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Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Saudi Arabia

Travel Advisory January 24, 2024

Saudi arabia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated after periodic review to provide information on the risk of arrest due to social media use and the importation of prohibited items.

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to  the threat of missile and drone attacks.   Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to  terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items.  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to the following locations due to the threat of  missile and drone attacks  and  terrorism :

  • Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, as well as the cities of Abha, Jizan, Najran, and Khamis Mushayt;
  • Abha airport;
  • Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

Country Summary : U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission responsibility must adhere to the above travel restrictions.  As such, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these locations.

Missile and drone attacks perpetrated by Iran and Iran-supported militant groups have occurred as recently as September 2023.  The Islamic Republic of Iran has in the past supplied Yemen-based Houthis and regional proxy groups with weapons to conduct destructive and sometimes lethal attacks using drones, missiles, and rockets against a variety of Saudi sites, including critical infrastructure, civilian airports, military bases, and energy facilities throughout the country, as well as vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes.  Past attacks were aimed at targets throughout Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Jizan, Khamis Mushayt, the civilian airport in Abha, Al Kharj, military installations in the south, as well as oil and gas facilities.

Debris from intercepted drones and missiles has also represented a significant risk to civilian areas and populations in the recent past.  Militant groups have threatened to conduct attacks against locations in Saudi Arabia.  U.S. citizens living and working near military bases and critical civilian infrastructure, particularly near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk if missile, drone, or rocket attacks reoccur.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Saudi Arabia.  Attacks can occur with little or no warning.  Past attacks have targeted tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.  Terrorists are also known to time attacks around major holidays and/or in response to military operations.  Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and international interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens.

Be advised that social media commentary – including past comments – which Saudi authorities may deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest .  This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments about Saudi institutions, policies, and public life.  U.S. citizens have been convicted for social media activity under Saudi laws concerning cybercrime, terrorism, and disrupting public order.  Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years in some cases.  Saudi courts do not necessarily consider the timeframe of the posts or the location from which they were made to be material to these cases.

The importation of drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, pork, or any materials that could be considered pornographic or suggestive, is prohibited.   Penalties for drug possession, consumption, and trafficking are severe by U.S. standards.  An extensive list of banned items is available on our Saudi Arabia country information page .

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM).  For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Saudi Arabia.

If you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia:

  • Visit our website for information on  travel to high-risk areas .
  • Stay alert in large crowds and/or locations frequented by foreign nationals.
  • Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
  • Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrest notification and the Department of State’s general information on arrests of U.S. citizens abroad .
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Follow the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report   for Saudi Arabia.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Yemen Border, Abha airport, and Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Militants in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets .  Civilians that are near the border with Yemen are especially at risk.   Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including in Qatif.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to this area.

Visit our website for information on  travel to high-risk areas

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens to enter or exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A minimum of six months’ validity beyond the date of travel is recommended.

One page required for entry stamp.

Required for certain visa classes

More than 16,000 USD must be declared. Customs details are here .

Embassies and Consulates

The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.

U.S. Embassy Riyadh Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundbaout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000 Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran Off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Telephone:   (966) (13) 839-5700 Emergency Telephone:   (966) (13) 839-5700 Fax:   (966) (13) 330-6816 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

See the  Embassy of Saudi Arabia’s website  for visa information.

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

For residency permit-holders (iqama), an exit/reentry permit is required to leave Saudi Arabia as well as six month’s validity on your passport to request an exit/reentry permit.

  • Saudi law requires that residency permit-holders carry their residency card (iqama) at all times while in the Kingdom. Failure to do so could result in a fine of 3,000 Saudi riyals and a jail sentence of six weeks.
  • Females and minors may require a male guardian’s permission to leave the country, including U.S. citizens or dual-nationals.
  • You must exit Saudi Arabia using the passport for the nationality corresponding to the one on which you entered Saudi Arabia.

Saudi law requires all Saudi citizens to enter and depart the country with a Saudi travel document. If you enter the country on a Saudi laissez-passer (temporary travel document), you may encounter difficulty leaving the Kingdom.

Saudi embassies do not have the authority to adjudicate citizenship claims or issue passports, but they may issue a laissez-passer for presumed Saudi citizens for whom citizenship has not been adjudicated, such as children of a Saudi parent or parents who were married outside of Saudi Arabia. Once admitted to Saudi Arabia on a laissez-passer, the traveler must obtain a Saudi passport before leaving the country. Saudi nationality is not conferred quickly or easily, and the processing time for a Saudi passport in these cases has often been six months or years in some cases. Obtaining a U.S. passport will not help, as you will not be able to leave Saudi Arabia without an exit visa which will not be granted if you entered as a Saudi citizen.

The Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer.

Length of Stay:  Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period. Carefully check your visa validity and length of stay granted, and clarify any questions on permitted length of stay with Saudi immigration officials on arrival. Dates are calculated in accordance with the Hijri calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar.

If you overstay your visa, you could face significant fines, detention, and/or deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy is unable to intercede, reduce fines, or prevent incarceration if you violate Saudi law.

Travel Bans:  When placed under a travel ban, you cannot exit the country, even if you are a U.S. citizen or a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen. Travel bans are rigidly enforced and can take months or even years to resolve. Only Saudi Arabian authorities and sponsors can remove travel bans.

The government may issue travel bans on people who are/have:

  • charged with criminal offenses;
  • under investigation;
  • involved in financial or labor disputes;
  • failed to report to work according to the terms of the contract (absconded);
  • unpaid debts or who have passed bad checks.

The list above is not exhaustive. Private Saudi citizens may also initiate travel bans against foreign citizens for various reasons.

Residency Permits:  If you are seeking residency in Saudi Arabia, make sure you have all required legal documents authenticated before arriving. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh nor the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran can provide this service.

You should have all U.S. issued documents authenticated by the  Department of State Office of Authentications  (202-485-8000) and attested by the  Embassy of Saudi Arabia  in Washington D.C.

Work Visas: If you plan on working in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a work visa before you arrive. Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia are subject to the country’s sponsorship system, which concedes substantial legal authority over the worker to the employer. This can include the ability to prevent the employee from leaving the country. American citizens considering working in Saudi Arabia should carefully review the information about employment in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section below.

If the visitor or business visa has been annotated “not permitted to work,” you are not allowed to legally work in Saudi Arabia. You risk substantial financial penalties, detention, deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia if you work without legal permission. Additionally, without a work visa, there would be no legal grounds to pursue a case against an employer should a dispute arise.

HIV/AIDS:  To obtain work and residence permits, you are required to obtain a medical report or physical examination confirming that you are free from contagious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. If you test positive for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, you will not be allowed to work in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has not imposed HIV/AIDS or hepatitis travel restrictions on other categories of travelers. Please inquire directly with the  Embassy of Saudi Arabia  before you travel.

Vaccinations:  Visitors to Saudi Arabia should check vaccination requirements on the  Saudi Ministry of Health website.

