Saudi Arabia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 for emergencies
• Dial 999 for police
• Dial 996 for traffic police
• Dial 997 for ambulance
• Dial 998 for fire
• Dial 1919 for toll-free domestic violence hotline
• Dial 116111 for child abuse hotline

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorist groups and individuals continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, concerts,  demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship, including Sunni and Shia religious sites and non-Muslim gatherings
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• U.S. businesses and U.S. educational institutions
• Public transportation (subways, trains, and commercial flights)
• Local government facilities
• Other places frequented by U.S. citizens and foreigners
• Review the Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory for more information about terrorism risks.

Demonstrations

• Public demonstrations are not common because they are generally illegal in Saudi Arabia.  Please review sections on Free Speech. Avoid any demonstrations if you do encounter them.

Crime

Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased in recent years but crime rates remain generally low:  

• Stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight and secure.
• Don’t travel alone, if possible.
• Some people may harass, follow, or even assault you if they think you are not following local standards for dress or behavior.
• Even when released from detention, witnesses to crimes may be prohibited from leaving the country until investigations are complete.
• Criminal cases may carry severe penalties.  For example, buying or selling drugs is punishable by death.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

• Beware of scams related to Hajj or Umrah visas or tours.
• Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a “romantic” relationship online or claim local authorities want money.
• Scams often begin through online posts, emails or letters.  
• Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Requests for money transfers

If using dating apps or websites in Saudi Arabia:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault, including gay and lesbian travelers.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (on which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments, private vehicles, or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family.  Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.
• Having same-sex dating apps on your phone may lead to increased scrutiny or accusations.
• Public displays of affection may be criminalized.
• Casual or out-of-wedlock sexual relations, or the appearance of these relationships, are also criminalized.
• Please also see our social media section for more information

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crime by dialing 999. You may also notify the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or one of the consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy before contacting local law enforcement for assistance. Dial 911 in an emergency.

• Some victims of sexual assault have been detained and accused of having out-of-wedlock relations.
• Be aware that filing a police report or using local victim assistance services may lead to local authorities sharing your private information, including with your visa sponsor, parent, spouse, or guardian.
• Document any injuries and get a copy of any medical reports.
• It is important to get a case reference number when contacting local authorities. All local legal and social services assistance is tied to this case number.
• Residents who have access to the “Absher” platform can utilize an app called كلنا أمن (Kuluna Amen). This is an easier process to report incidents with photo and video evidence.
• Dial 1919 to contact the Saudi National Domestic Violence office of the Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development, which runs a network of shelters for women and children. This line is the only way to access these shelters.
• Dial 116111 for the Saudi National Family Safety Program. They run a helpline to assist children in accessing Saudi social services.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Review Saudi restrictions in the Social Media section.
• Your electronic devices may be taken by police and their contents can be used against you in criminal investigations.
• Satellite phones are only allowed with service from a licensed provider in Saudi Arabia.
• Hand-held radio transmitters, like walkie-talkies and HAM radios, may be illegal without government approval.
• Drones are generally illegal. Visit the General Authority for Civil Aviation for information about specific restrictions and options for drone importation and use in Saudi Arabia.

Photography

Be careful when taking pictures in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens have been detained for breaking laws related to photography:

• It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings and other sites, including military bases, embassies, and consulates.
• Do not photograph police and military or security personnel. It is illegal.
• The government is sensitive to any images of people or places in Saudi Arabia that could be interpreted negatively. This includes photos of people in public, scenes showing poverty, local religious sites like mosques, and traditional markets or “souks.”
• Never photograph women in public or places where women gather.
• Always get clear consent before taking anyone’s picture.
• Be mindful of the feelings of local people, who dislike being photographed by strangers, when you take photos of anything even close to them in public.  This includes documenting accidents.
• Using hidden cameras or live streaming in public may lead to arrest and criminal charges.
• Binoculars and cameras with long or telephoto lenses may require a license.
• Commercial photography and filmmaking always require official permits.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas outside of major cities in cases of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Crimes related to drugs and alcohol

• Penalties for using, possessing, making, and buying or selling alcohol and drugs in Saudi Arabia are severe. This includes marijuana and related products, even if ordered from online retailers through the mail.
• Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, public beatings, deportation, and even the death penalty.

