Saudi Arabia Passport and Visa entry requirements

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Saudi Arabia Passport and Visa entry requirements
Travel tips for your trip to Saudi Arabia Hotel Maps Famous Places in Saudi Arabia helps you to make your trip to Saudi Arabia in the holiday a Splendid One

Passports:

To enter Saudi Arabia, a passport valid for at least six months at time of visa being issued is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Passport note:

(a) Holders of passports with Israeli stamps or an Israeli birthplace in them have, on occasion, been refused entry/visas.

(b) Passengers not complying with Saudi conventions of dress and behaviour, including those who appear to be in a state of intoxication, or who display inappropriate affection will be refused entry.

(c) There are special regulations concerning pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia. Contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy) for further information.

(d) Women and under-aged children should be accompanied by a Moharram (close male family member), unless they have prior authorisation. Unaccompanied women must be met at the airport by their sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations as far as their final destination in Saudi Arabia. If met by a sponsor, it is worth noting that there are restrictions on women travelling by car with men who are not related by blood or marriage (women are not permitted to drive). However, it is acceptable for women visiting for business purposes to be accompanied and met at the airport by male business partners: further enquiries can be made at the information centre or embassy

Saudi Arabia Passport and Visa entry requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens require a passport and visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British passport holders require a passport and visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a passport and visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport and visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a passport and visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders require a passport and visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish passport holders require a passport and visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and visas are only granted to those with sponsorship in the country. Tourist visas are granted only to selected groups on a limited basis. Everyone who enters the Kingdom should have a valid passport with at least six months validity in addition to the appropriate visa and a return ticket, with all necessary documents. Women entering the Kingdom alone must be met by a sponsor or male relative and have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Entry may be refused to any visitor arriving in an intoxicated state, men wearing shorts, women in tight clothing or with legs and arms exposed, and to couples displaying affection in public. There are special requirements for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj or visiting holy sites. It is strongly recommended not to hold passports containing any Israeli visa or stamp when entering or transiting Saudi Arabia as entry may be refused.

Famous Places in Saudi Arabia For Your Holiday

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Famous Places in Saudi Arabia For Your Holiday
Travel tips for your trip to Saudi Arabia Hotel Maps Famous Places in Saudi Arabia helps you to make your trip to Saudi Arabia in the holiday a Splendid One




Saudi Arabia is home to two of the holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. Many Muslims across the world consider a visit to the attractions of Saudi Arabia a lifetime opportunity. It is a country which remains deep rooted in its culture and traditions. Saudi Arabia is home to many technological and archaeological attractions. Saudi Arabia tourist destinations are unique and beautiful with rich cultural and historical backgrounds.



Mecca, is the holiest place to all Muslims. Non-Muslims can witness different festivals and events held in Mecca. It is also home to the Grand Mosque, the Holy Mosque and the Mountain of Light. This holy site has proved to be one of the most important and most visited Saudi Arabia tourist destinations.

Riyadh is the capital Of Saudi Arabia which has many huge structures made of concrete, steel and glass. It also has many large hotels, one of the biggest airports in the world and hospitals. Those who want to ride a camel can visit camel market. Here they can rent a camel and take a trip out of town. Those who are with their families can visit Riyadh Zoo which has many species of wildlife and is quite popular with kids. Al Musmak Castle is a heritage site situated in the city of Riyadh. This castle was built in 1865 and is visited by many tourists because of its beautiful rooms, gate, watchtowers and pillared mosque. Riyadh is in fact one of the major tourist destinations.


The ruins of the City of Old Diriyah are of historical significance. This site lies in the desert about 20 kilometers northwest from Riyadh City Center. This city once was a stronghold of the powerful Saud family. You can also visit Jubbah, which is home to many ancient rock arts. Here you can learn the way of life during prehistoric era. Tayma is a fascinating site in Saudi Arabia where you can learn the interesting history. This was once prosperous settlement inhabited by the Jews.

Habalah, situated on a cliff top is the deserted village. This place is situated thousands of meters above the surrounding field and the valley. Tourists can view the beauty of this region from above by the means of cable cars.