Yemen Travel:  The Department strongly advises U.S. citizens against travel to Yemen due to the ongoing conflict in that country. See our  Yemen Travel Advisory  for further information. A visa is required to enter Saudi Arabia, and Saudi authorities generally do not permit foreign citizens to enter Saudi Arabia using land border crossings from Yemen. The Embassy and Consulates General cannot provide assistance to U.S. citizens seeking to cross the Yemeni-Saudi border.

Safety and Security

The Department of State advises you to exercise increased caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia due to terrorism and the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian targets. See the Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia here .

Do not travel:

  • Within 50 miles of the border with Yemen due to terrorism and armed conflict.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and Western government interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners.

Houthis operating in Yemen have fired long-range missiles into Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting populated areas and civilian infrastructure; they have publicly stated their intent to continue doing so. Missile attacks have targeted major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, Riyadh’s international airport, Saudi Aramco facilities, and vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Rebel groups are also in possession of unmanned aerial systems (UASs or drones) which they have used to target civilian infrastructure and military facilities in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working on or near such installations, particularly in areas near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk of missile and drone attack.

On October 11, 2018 the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation issued a Notice to Airmen about threats to civil aviation and airports in Saudi Arabia posed by missiles and UASs launched from Yemen. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the U.S. Government’s Defense Internet NOTAM Service (Type “OEJD” in the search field, then click “View NOTAMs,” then scroll down to W0438/18 and click to view).

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following locations as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to:

  • Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, including the cities of Jizan and Najran;
  • Qatif in the Eastern province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

You can find additional details relating to safety and security in our Travel Advisory and Alerts and the website of the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia .

Crime: Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States.

  • You should be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight and secure, and travel with a companion, if possible.
  • Some Saudi citizens who perceive that a foreigner is not observing conservative standards of conduct or dress have been known to harass, pursue, or assault that person.
  • Even when released from detention, witnesses to criminal incidents may be prohibited from leaving the country until investigation of the incident is complete.

See the websites of the Department of State  and the  FBI for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, you should contact the local police at “999” and contact the Embassy in Riyadh or one of the Consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran.Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See the Department of State’s webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department can:

  • help you identify appropriate medical care;
  • assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
  • contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
  • explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
  • provide a list of local attorneys;
  • provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
  • provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
  • help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
  • replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: If you are the victim of any form of physical violence, including domestic violence, you should contact the Saudi police by calling “999”.  In addition, victims of domestic violence can contact the Saudi National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing “1919.” The Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development runs a network of shelters for women and children. Contacting the domestic violence hotline (“1919”) is the only way to access these shelters. The Saudi National Family Safety Program also runs a Child Help Line “116111” and can assist children in accessing Saudi social services.

When reporting domestic violence, it is imperative to get a case reference number as all Saudi social and legal assistance is tied to this case number. It is also a good idea to document any injuries and obtain a copy of any medical reports. U.S. citizens should be advised that filing a police report or utilizing any Saudi victims’ assistance services may result in the Saudi authorities informing your sponsor or guardian.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Dual Citizenship: Saudi Arabia generally does not recognize dual nationality. Saudi law requires Saudi citizens to obtain official permission from the government before obtaining a second nationality. At times, Saudi authorities have confiscated the passports of U.S. citizens applying for Saudi citizenship. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship. If this happens to you or someone you know, report the incident to the U.S. Embassy.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate immediately. Be aware that Saudi Arabia generally restricts consular notification of the arrest of foreigners to the Embassy of the country that issued the travel document used to enter the Kingdom. If you enter Saudi Arabia with a Saudi travel document, or with the passport of a country other than the United States, it will be extremely difficult for the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services if you are subsequently detained. Persons detained in Saudi Arabia may be held without charges for lengthy periods and denied access to counsel; dual citizens may not have consular assistance. See the Embassy’s webpage for further information.

Drones: The importation of drones for commercial or personal use is prohibited without prior approval from the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). A customs clearance certificate authorizing importation can be obtained as part of the GACA approval process. Visit GACA’s website for further information.

Criminal Penalties: While in Saudi Arabia, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Saudi laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled; arrested; imprisoned; held without trial for lengthy periods of time; interrogated without counsel; subject to corporal punishments, including lashings; or executed.

Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, public floggings, and deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking is death. Furthermore, some laws are prosecutable in the United States regardless of local law. For examples, see our webpage on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website .

There are substantial limitations on freedom of speech and political expression in Saudi Arabia. For additional information see the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Saudi Arabia .

Faith-Related Travel Issues: Islam is the official religion of the country and is present in all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. See our Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet .

  • Saudi authorities do not permit criticism of Islam or Muslim religious figures, including on social media.
  • The government prohibits the public practice of religions other than Islam. Non-Muslims suspected of violating these restrictions have been jailed and/or deported. Church services in private homes have been raided, and participants have been jailed and/or deported.
  • Muslims who do not adhere to the strict interpretation of Islam prevalent in much of Saudi Arabia may encounter societal discrimination and constraints on public worship.
  • Public display of non-Islamic religious articles, such as crosses and Bibles, is not permitted.
  • Non-Muslims are forbidden to travel to Mecca and parts of Medina, the cities where two of Islam’s holiest mosques are located.
  • See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations, even when consensual, are criminalized in Saudi Arabia. Violations of Saudi laws governing perceived expressions of, or support for, same-sex sexual relations, including on social media, may be subject to severe punishment. Potential penalties include fines, jail time, or death. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is generally found in the United States. Saudi law does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, and there is no legislation requiring public accessibility. Newer commercial and government buildings, however, often include such access. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, there are numerous government-sponsored centers for people with disabilities. Note that Saudi Arabia has limited infrastructure to care for those with mental disabilities.

Students: See the Department’s Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Residents and Travelers: Married women, including non-Saudis, require their husband's permission to depart the country, while unmarried women and children require the permission of their father or male guardian.

Minor children must have their father’s permission in order to leave the Kingdom. Children visiting their fathers in Saudi Arabia, even when there is a custody agreement, can be prevented from leaving unless the father consents. This is true even if the child is an American citizen. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot obtain exit visas for the departure of minor children without their father/guardian's permission.

If a foreigner and a Saudi living in Saudi Arabia divorce, Saudi courts rarely grant permission for the foreign parent to leave the country with the children born during the marriage, even if he or she has been granted physical custody.

Foreign mothers of Saudi children, who are divorced or widowed, may apply for a permanent residency permit(iqama) without the need for a sponsor. To do so, they must prove maternity and that they were legally married to the Saudi father.

Also see the Department’s travel tips for Women Travelers .

Employment: The Arabic text of a contract governs employment and business arrangements under Saudi law. Verbal assurances or side letters are not binding under Saudi law. In the event of any contract dispute, Saudi authorities refer to the written contract.

