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Passport validity requirements 

For entry into Saudi Arabia, 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.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You must get a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. The type of visa 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 electronic travel authorisation  

You can apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) if you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for: 

• tourism 

• business 

• study 

• medical treatment 

• Umrah (outside the Hajj season) 

An ETA is is valid for 730 days from the date of issue. 

Valid for multiple entries, but only 180 days in total across the 730 day period .

Apply for an ETA online before you travel. If you are travelling for Hajj, you must obtain a separate Hajj visa. See Pilgrimage for more information. 

An ETA does not include health insurance for your visit. Visas issued before the ETA was introduced will remain valid, in accordance with the conditions and dates on the visa when issued.

Applying for an e-visa 

You can apply for an e-visa if you are a tourist.

E-visas are: 

• valid for 365 days from the date of issue 
• valid for multiple entries, but only for 90 days in total across the 365 day period  

Apply for an e-visa online or when you arrive at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports.

An e-visa includes health insurance for your visit up to 100,000 Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR). Medical treatment in Saudi Arabia can be expensive, and you should consider taking out additional travel insurance to cover costs beyond 100,000 SAR.

You must get a separate visa for Hajj. See Pilgrimage.

Applying for an electronic visa waiver

Electronic visa waivers are for:

• tourism 
• business 
• medical treatment 
• study 
• Umrah (outside of Hajj season)

An electronic visa waiver allows you to enter Saudi Arabia once and stay for up to 180 days.

An electronic visa waiver does not include health insurance for your visit.  

Apply for an electronic visa waiver online at least 48 hours before your flight, 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.

Vaccine requirements  

To enter Saudi Arabia, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had a:

• yellow fever vaccine if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine if you’re a Hajj or Umrah pilgrim or a seasonal worker

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Saudi Arabia guide.

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. 

Items it’s illegal to import include:

• alcohol 
• pork and pork products 
• pornographic material 
• distillery equipment 
• weapons 
• narcotics 
• 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 
• books 
• electronic devices  

You may need special approval to bring some items such as:

• 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. 

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. 

Items it’s illegal to import include:

• alcohol 
• pork and pork products 
• pornographic material 
• distillery equipment 
• weapons 
• narcotics 
• 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 
• books 
• electronic devices  

You may need special approval to bring some items such as:

• 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. 

Emergency services in Saudi Arabia  

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police) 

If you do not have a Saudi SIM card, call 112 in an emergency. 

Reporting an incident in Saudi Arabia from the UK or another country 

Contact the Saudi Embassy in London or the Saudi Embassy in the country you are located. 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you’re involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you’re in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Saudi Arabia  
• dealing with a death in Saudi Arabia 
• being arrested or imprisoned in Saudi Arabia 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies 

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Saudi Arabia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel  

Saudi Arabia-Yemen border  

FCDO advises against:

• all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen 
• all but essential travel to areas between 10km and 80km from the border with Yemen, and extends to include the cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait in Aseer province

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Regional tensions

Since 13 July, the Houthis (a military group in Yemen) have launched missiles and drones targeting cities, airports, military and energy sites across Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu, as well as shipping in the Red Sea. Further attacks are possible. Follow Saudi Civil Defence alerts. See ‘Regional risks’ page.

British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruption, and should: 

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• refrain from capturing or sharing images of conflict-related incidents
• monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice. Exercise caution at transport infrastructure, including ports and airports.
• stay away from areas around oil infrastructure and military facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June 2026 in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook
• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences  

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and Islamic law is strictly enforced. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion so you do not cause offence. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK.  

You should avoid: 

• showing affection in public 
• swearing and rude gestures 
• playing loud music 
• making critical political statements or behaving in ways the Saudi authorities assess disrupt the public order

Penalties include fines, imprisonment and deportation. See Visit Saudi for information on behaviour.

Personal ID 

You must always carry ID. You can get a fine or prison sentence if you do not have any. 

If you’re a tourist, carry a copy of your passport and visa.  

If you live in Saudi Arabia, carry your residency card (‘Iqama’). Police also accept an electronic version of the Iqama on the Tawakkalna app and Absher.  

Ramadan  

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Ramadan in Saudi Arabia started on 18 February in 2026 and will last for 30 days. During this time, do not:  

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car  
• play loud music or dance  
• swear in public  

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.  

You should also:  

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants  
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens  
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time  
• be patient and show tolerance 

Dress code 

Men and women must wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the elbow and below the knees.

Avoid clothing that:      

• is tight-fitting
• has profane slogans or images
• has symbols or slogans that could be viewed as political and lead to arrest

Female travellers do not have to wear the traditional robe (‘abaya’) or cover their hair. See Visit Saudi for more information on dress codes. 

Religion 

It is illegal to practise any religion other than Islam. However, the Saudi authorities accept private practice of other religions.

It is illegal to try to convert people to another religion. You can bring other religious books for personal use. However, you may be prosecuted if you try to import large numbers of religious books. 

Alcohol laws and bans 

Do not bring alcohol into Saudi Arabia or arrive under the influence of alcohol. 