Lamb, falafel, grilled chicken, shawarma are the food staples in Saudi cuisine. Al-Kabsa is the most popular cuisine of Saudi Arabia. It is cooked with a chicken or red or white meat in a pot. It also includes spices, salads and rice. Some of the popular dishes are; Taboon Bread, Shawarma (lamb meat cooked in spit), Ful Medammas and Khobz. The Saudi Arabia tourist destinations come up with a huge variety of exotic and delicious cuisines which can be a real treat for a traveler.

Free Guide of Riyadh City

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Free Guide of Riyadh City
Travel tips for your trip to Saudi Arabia Hotel Maps Famous Places in Saudi Arabia helps you to make your trip to Saudi Arabia in the holiday a Splendid One


The capital of Saudi Arabia and one of the Middle East's largest cities, Riyadh is a centre of business, administration and finance and a conference hub for the MEA, with more meetings facilities than any other city in Saudi Arabia.

We at Holiday Inn Riyadh have superbly equipped conference facilities in three fully serviced hotels, located in Riyadh's central business, finance and administration districts. Conveniently located for the International Exhibition Centre and King Khaled International airport, our venues seat up to 1300 delegates in air-conditioned comfort.

The benefits of Holiday Inn Riyadh

All three of our Holiday Inn venues - Holiday Inn Riyadh-Al Qasr, Holiday Inn Riyadh-Olaya and Holiday Inn Riyadh Minhal – are located in or near Riyadh's Central Business District of Riyadh-Olaya. Dominated by the glittering towers of King Fahd road, this is Saudi Arabia's most prosperous thoroughfare, lined with designer shopping malls and multinational companies. King Khaled International Airport is just 30 minute to the north.

Our Holiday Inn Riyadh Minhal hotel is particularly well sited for Riyadh's hospitals and government buildings. Able to hold up to 350 delegates, our largest room can sub-divide for smaller meetings. We at Holiday Inn Riyadh pride ourselves on our flexibility and range of meeting rooms, which can accommodate groups of all sizes in a variety of formal and informal layouts.
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Riyadh – a sparkling green oasis of opportunity

Despite its modern skyline, Riyadh dates back 1500 years. A prized desert oasis, until the arrival of the oil fields it was mainly a centre for agriculture. Today, green fields are dominant once more, with the Saudi government ploughing resources into farming and sustainable energy. A number of agricultural and environmental events are held in Riyadh each year.

The Saudi government prizes private enterprise highly. Privatisation and investment have created a city where small businesses, as well as large conglomerates, are able to thrive. We at Holiday Inn are able to answer the needs of both groups. Our newly-refurbished Holiday Inn Riyadh-Al Qasr can accommodate up to 1300 delegates, and up to 450 at the luxurious Holiday Inn Riyadh-Olaya nearby. Both offer superb accommodation for both business and leisure guests, being central to the malls and other attractions of King Fahd Road.

Holiday Inn Riyadh – for business, for pleasure, for both

King Fahd Road is an excellent base for exploration. Dominated by the Kingdom Centre, other stunning examples of Saudi architecture include the artistically-styled Al Faisaliyah Centre, Saudi's first skyscraper, and the Riyadh TV Tower. King Fahd is considered one of the most beautiful modern thoroughfares in the world.

However, there's a cultural side to Riyadh as well. We at Holiday Inn Riyadh are equally well placed for exploration of the mediaeval city ruins of Diriyah, just a few kilometres from the city centre and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Middle East. The Al-Dira Old Town district has been built on the site of the original Riyadh, in a style sympathetic to traditional Nejd architecture. The al-Masmak Fort and King Abdulaziz Historical Centre are equally worthy of a visit, and there are a number of traditional Nejd villages in the region which make a pleasant afternoon's drive.

Whether you are here for business or pleasure, we at Holiday Inn Riyadh will ensure your stay is perfect.