  • Sponsors have wide latitude and responsibilities for employees and family members under their sponsorship, including obtaining residence permits for the employee and for any family members.
  • All residents should be issued a Saudi residence permit (iqama) and are legally required to carry it at all times.
  • The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Saudi Arabia cannot sponsor private U.S. citizens for Saudi visas.
  • Sponsors have been known to demand that residents working in Saudi Arabia surrender their passports while in the Kingdom. Such practices are illegal and should be reported to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development .
  • Since the Saudi sponsor controls the issuance of exit permits, U.S. citizens may be prevented by the sponsor from leaving Saudi Arabia in the event of a labor or business dispute, which could take months or years to resolve.
  • To change employers within the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia requires the written permission of the original sponsoring employer.
  • The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General cannot assist in labor or business disputes, nor can they provide translation or legal services.
  • U.S. consular officers can provide lists of local attorneys to help U.S. citizens settle business disputes, but ultimate responsibility for the resolution of disputes through the Saudi legal system, and payment for those services, lies with the parties involved. For additional information on Saudi labor law, please refer to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development’s webpage .
  • Saudi customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of such banned items as alcohol, weapons, and any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam (such as pork, anything considered pornographic under strict Islamic principles, and religious materials).
  • Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading matter are censored.
  • Christmas and other holiday decorations, fashion magazines, and "suggestive" videos may be confiscated and the owner subject to penalties and fines.
  • Electronic devices may be subject to inspection upon entry or exit. Please see the Department’s Customs Information page as well as the Saudi Customs webpage.

Importing Animals: The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia.

  • Cats and dogs entering Saudi Arabia require a Veterinary Health Certificate and a dated letter from the veterinary practitioner addressed to his/her sponsor to obtain the necessary approval from the Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Both documents must be authenticated by the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Service Office and the State Department's Authentications Office and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia .
  • The certificate must indicate that the animal was examined and is free from disease and confirm that rabies and other vaccines are current. Information on the name, breed, sex, color, and age of the animal must also be stated.
  • Please see additional information on taking a pet overseas .

Teaching English in Saudi Arabia: In recent years, increasing numbers of American language teachers have experienced contractual and other problems. Some teachers have complained about arbitrary dismissals, difficult living conditions, salary arrears, unwanted reassignments, restrictions on their movement, and inability to leave the country. Prospective teachers in Saudi Arabia should vet their potential employer and carefully review their employment offer as well as the detailed information found in the Embassy’s Guide to Teaching English in Saudi Arabia . Additionally, prospective teachers should also take care to make sure that they obtain the appropriate work visa prior to coming to Saudi Arabia. The Embassy cannot help you if you violate Saudi labor law.

Standards of Conduct and Religious Police: Norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are extremely conservative. Both the uniformed police and the religious police, referred to colloquially as the mutawwa or al-hay’a, are charged with enforcing these standards.

  • Mutawwa are required to carry special identification and usually are accompanied by uniformed police.
  • While a 2016 government decree withdrew the authority of the mutawwa to make arrests independently of regular police forces, visitors should be prudent in their interactions with mutawwa.
  • An individual must, if requested, present his/her residence permit (iqama) or other identification to the mutawwa or the police.
  • U.S. citizens who are involved in an incident with the mutawwa should report the incident to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran.

In most areas of Saudi Arabia, and particularly in Riyadh and the central part of the Kingdom, women wear a full-length covering known as an abaya. Most women in conservative areas also cover their hair with a hijab for modesty, and many also cover their faces with a niqab.

Tourists are expected to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images; women are not required to wear abayas or cover their hair but are expected to cover their shoulders and knees, and men should not go without a shirt. Women who choose not to conform to Saudi Arabia’s dress code face a risk of confrontation by mutawwa, negative or hostile comments by Saudi citizens, and possible detention Guidelines on public decorum for tourists are available at the Saudi government’s official tourism website, www.visitsaudi.com. Many areas of life in Saudi Arabia are segregated by sex to ensure that unrelated men and women have no possibility of mingling (a punishable crime) by unmarried men and women. Less frequently, members of the mutawwa try to enforce this by asking for proof that a couple is married or related. Men and women detained for socializing with individuals who are not relatives may be charged with moral crimes such as khulwa (mixing with unrelated members of the opposite sex). Less frequently, some restaurants may refuse to serve women who are not accompanied by a close male relative In addition, a few restaurants or cafes do not have a "family section" in which women are permitted to eat. Men not accompanied by a close female family member are not allowed to enter family sections and cannot use services (such as registers at supermarkets) designated as “family.” These restrictions are not always clearly posted.

While there are now movie theaters, musical concerts, and artistic performances in Saudi Arabia, the country remains socially conservative. Social media postings which contravene cultural standards can have legal and/or criminal consequences.

Photography: The Saudi government does not permit photography of governmental facilities, such as military bases and government buildings, nor military, security, or police personnel. The Saudi government is also sensitive to photographs that may be perceived as portraying the country in an unfavorable light. This policy can include photos of mosques, impoverished areas, the local population, and traditional souks (markets). You should not take anyone’s picture without clear consent, and never take a picture of a woman or a place where women congregate. Be aware of local sensitivities whenever you are taking pictures in public. U.S. citizens have been routinely detained for violating these policies. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General are unable to intervene if you violate Saudi law.

The Hajj and Umrah: Please review the Department of State’s Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet for useful information on traveling to perform the Hajj or Umrah.

COVID-19 Testing:  COVID-19 testing is available to U.S. citizens throughout Saudi Arabia at public and private facilities. Private hospitals and clinics charge a fee for COVID-19 testing.  Cost, delivery method, and timing of results varies. Some facilities can electronically deliver results within 24 hours or less.  

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Saudi Arabia. For more information, please see the Ministry of Health’s website.

Visit the FDA's website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high-profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers in Saudi Arabia accept cash or credit card payments.  See the Department’s webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation is strongly recommended. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expatriates.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  government of Saudi Arabia  to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Please note:

  • Saudi Arabia has a dry climate with extreme heat several months of the year – travelers should stay hydrated.
  • Air pollution is a significant concern in many parts of Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Al Jubail, Jeddah, and Dammam.
  • Many infectious diseases, such as measles, typhoid, dengue, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), are present in Saudi Arabia.

Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   (CDC)
  • Saudi Ministry of Health

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the  government of Saudi Arabia  to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the  CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage .

Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations   recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Saudi Arabia can be hazardous due to speeding and aggressive driving, lax enforcement of traffic regulations, and a high volume of traffic.

