Respecting local customs, traditions, and guidelines is essential for a respectful and enjoyable travel experience. Visitors should familiarize themselves with cultural norms, dress codes, and etiquette practices specific to the destination. Showing consideration for local customs demonstrates respect for the host culture and fosters positive interactions with locals.
A valid passport for at least 6 months is required to enter Saudi Arabia.
Passport Note: To enter Saudi Arabia, those who are bearing Israeli stamps and are from Israeli birthplace are refused entry Visa.
It is mandatory to comply with Saudi conventions and norms of dress and behaviour. Those who do not follow these rules or are seen intoxicated or displaying objectionable behaviour in public will be deported.
There are certain rules and regulations for the pilgrims that enter Saudi Arabia. One can contact the consular section at Embassy for further information. The gist of the guidelines is discussed below:-
Under-aged children and women should be having a Mehram as a companion. (Mehram means a close family member). Women who have no one as the companion should be met at the airport by their husband or Mehram and should have confirmed onward reservation to the final destination in Saudi Arabia.
Visas are must required by all the travellers except those passengers who stay for less than 18 hours. Although Hajj Visas are free for services in Mecca and Medina.
VISA NOTE: The pilgrim (Umrah) VISA could only be fetched through an authorised ‘Umrah Agency’ which has been appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One can check with the embassy for a list of appointed agents. Administrative fees may apply and further requirement for Umrah applications must be received through an authentic travel agent. A number of endorsed agencies are available on the embassy website.
Transit travellers who stay in the Jeddah Islamic Airport or Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina for more than 24 hours can perform Umrah or visit a holy destination on the pretext that they must hold a valid agreement with one of the appointed Umrah agencies.
The Validity of the Visa starts from the date of the issue of the Visa. The period starts from the first day of entry into Saudi Arabia within the valid dates of Visa. Be cautious enough not to stay more than the permissive period of stay, as overstaying may be a serious concern.