Saudi Arabia Travel Tips, Visas Requirements & Health Information
What to Pack for Saudi Arabia
When visiting Saudi Arabia, it’s smart to pack clothes which accommodate the Islamic customs and desert environment. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are a must, while loose-fitting and airy clothes make the desert heat more comfortable. Women should have an abaya or some other headcover available in case of visiting a mosque or holy site, although headcovers are available for purchase throughout the nation. In the winter months or in the mountains, it’s smart to have a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. While it’s smart to amply apply sunscreen and moisturizer, both are available for purchase throughout the nation, so they don’t necessarily need to be packed ahead of time. You’ll also want to bring a power adapter for electronics.
Passports & Visa
American and Canadian citizens are eligible for e-visas when travelling to Saudi Arabia. A Visa costs roughly $142 US and includes multiple entries for an entire year and stays up to 90 days in length per visit. This visa does not include the hajj, however, which requires its own visa.
Ensure that your passport is up-to-date and is valid a minimum of six months beyond the term of your visit to Saudi Arabia. While US citizens are exempt from this particular rule, it’s still smart to ensure your passport remains valid when travelling.
- Government of Canada
- US State Department
- Government of Australia
- Government of New Zealand
- Government of United Kingdom
Saudi Arabia Travel Health
At Goway, our Destination Specialists will do their best to provide you with accurate travel health information for Saudi Arabia. However, it’s best practice to check with your family physician or a specialist at a travel health clinic to know what is required before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
While Saudi Arabia does not require certain vaccinations prior to travel, it's best to ensure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province, territory, or state, are up-to-date regardless of your final destination. Some of these vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot. It’s also wise to have been vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, which is often spread through food and water throughout the world.
While tap water is safe to drink in the major cities, locals rarely drink it. It’s more common to drink bottled water, which is also served at hotels and restaurants, so it’s best to follow local custom and drink bottled water throughout the nation.
Saudi Arabia Travel Advice & Advisories
At Goway, we believe an informed traveller is a safe traveller. While Saudi Arabia is a safe destination, it’s best to rely on the travel advisories of your specific government to stay current on what’s happening in the nation. For instance, it’s smart to avoid the border regions near Yemen. Visit the following governmental websites for up-to-date information on travel advisories regarding Saudi Arabia:
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