing loud music听
• making critical political statements or behaving in ways the Saudi authorities assess disrupt the public order

Penalties include fines, imprisonment and deportation. See for information on behaviour.

Personal ID听

You must always carry ID. You can get a fine or prison sentence if you do not have any.听

If you鈥檙e a tourist, carry a copy of your passport and visa.听听

If you live in Saudi Arabia, carry your residency card (鈥業qama鈥�). Police also accept an electronic version of the Iqama on the Tawakkalna app and Absher.听听

搁补尘补诲补苍听听

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Ramadan in Saudi Arabia will start around 28 February in 2025 and last for 30 days. During this time, do not:听听

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car听听
• play loud music or dance听听
• swear in public听听

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.听听

You should also:听听

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants听听
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens听听
• follow local dress codes 鈥� clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time听听
• be patient and show tolerance听

Dress code听

Men and women must wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the elbow and below the knees.

Avoid clothing that:听听听听听听

• is tight-fitting
• has profane slogans or images
• has symbols or slogans that could be viewed as political and lead to arrest

Female travellers do not have to wear the traditional robe (鈥榓baya鈥�) or cover their hair.听See for more information on dress codes.听

搁别濒颈驳颈辞苍听

It is illegal to practise any religion other than Islam. However, the Saudi authorities accept private practice of other religions.

It is illegal to try to convert people to another religion. You can bring other religious books for personal use. However, you may be prosecuted if you try to import large numbers of religious books.听

Alcohol laws and bans听

Do not bring alcohol into Saudi Arabia or arrive under the influence of alcohol.听

It is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Police have arrested British nationals for disorderly or offensive behaviour when drinking. You can face severe penalties, including prison, for brewing, possessing or selling听 alcohol.

Illegal drugs penalties听

There is zero tolerance for drug offences in Saudi Arabia, and the penalties are severe. If you鈥檙e arrested for drug offences, you may have a long period of detention before trial. You can get a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of 30,000 Saudi riyals for possessing even small amounts. Drug dealing and smuggling can result in a death sentence.听听

Sexual relations outside of marriage听

Sex outside of marriage and adultery are illegal, including for tourists. In the most serious circumstances (for example, those involving Saudi nationals) the penalties could include custodial sentences or deportation. There are special arrangements for visitors, and unmarried tourists may share hotel rooms.听

Pregnancy outside of marriage听听

If you or your partner becomes pregnant outside marriage in Saudi Arabia, you could both face penalties including imprisonment and deportation. However, in practice, legal action is uncommon.听听

Doctors may ask for proof of marriage during antenatal checks.听听

To get a birth certificate from the Saudi authorities, you must provide a marriage certificate. The authorities may compare the date of the marriage against the estimated date of conception.听

If you鈥檙e an unmarried woman who gives birth in Saudi Arabia, you may have difficulties registering the birth of a child in Saudi Arabia. You could be arrested, imprisoned or deported.听听

Filming, photography and other media restrictions听听

It is illegal to film or photograph government buildings, military installations and palaces.听

If you produce, transmit or distribute printed, digital, audio or video information, you must get permission from the in advance. If you do not, you could get a large fine and a prison sentence.听

Only photograph local people if you have their consent.听

Public statements and criticism

It is illegal to say publicly anything that the Saudi authorities deem disruptive to public order. Avoid making comments verbally or on social media on the topics below:

• The King, Crown Prince or Royal Family
• the Saudi government or authorities, including the police
• Islam
• the country鈥檚 culture, beliefs and ways of public life
• issues that could be perceived as political, including wearing clothing with political slogans or carrying flags or banners, especially when performing Hajj and Umrah
• the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Speaking publicly about these issues can be defined by the Saudi authorities as posing a threat to national security. Statements made on social media many years ago, or those published outside Saudi Arabia, may be taken into account. Punishment can include long custodial sentences. The legal processes around national security cases can be complex and slow. If you are detained, it may take some time for the Saudi authorities to grant permission for consular officials to visit you.

You鈥檙e likely to come under more scrutiny if you鈥檙e a British national who also:听

• carries Saudi citizenship
• has close Saudi relatives

Carrying 2 passports听

It is illegal to have 2 passports in your name in Saudi Arabia. Immigration authorities will take additional passports. You must leave Saudi Arabia using the passport you entered on.听

Legal system and due process听

The Saudi legal system differs from the UK, for example:听

• suspects can be held without charge during an investigation听
• suspects are not always allowed quick access to legal representation听

If you鈥檙e detained and need consular assistance, British Embassy staff will visit once they know about your case. In some cases, British Embassy staff have not been allowed to visit immediately or have had limited access.听

There is no legal aid in Saudi Arabia. You may want to hire a translator if you need to attend a criminal proceeding. .听

Unpaid debts and other financial crimes听

You can get a fine, prison sentence or travel ban, or face deportation for financial crimes, including:听

