Exploring Saudi Arabia: Travel Options For Americans

Americans can travel to Saudi Arabia, but they must obtain a visa before entering the country. Since 2019, American citizens have been able to apply for a tourist visa through a simple eVisa application, which can be done online. The visa fee includes obligatory medical insurance for the country.

Saudi Arabia is considered a safe country for tourists, but it is not a free one. There are strict rules around social media activity, with Saudi authorities deeming criticism of Islam or Muslim religious figures illegal. It is also prohibited to publicly practice religions other than Islam.

There are also restrictions on what can be brought into the country. It is illegal to bring drugs, alcohol, gambling-related items, weapons, or pork into Saudi Arabia. Penalties are severe by US standards.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens wishing to enter Saudi Arabia must have a valid passport and a visa. The passport must have at least six months' validity beyond the date of travel, and one blank page for the entry stamp.

Since September 2019, American citizens have been able to apply for a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia through a simple eVisa application. The eVisa process is quick and easy, and applicants can expect to receive a response within 24 to 72 hours. The visa fee includes the cost of processing obligatory medical insurance for the country, which is attached to the approved visa. The insurance covers emergency medical cases up to a value of 100,000 SAR ($26,660).

To apply for the eVisa, applicants must submit:

• One recent passport-sized colour photograph with a white background.
• Personal details (full name, address, date of birth, etc.).
• Passport data (number, expiration date, nationality and country of issue).
• Proof of travel (dates and accommodation).
• Payment of a visa fee.

Other types of visas available to US citizens include:

• Business visa
• Diplomatic visa
• Religious pilgrimage visa
• Work visa
• Student visa
• Premium residency visa
• Family visit visa
• Companion visa
• Newborn visa
• Government visa
• Transit visa
• Hajj visa
• Umrah visa

Safety and security

The US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs advises Americans to exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks from Yemen and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk, including within 20 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border and Qatif in the Eastern Province, including Awamiyah. The US government has limited ability to assist US citizens in these areas.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Saudi Arabia, with attacks potentially occurring with little or no warning. Religious sites and other places frequented by US citizens have been targeted. Terrorists are using less sophisticated methods of attack, including knives, firearms, and vehicles. Targets often include tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities.

Social media activity deemed critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order by Saudi authorities could lead to arrest. US citizens have been arrested for past social media activity and comments made while outside of Saudi Arabia. This includes posting, reposting, or liking comments critical of Saudi institutions, policies, or public life. Saudi laws on cybercrime and terrorism are used to prosecute these cases, with punishments including prison sentences of up to 45 years.

There is a minimal risk of crime in Saudi Arabia, with the country benefiting from good medical and transportation infrastructure. However, there is a threat of terrorism and conflict throughout the country, with a higher risk in remote areas and near the border with Yemen.

Saudi Arabia is a conservative country with strict observance of Islamic and traditional Arabic cultural values. Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and religious minorities should exercise caution and be aware of local customs and laws. For example, public displays of affection are generally not accepted, and unrelated men and women typically do not socialise in public spaces. Women may need to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees, and may experience gender segregation in some restaurants, offices, and public areas.

To stay safe in Saudi Arabia, it is recommended to:

• Stay alert in large crowds and locations frequented by foreign nationals
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation
• Review local laws and conditions before travelling
• Enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter, as well as the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia on social media
• Stay informed about travel and security information
• Notify local authorities if you encounter unusual or suspicious activity
• Identify safe areas, such as police stations, hospitals, hotels, and restaurants, and know how to get to them quickly
• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night, and vary your routes and times when travelling to and from work and routinely visited locations
• Avoid poorly lit areas and areas with insufficient lighting, and remove yourself from situations that make you feel uncomfortable
• Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and inspect it before re-entering
• Maintain a low profile in public and try not to draw attention to yourself
• Always carry required documentation, such as your passport, visa, and residency card ('Iqama')
• Keep a hard copy of important numbers, such as emergency contacts and local authorities, in your car, wallet, and home
• Save important locations, such as hospitals and police stations, in map applications on your phone, and consider downloading offline maps
• Have a security plan in place for you and your family, and review it frequently
• Discuss security measures with your household members and ensure they know key emergency numbers
• In an emergency, contact local authorities first, and then notify the nearest US embassy or consulate if there is an arrest or death

Vaccinations and health precautions

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for travellers to Saudi Arabia. Some of these are routinely recommended for all destinations, while others are specific to the region. These include:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Yellow Fever (if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission)
• Chikungunya
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Meningitis
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

It is important to review the specific requirements and recommendations for each vaccine, as some may depend on factors such as age, length of stay, and travel itinerary.

