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TRAVEL REPORT
Saudi Arabia

1. RECENT UPDATES

A minor editorial change has been made.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Saudi Arabia

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Saudi Arabia do not experience problems.

There is a constant and high terrorist threat throughout the Arabian Peninsula and Jordan. From time to time, reports emerge that terrorists plan to attack specific locations in one of these countries. Targets could include government buildings, public areas, tourist sites and Western interests. Heightened security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced upon short notice. Canadians are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Caution should be particularly exercised in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public, touristic). Canadians should monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are also advised to register and keep in contact with the Consulate of Canada in Jeddah or the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, as well as to carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.  

Saudi Arabia has been targeted by terrorist attacks in the recent past, which have affected foreigners as well. Gun battles occasionally occur between Saudi security forces and terrorists. The Jizan province of southern Saudi Arabia has witnessed a rise in security incidents near the border with Yemen. Vehicles should not be left unattended. When doing so, both the exterior and interior should be carefully inspected upon return to detect any attached devices or suspect packages nearby. Mail and packages from unfamiliar sources should be treated with suspicion. If anything unusual is suspected, the sponsor should be contacted or the Saudi police. Canadians should regularly review their circumstances to determine if their continued presence is warranted. If Canadians feel their personal safety is threatened, they should consider leaving the country.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur, but they have to be authorized by the government. Regional developments and socio-economic conditions are usually the main causes of concern. Canadians are advised to avoid all political gatherings, crowds and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they will occur, as they might turn violent without warning.

Crime

The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded areas and at holy sites. To reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim, showing signs of affluence should be avoided and personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents should be secure at all times.

General Safety Information

Canadians working as teachers in Saudi Arabia are strongly advised not to discuss political or religious issues with students or school employees.

Dial 999 for police, 998 for fire and 997 for an ambulance.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Saudi Arabian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Saudi Arabia. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Whatever the purpose of their stay, Canadians must be in possession of a visa obtained at one of the agencies authorized by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa or the nearest embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia if residing in a foreign country, prior to departure. Visa applications must be sponsored by a Saudi citizen, company, or organization. Upon arrival, foreign residents are required to surrender their passports to their sponsor and obtain a residency card (iqama). Those overstaying the duration of their visa should expect heavy penalties.

It is illegal to be in possession of two passports; if found, the second passport will be retained by Saudi authorities.
 
Women should be aware that they have to be met by their sponsors upon arrival. Failure to do so could result in long delays or denial of entry.

Vaccinations

Proof of yellow fever or polio vaccinations may be required.

Entry and Exit Permits

One-time visitors on a single-entry visa do not need an exit permit. Residents may not depart the country without obtaining an exit permit from the Saudi Ministry of Interior prior to leaving and an exit/re-entry permit if they intend to return to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi sponsor's approval is required for these permits. The Embassy of Canada and the Consulate of Canada cannot sponsor Canadians for an exit permit under any circumstances. The Embassy of Canada cannot intercede on entry or exit visa issues.

Family

Canadians should be aware that women and children need the permission of a male relative to depart Saudi Arabia, whether they are married or not.

A Saudi man who wishes to marry a foreign woman is required by law to seek the permission of Saudi authorities. He must also sign a document that gives irrevocable permission to his foreign wife and the children born of their union to travel in and out of the country without restrictions. This law has been in effect since February 20, 2008, and is not retroactive. Nevertheless, the foreign spouse and their children may still have difficulty leaving Saudi Arabia as they please. Also, if a couple consisting of a foreigner and a Saudi living in Saudi Arabia divorce, the foreign parent cannot under any circumstances leave the country with the children born of their union even if he or she is granted custody rights.

Employment

Foreigners applying for a work or residence permit must produce an HIV test certificate and proof of a criminal background check. See Section 8 for more information.

Electronic Devices

All electronic devices entering or leaving Saudi Arabia will be submitted to a thorough verification at international airports. Canadians carrying pirated or explicit materials will have their equipment confiscated. Refusal to comply with this rule will result in detention and/or deportation. Moreover, deported Canadians will be barred from re-entry to Saudi Arabia.

Pilgrimage

Hajj or Umrah visas are required for visiting pilgrims. These visas are valid for travel only in the vicinities of Jeddah, Mecca and Medina and for travel between these cities. Non-Muslims are forbidden to travel to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. For more information, contact the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, in Ottawa, or consult the website of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.

Regional Travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Saudi Arabia because their passports bore: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).

Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Saudi Arabia - RIYADH, Embassy of Canada
Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 94321, Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966 (1) 488-2288
Fax: 966 (1) 488-1997
E-Mail: ryadh@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.saudiarabia.gc.ca

Saudi Arabia - JEDDAH, Consulate of Canada
Address: Ali Reza Tower, 11th Floor, Medinah Road, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 9484, Jeddah, 21413, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966 (2) 653-0597, 653-0434
Fax: 966 (2) 653-0538
E-Mail: canada.consulate.jeddah@nazergroup.com
Internet: http://www.saudiarabia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Modern medical care is available in the main cities, and adequate medical services are available in smaller cities. Immediate cash payment may be required.

Canadians should carry their original prescription and the original container for prescription medications.

Drinking tap water is not recommended. Travellers should boil water or drink bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.  

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

The work week is from Saturday to Wednesday.

Religion

The country's customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Religious and social traditions should be respected in order to avoid offending local sensitivities.

The Mutawa (the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice)

The Mutawa, also known as the Religious Police, and private Saudi citizens may harass, pursue, or assault foreigners who are perceived as disregarding the strict Saudi conduct standards. If approached by the Mutawa (they carry special identification and with uniformed police officers), Canadians should cooperate and follow their directions. Canadians who are involved in incidents involving the Mutawa should report them to the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh.

Legal Process

The Saudi judicial system is based on Sharia law. The legal process may be slow and cumbersome. Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by the Saudi authorities.

Identification Documents

Identification documents must be carried at all times, including their iqama (residency permit). Visitors are advised to leave their passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes.

Identification papers should not be handed over to the Mutawa. It is preferable to offer to go to the nearest police station. Sponsors should be informed if papers are not returned at once.

Dress and Behaviour

Women should observe the strict Saudi dress code and wear conservative and loose-fitting clothes, including a full-length cloak (abbaya) and a head scarf. Men should not wear shorts in public or go without a shirt. In order to avoid the Mutawa's attention upon arrival, visitors should seek guidance concerning acceptable clothing.

Women are not permitted to drive cars or to ride bicycles. Women and men are not allowed to mingle in public unless accompanied by other family members. A woman can be charged with prostitution if she is found associating with a man who is not a relative. Restaurants have two sections, one for men only and the family section where families, accompanied females and unaccompanied females are served. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Criticism of the royal family or Islam is not permitted by Saudi authorities.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Common-law relationships, homosexual relations, adultery, and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment, including the death penalty.

In public, physical contact (e. g. holding hands) should be avoided.

Dancing, music, and movies are prohibited.

The importation, use, or possession of any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam is also prohibited, such as pornographic materials and weapons. Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading materials are censored.

Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol, pork, illegal drugs or products containing their ingredients are severe. Saudi authorities practise zero tolerance and make no distinction with respect to soft or hard drugs, and using or trafficking. Drug offenders are regularly sentenced to death.

It is forbidden to photograph official buildings (government, military institutions, etc.) and holy sites. People should not be photographed without their permission.

Employment

Prior to accepting a job offer or signing a contract, all conditions should be carefully examined and fully understood, and oral understandings should be included in the contract. Legal advice from a Canadian or Saudi lawyer should be sought before signing. A list of local lawyers is available from the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh. In case of a dispute, a Saudi complainant may prevent a foreigner from leaving the country until the dispute is settled.

Business Travellers

Canadians intending to conduct business should obtain the services of an independent Saudi-based lawyer, and ensure translation of all documents, especially the contract, in order to be fully aware of all conditions, limits, and terms. If in doubt, seek advice from a lawyer in Canada.

Dual Nationality
 
Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Sea Travel

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Caution should be exercised if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Persian Gulf, particularly around the islands of Abu Masa and the Tunbs. Iran and the UAE each claimed sovereignty over the islands.

Air Travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Road Travel

Poor driving habits, complete disregard for traffic laws and roads markings, and excessive speed are common causes of accidents.

If involved in an accident, the scene of the accident must be left untouched until the traffic patrol arrives. It is advisable not to make any financial arrangements with other involved drivers before the police arrive. In the event of traffic accidents resulting in personal injury, regardless of fault, drivers may be held for several days until responsibility is determined and restitution made. Those involved should immediately contact their sponsor and the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate of Canada in Jeddah. Canadians should know that if severe injuries and/or death occur, compensation will have to be paid to the family for the loss or the injuries.

Renting a car and driving yourself is not recommended.

Taxis are generally safe. Officially marked taxis should only be used. Fares should be pre-negotiated or the meter should be used; there have been reports of overcharging.  It is advisable to avoid shared or service taxis.

Off-road driving can be hazardous and should only be undertaken in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide. A travel itinerary should be left with a third party. Travellers should be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food, and a cellular phone.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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The currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR). Credit cards and traveller's cheques are widely accepted, especially in main cities.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Saudi Arabia is one of the driest countries in the world, with rainfall averaging less than 127 mm per year.

The shamal, sand-laden winds from the northern deserts, is most frequent in early summer and can blow for days at 40-48 km an hour, creating severe driving conditions.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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