6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. The Saudi judicial system is based on Sharia law. The legal process may be slow and cumbersome.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol, pork, illegal drugs or products containing their ingredients are severe. Saudi authorities practise zero tolerance and make no distinction with respect to soft or hard drugs, and using or trafficking. Drug offenders are regularly sentenced to death. The importation, use, or possession of any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam is also prohibited. The observance and practice of other religions is forbidden, as well as the import and use of associated religious books and materials, the importation of pornographic materials, and the possession of weapons. Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading materials are censored.
Saudi Arabia is a traditional, conservative monarchy. Islam is the official religion and its precepts regulate all areas of daily life. Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Women should observe the strict Saudi dress code and wear conservative and loose-fitting clothes, including a full-length cloak (abbaya) and a head scarf. It is illegal for women to drive. Men should not wear shorts in public or go without a shirt. In order to avoid the Mutawa's attention upon arrival, visitors should seek guidance concerning acceptable clothing.
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset, as this could result in arrest and deportation. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.
Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.
The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
It is illegal to hold two passports in Saudi Arabia. Second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities.Homosexuality is a criminal offence. Those convicted may be sentenced to lashing, a prison sentence, and/or death. Canadians who are involved in incidents involving the Mutawa should report them to the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh.
Canadians residing in the Kingdom must keep their iqama (residency permit) in their possession at all times.
Canadians intending to conduct business should obtain the services of an independent Saudi-based lawyer, and ensure translation of all documents, especially the contract, in order to be fully aware of all conditions, limits, and terms. If in doubt, seek advice from a lawyer in Canada.
Photography of government buildings, military institutions and palaces is prohibited.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:
Saudi Arabia - RIYADH, Embassy of Canada
Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 94321, Riyadh 11693, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966 (1) 488-2288
Fax: 966 (1) 488-1997
E-mail: ryadh@international.gc.ca
Saudi Arabia - JEDDAH, Consulate of Canada
Address: Ali Reza Tower, 11th Floor, Medinah Road, Jeddah 21413, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 9484, Jeddah 21413, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966 (2) 653-0597, 653-0434
Fax: 966 (2) 653-0538
E-mail: canada.consulate.jeddah@nazergroup.com
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 800-814-0139.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Saudi authorities and was valid on October 18, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Saudi Arabia. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa obtained at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa (see below), or the nearest embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia if residing in a foreign country, prior to departure. It is illegal to be in possession of two passports in Saudi Arabia; as a result the second passport may be confiscated by immigration authorities.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Visa applications must be sponsored by a Saudi citizen, company, or organization. Upon arrival, foreign residents are required to surrender their passports to their sponsor and obtain a residency card (iqama). Women visitors and residents are required to be met by their sponsors upon arrival. Failure to do so could result in long delays or denial of entry. Foreign residents must apply for an exit/entry visa each time they wish to leave the Kingdom, for which the sponsor's approval is necessary (the Canadian Embassy cannot intercede on entry or exit visa issues). All foreigners applying for a work or residence permit must produce an HIV test certificate and proof of a criminal background check.
Canadians planning to work should ensure that all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in their contract and fully understood. In case of a dispute, a Saudi complainant may prevent a foreigner from leaving the Kingdom until the dispute is settled. Advance consultation with a law firm resident in the Kingdom is recommended to reduce risks in that regard, and to determine what recovery action may be warranted. The Embassy maintains a list of lawyers.
Hajj or Umrah visas are required for visiting pilgrims. These visas are valid for travel only in the vicinities of Jeddah, Mecca and Medina and for travel between these cities. Pilgrims must bring proof of vaccination against the A and C strains of meningitis. Travel to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina is forbidden to non-Muslims.
Canadians have been denied entry into Saudi Arabia because their passports bore: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).
Residents of Saudi Arabia may not depart the country without obtaining an exit permit prior to leaving and an exit/re-entry permit if they intend to return to Saudi Arabia. One-time visitors on a single-entry visa do not need an exit permit. The Saudi sponsor's approval is required for these permits. A married woman must have her husband's approval to receive an exit permit. The father must approve the departure of any children. The Embassy of Canada and the Consulate of Canada cannot sponsor private Canadian citizens for an exit permit under any circumstances.
Proof of polio vaccination is required for all travellers under the age of 15 if arriving from an infected area.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the Saudi Arabian rial (SAR/SR). Credit cards and traveller's cheques are widely accepted. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (capital: Riyadh) is located in the Middle East bordering Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, the Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea. Tourist facilities are well developed and modern. The work week is from Saturday to Wednesday. The official language is Arabic.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Physicians and hospitals may ask for immediate cash payment for medical care. You should always carry your doctor's prescription for any medical supplies.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
SAUDI ARABIA SECURITY SITUATION – AN ASSESSMENT FOR CANADIAN BUSINESS VISITORS
1. A number of Canadian companies currently do business in Saudi Arabia, and the country is our most important market in the Gulf region. Despite security incidents over the past few years, many foreign businesses have remained active in the Kingdom. The hydrocarbons industry and its support industries have long been the mainstay of the Saudi Arabian economy, and the sector offers opportunities for Canadian trade, investment, joint ventures and technology transfer. There are opportunities in many other sectors as well.
2. The security situation in Saudi Arabia presents risks for visitors, as well as for both Saudi Arabian and foreign residents. Effective security measures are warranted for Canadians establishing a business in Saudi Arabia. The security threat to personnel and physical assets comes primarily from terrorist elements. While the Saudi authorities have recently met with a high degree of success in combatting terrorist attacks, the overall situation remains unpredictable and the threat remains real.
3. Canadian and other foreign companies present in Saudi Arabia generally seek advice both from their embassies and from other long-established companies and organizations as to the current security climate and its implications for living and working in the country. Many foreign business visitors stay in hotels. Housing in the cities is normally in large compounds surrounded by high concrete walls with security guards, an armed military presence and a high degree of security protection. Public transportation is poor. For daily travel, using the services of a driver is recommended. Local business contacts may offer the use of their company drivers. Using taxis is also an option. Hiring a car and driving yourself is not recommended. While road conditions in the cities are good and road patterns are not complicated, local driving habits can be dangerous and traffic accidents are common.
4. Telephone coverage, including cellular service, is excellent. Canadian cellular phones will not work in Saudi Arabia unless they can operate under the "GSM" standard. Most foreigners and Saudi Arabian business persons carry cellular phones. The use of global satellite sets should be considered, particularly when travelling outside the major cities.
5. Several local and foreign security agencies offer a range of advisory and protection services as well as hardware options that are being used successfully by Saudi Arabian and foreign companies to protect both personnel and company assets. The Saudi Arabian military also provides security for many of the petroleum sites in the Kingdom as well as for expatriate compounds and prominent foreign businesses.
6. Saudi Arabia is a rapidly developing country and offers significant commercial opportunities. The challenge for foreigners visiting, living or working in Saudi Arabia is to balance these commercial opportunities with a common-sense approach to personal security.
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18. ANNEX
N/A
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