Freedom of information

• There are strict limitations on speech and political expression in Saudi Arabia, including in online forums and on social media.  For additional information, review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Saudi Arabia.

Dual citizenship

Saudi Arabia generally does not recognize dual nationality for Saudi citizens.

• Saudi citizens must obtain permission from the Saudi government before obtaining a second nationality.
• Saudi authorities have confiscated passports of U.S. citizens applying for Saudi citizenship. This does not impact your U.S. citizenship. If this happens to you or someone you know, report the incident to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

If you can access a phone while detained, you may wish to consider filling out and submitting a Privacy Act Written Consent (DS-5505) form and emailing it to the Consular Section. Once in prison, the DS-5505 is very difficult to get during consular prison visits. Consular emails are listed at the end of this site under Embassy and Consular sections.

• In all cases, if you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy.
• If you are detained, if may be faster to contact your family or a lawyer and ask them to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate about your arrest. This is important because official notifications often face delays.
• Official notification of an arrest of a U.S. citizen by the Saudi government may take several weeks or months.
• After the U.S. embassy or consulate receives the official notification, it may take weeks for the Saudi government to allow us to visit the U.S. citizen.
• If you don’t enter Saudi Arabia with your U.S. passport, the U.S. embassy may not be able to visit or communicate with you if you are detained.
• People detained in Saudi Arabia may be held without charges for long periods. They may be denied access to a lawyer.
• Dual U.S./Saudi citizens may not be permitted to have U.S. consular assistance.
• Review the Embassy’s arrest webpage for further information and a list of lawyers you may consider.

Detention conditions

• A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.
• Detainees in Saudi Arabia often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications.
• Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.
• Medications may only be available to long-term prisoners. Long-term prisoners usually receive some medical care, but it may fall short of U.S. standards.
• Special diets may not be available. Long-term prisoners may have more options, but it depends on the prison. Even if required for health reasons, the food may not meet quality or special diet standards.
• Prison facilities are generally safe and clean, but experiences may vary by location.
• Multiple prisoners often share large cells.
• Not all prisoners will have jobs or access to reading material or TV.
• Short-term facilities are often basic. There may not be bathing facilities.
• Prisoners may have to sleep with the lights on.
• Communication is highly restricted while in detention in Saudi Arabia. Some prisoners get weekly calls, while others have no way to communicate outside the prison.
• Access to a lawyer may be nearly impossible for many detainees, even though it is allowed. Some prisoners may have no legal representation. The U.S. embassy cannot provide legal advice or representation.
• Islamic religious services are generally available, but other religious services are not.
• Family visits may be possible, but family members often must request access through a lawyer or online. Families living outside of Saudi Arabia may have more difficulty visiting.
• U.S. Consular Officers will always attempt to obtain a Written Consent to Release of Personal Information (DS-5505) from incarcerated or detained U.S. citizens.  However, this is often difficult due to the glass partitions and other Saudi authority restrictions.

Social media and political activity

Current and past social media activity may lead to your arrest in Saudi Arabia. Local authorities have detained U.S. citizens for social media activity they consider critical, offensive, or disruptive to the public order.

• U.S. citizens have faced arrest for social media activity and comments, even posts made outside of Saudi Arabia or made years before arriving. This includes posting, reposting, or liking comments that may be critical of policies, public life, institutions, or religion in Saudi Arabia.
• Detentions have also occurred based on social media activity seen as critical of foreign governments, including the United States.
• Saudi laws on cybercrime and terrorism are used to prosecute these cases. Penalties may include prison sentences of up to 45 years. Saudi courts often do not consider when or where social media was used.
• Protests and demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia.
• All political statements, slogans, symbols, and messaging not related to religious Islam are not allowed at holy sites in Mecca and Medina.  Violations can lead to arrest, criminal charges, and exit bans.

Faith-based travelers

Islam is the only official religion in Saudi Arabia. Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work.

