1. INTRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHY
Section 4 of this Travel Report has been updated.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (capital: Riyadh) is located in the Middle East, bordering Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, the Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea. The official language is Arabic. The work week is from Saturday to Wednesday. Tourist facilities are well developed and modern.
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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
There is no Official Warning for this country.
Although there is no evidence to suggest specific targeting of Canadian citizens, Canadians in Saudi Arabia should take all possible security precautions and avoid large gatherings and crowded places. Particular security precautions should be exercised in shopping malls, markets, restaurants, pedestrian promenades, and other public areas frequented by foreigners. Canadians in Saudi Arabia should regularly review their circumstances to determine if their continued presence is warranted. If Canadians feel their personal safety is threatened, they should consider leaving the country.
Terrorists may continue to plan attacks against Westerners and Western interests in Saudi Arabia, including against oil and aviation interests and residential compounds. Terrorist incidents in Jeddah, Yanbu’ al Bahr, Khobar, and Riyadh in 2003 and 2004 resulted in the deaths of a number of expatriates, including one Canadian. In February 2006, terrorists attacked an oil-processing centre in Abqaiq, detonating two car bombs. There have also been occasional gun battles between Saudi security forces and terrorists. While the security situation has been more stable recently due to successful operations by Saudi authorities, residents of compounds in urban centres such as Jeddah, Riyadh, and Khobar should remain especially vigilant. Throughout the country, Canadians should monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.
Identification documents must be carried at all times. Visitors are advised to leave their passports in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes.
Prior to accepting a job offer or signing a contract, you should carefully examine and fully understand all conditions, and ensure that oral understandings are included in the contract. Seek legal advice from a Canadian or Saudi lawyer before signing. A list of local lawyers is available from the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh. Canadians working as teachers in Saudi Arabia should not discuss political or religious issues with students or school employees. The Department publishes a guide entitled Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze.
Women are not allowed to drive cars or to ride bicycles. Dancing, music, and movies are prohibited. Women and men are not allowed to mingle in public unless 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. Women and children need the permission of a male relative to depart Saudi Arabia.
The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.
The crime rate is low. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, especially in crowded areas and holy sites. The Mutawa (the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, also known as the Religious Police) and private Saudi citizens may harass, pursue, or assault foreigners who are perceived as disregarding the strict Saudi conduct standards. If approached by the Mutawa, Canadian citizens should cooperate and follow their directions. Do not hand over identification papers, but offer to go to the nearest police station. Inform sponsors if papers are not returned at once.
Avoid leaving vehicles unattended. When doing so, carefully inspect both the exterior and interior upon return to detect any attached devices or suspect packages nearby. Treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. If you notice anything unusual, contact your sponsor or call the Saudi police immediately by dialing 999. Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by the Saudi authorities.
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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Saudi authorities and was valid on October 18, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Saudi Arabia. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa obtained at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa, or the nearest embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia if residing in a foreign country, prior to departure. It is illegal to be in possession of two passports in Saudi Arabia; as a result the second passport may be confiscated by immigration authorities.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Visa applications must be sponsored by a Saudi citizen, company, or organization. Upon arrival, foreign residents are required to surrender their passports to their sponsor and obtain a residency card (iqama). Women visitors and residents are required to be met by their sponsors upon arrival. Failure to do so could result in long delays or denial of entry. Foreign residents must apply for an exit/entry visa each time they wish to leave the Kingdom, for which the sponsor's approval is necessary (the Canadian Embassy cannot intercede on entry or exit visa issues). All foreigners applying for a work or residence permit must produce an HIV test certificate and proof of a criminal background check.
Canadians planning to work should ensure that all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in their contract and fully understood. In case of a dispute, a Saudi complainant may prevent a foreigner from leaving the Kingdom until the dispute is settled. Advance consultation with a law firm resident in the Kingdom is recommended to reduce risks in that regard, and to determine what recovery action may be warranted. The Embassy maintains a list of lawyers.
Hajj or Umrah visas are required for visiting pilgrims. These visas are valid for travel only in the vicinities of Jeddah, Mecca and Medina and for travel between these cities. Pilgrims must bring proof of vaccination against the A and C strains of meningitis. Travel to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina is forbidden to non-Muslims.
Canadians have been denied entry into Saudi Arabia because their passports bore: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).
Residents of Saudi Arabia may not depart the country without obtaining an exit permit prior to leaving and an exit/re-entry permit if they intend to return to Saudi Arabia. One-time visitors on a single-entry visa do not need an exit permit. The Saudi sponsor's approval is required for these permits. A married woman must have her husband's approval to receive an exit permit. The father must approve the departure of any children. The Embassy of Canada and the Consulate of Canada cannot sponsor private Canadian citizens for an exit permit under any circumstances.
Proof of polio vaccination is required for all travellers under the age of 15 if arriving from an infected area.
Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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5. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:
Saudi Arabia - RIYADH, Embassy of Canada
Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
Postal Address: P.O. Box 94321, Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia - RIYADH
Tel.: 966 (1) 488-2288
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 800-814-0139
Fax: 966 (1) 488-1997
E-Mail: ryadh@international.gc.ca
Saudi Arabia - JEDDAH, Consulate of Canada
Address: Ali Reza Tower, 11th Floor, Medinah Road, Jeddah
Postal Address: P.O. Box 9484, Jeddah, 21413, Saudi Arabia - JEDDAH
Tel.: 966 (2) 653-0597, 653-0434
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 800-814-0139
Fax: 966 (2) 653-0538
E-Mail: canada.consulate.jeddah@nazergroup.com
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 800-814-0139.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. The Saudi judicial system is based on Sharia law. The legal process may be slow and cumbersome.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.
Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol, pork, illegal drugs or products containing their ingredients are severe. Saudi authorities practise zero tolerance and make no distinction with respect to soft or hard drugs, and using or trafficking. Drug offenders are regularly sentenced to death. The importation, use, or possession of any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam is also prohibited. The observance and practice of other religions is forbidden, as well as the import and use of associated religious books and materials, the importation of pornographic materials, and the possession of weapons. Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading materials are censored.
Saudi Arabia is a traditional, conservative monarchy. Islam is the official religion and its precepts regulate all areas of daily life. Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Women should observe the strict Saudi dress code and wear conservative and loose-fitting clothes, including a full-length cloak (abbaya) and a head scarf. It is illegal for women to drive. Men should not wear shorts in public or go without a shirt. In order to avoid the Mutawa's attention upon arrival, visitors should seek guidance concerning acceptable clothing.
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 13, 2007.
Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.
The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
Homosexuality is a criminal offence. Those convicted may be sentenced to lashing, a prison sentence, and/or death. Canadians who are involved in incidents involving the Mutawa should report them to the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh.
Canadians residing in the Kingdom must keep their iqama (residency permit) in their possession at all times.
Canadians intending to conduct business should obtain the services of an independent Saudi-based lawyer, and ensure translation of all documents, especially the contract, in order to be fully aware of all conditions, limits, and terms. If in doubt, seek advice from a lawyer in Canada.
Photography of government buildings, military institutions and palaces is prohibited.
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7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY
Poor driving habits, complete disregard for traffic laws and roads markings, and excessive speed are common causes of accidents. If involved in an accident, contact the local authorities at 993. The scene of the accident must be left untouched until the traffic patrol arrives. In the event of traffic accidents resulting in personal injury, regardless of fault, drivers may be held for several days until responsibility is determined and restitution made. Those involved should immediately contact their sponsor and the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate of Canada in Jeddah.
Canadians are reminded that they should not travel to Iraq under any circumstances (see our Travel Report for Iraq for further information).
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
The currency is the Saudi Arabian rial (SAR). Credit cards and traveller's cheques are widely accepted.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Saudi Arabia's terrain is varied but on the whole fairly barren and harsh, with salt flats, gravel plains, and sand dunes but few lakes or permanent streams. It consists primarily of semi-desert and desert with oases and there are great extremes of temperature. In the south is the Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest sand desert in the world. Most of the western part of Saudi Arabia is plateau; the east is lowland, while the southwest has mountains as high as 3,000 metres. Saudi Arabia is one of the driest countries in the world, with rainfall averaging less than 127 mm per year. Marked seasons, in the European or North American sense, do not exist.
The shamal, sand-laden winds from the northern deserts, is most frequent in early summer and can blow for days at 40-48 km an hour, creating severe driving conditions.
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9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Physicians and hospitals may ask for immediate cash payment for medical care. You should always carry your doctor's prescription for any medical supplies.
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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Returning to Canada
Traveller's Checklist
Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.
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12. ANNEX
Saudi Arabia Security Situation – An Assessment for Canadian Business Visitors
1. A number of Canadian companies currently do business in Saudi Arabia, and the country is our most important market in the Gulf region. Despite security incidents over the past few years, many foreign businesses have remained active in the Kingdom. The hydrocarbons industry and its support industries have long been the mainstay of the Saudi Arabian economy, and the sector offers opportunities for Canadian trade, investment, joint ventures and technology transfer. There are opportunities in many other sectors as well.
2. The security situation in Saudi Arabia presents risks for visitors, as well as for both Saudi Arabian and foreign residents. Effective security measures are warranted for Canadians establishing a business in Saudi Arabia. The security threat to personnel and physical assets comes primarily from terrorist elements. While the Saudi authorities have recently met with a high degree of success in combating terrorist attacks, the overall situation remains unpredictable and the threat remains real.
3. Canadian and other foreign companies present in Saudi Arabia generally seek advice both from their embassies and from other long-established companies and organizations as to the current security climate and its implications for living and working in the country. Many foreign business visitors stay in hotels. Housing in the cities is normally in large compounds surrounded by high concrete walls with security guards, an armed military presence and a high degree of security protection. Public transportation is poor. For daily travel, using the services of a driver is recommended. Local business contacts may offer the use of their company drivers. Using taxis is also an option. Hiring a car and driving yourself is not recommended. While road conditions in the cities are good and road patterns are not complicated, local driving habits can be dangerous and traffic accidents are common.
4. Telephone coverage, including cellular service, is excellent. Canadian cellular phones will not work in Saudi Arabia unless they can operate under the "GSM" standard. Most foreigners and Saudi Arabian business persons carry cellular phones. The use of global satellite sets should be considered, particularly when travelling outside the major cities.
5. Several local and foreign security agencies offer a range of advisory and protection services as well as hardware options that are being used successfully by Saudi Arabian and foreign companies to protect both personnel and company assets. The Saudi Arabian military also provides security for many of the petroleum sites in the Kingdom as well as for expatriate compounds and prominent foreign businesses.
6. Saudi Arabia is a rapidly developing country and offers significant commercial opportunities. The challenge for foreigners visiting, living or working in Saudi Arabia is to balance these commercial opportunities with a common-sense approach to personal security.
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