Money Exchange for Saudi Arabia -Services - Money

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Money Exchange for Saudi Arabia -Services - Money
Travel tips for your trip to Saudi Arabia Hotel Maps Famous Places in Saudi Arabia helps you to make your trip to Saudi Arabia in the holiday a Splendid One




Currency information:

Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) = 100 halala; 5 halala = 20 qurush. Notes are in denominations of SAR500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, and 5 halala.
Credit cards:

MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Major hotels, restaurants, and shops occasionally accept American Express and Discover.
ATM:

ATMs are widely available and reliable.
Travellers cheques:

Widely accepted although they can be hard to change. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Saudi Riyal, Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling and to carry the purchase receipt.
Banking hours:

Most banks are open from Sat-Wed 0800-1200 and 1700-2000; Thurs 0800-1200. Money-changers often operate longer hours.
Currency restriction:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but amounts exceeding SAR60,000 must be declared.
Currency exchange:

Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at commercial banks and money-changers, which stay open longer.

Health and Medical Information for Saudi Arabia

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Health and Medical Information for Saudi Arabia
Travel tips for your trip to Saudi Arabia Hotel Maps Famous Places in Saudi Arabia helps you to make your trip to Saudi Arabia in the holiday a Splendid One




Medical facilities are generally of a high standard, but treatment is expensive. Health insurance is essential.
Food and drink:

All water from the tap should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is cheap and safe. Fresh milk is pasteurised but powdered or boxed milk is also available as an alternative. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be washed and fruit peeled.
Other risks:

Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.

Short History Of Saudi Arabia and Culture

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Short History Of Saudi Arabia and Culture
Travel tips for your trip to Saudi Arabia Hotel Maps Famous Places in Saudi Arabia helps you to make your trip to Saudi Arabia in the holiday a Splendid One




The Arabian Peninsula was occupied by the Abyssinians before the sixth century AD. Around AD 576 they were driven out of the southern regions by the Persians, who made it a province of their empire. The year AD 622, which has been adopted as the beginning of the Muslim era, was significant for the flight of the Prophet Muhammad from his home town of Mecca to nearby Medina, where he organised his followers before launching a successful campaign to recapture Mecca. Many Arab tribes joined Muhammad before his death in 632 and afterwards the Muslims continued their expansion across the Arabian peninsula and into Syria, Mesopotamia (Iraq), Persia and westwards into Egypt and North Africa.

The towns of Mecca and Medina, both of which were thriving cultural and commercial centres before and after Muhammad, are the holiest cities of Islam and the Saudis take the responsibility for protecting their integrity with the utmost seriousness. Arabia was absorbed into the Turkish Ottoman Empire during the 16th century, after the capture of Mecca by the Turks in 1517, but subsequent local rulers were allowed a great deal of autonomy. Under Turkish supervision, successive Sherifs of Mecca governed the territory of Hijaz, which covered the western part of the peninsula including the Red Sea coast as far south as Yemen, until the onset of World War I.

In 1914 the British armed forces chief Lord Kitchener offered the Sherif of Mecca a deal under which Hijaz would acquire independence, guaranteed by the UK, on condition that the Sherif supported the military campaign against the Turks. The Sherif accepted, and after the Turkish defeat, the Kingdom of Hijaz was recognised as independent at the 1920 Treaty of Sèvres. On the other side of the peninsula, the leading potentate was Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdar-Rahman, better known as 'Ibn Saud', ruler of the province of Najd. In 1915, the government of India, then under British rule, recognised Najd and some other territories along the Persian Gulf as possessions of Ibn Saud. Throughout the 1920s, military clashes between Ibn Saud's troops and forces loyal to the Hashemite King of Hijaz, Hussein, grew more frequent as the decisive struggle for control of the peninsula took place.

The British and other Western powers switched their support between the two sides as it suited them. Eventually, Ibn Saud pushed out the Hashemites, and in 1926 was recognised as ruler of the Kingdom of Hijaz and Najd. In 1932 this became the United Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Hashemites were consoled with the thrones of Iraq and Transjordan (later Jordan). In 1933 the first explorations began for oil, vast deposits of which were discovered in the eastern part of the country. This set Saudi Arabia on the road to its current prosperity. Ibn Saud, who ruled as King until his death in 1953, used the accumulating revenues to develop a national infrastructure and basic state services. Political and social development in the kingdom, by Western standards at any rate, lagged somewhat behind economic developments: slavery, for example, was not abolished until 1962.

Ibn Saud's descendants comprise the dynasty which has since ruled Saudi Arabia. They are, like most Saudis, adherents to the Wahhabi sect, which subscribes to an orthodox variant of Sunni Muslim doctrine expounded by the 18th century religious scholar Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab. Islamic laws are strictly enforced by the mutawwa (religious police). The oil search of the 1930s brought the USA into contact with Saudi Arabia for the first time and they quickly became the country's principal Western ally. Nonetheless, there was one issue on which Saudi and US policies were implacably opposed – Israel. Washington's consistent support for the Jewish state has been a constant source of friction. This became spectacularly clear in 1973 when Saudi Arabia and Iran, two of the USA's staunchest allies in the region, led the OPEC cartel in trebling the price of oil overnight in response to the West's support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

The period of cool relations with the USA that followed came to an end with the revolution in Iran in 1979. Iran was perceived to pose a threat to Saudi Arabia for a number of reasons: the Shia branch of Islam followed by the Iranian mullahs is fundamentally opposed to the Sunni Wahhabi interpretation which prevails in Saudi Arabia; moreover, Iran is an important strategic force in the Gulf in its own right. For those reasons, as well as Arab solidarity, Saudi Arabia provided massive financial support – to the tune of over US$100 million – to Saddam Hussein's regime during the Iran–Iraq war, which lasted most of the 1980s.

The Saudis were thus astonished in 1991 when, following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Saddam's forces seemed to be poised to strike south and occupy parts of Saudi Arabia. After initial doubts and furious debates within the royal family, the US-led UN coalition was cleared to base its huge forces in the country prior to the 'Desert Storm' military operation which drove the Iraqis out of Kuwait. In the aftermath, the Saudis backed the US policy of 'dual containment' designed to keep both Iran and Iraq in check.

Nonetheless, the presence of American forces in the country remained an exceptionally sensitive political issue resented by much of the population. In 2002, as the American government geared up to launch operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Saudis made it clear that they would prefer the Americans to move elsewhere. They did, and Qatar became the main command and control centre for the recent US military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The change in the Saudi position followed from a major shift in the country's domestic politics. Several factors were at work but the most important is the effective replacement of King Fahd, who after prolonged illness is effectively an invalid, by Crown Prince Abdullah. The Crown Prince is generally less pro-American than Fahd and takes a harder line on oil pricing. There has also been considerable friction between the two governments in the wake of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, not least because the bulk of the hijackers were Saudi nationals.

Saudi Arabia Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details

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Saudi Arabia Accommodation. Hotel Guide. Details
Travel tips for your trip to Saudi Arabia Hotel Maps Famous Places in Saudi Arabia helps you to make your trip to Saudi Arabia in the holiday a Splendid One

Accommodation in Saudi Arabia is necessary for tourists visiting the country. However, this is not at all a problem as Saudi Arabia has got a good range of hotel accommodation throughout the country. Accommodation in Saudi Arabia is generally easy to get except during the pilgrimage season when advance reservations are recommended and have to be made. The main Accommodation in Saudi Arabia are hotels. Service charges are fixed at 15% for deluxe hotels and first-category hotels and at 10% for all others. Hotel charges are double in Mecca and Medina during the pilgrimage season.

They increase by 25% during the summer months in resort areas such as Abha, Al-Baha, Kamis Mushait and Taif. There are seven grades of hotel in Saudi Arabia: deluxe, first-class A and B, second-class A and B and third-class A and B. Besides, youth hostels are also afforded by tourists. There are around 20 youth hostels in Saudi Arabia.
There are several plush hotels of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia. Among them Mercure Grand Golden Jeddah Hotel is quite famous. The Mercure Grand Golden Jeddah is located between the industrial hubs. It is the most vibrant area in Jeddah, a city which is also known as al Balad. It has facilities like 180 rooms, 12 suites, 2 restaurants, a fitness centre and meeting rooms. The hotel is only 15 minutes from the airport.Al Mutlaq Hotel can also be your area of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia. It is located in the heart of Riyadh just 25 minutes from the International Airport and 15 minutes from the Exhibition Centre and diplomatic quarter. Al Mutlaq Hotel offers 178 rooms and suites fully equipped with international direct dial, telephone system, colour television with multiple channels, centralised air-conditioning and mini-refrigerator. Along with that there are facilities like 24-hour room service, non-smoking rooms and same day delivery laundry and valet services. Al Andalous Restaurant serves this hotel. This restaurant has a wide range of traditional Arabic and Continental cuisine. Al Finjan is an eatery which serves French and Arabic pastries. There are five conference/banquet/wedding halls in this hotel that accommodates around 10 to 400 people. Al Mutlaq Hotel has a swimming pool and health club too.