• Saudi authorities do not allow any criticism of Islam or Muslim religious figures, including on social media.
• The public practice of religions other than Islam is not allowed. Non-Muslims suspected of violating these restrictions recently have been jailed or deported.
• Police have raided church services in private homes and detained and deported participants in recent years.
• Muslims who do not follow a strict interpretation of Islam may face discrimination and limits on public worship in Saudi Arabia.
• Public display of non-Islamic religious items, such as crosses and bibles, is generally not permitted.
• Proselytizing (trying to change the religion of other people) and sharing religious literature is not allowed and may result in long prison sentences.
• Apostasy or conversion from Islam can have severe legal consequences in Saudi Arabia.
• Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the city of Mecca at any time.
• Non-Muslims are permitted to visit Medina but are not allowed to enter Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque) or its immediate surrounding area.

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel with these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Hajj and Umrah Information
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports
• Review our Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet for gaining permissions to perform the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages before travel to Saudi Arabia. 

Clothing and public behavior

Clothing norms in Saudi Arabia are extremely conservative. Although some rules have relaxed and the religious police have been disbanded, enforcement varies across the country:

• Most women wear a full-length covering known as an “abaya” throughout Saudi Arabia, especially in Riyadh and central Saudi Arabia.
• Women in conservative areas often cover their hair with a “hijab,” and many also cover their faces with a “niqab.”
• Tourists should dress modestly in public.
• Do not wear tight clothes or any clothing with offensive language or images.
• Women should cover shoulders and knees, even though they may not have to wear “abayas” or cover their hair.
• Men should always wear shirts. Going shirtless is not acceptable. 
• Men may be denied entry to public spaces if they are wearing shorts.
• In 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced a “public decency law” related to men’s and women’s clothing. Loose-fitting clothing that covers the elbows and ankles is recommended for all.
• Police, guards, and people in public may make negative comments to you about your clothing. Visit the Saudi Arabia’s tourism website for more information.
• Saudi Arabia has many art exhibits and performance venues, like movie theaters and concerts, but the country is still very socially conservative about the arts and media entertainment.

Marriage

The Ministry of Justice provides guidance on marriages in Saudi Arabia:

• Marrying a Saudi citizen is a complicated legal process for foreigners. Consult Saudi authorities or legal experts to meet all requirements.
• Saudi citizens need government approval to marry when outside Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi citizens may face problems when marrying a U.S. citizen without Saudi government approval. This may affect the couple’s legal marital status, children, residency, and visa applications.
• Some U.S. citizens and their children have had problems in Saudi Arabia because a marriage to a Saudi citizen was not registered correctly with Saudi authorities. This can affect marriage recognition, children’s status, residency, and visa applications.
• A long process exists for seeking forgiveness to recognize an unregistered Saudi marriage overseas. It’s best to consult Saudi authorities, visit a Saudi embassy or consulate overseas, or speak with Saudi legal experts to meet all Saudi marital requirements.
• Unmarried foreign couples are allowed to share hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi and dual Saudi/U.S. nationals must show proof of marriage.
• Same-sex marriage is illegal in Saudi Arabia.
• Foreign same-sex marriages are not recognized in Saudi Arabia.
• Hospitals and prisons may deny marital rights to married same-sex couples.

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Saudi Arabia:

• Online dating apps and social media may be monitored by local authorities.
• You may be punished for engaging in, discussing, or supporting same-sex sexual relations, including on social media, even if posted before you travelled to Saudi Arabia.
• Penalties include fines, jail time, and death.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Children and parental custody

Families with custodial concerns are recommended to consult with a lawyer before travelling to the jurisdiction of Saudi Arabia.  

