Saudi Arabia

Testing and vaccination requirements

From 5 March 2022, Saudi Arabia has removed the requirement for a COVID-19 PCR test or Antigen Rapid Test to be provided by travellers seeking entry into Saudi Arabia.

All travellers, with the exception of Saudi nationals, residents of Saudi Arabia, and GCC citizens, must have medical insurance that covers the cost of COVID-19 treatment in outpatient clinics, emergencies, and hospitals.

Safe Management Measures

From 5 March 2022, the application of social distancing measures has been suspended in all open and enclosed places, activities and events. 

From 13 June 2022, Saudi Arabia has lifted the requirement for wearing of masks in both open and enclosed places with the exception of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and other places whereby health protocols are issued by the Saudi Public Authority (Weqaya), or other facilities, activities, events and means of public transportation that wish to apply higher levels of protection by maintaining the wearing of masks for entry.

Verification of immunisation and health status via the “Tawakkalna” application will no longer be required to enter facilities, activities, events, board planes and public transportation, except for those whose nature requires immunisation or to verify health status as specified by Weqaya, or facilities, activities, events and means of transportation that wish to apply higher levels of protection by continuing to require immunity or to verify health status before entry into the facilities.The Tawakkalna mobile application can be downloaded from the Saudi Data and A.I. Authority’s portal accessible via this website: https://ta.sdaia.gov.sa/en/index.

Stopover Visa for Arrivals by Air

From 30 January 2023, those transiting in Saudi Arabia may apply for a stopover visa. The stopover visa allows those in transit to enter Saudi Arabia, including to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque, and can be applied for at the time of booking flights through either Saudia Airlines or flynas. Please refer to Saudia Airlines’ and flynas’ websites for more information, including the terms and conditions, for stopover visas.

Change of requirements at short notice

As travel restrictions and requirements may change at short notice, we advise you to contact the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Singapore [+65 6734 5876; sgemb@mofa.gov.sa] for the latest restrictions or for further clarifications.

Saudi Arabia is generally safe and stable.

Singaporeans intending to travel to the desert and other nature parks in Saudi Arabia should ensure that they are accompanied by an experienced guide and bring along a GPS device if possible. 

Singaporeans visiting Saudi Arabia should familiarise themselves with Saudi laws and regulations, and abide by them.   Saudi laws are based on the Quran and Islamic jurisprudence, and are applied very strictly. 

All travellers entering or departing Saudi Arabia must comply with the prevailing customs declaration procedures/requirements as indicated on the Saudi Customs website at https://www.customs.gov.sa/en/declare. Travellers should also be prepared to pay the applicable customs duties and value-added tax that may be imposed. Alcohol, pork and pork products are not allowed.  Anyone caught trying to smuggle such items into Saudi Arabia or are found in possession of such contraband will be punished severely.  There are also strict penalties for anyone found consuming or in possession of narcotics, and strict laws against pornography.

During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public are disallowed between sunrise and sunset.

Public displays of affection, as well as mixing between individuals of different genders who are not married or directly-related, are frowned upon and may result in prosecution.  Homosexual activities could also result in prosecution. 

There are no avenues for demonstrations or other forms of public dissent.  Saudi Arabia also has strict laws against making remarks, both offline and online, critical of the royal family and the government. 

There are stiff penalties for over-stayers.  Visitors should thus check the validity of their visas very carefully. 

The city of Makkah and parts of the city of Madinah are off-limits to non-Muslims.  There are strong punishments for anyone caught trespassing into these areas.

Although the abaya (a loose, long fabric worn over other clothing that covers the body from the shoulders to the wrists and the ankles) is no longer mandatory for foreign ladies, many foreign ladies in Saudi Arabia continue to don the abaya when out in the public.  In some areas, women are also expected to cover their head and hair.  Men are expected to cover up to their knees in public, and not wear singlets and other revealing tops.

The weather in Saudi Arabia gets extremely hot in the summer period between May and September.  In July and August, temperatures can go as high as 50 degrees Celsius during the day.  The air is also very dry.  Please stay well hydrated at all times. In the cooler months, the temperature at night could go as low as 10 degrees Celsius in the cities, and below 0 degrees Celsius in the desert.  

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 14 October 2021]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrests or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas.  These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance.  The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport nos., address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.