Middle East and North Africa

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced.  You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.

 

The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is not permitted; nor is an intention to convert others.

 

The Saudi authorities do accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you are only allowed to bring a Bible into the country as long as it is for your personal use.  However, importing larger quantities can carry severe penalties as it will be viewed that it is your intention to convert others.

 

Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are also enforced rigorously.  You should respect them fully.

 

Homosexual behaviour and adultery are illegal and can carry the death penalty.

 

The penalties for the possession of, or trade in, alcohol are severe. Both result in prison sentences.  The punishment for importing drugs includes the death penalty. You should not arrive in Saudi Arabia under the influence of alcohol: the consequences could be serious.  You should carry with you a doctor’s prescription for any medication you have with you.  The importation of pork products is also forbidden.

 

The possession of pornographic material, or of illustrations of scantily dressed people, especially women, is prohibited.

 

The Saudi legal system differs in many ways from the UK.  Suspects can be held without charge and those detained have in the past not been allowed legal representation.  The Saudi authorities have detained witnesses and victims of crimes.  If you require consular assistance our staff will seek to visit you as soon as they are aware of the case.  However, in some instances they have not been permitted to do so immediately or have had limits applied to access once granted.  We have raised our concern about reports of mistreatment of some suspects during their detention.

 

Photography of government buildings, military installations and palaces is not allowed.  You should avoid photographing local people.

 

It is illegal for women to drive.

 

Anyone involved in a commercial dispute with a Saudi company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute.

 

Passports are often retained by sponsors or government bodies for official purposes.  You should carry a photocopy of your passport.  Make sure you have included in your passport details of those who should be contacted in an emergency.

 

It is illegal to hold two passports in Saudi Arabia: second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities if they are discovered.

 

For more general information for different types of travellers see
Your Trip.