• writing a cheque which bounces (including post-dated and 鈥榮ecurity cheques鈥�)听听
• not paying bills (for example hotel bills or car hire)听听
• fraud听and bribery

The Saudi authorities can also freeze your bank account or other assets. You may be liable for cheques you signed on behalf of a company.听

The Saudi authorities could:听

• prevent you from cancelling your residence permit
• stop you leaving the country
• block your government services
• not allow you to renew your residency card, re-entry visa or exit permits
• stop you transferring to a new employer (sponsor)
• use your end-of-service benefits to pay outstanding debts

Travel bans听

The Saudi authorities may stop you from leaving the country 听for:

• unpaid debts
• ongoing commercial, financial or labour disputes
• legal cases
• investigations

If you鈥檙e under a travel ban,听 you cannot leave the country, even if you鈥檙e a British national or dual British-Saudi national. They can take years to resolve. If you鈥檙e banned from travel, get legal advice.

Government bodies often keep passports for official purposes. Employers (sponsors) may try to hold onto your passport, but this is illegal.

顿别辫辞谤迟补迟颈辞苍听

If you鈥檙e found guilty of an offence and sentenced to over 3 months in prison, the Saudi authorities can deport you. Sometimes the authorities deport people with shorter sentences, regardless of whether the judgement included deportation. If you鈥檙e employed in Saudi Arabia, deportation will impact your employment and may affect your ability to return to Saudi Arabia in the future.听

LGBT+ travellers听

Same-sex relations are illegal, although legal action is uncommon. All couples should be aware of local customs and avoid showing affection in public.听

says all visitors are welcome, are not required to disclose their personal information and will have their right to privacy respected.听听

Being transgender is not recognised in Saudi Arabia. Transgender people could also face difficulties with dress codes and access to medical care.听听

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks听听

Road travel听听

If you鈥檙e planning to drive in Saudi Arabia, see information on driving abroad.听

You can use a UK photocard driving licence for the first 3 months after you arrive in Saudi Arabia. After that, you must apply for a local licence. Hire care companies may require an international driving permit (IDP).

Standards of driving are poor and there are a high number of serious accidents on the roads.听You should:听

• always wear seatbelts听
• keep to major roads if possible听
• travel in convoy and in daylight when travelling through desert areas听

Some cities have an automated traffic system. Anyone caught speeding or committing other traffic offences will be notified by text of their fine. Fines are recorded on the Absher system, which is linked to your passport, residency or ID card. You must pay any outstanding fines through the system before leaving the country. You can pay at the airport but only during Saudi office hours.听

Sea travel听

Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb areas may be at increased risk of attack by pirates. See piracy and armed robbery at sea.听

Air travel

Abha International Airport: The last incident was in 2022 when a number of Houthi led attacks听targeted Abha International Airport, resulting in multiple civilian injuries and one death.

Extreme weather and natural disasters听

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding 听

Heavy rains from November to February can cause flooding. Use the internet to check 听weather forecasts. In a flood, follow Civil Defence advice or call them on 998.

This section has safety advice for regions of Saudi Arabia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.听听

You should also read FCDO鈥檚 overall travel advice and safety and security advice.听听

Saudi Arabia-Yemen border听听

FCDO advises against:听听

• all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen听
• all but essential travel to areas between 10km and 80km from the border with Yemen听

There is an unofficial truce between the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 against the Houthi-led government, but there are still occasional military clashes along the border with military and civilian casualties.听

The Houthis have launched missiles, drones and waterborne improvised explosive devices (IEDs) into Saudi Arabia. These are targeted at critical national infrastructure, including aviation and oil infrastructure. Saudi air defence systems intercept and destroy most of these weapons.听听The Houthis have also launched drones and missiles at Israel that have entered Saudi airspace.

The authorities can temporarily close airports near the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border. Check with your airline before travelling to airports near the border.听

Attacks against critical national infrastructure are likely. Attacks have also been made on other locations in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh and Jeddah, and along the Red Sea coast. There were 11 intercepted missile attacks over Riyadh since the first missile attack in November 2017, the most recent in December 2021.听In a missile attack, you should:听

• stay indoors听
• monitor local media reports听
• follow the advice of the local authorities听

Military zones and border posts听听

The Saudi Tourism Authority has banned tourist trips to military zones and border posts.听

Many British nationals travel to Saudi Arabia each year for Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage.

Entry requirements for pilgrimage听听

You should also read the main section on Entry requirements.

You can apply for an e-visa or electronic visa waiver to perform Umrah outside of the Hajj season.

You can only book a Hajj place through the official听.

Please note the Saudi authorities have implemented entry restrictions from 13 April for those entering Mecca. For more information see .

Visas

The Hajj visa is for a set length of time. It is not extendable. Check your visa expiry date to make sure you know when you must leave Saudi Arabia by. If you overstay, you may incur large fines and/or be detained and deported or banned from returning to Saudi Arabia in the future. Stay with your tour guide and group throughout the Hajj to make sure you receive your Hajj package entitlement.

