SAUDI ARABIA TRAVEL SAFETY GUIDE

Transcription

1 SAUDI ARABIA TRAVEL SAFETY GUIDE

2 Contents Contents... Error! Marcador no definido. 1. Last Minute Administrative Requirements Documents Vaccinations Currency Security conditions Terrorism Crime Sanitary Conditions Safety recommendations In case of emergency Guidelines for action Emergency telephone numbers... 10

3 1. Last Minute Embassies advise against travelling to desert areas or travelling off the main roads between major cities even though have there been no attacks since February You should not visit any areas bordering Yemen as there are frequent clashes between the army and militias indigenous to the area. The total prohibition from visiting Mecca and Medina for non-muslims is reiterated. Be cautious and don t bring attention to yourself in public places. Respect the customs of the country, especially in shopping centres frequented by westerners and stay alert, especially when there are large crowds. This guide is intended for all expatriates who travel for business or pleasure and, especially, for those who travel abroad on a regular basis in order to carry out their responsibilities. 2. Administrative Requirements 2.1 Documents Passport / ID: You need a passport that is valid for at least 180 days. You cannot enter the country with a passport that is stamped with an Israeli entry or exit stamp. Visas: Obtain one before arrival from the Saudi Embassy or Consulate General. Saudi Embassies do not grant tourist visas, the previous section only applies to foreigners working in the country, and travellers visiting the country at the invitation of Saudi companies or public institutions. 2.2 Vaccinations Mandatory: Those travelling to the country to do the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages must be vaccinated against meningococcal. Yellow fever is not a risk in Saudi Arabia, however the government requires all people coming from countries that are affected by it to present a vaccination certification. See "RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PILGRIMS"

4 Recommended: Meningitis: The meningococcal quadrivalent ACWY vaccine is recommended. Hepatitis: vaccines for hepatitis A and B are recommended Tuberculosis: (40 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2005). Most visitors are not at risk of contracting the disease. However, vaccination for health workers, youths under 16 and for those who remain in the country for a long period of time is recommended. Others: The malaria risk areas in Saudi Arabia are: Al Bahah, Medina, Asir (excluding areas higher than 2,000 metres), Jizan, Mecca and Tabuk province. There is no risk in the urban areas of Jeddah, Mecca, Medina and Taif. A negative AIDS certificate is required. 2.3 Currency New regulations on currency from June 2nd, 2007, establish that quantities of over SR 60,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency per person per journey must be declared. For more information and to download the appropriate forms, visit the following website 3. Security conditions General Saudi Arabia: TAKE LOGICAL SAFETY MEASURES PRECAUTION HIGH LEVEL OF ALERTNESS RECONSIDER THE NEED TRAVEL THERE DO NOT TRAVEL Border areas with Yemen: TAKE LOGICAL SAFETY MEASURES PRECAUTION HIGH LEVEL OF ALERTNESS RECONSIDER THE NEED TRAVEL THERE DO NOT TRAVEL

5 Because of the risks of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and high levels of instability you should only travel to Saudi Arabia if you really need to. If possible delay the trip or chose an alternative destination. If after taking this into account you still decide to travel, we recommend caution. Risk areas (should be avoided): In August 2010 the risk alert was raised for western citizens residing or working in the area of Al-Qassim (located in the central region of Saudi Arabia). Travelling to that area of the country is discouraged. Areas south of the country bordering Yemen. Medium risk area: Rest of the country: 3.1 Terrorism After the death of Bin Laden in Pakistan, the level of alert for terror attacks has been considerably increased. The risk of indiscriminate attacks and attacks against the western population is very high, especially in the Middle East. For this reason take extreme precautions especially in areas

6 that are common meeting points for westerners, western entertainment venues or hotel establishments. 3.2 Crime Since late 2007, there has been an increase in crime in big cities, especially in the capital, Riyadh, so do not visit unfamiliar neighbourhoods, especially at night, and lock the doors of your vehicle, while driving or stationary. 3.3 Sanitary Conditions Generally good. Saudi Arabia has modern hospitals and a good supply of medications. There are still reported cases of the Rifts Valley Fever in the areas of Jizan and Asir. This disease is transmitted by insect bites, especially mosquitoes, so use repellent, mosquito nets when sleeping and wear clothing that covers the whole body. Malaria is also endemic in the south-west so if you travel, vaccinate yourself against malaria. 4. Safety recommendations All citizens, residents and non-residents living in Saudi Arabia are reminded that legislation prohibits rallies, demonstrations or marches, calls for them and any activity deemed contrary to social peace and public or and the Government. The competent authorities shall act in these cases with severity and you are warned that security forces are legally authorised to take the measures they think necessary against any person who attempts to alter, by any means, public order. Customs: The customs of Saudi society regulates and prohibits the following: Women must wear the "abaya" (full-length black tunic) and a veil in public. Men are forbidden to wear shorts or bermuda shorts. The separation of the sexes governs all aspects of daily life. People of different sexes cannot meet in public, unless they are from the same family, or the