• Saudi citizen children need their father’s consent to apply for a Saudi passport and permission to depart Saudi Arabia until they turn 21. This is true even with most forms of custody agreements or court orders issued in Saudi Arabia.
• Dual U.S.-Saudi citizen children visiting their fathers in Saudi Arabia cannot leave without their father’s consent, even if they are U.S. citizens. Saudi citizens must enter and depart Saudi Arabia with a Saudi passport. The U.S. embassy is unable to help with exit visas in these cases.
• Everyone with a Saudi residency permit (iqama) needs sponsor permission to leave the country. For children, the sponsor is usually the father, or mother in some cases.
• In cases of divorce, Saudi courts rarely allow the foreign parent to take children out of the country, even if that parent has “physical custody.”
• Out-of-wedlock pregnancy in Saudi Arabia may lead to imprisonment or deportation. Doctors may ask for proof of marriage when providing prenatal care in Saudi Arabia or even for medical care after the birth of the baby.
• Unmarried women giving birth in Saudi Arabia may struggle to register their child's birth.
• Authorities may scrutinize couples’ dates of marriage and estimated conception, and detain, imprison, or deport mothers suspected of out-of-wedlock pregnancy.
• Foreign mothers of Saudi children who are divorced or widowed may apply for permanent residency without a sponsor. But they must prove maternity and have been legally married to the Saudi father.
• A recent change in Saudi Family Law allows custodial parents to travel internationally with children for up to 90 days. However, they must enforce this in court, and the Saudi parent can still deny access to passports, preventing departure.

Women residents and travelers

• Forced marriage is a concern for Saudi citizens and foreigners in Saudi Arabia. If you’re a victim, contact the U.S. embassy or consulates.
• Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) may occur in Saudi Arabia. While illegal in many countries, it is not banned in Saudi Arabia. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulates for assistance. Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Current laws state that non-Saudi women can enter and exit the country without restrictions, regardless of marital status.
• Married Saudi women can also travel without a male guardian's permission, although experiences may vary by family.
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Customs and prohibited items

• Pork, alcohol, drugs, some prescription medications, weapons, non-Islamic religious items, and pornography are illegal in Saudi Arabia. Customs officials enforce these laws very strictly.
• Authorities may use blood or other drug tests to check travelers for drugs and illegal substances. You may be detained even for prior drug use outside of Saudi Arabia.
• Any item considered “immoral” under Islam may be illegal in Saudi Arabia.
• Penalties for crimes related to alcohol and drugs are severe, including import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs or paraphernalia. Convicted offenders can include long jail sentences, heavy fines, public beatings, and deportation. Drug crimes can lead to the death penalty.
• Local authorities censor all media and reading materials based on government morality standards. Unlicensed media may be illegal.
• Any items related to sexual topics or same-sex sexual relations, like shirts, buttons, or flags, may be seized and may lead to your detention or additional questioning.
• Your electronic devices may be searched at any time.
• Lasers, eavesdropping devices, and radar/speed detectors are illegal.
• Please review the Department’s Customs Information page and the Saudi list of Restricted or Prohibited goods.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

• Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.
• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Importing pets

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia.

• Please review U.S. Department of Agriculture site.
• Please review additional information on taking a pet overseas.

Working in Saudi Arabia

Foreigners must have the correct visa to work in Saudi Arabia.

• You cannot work on a tourist or religious visa.
• The Arabic text of an employment or business contract is most important.
• Verbal agreements and other non-Arabic documents may not be legal.
• Courts may only use the Arabic version of a contract to settle disputes.
• Sponsors have many powerful roles and responsibilities for foreign employees and their dependents, including for residence permits.
• All foreign residents must obtain a Saudi residence permit, or “iqama,” and are legally required to always carry it.
• The U.S. embassy does not sponsor private U.S. citizens for Saudi visas.
• Sponsors may force foreign workers to surrender their passports. This is illegal and should be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
• Any disagreement or dispute with your sponsor may prevent you from leaving Saudi Arabia for months or years. Sponsors are involved with the permission of exit visas of their foreign employees.
• To switch sponsors, the foreign worker’s new sponsor must complete an online process.
• Labor unions and other employee associations are illegal in Saudi Arabia.
• The U.S. embassy and consulates cannot settle labor or business disputes and we don’t provide translation or legal services.
• We can provide a list of local lawyers who may be able to help you resolve employment or other disputes .
• For more information about employment in Saudi Arabia, visit the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s website.

Students

• Review our information on Students Abroad.