Personal documents

Keep your passport and travel documentation safe during Hajj. Take photocopies and keep one copy with you. Leave a copy with friends or family. If you lose your passport during the Hajj, you will need to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to return to the UK which costs 拢125. You will need to allow time for the ETD to be processed. See Apply for an Emergency Travel Document for more information.

Health risks and vaccine requirements听听

You must have a valid certificate of vaccination against the ACWY strains of meningitis 10 days before arriving for Hajj and Umrah. For more information on health risks and vaccination requirements, read the听.

Check Health for advice on bringing medicines into Saudi Arabia. Make sure you have enough medication for your entire trip, including if your return is delayed.

Contagious diseases spread quickly, particularly during Hajj and Ramadan. Flu, colds and respiratory problems are common.

Prepare for extreme heat. During the summer months, the temperature may exceed 50掳C. Consume enough liquids and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

厂肠补尘蝉听

UK-based organised crime groups target people planning Hajj or Umrah trips. Criminals pick people of any age, gender or location for their scams. Many victims are over the age of 65.听听

To avoid scams:听

• be aware you can only book a Hajj place on the听
• 肠丑别肠办听听information for the procedures you must follow
• make sure your travel agent or operator is听听protected when booking Umrah
• research the travel company before you book, even if family or friends recommended it
• be wary of offers too good to be true 鈥� criminals advertise fraudulent deals through licensed travel companies

Paying for trips听

When paying for your Hajj or Umrah visit:听

• use a credit card where possible
• have an audit trail and keep a record of any transactions
• get everything confirmed in writing
• always ask for written terms and conditions

Reporting fraud听听

If you have been a victim of Hajj fraud in the UK, contact:听

• your local police

Further information and help听

If you have booked a Hajj package for 2025 and have any queries, you should visit or check:

• Tel: +966 9200 31201
• Email: Support@hajj.nusuk.sa
• Social media: 鈥楴usuk Hajj鈥� on , or

If you require consular assistance that is not related to your Nusuk travel package, contact:听

• the British Consulate General in Jeddah on +9661 1481 9100
• 迟丑别鈥�FCDO鈥痠n the UK on +44 207 008 5000听

To plan your visit and keep updated when travelling, see the:听

• 听补苍诲听
• British Embassy in Saudi Arabia on鈥�鈥痑苍诲鈥�

Before you travel check that:听

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need听
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation听

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.听

Emergency medical number听

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.听

Contact your insurance company quickly if you鈥檙e referred to a medical facility for treatment.听

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:听听

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See .

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Saudi Arabia. Read more about .

Contagious diseases spread quickly, particularly during Hajj and Ramadan. There is an increased risk of heat stroke and dehydration during the summer months. Bring basic medicines with you and consume adequate liquids and salts.

惭别诲颈肠补迟颈辞苍听听

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. In Saudi Arabia some prescribed or over-the-counter medicines are controlled substances. You may need approval from the Saudi authorities to bring some prescription drugs. 厂别别听.听

If you need to bring controlled or prescription medication, make sure you have an official prescription, hospital note or a letter from your GP, which includes:听

• the amount prescribed
• details of the drug and dosage
• your doctor鈥檚 signature
• a stamp from the clinic or hospital

厂别别听.听

UK prescriptions are not accepted in Saudi Arabia. Only doctors registered and licensed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialities may issue prescriptions.

Pharmacies are common and easy to find, particularly in the big cities. All hospitals have a dispensing pharmacy. Shopping malls and plazas sell international brands.

搁别补诲听.

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia

Healthcare facilities in major Saudi cities are of a high standard. Most towns have a health centre or basic hospital. Serious cases may be transferred by ambulance or air to a hospital in a major city, which might be some distance away.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Saudi Arabia where some staff will speak English.听

Travel and mental health听

搁别补诲听FCDO听guidance on travel and mental health. There is also听.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.听

Emergency services in Saudi Arabia听听

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)听

If you do not have a Saudi SIM card, call 112 in an emergency.听听

Contact your travel provider and insurer听

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you鈥檙e involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.听

Refunds and changes to travel听

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.听

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:听

• where to get advice if you鈥檙e in a dispute with a provider听
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim听

Support from FCDO听

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:听

• finding English-speaking , and in Saudi Arabia听听
• dealing with a death in Saudi Arabia听
• being arrested or imprisoned in Saudi Arabia听
• getting help if you鈥檙e a victim of crime听听
• what to do if you鈥檙e in hospital听听
• if you鈥檙e affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack听

Contacting听FCDO听

Help abroad鈥�听

厂别别听听including in an emergency.听

Help in the UK听听

You can call鈥�FCDO鈥痠n London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.鈥�听

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)鈥�听

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates鈥�听

Sign up to鈥�get email notifications鈥痺hen this travel advice is updated.鈥�听

Follow FCDO:听

Risk information for British companies听

The鈥疧verseas Business Risk service鈥痮ffers information and advice for British companies operating in Saudi Arabia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.