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Planning to travel abroad can be exciting but comes with its own set of challenges. For passport holders from Saudi Arabia, knowing the exit travel requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey. From understanding the necessary permits to adhering to special regulations, this guide provides all the essential information you need. Whether you are traveling for leisure, work, or religious purposes, being well-prepared can make a world of difference.
Table of Contents
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Saudi Arabia – Map
Overview of Travel Requirements
Basic Entry Requirements
For Saudi passport holders, complying with basic entry requirements is the first step towards international travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure. Additionally, it’s essential to have the appropriate visa for your destination country. E-visas are popular among travelers as they are valid for 365 days and allow multiple entries, with each stay lasting up to 90 days.
Passport Validity and E-Visas
When it comes to passport validity, the general rule is that your passport should have an expiry date that is at least six months after your planned date of departure. E-visas offer a convenient option for travelers as they are valid for one year and permit multiple entries. These electronic visas can be obtained online, making the application process more straightforward and accessible.
Visa Information
Types of Visas
Saudi passport holders have several visa options depending on their travel purposes. Tourist visas are among the most common types, allowing for leisure travel. Business visas cater to those traveling for work-related reasons, while student visas are designed for educational pursuits. Each visa type has its own set of requirements and validity periods.
Biometric Data Requirements
When applying for a visa, providing biometric data is often a mandatory step. This includes submitting fingerprints and a recent photograph. These measures enhance security and streamline the identification process, ensuring that the visa issuance is both accurate and secure.
Visa Decisions and Appeals
Once your visa application is submitted, you’ll receive a decision within the specified timeframe. If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision. Appeals should be directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within 14 days of receiving the refusal notice. This process ensures that applicants have a fair chance to present additional information for reconsideration.
Schengen Visa Specifics
For those traveling to Schengen Area countries, a Schengen visa is required. This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and provides access to multiple European countries. The application process includes providing biometric data and proof of travel insurance that meets specific criteria.
Special Permits and Restrictions
Travel Restrictions During Hajj
Around the time of the Hajj pilgrimage, travel restrictions may apply. Airlines often impose flight restrictions to manage the high volume of pilgrims. It’s essential to check with your airline and plan accordingly if your travel coincides with this period to avoid complications.
Non-Muslim Travel Restrictions
Non-Muslims face specific travel restrictions in Saudi Arabia. Travel to the holy cities of Mecca and parts of Medina is forbidden for non-Muslims. These restrictions are strictly enforced, and violating them can result in legal consequences. It’s important to respect these rules to ensure a trouble-free journey.
Health and Safety Regulations
Vaccination Requirements
Certain vaccinations are mandatory for Saudi passport holders traveling abroad. Vaccines such as yellow fever are often required. It’s advisable to check the vaccination requirements of your destination country well in advance to ensure compliance and avoid travel delays.
Customs and Prohibited Items
When traveling from Saudi Arabia, be aware of customs regulations. Importing items like alcohol, pork, and weapons is strictly prohibited. Additionally, certain technical equipment may require a license. Understanding these rules can help you avoid confiscation and penalties at customs checkpoints.
Technical and Agricultural Approvals
Travelers may need special approvals for certain items. Agricultural seeds, live animals, and specific pharmaceutical products often require special permits. Likewise, importing archaeological artifacts or radio-controlled model airplanes may be restricted. Ensuring you have the necessary approvals can prevent complications during your travels.
Legal and Behavioral Expectations
Dress Code and Behavior
Saudi travelers are expected to adhere to local customs and traditions. Complying with dress codes and behavior standards is crucial when visiting other countries. Understanding and respecting these cultural norms can enhance your travel experience and prevent misunderstandings.
Local Laws and Regulations
Adhering to local laws and regulations is a fundamental aspect of international travel. Different countries have unique legal standards that travelers must follow. Being aware of these rules and complying with them ensures a safe and enjoyable journey.