Beginning on June 24, 2018, women have been able to obtain a driver’s license and can legally drive in Saudi Arabia. With a valid visitor visa and U.S. or international driver’s license, visitors may drive a rental car. However, outside the major cities of Riyadh, Dhahran and Jeddah, visitors—especially women—may experience difficulty renting a car. Female residents with independent sponsorships and U.S. or international driver’s licenses also may obtain a Saudi driver’s license, necessary to drive vehicles other than rental cars. Foreign women residing in Saudi Arabia who are listed as dependents on their Saudi residency permit (“iqama”) may experience difficulties in obtaining Saudi driver’s licenses. To drive vehicles other than rental cars, a Saudi driver’s license, appropriate car registration, and auto insurance are required. Police may detain you if you cannot produce these documents.

See the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior website for further information.

Traffic Laws :

  • Temporary visitors may drive using their valid U.S. or international driver's license for up to 90 days.
  • Foreigners resident in Saudi Arabia who wish to drive must obtain a local driver's license from the Department of Traffic Police.
  • In the event of a traffic accident, U.S. citizens should dial “993” to report the accident. You must remain on the scene until the traffic police arrive. Failure to do so can result in a criminal offense.
  • Additionally, U.S. citizens should contact Najm, a private company contracted by the traffic police to complete the accident report (+966 9200 00560).
  • In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, everyone involved (if not seriously injured) is likely be taken to the local police station.
  • All drivers, regardless of fault, can be held in custody for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid.
  • Use of front seat belts (driver and passenger) is required by law.
  • U.S. citizens involved in a serious accident resulting in injury or death should immediately contact their sponsors and the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate.
  • Residents should update their personal details through one of the methods available here to receive SMS notifications once a traffic ticket is issued.
  • Delay in payment of any ticket might result in doubling of the ticket amount.
  • Travelers will need to pay any fines issued through this system before leaving the country.

Public Transportation:

  • U.S. Government employees are prohibited from using taxis in Saudi Arabia with the exception of Uber Black in Riyadh, Kareem First in Jeddah, and Majestic taxi service in Dhahran. If you must use a taxi, only use established companies, such as those offering cabs with meters. Taxis and lift services are available throughout major cities, and you should arrange a pickup by telephone or via smartphone app when possible.
  • Avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi, do not travel to unfamiliar areas, and do not enter taxis with unknown passengers.

Please refer to the Department’s Road Safety page for more information. Also, it is recommended that you visit the website of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior .

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of Saudi Arabia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page .

Information for Mariners:

Mariners should also review U.S. maritime alerts and advisories on the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Saudi Arabia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Personal Visit Visa

Requirements:

  • Original passport valid for no less than six (6) months, with at least two (2) successive empty visa pages. 
  • To fill your online application and make a visa payment, please log on to  https://visa.mofa.gov.sa .  ( Guideline for Enjaz )  Health insurance must be purchased from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Options for local health insurance providers will appear upon processing your Enjaz form.
  • A visa referral note: indicating number and date of visa, issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or either of its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.
  • Minors (under 18 years) travelling alone, or with one parent, must submit a notarized letter in Arabic or English signed by a parent or a legal guardian.
  • For non-U.S. citizens, copy of green card or document confirming legal residence in the U.S.  

You May Also Apply For the Visa by: 

  • Applying in person at the embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Via Mail to the Embassy's address: 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20037.
  • Through the Embassy's authorized travel agencies .

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tourist visa jeddah saudi arabia

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
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Saudi Arabia

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Saudi Arabia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Saudi Embassy in the UK . 

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Saudi Arabia.

Passport validity requirements 

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Previous travel to Israel 

You may not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows that you have travelled to, or were born, in Israel. 

Visa requirements 

You must get an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver (EVW) either before you travel or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports. The type of e-visa or EVW you choose depends on your reason for travelling and how long you want to stay.

If you overstay your visa, you could face large fines, detention and deportation. You could be banned from returning to Saudi Arabia.  

Applying for an e-visa 

You can apply for an e-visa if you are a tourist. You must get an e-visa to perform Umrah. 

E-visas are: 

  • valid for 365 days from the date of issue 
  • for visits of up to 90 days 
  • for multiple entries  

Apply online or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports.  

You will need a separate visa for Hajj. See Pilgrimage . 

Applying for an electronic visa waiver (EVW) 

You can apply for an electronic visa waiver (EVW) if you’re travelling for: 

  • medical treatment 
  • Umrah (outside of Hajj Season)

An EVW allows you to enter Saudi Arabia once and stay for up to 6 months.  

Apply online for an EVW at least 48 hours before your flights, or up to 90 days in advance. You will need to give your flight details.

Travelling overland  

Your visa may only allow you to enter Saudi Arabia by air. If you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia by the Bahrain causeway, check your visa before travelling. Ask your travel agent or the Saudi Embassy if you need help. 

Travelling through Saudi Arabia 

If you’re transferring through Saudi Arabia, you may need a transit visa if: 

  • you will pass through immigration control 
  • you will leave Saudi Arabia on a separate ticket to the one you arrive on 
  • the connecting time between your flights is more than 12 hours 

Check with your airline or travel agency if you require a transit visa.

Exit, re-entry and final exit permits 

If you live in Saudi Arabia, you must get an exit or re-entry permit from your sponsor to leave and re-enter the country. If you leave Saudi Arabia on a final exit permit, you must apply for a new visa to return to the country.  

Wives and children of Saudi nationals 

If you’re a woman married to a Saudi national, you must get a re-entry or final exit permit from your husband to leave Saudi Arabia. This also applies to children of Saudi nationals.

Flight restrictions around Hajj 

If you plan to travel around the time of the Hajj pilgrimage, check with your airline for any flight restrictions. 

The Saudi authorities have stopped visitors who are not performing Hajj from flying to Jeddah, Madinah and Taif. You may need a Hajj visa to board flights to these places during Hajj.  

You will still be able to enter Saudi Arabia through other airports.

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Saudi Arabia guide . 

Depending on your circumstances, these may include: 

  • a yellow fever vaccination certificate  
  • meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Saudi Arabia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

It is illegal to import: 

  • pork and pork products 
  • pornographic material 
  • distillery equipment 
  • re-treaded or used tyres  
  • used clothing except for personal use  

certain sculptures such as religious symbols     Other items may be examined, including: 

  • personal videos 
  • electronic devices  

You may need to special approval to bring: 

  • agricultural seeds 
  • live animals 
  • religious books (except for personal use) 
  • chemicals and harmful materials 
  • some pharmaceutical products 
  • wireless equipment  
  • radio-controlled model airplanes 
  • archaeological artefacts 

Using technical equipment 

You may need a licence for: 

  • satellite phones 
  • listening or recording devices 
  • radio transmitters 
  • powerful cameras or binoculars 

If you need information on customs rules, contact the Saudi Embassy . 

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tourist visa jeddah saudi arabia

Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, how to spend 1 day in jeddah, saudi arabia (great for cruise stops).

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Talita

Have plans to visit Jeddah, perhaps on a cruise stop or a flight layover? Wondering how to spend your time in Saudi Arabia’s most “liberal” city? Read on for recommendations & other tips in our 1-day Jeddah itinerary for all the details. 