Health Precautions

In addition to vaccinations, there are several health precautions to be aware of when travelling to Saudi Arabia:

• Food and Water Safety: Avoid street vendors, practise good hand hygiene, opt for well-cooked dishes, and choose sealed bottled or canned beverages.
• Preventing Bug Bites: Cover exposed skin with long clothing, use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and avoid areas with high bug activity during dawn and dusk.
• Altitude Sickness: Ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and consider medication if necessary. Descend to lower altitudes if symptoms such as headaches or nausea occur.
• Infectious Diseases: Be aware of the risk of infectious diseases such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Dengue Fever, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Rift Valley Fever, and Schistosomiasis. Take appropriate precautions, such as avoiding mosquito bites, practising good hygiene, and consulting with a travel health specialist.
• Medical Care: The quality of medical care can vary significantly in Saudi Arabia, and cases of medical malpractice have been reported. Consult your regular physician before undergoing any serious medical treatment in the country. Ensure you have comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
• Prescription Medications: Check with the Saudi government to ensure that any prescription medications you need are legal in the country. Always carry your medications in their original packaging, along with a copy of your doctor's prescription.
• Climate and Heat: Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, with extremely high temperatures during the summer. Stay hydrated, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, and limit physical activity during the hottest times of the day.
• Air Pollution: Air quality can be poor in some areas, including Riyadh, Al Jubail, Jeddah, and Dammam. Consider this if you have any respiratory conditions.
• Other Health Risks: Be aware of the presence of infectious diseases such as measles, typhoid, dengue, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Stay up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations and follow general health and safety guidelines.

Customs and prohibited items

As an American, you must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Your passport must have at least six months' validity beyond the date of travel. You will also need to submit a recent passport-sized colour photograph with a white background, and pay a visa fee.

Saudi Arabia has strict rules about what you can and cannot bring into the country. The following items are prohibited:

• Drugs, drug paraphernalia, and alcohol
• Gambling-related items, weapons, and pork
• Obscenity and pornographic materials
• Drones without prior approval from the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA)
• Perishable food and beverages without a special mechanism for transportation and storage
• Live animals and insects
• Dead animals or their parts, such as furs, skins, and fangs
• Lottery tickets, gambling machines, and accessories
• Tobacco advertisements
• Funds, including coins, cash, banknotes, and negotiable instruments
• Electronic cigarettes and accessories
• Prescription medications, dental and veterinary medicines, and prescribed medical devices
• Medical devices not approved by the FDA
• Medical waste, such as syringes
• Hormones, human growth hormones, stem cell therapy, steroids, and synthetic versions
• Non-prescription medications, food, supplements, drugs, or cosmetics that have been flagged for consumer safety
• Infectious substances
• Hazardous materials, including chemicals, explosives, fuels, fertilizers, poisons, gasoline, diesel, insecticides, weed killers, and fungicides
• Self-balancing hoverboards
• Radioactive products or elements
• Explosives, fireworks, gunpowder, flares, or sulfur
• Tear gas, pepper spray, and spices
• Flammable materials
• Counterfeit products
• Firearms and their parts or similar plastic dolls
• Any dual-use or commercial material subject to the trade list as specified under the Export Administration Regulations where a license is required

Items that require special approval from the Saudi authorities include:

• Agricultural seeds
• Live animals
• Books, periodicals, movies, and tapes
• Religious books and tapes
• Chemicals and harmful materials
• Pharmaceutical products
• Wireless equipment and radio-controlled model aeroplanes
• Horses
• Products containing alcohol, such as perfume
• Natural asphalt
• Archaeological artefacts

Culture and social norms

Saudi Arabia's culture is fundamentally traditional and conservative, with Islam having an extensive influence on society. The society is deeply religious, with Islam guiding people's social, familial, political and legal lives. The Saudi people generally share a strong moral code and cultural values, such as hospitality, loyalty and a sense of duty to support their community. They are often highly aware of their personal honour and integrity.

