Are you going to Saudi Arabia?
Flickr / Des Runyan / CC BY 2.0 | Source: Flickr Saudi Arabia attracts tourists with, among others, ancient excavations, monumental tombs and ornate mosques. Before leaving, however, be sure to check what you are not allowed to bring to this country and what crimes are even punishable by death. 1. Visas
Tourists traveling from Poland must obtain visas at the embassy of Saudi Arabia, located in Warsaw. This institution "gives them on the basis of a decision received from its authorities or an invitation from a Saudi institution or company that sponsors the arrival" - instructs the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - "Each foreigner must have a local so-called the sponsor, who bears full responsibility for him, and diplomatic and consular missions cannot act in this role. "
There are several different types of visas: tourist (for members of organized groups), business, transit, visiting (for relatives) and religious (for pilgrims).
In addition to visas, you must also show a passport valid for at least six months at the border. You also receive a residence card, which you must carry with you throughout your stay.
2. Crossing the border
It is not allowed to bring into this country all materials that may be considered contrary to the teaching of Islam, including devotional items of other religions, pork, horse meat, alcohol and pornography. Attempts to import such materials may result in a fine and takeover of these items.
Crossing the border with weapons and drugs is also strictly forbidden. Even the death penalty! For this reason, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns to be especially careful when traveling with medicines and always have prescriptions for them.
3. Vaccination and medical care required
Although vaccinations are not usually mandatory, during mass pilgrimages to Medina it happens that the authorities introduce an obligation to protect themselves in this way against meningitis. In addition, it should be borne in mind that in this country you can also get malaria and Rift Valley fever.
Medical care is expensive, so tourists are advised to take out a policy before leaving with an insurance company that is recognized by Saudi Arabia.
4. Dangers
Because there is a fairly high terrorist threat in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises tourists to report to the Polish embassy immediately after arriving in this country and leave contact details there. Also, avoid venturing into tribal areas. When traveling around the country, you should always have your residence ID card and passport or photocopy with you.
There are a number of restrictive laws in Saudi Arabia that must be observed. Otherwise, you can face a fine, flogging, imprisonment and even death.
Here are the most important of them:- Homosexuality is considered illegal,
- People who do not profess Islam cannot enter mosques or wear symbols of their own religion,
- It is not allowed to photograph local women, mosques and strategic buildings,
- It is forbidden to dance in public, play music or films,
- In during Ramadan, you may not publicly eat, drink or smoke cigarettes,
- In many places there are special zones, separate for men and women. This segregation should be observed,
- Women should wear scarves or headscarves in public places, and capes, called abaya, all over their bodies
"Religious police (Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Preventing Offenses) are responsible for monitoring compliance with applicable moral standards," informs the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5. Moving
The car can be driven based on a Polish driving license. Attention! In Saudi Arabia, women cannot sit behind the wheel.
Traveling by car can be dangerous mainly due to the fact that the locals commonly violate traffic rules, especially those regarding speed limits.
"In the event of a collision, all accident participants should be expected to be taken to the police station. Drivers participating in a serious accident, regardless of fault, must reckon with detention for several days, until liability is established, "warns the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that in such a situation the Polish embassy should be informed of the event.
In addition, in Saudi Arabia you can also use buses, planes, railways and relatively cheap taxis.
6. Necessary contact details
The Polish embassy is located in the capital of the country.
Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Abdullah Bin Dzafar Street, Al-Warood Area, Riyadh 11693 PO Box 94016
Tel .: +966 14549274
Tel .: +966 14508889
Tel. on duty: +966 548807718
In addition, in Saudi Arabia, you can also use the help of the Honorary Consulate.
Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz Street, PO Box 439, Jeddah 21411
Tel .: +9662 6493762
Tel .: +966 505617855
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