Saudi Arabia Small Group Tour

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.

Saudi Arabia - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia

Visa and Passport Information

Passport validity - For Saudi Arabia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. 

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

Visas

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

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

E-visas are:

• valid for 365 days from the date of issue
• for visits of up to 90 days
• for multiple entries

Apply online or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports.

You will need a separate visa for Hajj.

Local Laws and Custom

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.

You should avoid:

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

Penalties include fines, imprisonment and deportation. See Visit Saudi for information on behaviour. You must always carry ID. You can get a fine or prison sentence if you do not have any.  If you’re a tourist, carry a copy of your passport and visa.

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

• avoid tight-fitting clothing
• avoid clothes with profane slogans or images
• not wear clothing with symbols or slogans that could be viewed as political and lead to arrest

Female travellers do not have to wear the traditional robe (‘abaya’) or cover their hair. See Visit Saudi for more information on dress codes.

Alcohol laws and bans 

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

It is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. British nationals have been arrested for disorderly or offensive behaviour when drinking. You can face severe penalties, including prison, for possession or trade of alcohol.

Illegal drugs penalties – There is zero tolerance for drug offences in Saudi Arabia, and the penalties are severe. If you’re 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. 

Sexual relations outside of marriage 

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.

Filming, photography and other media restrictions  

In Saudia Arabia, it is illegal to film or photograph government buildings, military installations and palaces. If you produce, transmit or distribute printed, digital, audio or video information, you must get permission from the General Authority of Media Regulation (GCAM) in advance. If you do not, you could get a large fine and a prison sentence. Only photograph local people if you have their consent.

Drones - It is illegal to fly drones or any other remote-controlled flying device without a valid licence or in restricted airspace.

LGBT+ travellers – In Saudi Arabia, Same-sex relations are illegal, although legal action is uncommon. All couples should be aware of local customs and avoid showing affection in public. Visit Saudi says all visitors are welcome, are not required to disclose their personal information, and will have their right to privacy respected. Being transgender is not recognised in Saudi Arabia. Transgender people could also face difficulties with dress code and access to medical care. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Health

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Some prescribed or over-the-counter medicines are controlled substances in Saudi Arabia. You may need approval from the Saudi authorities to bring some prescription drugs. See rules on bringing prescription drugs to Saudi Arabia.

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:

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

See narcotics and psychotropic substances information from the Saudi government.

Pharmacies are common and can be found easily, particularly in the big cities. All hospitals will have a dispensing pharmacy and international brands can be found in shopping malls and plazas. UK prescriptions are not honoured in Saudi Arabia. Prescriptions must be issued by a doctor registered and licensed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialities.

Healthcare facilities in major cities in Saudi Arabia 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.

Emergency medical number - Call 911 and ask for an ambulance