Saudi Arabia Travel Vaccines and Advice
Whilst little known in the touristic world, Saudi Arabia still has all the necessary ingredients to offer you a dream vacation. Taking into account the Nejd Plateau, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East. By itself, it occupies 80% of the Arabian Peninsula. Between desert landscapes and green masses, this land welcomes you to a universe rich in contrasts. Enjoy the great desert sands of Rub Al-Khali or be seduced by one of the largest oases in the world located in the east of the country: Al Hasa. After your stopover in Saudi Arabia, you will also be able to discover the famous Nabataean sites, the citadel and its majestic palaces as well as the religious sites of Mecca and Medina. Be prepared to wear light clothing when travelling to this country due to its desert-like climate and hot temperatures.
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Recommended travel vaccinations for Saudi Arabia
| Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
|---|---|
| Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
| Typhoid | |
| Hepatitis A | |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Meningitis | Airborne Droplets |
| Influenza |
Recommended Medications for Travelling to Saudi Arabia
| Medication | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| Acetazolamide/Dexamethasone | Recommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness |
| Azithromycin/Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
Current weather in Saudi Arabia
Medical Care in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a dream tourist destination with a comfortable living environment. The health care system is controlled by the Ministry of Health (MOH), which oversees the functioning of general and specialized hospital services. There are many well-equipped hospital centers providing quality care in Saudi Arabia, such as King Khalid Hospital specializing in ophthalmology, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Both offer a wide range of quality medical care. You can also go to Saad Specialist Hospital in Al-Khobar, which has 24-hour emergency ambulance services.
In the event of complications, evacuation to a foreign country will be required. To call an ambulance in Saudi Arabia, dial 997.
Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Travel?
| Safety and Security | Descriptive |
|---|---|
| Border with Yemen | Armed groups danger |
| Qatif | Civil unrest and armed clashes possible |
| Missile strikes | Risk present |
| Northern Saudi Border | Out of bounds zone; violations punishable by up to 30 months’ imprisonment |
| Terrorism | Risk present |
| Kidnapping | Risk present |
| Demonstrations | Illegal and risk of violence |
| Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca | Overcrowded; may lead to death/injuries by stampede |
| Crime | Low crime rate, risk present |
| Women’s safety | Assault/harassment may occur for foreign women |
| Road safety | City roads are well maintained compared to rural roads |
| Marine transportation | Stay cautious; risk of pirates |
| Risk level | High degree of caution |
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Saudi Arabia?
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Both, a passport and a visa are required whether it’s for business or tourism. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the expected date of departure. If you’re going for the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, you’ll need another type of visa. Click the link below for more information.
Keep your visa/residency permit and a photocopy of your passport at all times.
Please click here for more information.
Embassy of Canada to Saudi Arabia information
When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:
- A legal problem
- A lost passport
- The need to report a crime
It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.
Canadian Embassy to Saudi Arabia (RIYADH)
Street Address:
Diplomatic Quarter,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966 (11) 488-2288
Fax: 966 (11) 488-1997
Email: [email protected]
Canadian Consulate to Saudi Arabia (JEDDAH)
Street Address:
Ali Reza Tower, 11th Floor, Medinah Road,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966 (12) 653-0597 or 966 (12) 653-0434
Fax: 966 (12) 653-0538
Email: [email protected]