The country is also highly modernised and industrialised, with social norms and rules of behaviour transforming rapidly as the people balance their cultural traditions with the modern age. Customs and attitudes can vary significantly between different regions, minorities and tribes.

The majority of the population is ethnically Arab, mostly descending from nomadic tribes that have traditionally lived throughout the region. The patrilineal kinship principle is pervasive in Saudi society, and the extended family is a strong social unit. Villages constitute local service centres and contain members from more than one tribal affiliation, though one group may tend to be dominant. Cities are not tribally organised, though the importance of kinship affiliation endures, and local affairs tend to be dominated and administered by a few families. Social stratification is more clearly developed in the cities than elsewhere.

Saudi Arabia's population has traditionally been composed of nomads, villagers and townspeople. Most Saudis continue to dress in a traditional fashion. For men, this consists of an ankle-length shirt known as a thawb (or dishdashah), which is usually woven from white cotton. The traditional head cover is the kaffiyeh, a broad cloth folded and held in place by a camel's hair cord known as an ʿiqāl.

The time-honoured dress for women consists of a thawb beneath which is worn a loose-fitting pair of slacks known as a sirwal. In public, women are expected to be fully veiled, and a long black cloak known as an ʿabāyah is worn. A veil called a hijab covers the head, and another known as a niqāb covers the face. Among Bedouins, women's clothing is often quite ornate and has traditionally consisted of a beautiful panoply of handcrafted silver jewellery.

Cuisine in Saudi Arabia is broadly similar to that of the surrounding Persian Gulf countries, and Turkish, Persian and African cultures have heavily influenced culinary tastes. Islamic dietary laws are closely observed; for example, pork is not consumed, and even ritually licit animals such as lambs must be slaughtered in a prescribed fashion. A dish consisting of a stuffed lamb, known as khūzī, is the traditional national favourite. Kebabs are also popular, as is shāwarmah, a marinated meat dish of lamb, mutton or chicken that is grilled on a spit and served either as an entrée or a sandwich. As in the countries of the Persian Gulf, makhbūs, a rice dish with fish or shrimp, is extremely popular. Flat, unleavened bread is a staple of virtually every meal, as are all varieties of fresh fruit. Dates, either fresh or candied, are ubiquitous. Coffee, served strong and hot in the Turkish style, is the traditional beverage.

Music and dance have always been part of Saudi life. Native music, of which there are several types, is generally associated with poetry and is sung collectively. Instruments include the rabābah, an instrument similar to a three-string fiddle, and various types of percussion instruments, such as the ṭabl (drum) and the ṭār (tambourine). Of the native dances, the most popular is a martial line dance known as the ʿarḍah, which includes lines of men, frequently armed with swords or rifles, dancing to the beat of drums and tambourines.

Native Bedouin poetry, known as nabaṭī, is extremely popular. It has similarities to the classical qaṣīdah, or ode, of which the central and eastern regions of the country are the traditional birthplace. Many of the great masters of pre-Islamic Arabic poetry dwelt in what is now Saudi Arabia, and the two styles, qāṣīdah and nabaṭī, differ mainly in the former's use of Classical Arabic as a medium. Nabaṭī poetry is composed in the vernacular and has a strong musical quality.

In accordance with the Wahhābī interpretation of Islam, only two religious holidays are publicly recognised: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The celebration of other Islamic holidays, such as the Prophet's birthday and ʿĀshūrāʾ, are tolerated only when celebrated on a small scale at the local level but are otherwise condemned as dangerous innovations. Public observance of non-Islamic religious holidays is prohibited, with the exception of February 22 and September 23, which celebrate the founding of the Saud dynasty and the unification of the kingdom, respectively. These are also the only holidays celebrated on the Gregorian calendar instead of the Islamic calendar.

Frequently asked questions