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(Last updated: 16 Apr 2008)
Visas
There are no tourist visas issued
except for approved tour groups. No travel restrictions exist within
Saudi Arabia, except for the holy cities of Makkah and Medina that are
forbidden to non-Muslims.
It is essential to have a valid passport for at least six months
and a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. This must be obtained prior to
leaving Australia, as it is almost impossible to get one once you have
started travelling, even from Embassies in neighbouring Middle Eastern
countries. If your passport has an Israeli stamp, you will be denied
entry.
Ensure that you obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia prior to
leaving Australia – you will not be allowed to board an aircraft bound
for Saudi Arabia without one. All visitors have to be sponsored. The
visa process is lengthy and usually takes several months to process.
Visas are issued for:
- business and work purposes
- visiting close relatives
- transit and religious visits
Immigration in Saudi Arabia can be a lengthy process and thorough searches of luggage are conducted.
Arranging appointments with government bodies can be a lengthy
process in Saudi Arabia and advanced notification of a minimum of six
weeks should be given. If you are planning the visit the region, please
discuss dates and travel arrangements with Austrade Riyadh first to
ensure that your trip will be a successful and rewarding one.
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Saudi Arabia is a desert country with very high temperatures (up to
50°C) during the summer months (late June to mid- September). Coastal
areas have a high humidity level, whereas Riyadh in the centre of the
country is very dry. For the remainder of the year, the climate is
temperate with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C, although in
Riyadh they can drop to just above freezing point at night during
winter.
For weather details in Saudi Arabia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization. |
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Taxis/limousines are plentiful although not always clean and drivers
often speak little English. It is advisable to take transport from the
hotel whenever possible. In Riyadh, official taxis are white. Yellow
taxis at airports or in cities should be avoided. Always check that the
meter has been switched on at the start of a journey.
The journey from the airport to the city centre takes approximately 40 minutes and the taxi fare is around SR80.
There is also a daily train service between Riyadh and Dammam.
Car hire is also available, but should only be considered with a driver. Women are not allowed to drive.
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Hotels
Major hotel chains such as Sheraton, Intercontinental, Le Meridien,
and Holiday Inn serve the major cities and bookings can be made through
their respective websites. Alternatively, Austrade Riyadh will be happy
to assist with reservations at special rates or provide contact details. |
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Australian's planning to travel to, or who are in the Middle East,
are urged to exercise extreme caution, maintain a high level of
personal security awareness and monitor developments that may affect
their safety - through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's
(DFAT) current general travel advice and bulletins, the media, and the specific travel advice on Saudi Arabia also available at DFAT.
Individuals should take sensible precautions, dress and behave
conservatively, strictly observe Islamic customs and ensure that travel
documentation, including passports and any necessary visas, for
themselves and their dependents are valid and up-to-date.
It is recommended that Australians visiting the region register with the nearest Australian Embassy. To register online visit: www.orao.dfat.gov.au.
HealthVaccination certificates are not normally required, but visitors are advised to check with their local GP before travelling.
Medical services are available throughout Saudi Arabia and
physicians from all fields of medicine are available. Medicines and
drugs are easily available in pharmacies but occasionally prescriptions
with generic names are required since brand names differ from elsewhere. |
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Tipping is optional, though frequently expected. Many hotels and
restaurants include a service charge (15 per cent for accommodation).
There is a fixed charge of A$5 per bag for porters at the airport. |
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Time zones and time differences
Saudi Arabia is seven hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Riyadh, view the World Clock. |
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Dialling codes
Saudi Arabia's country code is 966.
For calls to Saudi Arabia from Australia dial: 0011 + 966 + area code + telephone number
For calls from Saudi Arabia to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
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Offices are open between 8.00am–2.00pm, Saturday to Wednesday. Some
companies may reopen for several hours in the evening and or Thursday
mornings.
Banks are open between 8.00am–noon, Saturday to Thursday, however, these hours are subject to prayer times.
Retailers close after noon prayer and reopen around 4.00pm–9.00pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Ministries are usually open between 8.30am–2.00pm, Saturday to Wednesday.
All public institutions close for prayer for about half an hour, five
times per day. Prayer times change as they are determined by the
position of the sun, but the following times gives some indication:
dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and about one-and-a-half hours
after sunset. |
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Public holidays
September 24 - Unification of the Kingdom |
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Electricity and water
Saudi Arabia’s power supply is 110 volts, 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires –
although it is common to find 220 volt outlets as well. The round
two-pin plugs are the most common. |
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Dining
There is a vast range of foods available in the major cities and most
of the major hotels offer buffet theme nights. Alcohol and pork
products are prohibited. Most restaurants are still divided into 'male
only' and 'family' sections. Restaurants do observe prayer times,
however, guests can remain in the restaurant.
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