Al Nimran Suites Hotel is a convenient suites hotel that caters mainly to families. It is located ideally and is in the vicinity of the shopping malls and the city center. The suite has 2 bedrooms one with king bed and another with twin beds. The hotel has no restaurant because it allows outside catering and in house cooking.
Ajyad Makkah Hotel is also good for Accommodation in Saudi Arabia as this hotel is very famous in the city. Near this hotel there are a lot of shops and besides it is very near to the mosque. It is medium in size, beautifully decorated with wood windows and light coloured furniture. Overall it is very spacious. Al walima serves it as a restaurant. It is one of the best restaurants that serves international and oriental cuisine. Al bustan & Al andalus serves fresh drinks and oriental sweets. It is quite huge in size with great lights spread around and big comfortable seats, tea lounge, etc. It is very near to the mosque.
Hilton Hotel is another comfortable place of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia. It is only a few steps from Al haram. It is worth its payment as tourists can enjoy international standards and fine dining in this hotel. The hotel has got a lustrous building with a glass front in the middle and shopping arcade on the outside ground floor. It is medium in size and appreciably furnished and decorated. The hotel has 2 rooms allocated and equipped for disabled persons. Al Madina and Marmara restaurants are the two restaurants which serves one of the finest international and oriental dishes and buffets. Besides, lifts and escalators are duly available to reach the reception area. The other hotels considered as places of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia are:Al Hamra Golden Tulip (Exe), Dammam; Al Bouhaira, Abha; Massarrah Intercontinental, Taif; Holiday Inn Yanbu and Dhahran International Hotel.

travel information Country Profile Saudi Arabia

http://travel-to-saudi-arabia.blogspot.com/2011/09/travel-information-country-profile.html
travel information Country Profile Saudi Arabia
Travel tips for your trip to Saudi Arabia Hotel Maps Famous Places in Saudi Arabia helps you to make your trip to Saudi Arabia in the holiday a Splendid One

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia covers much with the Arabian Peninsula. The region continues to be united in 1932 by King Abdulaziz. It really is enclosed by the lands Oman, Yemen, Jordan, and United Arab Emirates. The land would be the 14th biggest internationally. Saudi Arabia consists of mountains, mountain ranges, plateaus, and deserts. These deserts tend not to support life and most of the population resides in the western and eastern coastal areas or in the interior of the state. The location along the Persian Gulf is rocky and sandy. Saudi Arabia, that is covered more often than not by deserts, incorporates a warmth most of the time. Even so, the mountainous regions occasionally encounter snowfall.

Because of its history, culture, wealth, and technological advancements, Saudi Arabia is now a well known visitor destination. The key traveler attraction in this nation is Mecca, that is visited by countless Muslims every year. They visit this place as reported by the Islam recommendation as a spiritual journey also it has the Kaaba Enclosure and the birthplace of their prophet Muhammed, the House of Abdullah Bin Abdul Muttalib.

The other well-known locations in Saudi Arabia are Riyadh, Hasa, Jeddah, and Hejaz. Riyadh may be the country's capital manufactured of quite a few buildings and shopping malls and it houses undoubtedly one of the greatest airports internationally. It continues to be about the most progressive cities in a rural area. Hasa, that is situated in the eastern aspect of Saudi Arabia, is common for its coastal spots, fishing markets, and oil deposits. These petroleum deposits have attracted foreign investors, contributing to the financial stability in the kingdom. Jeddah is often a historic position that never fails to attract visitors owing to its architectural buildings and its world-class restaurants. Hejaz could be the trading and organization spot in Saudi Arabia. This is in addition the cultural capital on the kingdom.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides delectable dishes that satisfy the diner's palate. These dishes may well be influenced by Arabian cooking or by different countries in the world like Oriental, Indian, American, and European. International junk food chains are turning into common in a rural area.