I’m going to start today’s article with a bit of honesty: I didn’t exactly enjoy my short visit to Jeddah. 

How to Spend 1 Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Great for Cruise Stops!)

Traditional architecture in Al-Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO-protected old town

It was an interesting place, to be sure. And I was glad to have had the unique chance to “peel back the curtain,” even if just for a day, on life inside one of the most closed-off countries in the world: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

But as a woman, it was also a pretty surreal (if not a somewhat uncomfortable) experience to be in a place that I knew cared so little for me as a person. To be in a place where men wouldn’t speak to me but rather, only to my husband (despite the fact that I spoke Arabic and could address them in the language, while my husband could not.) 

Now, I don’t really want to go too far down that rabbit hole for today’s article. 

So while I only had a day in Jeddah and I’m certainly not an “expert” in the country, I did think I could offer up some tips n’ tricks in this article. Especially since tourism is still in its infancy in Saudi Arabia, so I know it can be hard to get accurate info.  

All that said, let’s dive in.  

But first… 

Table of Contents

  • 1 Can tourists even get into Jeddah or Saudi Arabia? 
  • 2 How can I get a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia? 
  • 3 What to wear in Jeddah as a woman? 
  • 4 What to wear in Jeddah as a man?
  • 5 How to get to the Jeddah city center from the Jeddah cruise terminal 
  • 6 How to get around Jeddah for this 1-day itinerary 
  • 7 Can you use Uber in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia? 
  • 8.1 1-DAY JEDDAH ITINERARY PART 1: MORNING WALK (OR BIKE!) ALONG THE CORNICHE
  • 8.2 1-DAY JEDDAH ITINERARY PART 2: EXPLORATION OF AL-BALAD, JEDDAH’S UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE PROTECTED OLD TOWN  
  • 8.3 1-DAY JEDDAH ITINERARY: A somewhat odd recommendation…   
  • 9 Other optional attractions to add to your 1 day in Jeddah 
  • 10 In sum…
  • 11 Planning your next trip?

Can tourists even get into Jeddah or Saudi Arabia? 

Yes, tourists can visit Saudi Arabia! 

However, do be aware that tourism is still a relatively new industry to the country. 

Previously, tourism was almost strictly religious based, meaning that non-muslims were required to undergo a lengthy tourist visa process and could not visit the country independently without a guide. And women, of course, weren’t allowed to visit without a male accompaniment. 

Over the past few years, this has been changing. Some parts of the country remain firmly closed to non-Muslims (like Mecca). 

But in general, non-muslim tourists can now visit many parts of the country freely. And in 2019, Saudi finally launched a new tourist visa program that lets the citizens of 49 countries apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival. 

How can I get a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia? 

If you’re coming to Jeddah by cruise ship as we did, then your ship should send you visa application instructions by email before you embark. 

However, I will note that the visa process for our ship was incredibly chaotic and disorganized. Many passengers didn’t receive their visa in time to disembark (we only received ours the night before we arrived in Jeddah). So I do recommend checking with your ship ASAP and see about applying in advance if possible. 

Otherwise, take a look at the Saudi government website here to see what type of visa you qualify for. 

And if you’re from one of the 49 countries that qualify for an e-visa (including the U.S., most of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and a handful of countries in Asia), then you can apply here . 

What to wear in Jeddah as a woman? 

As a foreigner, you’re not required to cover your hair or wear an abaya (the long, flowing garment that you’ll see most women wear).   

But despite Jeddah being Saudi Arabia’s most “liberal” city, you’ll still be required to cover up and dress very conservatively, regardless of the 90+ degree heat. 

This means a skirt or dress that goes down to your ankles and a 3/4 sleeve or longer t-shirt that fits loosely and fully covers your chest. If you choose to wear pants, make sure you pair them with a shirt long enough to fully cover your backside. 

To give you an idea, you can find a picture of what I wore and felt comfortable in. (Full disclosure: I forgot to take a picture of exactly what I was wearing in Jeddah, so here’s me wearing something similar while in Tunisia , though it was about a gazillion degrees hotter in Saudi. The other difference is that I kept my sleeves unrolled so they went down closer to my wrists, and then kept my shirt untucked and added a thin scarf so I didn’t show any shape.) 

How to Spend 1 Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Great for Cruise Stops!)

What to wear as a woman in Saudi Arabia (picture taken in Tunisia , but this is the general idea!)

What to wear in Jeddah as a man?

Generally, men don’t wear shorts. But other than that, any kind of pants and a t-shirt are just fine. 

That said, most local men will opt for a thobe: a traditional, flowing white garment made out of linen or cotton. 

How to get to the Jeddah city center from the Jeddah cruise terminal 

Without traffic, the Jeddah cruise terminal is about a 15-20 minute drive away from Al-Balad, the historic center. 

That said, this can be MUCH longer if there’s a lot of traffic. Which we found out the hard way, as we were desperately trying to get back to our ship before it left. So, make sure to give yourself plenty of extra time!  

As far as we can tell, there aren’t any buses in and out of the port. So your best bet is a taxi. 

How to Spend 1 Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Great for Cruise Stops!)

The cruise terminal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Fortunately, they’ll be a ton of taxis waiting for you right at the port. Unfortunately, they are VERY pushy and will try their very best to get extra money out of you…so make sure you’re prepared to negotiate and stand your ground. 

We paid something like $20-25 USD for the ride to Al-Balad. Though it will probably be a bit more if you go straight to the corniche, as we recommend in the article below. 

If possible, see if you can share a ride with some of your other cruise passengers to divide up the cost. 

You could, hypothetically, walk from the port to the old town in about 50 minutes. But with the heat, I’m not sure you’d want to!  

How to get around Jeddah for this 1-day itinerary  

When we only have a limited stay somewhere, we often like to rent a car to help us make the most of our time. And in our articles, we often recommend other travelers do the same. (Such as our 1-day Mauritius road trip itinerary or our 1-Day Guam itinerary by car )  

However, although we rented a car in Jeddah, we do NOT recommend you rent a car in Jeddah yourself. 

Although we’ve often rented cars in places with pretty crazy drivers ( *cough cough* Armenia *cough cough* ) and absurd traffic, Jeddah was on a whole new level. 

And that’s coming from Rodrigo, who was driving, and has tons of experience driving in these types of places (including his home city of 20 million inhabitants).  

Our experience renting a car in Jeddah was, in a word, terrible. The drivers were basically insane and had little to no disregard for safety, we got terribly lost, and the traffic was horrendous, causing us to almost miss our ship. (I wish I was joking.) 

Realistically, it’ll probably be easiest if you grab a taxi (just don’t forget to negotiate!) between each of your itinerary stops. Taxis are easy enough to find, so you probably don’t have to worry about booking a driver for a day or having them wait for you. 

