Saudi Arabia Travel Safety

Road safety

Roads in larger cities are generally well maintained. Roads in rural areas are less developed, poorly lit and range from pavement to sand or gravel. Exercise extreme caution when driving. Poor driving habits, disregard for traffic laws and road markings, and excessive speed are common and cause fatal accidents. Ensure you are well prepared with a sufficient supply of gasoline, water and food, and a cell or satellite phone.

Regional travel

Foreigners have been denied entry into Saudi Arabia because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveller visited Israel prior to coming to Saudi Arabia.

Marine transportation

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Persian Gulf, particularly around the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Tunbs. Iran and the United Arab Emirates each claim sovereignty over the islands.

Women's safety

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. It is not mandatory for female travellers to wear the traditional robe or abaaya. Information on important laws and etiquette around dress codes is available to visitors on the Visit Saudi website. Women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Crime

The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, especially in crowded areas and at holy sites. Do not show signs of affluence and ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. Attacks have occurred throughout the country. Groups commonly target government buildings, public areas, religious sites, tourist sites and attractions, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and Western interests. Westerners may also be directly targeted. Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Dress and behaviour

Saudi Arabscustoms, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively - for women: knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops, men: should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Egyptian culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Women are not allowed to associate with men in public unless the women are accompanied by other family members. A woman can be charged with prostitution if she is found associating with a man who is not a relative. Restaurants have two sections: one for men only, and the family section where families, accompanied females and unaccompanied females are served.

LGBT

The laws of Saud Arabia prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted may face of several months to life imprisonment and fines. It's also illegal to be transgender. Transgender people travelling to Saudi Arabia are likely to face significant difficulties and risks LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Illegal or restricted activities

Imported and domestic audio-visual media and reading materials are censored in Saudi Arabia. It is forbidden to photograph official buildings (e.g. government, military institutions) and holy sites. Seek permission prior to photographing individuals.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required. If you are involved in an accident, do not disturb the scene until the traffic patrol arrives, do not make any financial arrangement with the other drivers. In a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, regardless of fault, drivers may be held for several days until responsibility is determined and restitution is made. If severe injuries or death occur, compensation may need to be paid to the victim's family for the injuries or loss of life.