Cruise & Holiday Reviews

When booking flights to Saudi Arabia there are a number of local customs and regulations which must be adhered to. 

All visitors must observe the rule for conservative dress.  Women are not permitted to wear figure hugging clothes.  If they are visiting for business they must have their knees and collarbones covered.  If not there on business it is advisable to adopt the ‘abava’, which is a long dress like a robe, and to always wear a headscarf.  Men should always wear long trousers and keep arms and shoulders covered.  If visiting a mosque then shoes need to be removed.  Swimwear is permitted only on private beaches.

Family is an important concept in Saudi Arabian society and women should never travel around alone.  Women should be chaperoned in public, preferably by a male member of the family, and they are not permitted to drive.  There are separate seating areas for men and women on public transport.

Visitors must be careful when taking photographs.  It is not permitted to photograph government buildings, airports or Muslim women and camera film and memory cards could be seized if you do.  Alcohol is forbidden and cannot be purchased at all in Saudi Arabia and visitors must show the utmost respect for the Muslim faith.  Anything promoting another religion, such as jewellery, books or documentation is not permitted and you could be arrested for having them.

There are other items which cannot be brought into the country and an up-to-date list is available on the website of the Saudi Arabian embassy.