For entry into the country, a visa and passport that's valid for at least six months is required. A sponsor is required for all visas and must be obtained before arrival. Tourism visas will only be issued upon approval of tour groups with organized itineraries. Visas will be issued to visit close relatives, as well as business, work visas and religious visas. Business visas are typically initiated in Saudi Arabia to those with commercial and industrial interests in the country. Work visas are applied for by the employer and are valid for up to two years. Religious visas are issued to Muslims all over the world who wish to practice religious activities. All Saudi Embassies are authorized to issue visas.
Alcohol, pork and pork products, explosives, edged weapons, drugs, firearms and pornographic materials are not allowed into the country due to religious beliefs and regulations. All travelers carrying $16,000 or more in cash, precious metals or transferable monetary instruments have to declare them at Saudi Customs.
Female visitors and residents must be met by their sponsor when they arrive in the country. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 can travel alone or with another person 15 or older. Children between ages 12 and 15 can be accepted as unaccompanied children if requested by parents or guardian.
Carry-on luggage cannot exceed 55 pounds. All food, drink and medicine must be put in a transparent plastic bag and cannot exceed 1 liter. Due to safety reasons, you are not allowed to have any type of briefcase with alarm devices, lithium batteries, fireworks, any type of flammable gas or liquid, radioactive materials, magnetized materials or flammable solids.