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Saudi Arabia – Countries list
Afghanistan - visa required
Albania - visa-free/90 days
Algeria - visa required
Andorra - visa required
Angola - visa-free/30 days
Antigua and Barbuda - eVisa
Argentina - visa required
Armenia - eVisa/120 days
Australia - eVisa
Austria - visa required
Azerbaijan - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Bahamas - eVisa
Bahrain - visa-free
Bangladesh - visa on arrival/30 days
Barbados - visa-free/90 days
Belarus - visa-free/30 days
Belgium - visa required
Belize - visa required
Benin - eVisa
Bhutan - eVisa
Bolivia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina - visa-free/30 days
Botswana - visa-free/90 days
Brazil - visa required
Brunei - visa on arrival/30 days
Bulgaria - visa required
Burkina Faso - eVisa
Burundi - visa on arrival/30 days
Cambodia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Cameroon - eVisa
Canada - visa required
Cape Verde - visa on arrival (EASE)
Central African Republic - visa required
Chad - visa required
Chile - visa required
China - visa required
Colombia - eVisa
Comoros - visa on arrival/45 days
Congo - visa required
Congo (Dem. Rep.) - eVisa/90 days
Costa Rica - visa required
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - pre-enrollment/90 days
Croatia - visa required
Cuba - tourist card/90 days
Cyprus - visa required
Czech Republic - visa required
Denmark - visa required
Djibouti - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Dominica - visa-free/21 days
Dominican Republic - visa required
Ecuador - visa-free/90 days
Egypt - visa-free/180 days
El Salvador - visa-free/180 days
Equatorial Guinea - eVisa
Eritrea - visa required
Estonia - visa required
Eswatini - visa required
Ethiopia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Fiji - visa required
Finland - visa required
France - visa required
Gabon - eVisa/90 days
Gambia - visa required
Georgia - visa-free/360 days
Germany - visa required
Ghana - visa required
Greece - visa required
Grenada - visa required
Guatemala - visa-free/90 days
Guinea - eVisa/90 days
Guinea-Bissau - visa on arrival/90 days
Guyana - visa required
Haiti - visa-free/90 days
Honduras - visa-free/90 days
Hong Kong - visa-free/30 days
Hungary - visa required
Iceland - visa required
India - eVisa/30 days
Indonesia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Iran - visa-free/15 days
Iraq - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Ireland - visa required
Israel - visa required
Italy - visa required
Jamaica - visa required
Japan - eVisa
Jordan - visa-free/90 days
Kazakhstan - visa-free/30 days
Kenya - eTA/90 days
Kiribati - visa-free/90 days
Kosovo - visa-free/90 days
Kuwait - visa-free
Kyrgyzstan - visa-free/60 days
Laos - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Latvia - visa required
Lebanon - visa-free/180 days
Lesotho - eVisa/14 days
Liberia - visa required
Libya - eVisa
Liechtenstein - visa required
Lithuania - visa required
Luxembourg - visa required
Macao - visa on arrival/30 days
Madagascar - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Malawi - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Malaysia - visa-free/90 days
Maldives - visa on arrival/30 days
Mali - visa required
Malta - visa required
Marshall Islands - visa required
Mauritania - visa on arrival
Mauritius - visa-free/90 days
Mexico - visa required
Micronesia - visa-free/30 days
Moldova - eVisa
Monaco - visa required
Mongolia - eVisa
Montenegro - visa-free/30 days
Morocco - visa-free/90 days
Mozambique - visa-free/30 days
Myanmar - eVisa
Namibia - visa required
Nauru - visa required
Nepal - visa on arrival / eVisa/150 days
Netherlands - visa required
New Zealand - eTA/90 days
Nicaragua - visa-free/90 days
Niger - visa required
Nigeria - eVisa/90 days
North Korea - visa required
North Macedonia - visa required
Norway - visa required
Oman - visa-free
Pakistan - eTA/30 days
Palau - visa on arrival/30 days
Palestinian Territories - visa-free
Panama - visa-free/90 days
Papua New Guinea - eVisa
Paraguay - visa required
Peru - visa required
Philippines - visa-free/30 days
Poland - visa required
Portugal - visa required
Qatar - visa-free
Romania - visa required
Russian Federation - eVisa/15 days
Rwanda - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Saint Kitts and Nevis - visa-free/90 days
Saint Lucia - visa required
Samoa - visa on arrival/90 days
San Marino - visa required
Sao Tome and Principe - eVisa
Senegal - visa required
Serbia - visa required
Seychelles - tourist registration/90 days
Sierra Leone - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Singapore - visa-free
Slovakia - visa required
Slovenia - visa required
Solomon Islands - visa required
Somalia - visa on arrival/30 days
South Africa - visa-free/90 days
South Korea - visa-free/30 days
South Sudan - eVisa
Spain - visa required
Sri Lanka - eTA/30 days
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - visa-free/90 days
Sudan - visa required
Suriname - tourist card/90 days
Sweden - visa required
Switzerland - visa required
Syria - visa-free
Taiwan - eVisa/30 days
Tajikistan - visa-free/30 days
Tanzania - visa on arrival / eVisa
Thailand - visa-free/60 days
Timor-Leste - visa on arrival/30 days
Togo - eVisa/15 days
Tonga - visa required
Trinidad and Tobago - visa required
Tunisia - visa-free/90 days
Turkmenistan - visa required
Tuvalu - visa on arrival/30 days
Türkiye - visa-free/90 days
Uganda - eVisa
Ukraine - visa-free/90 days
United Arab Emirates - visa-free
United Kingdom - eTA/180 days
United States of America - visa required
Uruguay - visa required
Uzbekistan - visa-free/90 days
Vanuatu - visa-free/120 days
Vatican City - visa required
Venezuela - visa required
Viet Nam - eVisa/90 days
Yemen - visa on arrival/90 days
Zambia - visa-free/90 days
Zimbabwe - eVisa