Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Saudi Arabia...
Terrorism
Travellers are advised to defer non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning further attacks against Western interests in Saudi Arabia, including on residential housing compounds. Notwithstanding recent success by Saudi security authorities in disrupting terrorist operations, terrorist attacks could continue to occur at any time, anywhere in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh. Travellers in Saudi Arabia concerned for their safety should consider departure. Travellers who choose to remain in Saudi Arabia should exercise extreme caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety. Consistent with this advice, since May 2003 the Government has authorised the voluntary departure of the dependants of Travellers Embassy staff in Riyadh.
In the past, terrorists have attacked residential housing compounds resulting in the deaths of foreigners. Possible terrorist targets also include other commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as - but not limited to - embassies, clubs, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, schools, places of worship, airports and aircraft, outdoor recreation events, resorts or tourist areas, oil installations and infrastructure.
Terrorist tactics could range from bombings through to smaller-scale attacks, such as drive-by shootings, kidnapping and opportunistic targeting of foreigners. These have targeted both Saudi citizens and foreigners, within residential compounds, their places of business and government installations. These attacks have caused significant loss of life and have included Travellers casualties. There have also been frequent gun-battles between terrorists and security forces and a number of vehicle bombs and arms caches have been captured.
Travellers should thoroughly check their vehicles before driving, especially after leaving them unattended.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
Demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia. Public gatherings may be dispersed with violence.
Local Conditions
Piracy at sea occurs in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
In Saudi Arabia, there are strict Islamic codes of dress and behaviour. Possession of alcohol and preaching religions other than Islam may result in imprisonment and corporal punishment. The importation and use of alcohol, pork products, pornography, religious books and materials (other than those relating to Islam) is forbidden. Travellers have been detained on arrival in Saudi Arabia when police have detected the aroma of alcohol on their breath.
Penalties for some criminal offences include fines, imprisonment, corporal punishment, deportation or the death penalty.
Penalties for importing, possessing or using drugs are severe and include the death penalty.
Homosexual acts are illegal.
Foreigners, particularly women, have reported incidents of assault after being approached by Muttawa (Religious Police). If approached by Muttawa, Travellers should remain sensitive to the Muttawa's authority and seek to end the encounter as quickly as possible - if necessary, by leaving the area immediately. Visitors are advised to dress and behave conservatively, consistent with local custom and sensitivities.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, travellers should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, well in advance of travel.
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 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for further information.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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