Other than that, there are some public buses, but the system doesn’t appear to be that extensive. However, I imagine it could get you between the two major itinerary stops (the old town and the corniche) if you were to give it a try. 

If you do manage to figure out the bus system, drop us a comment underneath the article and let us know how it goes! 

How to Spend 1 Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Great for Cruise Stops!)

Al Tayebat International City Museum Complex & Mosque in Jeddah  

Can you use Uber in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia? 

So, Uber technically exists in Jeddah and other large cities in Saudi Arabia. 

When we tried to use it ourselves to get from the rental car office back to the port, it was a fiasco. We ordered several cars that never came. And then the one who said he was there we were never able to find. 

In our desperation to get back to the ship on time, we couldn’t wait any longer and just had to grab a taxi off the street. 

That said, the prices on Uber are definitely better than normal taxis. Plus, you get to skip the pushy negotiation that you get with the normal taxi drivers. 

So hopefully, you’ll have a better experience than we did if you choose to try Uber. Just make sure you don’t do so if you have somewhere time-sensitive to be! 

What to do with 1 day in Jeddah (1-day Jeddah cruise ship itinerary) 

To be honest, we didn’t feel like there was a ton to do in Jeddah, at least at the moment. 

Currently, Jeddah is undergoing a LOT of construction in what appears to be an attempt to transform into a glittering, modern city that can rival extravagant Dubai. 

Unfortunately, this construction seems to include destroying many of the city’s traditional medinas and winding historic neighborhoods. So it’s hard to say what the city will look like in a few years. 

But for now, I’m going to start by recommending the two “must-see” parts of Jeddah that I would dedicate most of your day to: the famous Jeddah Corniche/waterfront and Al-Balad, the old town. 

Afterwards, you’ll find a list of some additional top attractions that you can add to your Jeddah itinerary however you like. 

1-DAY JEDDAH ITINERARY PART 1: MORNING WALK (OR BIKE!) ALONG THE CORNICHE

Jeddah’s Corniche is a popular waterfront promenade that stretches along the coast of the Red Sea for more than 30 kilometers (18 miles). A stroll along the corniche will take you past sea views, green parks with families picnicking in the shade, and several important city landmarks. 

How to Spend 1 Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Great for Cruise Stops!)

The Jeddah Corniche. Photo credit: Nick-D – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86759399

Since Jeddah is painfully hot no matter the time of the year, I recommend heading here first thing in the morning while it’s still a bit cooler. 

We were also told that it’s possible to rent a bike on the corniche, which could be a breezier alternative than seeing the sites on your own two feet. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t figure out exactly how this might work since we had our own car. But perhaps pop into one of the fancy hotels in the area and see if they can direct you to a bike shop. 

There’s tons to see and visit along the waterfront, so you can easily entertain yourself for an entire day. But to make things a little easier, here’s a quick summary of the 7 top attractions and spots to visit on Jeddah’s corniche: 

  • The King Fahd Fountain 
  • Fakieh Aquarium 
  • North Corniche Park  
  • Island Mosque 
  • Red Sea Mall
  • Jeddah Art Promenade
  • The Floating Mosque (Al Rahma Mosque) 

Note: you can find each of these spots easily by typing them into Google Maps, though I put them in order from closest to the city center (The King Fahd Fountain) to farthest (The Floating Mosque) to help you plan. 

1-DAY JEDDAH ITINERARY PART 2: EXPLORATION OF AL-BALAD, JEDDAH’S UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE PROTECTED OLD TOWN   

Although many tours and tourists hit up Al-Balad in the morning…we’re going to recommend heading there a little later in the day, when the shops are open and the local souks are bustling with shoppers. 

How to Spend 1 Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Great for Cruise Stops!)

Al-Balad, Jeddah

Honestly, there aren’t a lot of specific “must-do” landmarks or places in Al-Balad. 

Rather, simply lose yourself among the narrow streets and alleys, admiring the intricate designs and craftsmanship of the traditional wooden architecture and tranquil historic mosques as you go. 

1-DAY JEDDAH ITINERARY: A somewhat odd recommendation…   

If you get the chance, try to fit in a visit to one of the big malls, whether The Red Sea Mall on the corniche, or the Mall of Arabia (the biggest mall in Saudi Arabia, apparently). 

Though I’m not a big shopper myself, whenever I’m in a new country, I always love doing a quick stroll around the local mall to get a good pulse on the local life & social culture.  

As expected, our trip to the Mall of Arabia gave me just that, as it was one of the strangest mismatches of tradition and modernity I’ve ever seen. 

How to Spend 1 Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Great for Cruise Stops!)

Mall of Arabia, Jeddah

They had just about every international chain store and restaurant you could imagine – from H&M to Gucci to Dunkin’ Donuts to TGI Fridays. (And yes, the clothing stores had trendy, up-to-date clothing like you’d find anyone else…still not fully sure who wears it here in Saudi!) 

But alongside this mass display of modernity and commercialism, you also have local women browsing the shops and eating with their families  – totally covered up, save for a small slit in the fabric for their eyes. 

An odd contrast, to be sure. 

Other optional attractions to add to your 1 day in Jeddah 

Beyond making time for the corniche and Al-Balad, the rest of your day in Jeddah is open to whatever you’d like to do. 

How to Spend 1 Day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Great for Cruise Stops!)

Al Tayebat International City museum complex, Jeddah

So, here are some other ideas of places to visit while in Jeddah : 

  • Al Tayebat International City (note: we only saw this from the outside as it appeared to be closed, and we’re not totally clear on whether or not you have to book a tour in advance….but as you can see in the photo above, this museum complex looks beautiful!)  
  • Fakieh Aquarium, right on the Corniche 
  • The Red Sea Mall or The Mall of Arabia 
  • Atallah Happy Land Park or Al Shallal Amusement Parks 
  • The Jeddah Planetarium 

In sum…

If you have just one day in Jeddah, I recommend you visit, at minimum, the corniche and Al-Balad, the city’s historic UNESCO old town. 

From there, you can add on whatever interests you, including: 

  •  Al Tayebat International City (a beautiful museum complex) 
  • Fakieh Aquarium

In conclusion…  

And that’s all there is to it, folks! 

Have you ever been to Jeddah before? Or do you have any questions before your trip? Let us know in the comments area below, and we’ll get back to you. 

Planning your next trip?

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 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

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 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

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And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

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nigeria Consulate Jeddah

Eligibility Tourist Visa is available to citizens of all countries except ECOWAS Nationals who do not require visa to visit Nigeria and other countries which Nigeria has entered into visa abolition agreements.

Class of Persons Eligible for Tourist Visa

  • Foreign Travelers who wish to visit Nigeria for the purpose of Tourism.
  • Foreign Travelers who wish to visit family and friends.

Requirements

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages for endorsement.
  • Valid return ticket.
  • Evidence of sufficient funds.
  • Address of host in Nigeria or Evidence of hotel reservation.
  • Invitation letter from host in Nigeria.