7 woman is accompanied by her "mahram" or guardian, usually her husband, father, brother or son. Importing and/or consuming alcohol and pork products is strictly forbidden. Non-Islamic religious manifestations are prohibited. Islam governs all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. There is a religious police, the Mutaween, and they are responsible for monitoring compliance with Islamic morals and customs. Videotapes and DVDs are routinely confiscated by authorities at the airport. Books, magazines and photographs are also subject to control and censorship. The authorities at the airport may go through the content of your laptop. Restricted areas: Non-Muslims are absolutely prohibited from visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina and express individual authorisation is needed to visit natural parks and monuments of national interest. Using and consuming drugs Drug trafficking is punishable by beheading, and use and consumption of drugs is punished by imprisonment, deportation or public flogging. Certain medications are considered drugs (particularly amphetamines). Individuals cannot bring medications into the countries. If you need to bring any medications with you, we recommend that you have its corresponding prescription to show the authorities. The Narcotics Control Act (Royal Order 4/ B/ 966 of 10/3/1987G) distinguishes between smugglers, traffickers and consumers. Narcotics importation includes smuggling drugs into the country and/or its distribution to traffickers; the maximum penalty for that crime is death. Convicted drug traffickers are given a prison sentence, physical punishment (lashes) or a fine (or all three) if it is their first offence. For repeat offenders, the sentence is extended and can include the death penalty. Consumers can be imprisoned for up to two years and given additional penalties decided by the judge. Foreign consumers are deported from the country. Those who voluntarily undergo treatment are not punished and are admitted to a specialised hospital. Use and consumption of alcohol: Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia (suras 50:90-91, 2:219 and 7:157). Consumption is a crime "hadd" in the Qur'and and its corresponding punishment is 40 lashes, which can be increased to up to 80, at the discretion of the judge. Illegal entry into the country and expiry of the visa:

8 Illegal entry into the country, through the falsification of visas or documents required to obtain one, can result in fines of more than 10,000 Saudi riyals or sentences of three months imprisonment and deportation, for both the infringer as well as all those involved. The employer (sponsor) should process the residence card (Iqama) of their foreign employees as well as their work license within 90 days of their arrival, it must then be renewed every one or two years. Current regulations establish that the employer will pay double if they do not present the Iqama for renewal at least three days before its expiration. If you stay in the Kingdom after your visa expires you can be arrested and fined, after which you will then be deported from the country. The fine could reach 10,000 Saudi riyals, equivalent to about 2,000 euros. If you were in the country visiting a foreign resident, the Interior Ministry may cancel the residence permit of that person and deport them from the country too. If you do not report the loss of their Iqama or passport within 24 hours, you may be fined 1,000 Saudi riyals and up to 3,000 Saudi riyals if it is a repeat case. Relations between people of the same sex Sura 7:80-81 defines the relationship between two men as immoral behaviour, but does not establish a penalty. Penalties in Saudi Arabia vary depending on the circumstances, they range from corporal punishment (flogging) to the death penalty, even though according to the Qur'an homosexuality is not included among the behaviours that deserve such a punishment. Sanctions: Imprisonment for possession or distribution of pornography. Homosexuality is punishable by flogging, imprisonment or death. In early 2008, the Saudi Traffic Department launched a campaign against violators of traffic regulations. Remember that sanctions have been raised for almost all offences and, in many cases, they carry prison sentences. Precautions: Take care when travelling to desert areas, as temperatures are very high, they can reach almost 50 degrees during the months of April to October. If you have been offered a job you should ensure that you have the legal protection of at least a written contract. You should also request a guarantee stating that you will be able to keep possession of your passport.

9 If there is a dispute with a Saudi citizen it is very difficult, almost impossible, to leave the country until the dispute is resolved. The Saudi guarantor may withhold the passport of the person concerned. Recommendations for pilgrims: You need a special visa (called Hajj & Umrah); it can be requested at the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This visa allows the holder to visit the Holy Sites and the sacred perimeter and is valid for one month. Once in the country, your passport will be guarded by Saudi immigration authorities throughout your stay. Health requirements: You should have been vaccinated against meningitis at least ten days before entering Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims must remain in their group during the journey; there are no stops allowed between Mecca and Medina. Woman must always be accompanied by a family member or the group leader whose name will be stated on the visa. Once in Saudi territory, women can only leave the tour group when accompanied by a man. This formality can cause difficulties if someone needs to be repatriated due to health reasons. It is recommended that you make accommodation arrangements before arriving to the country (hotels, apartment, etc.), especially in the case of elderly travellers. Likewise, notify family members of the address and telephone numbers of places where you will stay during your stay in Saudi Arabia and the name of the group leader. Make photocopies of identity documents and plane tickets and them in a separate place in order to accelerate consular procedures in case the originals are lost or stolen. 5. In case of emergency 5.1 Guidelines for action In case you are in an emergency situation, follow these guidelines:

10 If you are walking down the street and feel you are being watched, change direction and be alert to any reactions around you. If you find yourself in a dangerous or difficult situation, steer away from dark or empty streets, try to find your way to a public area and telephone for help. If you are robbed, keep calm and act as follows: o In these situations, what is most important is to avoid physical harm. o Attackers should never be confronted. o Hand over your money and valuables without resistance, keeping a safe distance and speaking softly to build confidence, make sure your hands are visible. o If you are the victim of an assault or other criminal act you should report it to the authorities and notify your embassy or consular office. 5.2 Emergency telephone numbers Country code: 966 Useful telephone numbers: Emergency telephone number: Police (nationwide) Carry this emergency card with you during your trip which has the following phrase in several languages: "In case of emergency, please call the telephone number listed below." Write the number on the dotted line that you want called if an unexpected event occurs"

11 FRONT BACK IN CASE OF EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL THE PHONE IN DRINGENDEN FÄLLEN STEHEN WIR RUFEN SIE DIE TELEFON الهات ف ع لى االت صال ي رج ى ال طارئ ة ال حاال ت ف ي EN CAS D'URGENCE S'IL VOUS PLAÎT APPEL DU TELEPHONE EN CASO DE EMERGENCIA POR FAVOR LLAME AL TFNO.. USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS