Laws for Tourists in Saudi Arabia

Does Saudi Arabia offer an e-Visa?

Since the government of Saudi Arabia opened its e-Visa facility for tourists willing to travel there, it has become easy to visit. With the easy way to apply for a Saudi Arabia e-Visa, now just anyone can apply for it as long as they fit the requirements set by the Saudi government. The e-Visa is very convenient to obtain than applying through an embassy, it saves you time and trips to the embassy.

Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists with hospitality. Lately, Saudi Arabia has started to expand its scope of tourism. Up til now, they have added more countries to the list of eligible countries for Saudi Arabia. Now with the e-Visa system available to 50 countries, tourists can go to the country and travel easily.

Laws and Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government is strict when it comes to laws and implementing them. If you plan on visiting the country of Saudi Arabia, you should check out what items are prohibited to import into Saudi Arabia. Drugs, liquor, guns, and even prescription medication without a doctor's note are not allowed on the plane. If any of these items are found, they will be confiscated by the airport.

Saudi Arabia is a country with strict rules and regulations. Most of them come from their primary religion, which is Islam. To abide by the rules said on their faith, the government of Saudi Arabia has implemented these rules, which are known as Sharia law. The Sharia law has been written from reading the verses of the Quran and several Islamic texts by Islamic scholars. The Sharia law applies to anyone that resides in Saudi Arabia or has come to visit Saudi Arabia.

The set of rules set by the government is easy to follow. Lately, the Saudi Arabian Prince has decided to reform a few of the laws that have existed for years in the country, to keep up with the world and modern civilization. Because some of the laws upheld by the country of Saudi Arabia are conservative for the modern world, they can be a bit hard to follow if you do not know about them.

It is best to read about the laws of Saudi Arabia before you visit the country so you can avoid packing the wrong clothes, going the wrong way, or doing the wrong thing and getting a ticket or penalized.

Things You Should Know Before Visiting Saudi Arabia

There are a few things you can take care of to avoid getting into any kind of legal trouble during your stay in Saudi Arabia. Some of them are:

1. Alcohol

• Being a country governed by laws marked by Sharia, bringing alcohol or any substitute to the country is considered a crime.
• You should not drink before your flight to Saudi Arabia.
• The same rules apply to getting intoxicated in public. You should not order alcohol, beer or wine, not even in restaurants and hotels to avoid problems.

2. Drugs

• Drug use is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
• If you are caught selling drugs, you can face a prison sentence in Saudi Arabia. Trafficking, selling or using drugs is illegal and can lead to deportation or imprisonment in Saudi Arabia.

3. Photography

• Taking photographs of people without their consent is considered wrong in Saudi Arabia.
• It is also considered wrong to take photographs of military, police or royal forces or facilities.
• Taking photographs of these things can result in a prison sentence in Saudi Arabia and should be avoided.

4. Pork

• Islam considers pork meat to be "haram" and a Muslim should not consume it.
• Attempting to import pork into the country can cause you problems. Pork is strictly prohibited.
• If you try to bring pork to Saudi Arabia, it will be confiscated at the airport.

5. Pornography

• In Saudi Arabia, if you have any pornographic content on your smartphone, tablet or PC, a government official will confiscate the device.
• If any government official finds you making, indulging in or even illustrating pornography, you may be penalized and fined or receive a prison sentence for doing so.

6. Criticizing the Law

• Citizens of the country of Saudi Arabia respect their king, their royal family, their government and the laws implemented by the government.
• If you criticize their way of doing things, you can be deported from Saudi Arabia or receive a prison sentence for doing so.
• Even criticism of these topics on social media can cause you problems, whether you are a foreigner or not.

7. No Public Display of Affection

• Sharia law requires that you keep your level of affection to a minimum in public.
• In Saudi Arabia, it is considered very inappropriate for two people to maintain any physical contact in public.

8. Ramadan Ethics

• The month of Ramadan is highly respected by all Muslims. In the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast for their religious values. The fasting period begins at dawn and ends at sunset every day.
• During this time, between dawn and sunset, you should not eat or drink anything in public. You should also avoid smoking in public. Eating or drinking during these hours is prohibited.
• You will not be able to order food at restaurants during this time, but you can order it to be packaged and eat it when you arrive at your home or hotel room.

9. Clothing Restrictions

• In Saudi Arabia, you should do what the Arabs do. You should wear less revealing clothing in Saudi Arabia. This rule applies to both men and women. Showing skin should be reduced to a minimum, especially in the case of women.
• In the case of men, the use of short-sleeved shirts, sleeveless t-shirts and shorts should be avoided.
• For women, you should wear an abaya or a loose coat. It is best if you can also wear a scarf on your head.
• You cannot celebrate Valentine's Day in public. You should avoid dressing in red on this day.
• If you have come to Saudi Arabia with the intention of performing Hajj or Umrah, you must bring an ihram.

10. LGBTQ

• Islamic law is very much against same-sex marriage. You will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia and avoid any problems as long as you can avoid public displays of affection towards your partner or anyone in general.
• If they discover you having a romance or participating in something similar to this, you can go to prison, be flogged or, even worse, face the death penalty.

11. Gender Segregation

• In Saudi Arabia, it is common for women to have slightly more restrictions than men. Many places will have two separate entrances or places for both sexes. Many weddings there are also held with ladies on one side and gentlemen on the other to avoid unnecessary mixing.
• If you are a woman coming to Saudi Arabia with the intention of performing Hajj or Umrah, you must have a mahram to accompany you to perform the pilgrimage.

12. ID

• Keep your ID and passport with you at all times during your visit to the country of Saudi Arabia.
• Officials at any checkpoint in Saudi Arabia have the authority to request forms of identification, so it is best to have a printed copy of your passport or ID on hand.

13. Avoid Littering

• You can be penalized if someone in Saudi Arabia catches you littering. The country is quite strict in enforcing this rule.

Hajj and Umrah

• In case you are a Muslim traveler with the intention of performing Hajj or Umrah in Saudi Arabia, you must bring an ihram.
• In case you have an e-Visa, you can perform Umrah. You need a Hajj visa to perform Hajj.
• In case you are under 18 years old, you will need a guardian, preferably a male, because a female pilgrimage without a male mahram companion is not allowed.
• In case you plan to visit Saudi Arabia, you should keep these points in mind when packing for your trip.
• The people of Saudi Arabia are very hospitable and there is much to enjoy during your visit to the country.
• As long as you can follow these rules, you will not have any problems during your visit to Saudi Arabia.