Validity:  Validity of stay is 90 days

Caution :  Note that this Visa is not valid for employment.

Fees:  See table of fees https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/

Timeline:  2 – 3 working days from receipt of application.

Procedures: Step 1:  Apply online. Complete the online visa application on  https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/  and print completed form. Step 2:  Pay online  https://portal.immigration.gov.ng  and print payment receipt. Step 3:  Affix 2 passport sized (35/40mm) passport photographs with white background. Step 4:  Proceed with the completed form to OIS Services Suite 204, 918 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30076 (Tel: +1 678 514 3263) for submission with attached requirements and biometrics.

Note:  Applicant may be invited for an interview if necessary.

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Apply for a U.S. Visa

In saudi arabia.

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You are here: Home / Renew My Visa

On this page:

Required Documents and Submission Locations

How to apply.

Applicants meeting the following criteria may be eligible for visa renewal by mail:

  • The applicant is residing in Saudi Arabia.
  • The applicant has never been arrested or convicted of a crime, deported from the United States, or denied entry to the United States.
  • All sections of the DS-160 online application have been answered completely and accurately.
  • Visa renewal by mail can take up to 2 weeks.  All applicants must be able to be without their passports for this period of time.

  B1/B2 visa:

  • The applicant is a citizen of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, or the United Arab Emirates, or holds a Palestinian Authority passport.
  • The applicant is at least 40 years old or 17 years old and under.
  • The applicant is applying to renew a prior full-validity B1/B2 visa that expired no more than 48 months ago.
  • The applicant has not been refused a U.S. visa after the expiration of the last issued B1/B2 visa.

Please note that applicants who have not provided fingerprints because they were under 14 years old at the time of their last visa application will need to come to the Embassy for fingerprinting.  Fingerprinting is generally scheduled for Sundays from 13:00-14:30, but the Consular Section will notify applicants if this is necessary.

  J1 or J2 visa

  • The applicant is renewing a J1 or J2 visa to continue in the same school or program as the prior DS-2019.

The applicant is renewing a J1 or J2 visa that expired no more than 12 months ago.

  • The applicant has not been refused a U.S. visa after the expiration of the last issued J1 or J2 visa.

  C1/D or D visa

  • The applicant is renewing a C1/D or D visa that expired no more than 12 months ago.
  • The applicant has never been refused a U.S. visa after the expiration of the last issued C1/D or D visa.

Please submit only the following required documents as requested by the U.S. Embassy or Consulates General.  Do not submit bank statements, HR letters, travel reservations, or any other unnecessary documents. If additional information is required, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General will contact you.

All Applicants:

  • A copy of the Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter.
  • The DS-160 application confirmation page for each applicant.
  • One colored photograph (51mm x 51mm) taken within the last 6 months against a white background. The image must contain the full face, neck, and shoulders of the applicant in frontal view with a neutral expression and no eyeglasses.
  • Current passport and passport with the most recent U.S. visa.
  • Copy of your visa application fee receipt.
  • Non-Saudi applicants only: a print-out or screenshot of applicant's iqama taken from absher.sa.

Step 1: DS-160 Application

Determine your visa type by reading  Common Nonimmigrant Visas . Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items. Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.

Be sure to also review the  Visa Waiver Program . If your country of citizenship participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you do not need to apply for a visa if you are traveling for business or pleasure and will only be staying in the Unites States for 90 days or less.

Complete the  Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.

Step 2:  Update Profile

Log-in  to our online applicant system to create a profile and select courier service options (if available).  Please ensure all your personal and contact information on your www.ustraveldocs.com profile is correct otherwise there will be delays in your visa application processing. 

As you go through the process you will answer the interview waiver questions which will evaluate your eligibility to apply for a visa without an interview. You will also be prompted to select the courier location where you will dropoff and pickup your documents. 

Step 3:  Make Payment

You will be prompted to pay the visa application (MRV) fee using the payment options available in your country of application. 

Step 4:  Print Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter

After you enter your MRV fee payment receipt on your profile you will have access to Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter if you qualify to renew your visa. Otherwise you will be directed to the interview appointment calendar. 

Gather all the required documents listed on the interview wavier confirmation letter, including your DS-160 confirmation page, MRV fee receipt, current and previous passports, photo, and a letter explaining your travel purpose and itinerary. Depending on the visa category, you may require additional documentation and a reciprocity fee. Please refer to your  specific visa category page  for additional required documents.

Step 5:  Go to Courier Location

Go to one of the courier locations specified  here with your required documents.

Step 6:  Delivery to Consulate

The courier will deliver your documents to the U.S. Embassy.

Step 7:  Passport Retrieval

At the end of the visa adjudication process, the U.S. Embassy will return your documents and your passport to you at the chosen document delivery address in your profile. You will receive an email and SMS once your documents are ready for pickup at the courier location you selected. 

Important Note:  The use of the mail-in service does not guarantee visa issuance.  In some cases, applicants may still be required to appear for a visa interview.  

© CGI Federal Inc.

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Saudi Arabia: Hajj visa restricted to Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca; no work or residency permitted

Saudi Arabia specifies Hajj visa as sole entry permit for 2024 pilgrimage season

Saudii Arabi kaaba pilgrims

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has clarified that a Hajj visa is the only visa allowing pilgrims to perform the holy rituals of Hajj in 2024.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that this visa strictly permits travel within the cities of Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca.

Get exclusive content with Gulf News WhatsApp channel

It is not valid for work, residency, or travel outside these areas, with violations potentially leading to a ban on future Hajj participation and deportation.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that all international visitors, except those from GCC countries that require a Hajj permit, must obtain a Hajj visa.

  • Saudi Arabia: Here are the updated rules for Hajj 2024 that prioritise pilgrims' health and safety
  • Visiting Saudi Arabia? Save these essential contact numbers for Umrah pilgrims and tourists
  • New Hajj season: Saudi Arabia prepares for record numbers of pilgrims
  • New Hajj regulation: Entry permit system for Saudi residents visiting Mecca from May 4

The visa is only valid for the duration of the Hajj season, and holders are also not allowed to perform Umrah during this time or engage in any employment, paid or unpaid.

To facilitate the process, the official website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah now offers electronic registration for the Hajj visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa platform. Applicants must register by the 7th of Dhu Al Hijjah or until the quota of pilgrims is reached.

The application process includes logging into the visa platform, selecting the appropriate services, and following the instructions to upload necessary documents. Applications are typically processed within three working days, and it is advised to apply well in advance to ensure compliance with all regulations.

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Saudi Visa on Arrival with WizzAir - Saudi Arabia Forum

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Saudi Visa on Arrival with WizzAir

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' class=

Hi, anyone had experience how to do check in with Wizzair if you are planning to get visa on arrival once you land in Saudi?