It is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Police have arrested British nationals for disorderly or offensive behaviour when drinking. You can face severe penalties, including prison, for brewing, possessing or selling  alcohol.

Illegal drugs penalties 

There is zero tolerance for drug offences in Saudi Arabia, and the penalties are severe. If you’re arrested for drug offences, you may have a long period of detention before trial. You can get a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of 30,000 Saudi riyals for possessing even small amounts. Drug dealing and smuggling can result in a death sentence.  

Sexual relations outside of marriage 

Sex outside of marriage and adultery are illegal, including for tourists. In the most serious circumstances (for example, those involving Saudi nationals) the penalties could include custodial sentences or deportation. There are special arrangements for visitors, and unmarried tourists may share hotel rooms. 

Pregnancy outside of marriage  

If you or your partner becomes pregnant outside marriage in Saudi Arabia, you could both face penalties including imprisonment and deportation. However, in practice, legal action is uncommon.  

Doctors may ask for proof of marriage during antenatal checks.  

To get a birth certificate from the Saudi authorities, you must provide a marriage certificate. The authorities may compare the date of the marriage against the estimated date of conception. 

If you’re an unmarried woman who gives birth in Saudi Arabia, you may have difficulties registering the birth of a child in Saudi Arabia. You could be arrested, imprisoned or deported.  

Filming, photography and other media restrictions  

It is illegal to film or photograph government buildings, diplomatic premises, military installations and palaces.

If you produce, transmit or distribute printed, digital, audio or video information, you must get permission from the General Authority of Media Regulation (GCAM) in advance. If you do not, you could get a large fine and a prison sentence. 

Only photograph local people if you have their consent. 

Public statements and criticism

It is illegal to say publicly anything that the Saudi authorities deem disruptive to public order. Avoid making comments verbally or on social media on the topics below:

• The King, Crown Prince or Royal Family
• the Saudi government or authorities, including the police
• Islam
• the country’s culture, beliefs and ways of public life
• issues that could be perceived as political, including wearing clothing with political slogans or carrying flags or banners, especially when performing Hajj and Umrah
• the situation in Israel and Palestine

Speaking publicly about these issues can be defined by the Saudi authorities as posing a threat to national security. Statements made on social media many years ago, or those published outside Saudi Arabia, may be taken into account. Punishment can include long custodial sentences. The legal processes around national security cases can be complex and slow. If you are detained, it may take some time for the Saudi authorities to grant permission for consular officials to visit you.

You’re likely to come under more scrutiny if you’re a British national who also: 

• carries Saudi citizenship
• has close Saudi relatives

Carrying 2 passports 

It is illegal to have 2 passports in your name in Saudi Arabia. Immigration authorities will take additional passports. You must leave Saudi Arabia using the passport you entered on. 

Legal system and due process 

The Saudi legal system differs from the UK, for example: 

• suspects can be held without charge during an investigation 
• suspects are not always allowed quick access to legal representation 

If you’re detained and need consular assistance, British Embassy staff will visit once they know about your case. In some cases, British Embassy staff have not been allowed to visit immediately or have had limited access. 

There is no legal aid in Saudi Arabia. You may want to hire a translator if you need to attend a criminal proceeding. Find a translator or interpreter in Saudi Arabia. 

Unpaid debts and other financial crimes 

You can get a fine, prison sentence or travel ban, or face deportation for financial crimes, including: 

• writing a cheque which bounces (including post-dated and ‘security cheques’)  
• not paying bills (for example hotel bills or car hire)  
• fraud and bribery

The Saudi authorities can also freeze your bank account or other assets. You may be liable for cheques you signed on behalf of a company. 

The Saudi authorities could: 

• prevent you from cancelling your residence permit
• stop you leaving the country
• block your government services
• not allow you to renew your residency card, re-entry visa or exit permits
• stop you transferring to a new employer (sponsor)
• use your end-of-service benefits to pay outstanding debts

Travel bans 

The Saudi authorities may stop you from leaving the country  for:

• unpaid debts
• ongoing commercial, financial or labour disputes
• legal cases
• investigations

If you’re under a travel ban,  you cannot leave the country, even if you’re a British national or dual British-Saudi national. They can take years to resolve. If you’re banned from travel, get legal advice.

Government bodies often keep passports for official purposes. Employers (sponsors) may try to hold onto your passport, but this is illegal.

Deportation 

If you’re found guilty of an offence and sentenced to over 3 months in prison, the Saudi authorities can deport you. Sometimes the authorities deport people with shorter sentences, regardless of whether the judgement included deportation. If you’re employed in Saudi Arabia, deportation will impact your employment and may affect your ability to return to Saudi Arabia in the future. 

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex relations are illegal, although legal action is uncommon. All couples should be aware of local customs and avoid showing affection in public. 

Visit Saudi says all visitors are welcome, are not required to disclose their personal information and will have their right to privacy respected.  

Being transgender is not recognised in Saudi Arabia. Transgender people could also face difficulties with dress codes and access to medical care.  

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.