Teaching in Saudi Arabia

Always research potential schools and employers and carefully review employment offers:

• All foreign teachers must have a work visa before coming to Saudi Arabia.
• The U.S. embassy or consulates cannot help you if you break local employment laws.
• Some foreign teachers, including those teaching English, have had these problems:
  • Firing without cause or warning
  • Contract disagreements and disputes
  • Difficult living conditions
  • Unpaid wages
  • Involuntary job changes or reassignments
  • Restrictions on travel in or out of Saudi Arabia
  • Exit bans

Human rights

Individual freedoms related to speech, religion or belief, and peaceful assembly may not be protected in Saudi Arabia.

• Journalists and media producers may face censorship, arrest, and prosecution for publishing content that is deemed illegal in Saudi Arabia.
• Review the Social Media and the Faith-Based Traveler sections.
• Review our page on Journalism abroad.
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Saudi Arabia prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and provides some rights for access. The laws are not well enforced. 
• Newer commercial and government buildings have accessibility features.
• There are numerous government-sponsored centers for people with physical disabilities.
• Saudi Arabia has limited infrastructure to care for those with mental disabilities or mental health issues.
• Public awareness of mental health issues is still limited. Travelers with mental health conditions have been arrested and detained for misunderstood public behavior, despite clear medical evidence given to authorities.
• Review our information on Travelers with Accessibility Needs.

Health

Health resources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Saudi Arabia Traveler information provides destination-specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendation.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Saudi Ministry of Health
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 911 for general emergencies
• Dial 937 for emergency medical services
• Dial 997 for ambulance

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not present or they are unreliable in most areas except large urban areas.
• They may not be staffed with trained paramedics.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad nor medical evacuations.
• U.S. veterans should understand limits of overseas medical coverage.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept foreign or U.S. health insurance.
• Hospitals often need payment up-front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Most care providers in Saudi Arabia accept cash or credit card payments. 
• Medical care is not free in Saudi Arabia. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment for medical bills can result in an exit ban and keep you from leaving Saudi Arabia or bar future travel to Saudi Arabia.
• If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to understand your policy and coverage.
• Local insurance may have exclusions that are not common in the United States. For example, some local policies may not cover you in accidents related to adventure sports, like riding in desert vehicles. This is a popular activity for tourists in Saudi Arabia.

Vaccinations

• Yellow fever vaccine is required if you are coming from designated countries by the World Health Organization, WHO. You must get the vaccine 10 days prior to travel.
• Meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine is required for Hajj and Umrah travelers and seasonal workers.
• Vaccinations are required for certain types of visas.
• Review the CDC page about Hajj or Umra vaccination requirements.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Medical care in Saudi Arabia varies in quality. Medical care mistakes and malpractice have occurred. Consult your doctor if you are considering medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

• Health facilities are available in all major cities in Saudi Arabia. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• You may need to travel to major cities for critical treatment.
• Mental health clinics, counselors, and psychiatric care that prescribes counseling or medication are limited, even in larger cities.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a local resources list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak English, but abilities vary widely.

Prescription medications

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

Many common prescriptions require special authorization before you travel to or from Saudi Arabia:

• Check the list of restricted medications.
• This special authorization may take several weeks.
• Carry a printed copy of your special authorization approval and documentation.
• Saudi Arabia does not allow the importation of marijuana or CBD products, even if prescribed by a medical provider.
• If a blood test in Saudi Arabia detects illicit substances consumed before traveling, you can still be arrested.
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Bring enough medicine for your stay and bring it in your carry-on luggage.
• Consult your regular doctors, before traveling, if you are not permitted to bring any vital medications on your trip.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Tap water has been desalinated from ocean water, so it still may contain higher salinity than regular drinking water.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Water from oases and other public spaces is not safe to drink. It is typically recycled water that is not potable.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.
• Uncooked vegetables and fruits may be safe to eat if purchased from a reputable vendor.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in Saudi Arabia. Sand, dust, and other pollutants are common.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Saudi Arabia.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Driving in Saudi Arabia can be dangerous due to speeding, aggressive driving, lax enforcement of traffic laws, and a high volume of traffic, especially in major cities.

• Roads and highways are well built, and signs are in Arabic and English.
• Always drive defensively.
• Stay away from aggressive drivers and avoid road rage.
• Don’t drive at night in areas outside Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran.
•  Rental cars may not be available outside Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran.
• Pedestrian sidewalks and bicycle lanes are not common.
• Review the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior website for further information.
• Risks outside cities include:
  • No street lighting
  • Animals on the road
  • Criminals targeting drivers.