I applied for my tourist visa 4 weeks ago through ksavisa.sa website, but the status remain in "Sent to Embassy" ever since. Tried to call customer service few times, not really helpful and I am not hoping it to be completed anytime soon.

2 replies to this topic

' class=

Honestly, there are dozens and dozens of WizzAir/Visa threads and multi-hundreds of posts on the subject, and the majority are not complementary of Wizz.

"Sent to Embassy" is usually translated as "Never going to happen"!

Wizz are synonymous for adding extras to bulk up ticket prices.

Best of luck

The sent to embassy thing is something wrong with Saudi visa system though. Either their new website is very buggy or I am the unlucky ones stuck in a loop.

I am aware that Wizz Air might be tricky, but I have read some comments online aswell that they are allowed to onboard with Wizz in similar scenario, so asking here about the check in detail

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tourist visa jeddah saudi arabia

tourist visa jeddah saudi arabia

Visa Haji 2024 Terbatas untuk Izin Masuk Tanah Suci dan Jeddah

photo of Abraj Al Bait (Royal Clock Tower Makkah) and Umrah pilgrims at the Grand Mosque. makkah, saudi arabia 14 august 2019

Pemerintah Arab Saudi menegaskan visa haji menjadi satu-satunya visa yang dapat digunakan untuk menunaikan ibadah haji 2024. Visa ini sekaligus menjadi izin masuk di wilayah Tanah Suci dan Jeddah.

Keterangan ini disampaikan oleh Kementerian Haji dan Umrah Arab Saudi. Ditegaskan, visa haji ini hanya dikhususkan untuk izin kunjungan di dalam kota Jeddah, Madinah, dan Makkah, seperti dikutip dari Daily Ausaf , Senin (6/5/2024).

Selain itu, otoritas menegaskan visa haji tidak berlaku untuk bekerja, menetap, atau berpergian ke luar wilayah yang telah disebutkan. Pelanggaran terhadap ketentuan tersebut berpotensi pada larangan partisipasi haji di masa mendatang hingga deportasi.

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Kementerian Haji dan Umrah Arab Saudi juga menjelaskan semua pengunjung internasional, kecuali pengunjung dari negara-negara Dewan Kerja Sama untuk Negara Arab di Kawasan Teluk yang memerlukan izin haji, harus mendapat visa haji untuk menunaikan ibadah haji tahunan yang akan dimulai bulan depan.

Smart card atau kartu izin ke tempat-tempat suci dan kawasan sekitarnya akan diberikan kepada jemaah dari seluruh penjuru dunia oleh kantor haji masing-masing setelah penerbitan visa haji.

Adapun jemaah dalam negeri akan menerimanya dari penyedia layanan setelah izin haji terbit. Nantinya, versi digital dari kartu tersebut tersedia di aplikasi Nusuk dan Tawakkalna.

Untuk memfasilitasi proses perolehan kartu tersebut, situs resmi Kementerian Haji dan Umrah Arab Saudi kini menawarkan pendaftaran visa haji secara elektronik melalui platform visa Kementerian Luar Negeri Arab Saudi. Pelamar harus mendaftar paling lambat pada 7 Zulhijjah 1445 H (14 Juni 2024) atau sampai kuota jemaah sudah terpenuhi.

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tourist visa jeddah saudi arabia

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Saudi Arabia has recently implemented new regulations concerning the issuance of Hajj visas , restricting travel solely to the cities of Jeddah, Medina, and Makkah.

According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims who plan to perform the Hajj rituals in 2024 are the only ones eligible for the visa.

These are the salient features of the latest limitations on Hajj visas by the Saudi government.

  • The visa, as per the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is solely for pilgrims participating in the 2024 Hajj rituals.
  • It’s clarified that the Hajj visa doesn’t permit work, residency, or travel beyond the designated cities.
  • Violations could lead to future Hajj bans and potential deportation.
  • International visitors (excluding Gulf Cooperation Council countries requiring a Hajj permit) must obtain the Hajj visa.
  • The visa is valid only during the Hajj season, with no allowance for Umrah or employment.
  • Electronic registration via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visa platform is mandatory.

Applicants must register by the 7th of Dhu Al Hijjah or until the pilgrim quota is filled. The application process entails logging in, selecting services, and uploading required documents.

Given the time required for processing, applicants should apply well in advance to ensure compliance with all regulations. Typically, processing takes up to three working days.

Feature Writer

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    3.80 SAR = 1 USD. Current Rate Valid Through. : 08/05/2024. Welcome to the U.S. Visa Information Service for Saudi Arabia. On this website you can find information about U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visas and the requirements to apply for each. You can also learn how to pay the required visa application fee, and book an interview appointment ...

  19. Apply for a U.S. Visa

    Copy of your visa application fee receipt. Non-Saudi applicants only: a print-out or screenshot of applicant's iqama taken from absher.sa. How to Apply. Step 1: DS-160 Application. Determine your visa type by reading Common Nonimmigrant Visas. Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items.

  20. Saudi Arabia: Hajj visa restricted to Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca; no

    Saudi Arabia specifies Hajj visa as sole entry permit for 2024 pilgrimage season ... The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that this visa strictly permits travel within the cities of Jeddah ...

  21. Saudi Visa on Arrival with WizzAir

    Saudi Arabia ; Saudi Arabia Travel Forum; Search. ... anyone had experience how to do check in with Wizzair if you are planning to get visa on arrival once you land in Saudi? I applied for my tourist visa 4 weeks ago through ksavisa.sa website, but the status remain in "Sent to Embassy" ever since. ... I am flying from Budapest to Jeddah using ...

  22. Visa Haji 2024 Terbatas untuk Izin Masuk Tanah Suci dan Jeddah

    Visa ini sekaligus menjadi izin masuk di wilayah Tanah Suci dan Jeddah. Keterangan ini disampaikan oleh Kementerian Haji dan Umrah Arab Saudi. Ditegaskan, visa haji ini hanya dikhususkan untuk izin kunjungan di dalam kota Jeddah, Madinah, dan Makkah, seperti dikutip dari Daily Ausaf, Senin (6/5/2024).

  23. New Regulations for Hajj Visas Introduced by Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for Hajj visas, restricting travel to Jeddah, Medina, and Makkah. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that the visa for the 2024 Hajj will ...

  24. Saudi Arabia Implements New Restrictions On Hajj Visas

    Saudi Arabia has recently implemented new regulations concerning the issuance of Hajj visas, restricting travel solely to the cities of Jeddah, Medina, and Makkah. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims who plan to perform the Hajj rituals in 2024 are the only ones eligible for the visa.

  25. Charting the Sustainable Course: Navigating the Saudi Arabia Medical

    Medical and wellness tourism has emerged as a pivotal sector with significant economic implications globally, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study delves into the landscape of Saudi Arabia's medical and wellness tourism, recognizing its importance as a key player in the tourism industry. The study aims to elevate this sector to new heights on the global stage by employing the ...