Traffic laws

• All drivers and passengers in the front seat must wear seat belts.
• With a valid tourist visa and U.S. or international driver’s license, visitors may drive a rental car for the duration of their visa validity.
• Women are allowed to get a driver’s license and can legally drive in Saudi Arabia.
• Most foreigners with residency permits need a Saudi driver’s license to drive or rent a car.  Contact the Department of Traffic Police.
• Residents with independent sponsorships and a U.S. or international driver’s license may also obtain a Saudi driver’s license.
• Dependents of foreign residents may not be able to get a Saudi driver’s license.
• To drive vehicles other than rental cars, you must have a Saudi driver’s license, car registration, and auto insurance. Police may detain you if you don’t have these documents. Check with your insurance company to see if they provide coverage in Saudi Arabia.
• Drivers may receive traffic violation notification by text to the phone number linked to their Absher account. Violations can also be checked through the Saudi MOI’s Absher website.  
• If you don’t pay traffic tickets on time, police may double your fine.
• Travelers need to pay traffic fines before leaving the country.
• Dial 993 to report a traffic accident:
  • Stay at the scene until the traffic police arrive. If you leave, you could be detained or fined.
  • Contact Najm by dialing +966-9200-00560. This is a private company contracted by the traffic police to complete an accident report.
  • If anyone is injured in a traffic accident, all people involved may be taken to the local police station.
  • All drivers, regardless of fault, may be detained for several days until the investigation is complete and the accident is resolved.
  • If you are involved in an accident that results in injury or death, immediately contact your sponsor and the U.S. embassy.
  • Don’t take photos of other drivers, other vehicles, or officers at the scene of an accident. It may be illegal. Follow guidance from traffic police for collecting photos for your insurance company.

Taxis and ride-shares

• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to take taxis in Saudi Arabia due to safety risks. They are allowed to use the ride-share apps Uber and Careem.
• Ride-share apps are widely used in Saudi Arabia.
• Service is available in major cities, but drivers may drive dangerously and aggressively.
• Do not sit in the front seat.
• Do not travel to unfamiliar areas.
• Do not share rides with unknown passengers.

Public and commercial transportation

• Public transportation is growing in Saudi Arabia. The new Riyadh metro offers extensive service.
• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to take public buses in Saudi Arabia due to safety risks. They are only allowed to take bus 939.
• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are allowed to ride on the Riyadh metro and on the Saudi Arabia rail system.  
• Train service and commercial flights are generally reliable.
• Review our information on Road Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

• On October 11, 2018, the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation issued an ongoing Notice to Airmen about threats to civil aviation and airports in Saudi Arabia posed by missiles and UASs launched from Yemen.
• Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an ongoing advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) in 2020.
• For more information U.S. citizens should consult the NOTAM for Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman and the NOTAM for the Red Sea near Yemen.

Maritime Travel

Armed groups have attacked ships in coastal waters near Saudi Arabia. Attackers have used missiles, drones, and other weapons to damage, seize, and board vessels in the Red Sea since October 2023. Travelers should take appropriate precautions.

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Saudi Arabia should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories 
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Sandstorms and dust storms

• Occur mostly March to August.
• These storms reduce visibility and impact air quality.
• The Saudi National Center for Meteorology (NCM) provides real-time weather updates and warnings.
• Hospitals and clinics can assist you with respiratory issues caused by dust exposure.
• Travelers should carry protective gear, like masks and goggles, during the storm season.

Flash floods

• Occur mostly November to February.
• Rainfall is rare, but floods occur when heavy rain fills dry riverbeds, or “wadi,” and city drainage systems.
• Flash floods can occur without warning and affect lower-lying areas, even when it is not raining in your location.
• Flash floods can damage property and transportation, disrupt travel, and injure or kill people. 

Extreme heatwaves

• Occur between June to September.
• Summer temperatures can exceed 122°F (50°C).
• Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and death.
• Heatwaves may cause power outages due to increased air conditioning use.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living Abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Understand civil documents in Saudi Arabia.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.