Travel Information From Somalia to Saudi Arabia

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Routine Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (Influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Saudi Arabia. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given. Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages to Saudi Arabia.

Measles

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Malaria

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Saudi Arabia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Required for all travelers going to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj or Umrah. See the Saudi Arabia: Hajj/Umrah Pilgrimage Yellow Book section for more information.

Rabies

Saudi Arabia is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Typhoid

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Yellow Fever

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.

You will need 6 months validity remaining on your passport from the date you intend to entry.

Local Phrases Language : Arabic

Local Phrases :

Greetings

Hello = marhaban (informal)
Good morning = sabāh el-khair
Good afternoon = tab masayik
Goodbye = ma`a as-salāma
Nice to meet you = saeid biliqayik

Conversational

How are you? = kayf halika?
I am good thank you = ana bikhayr shukran lak
What’s your name? = ma asmuk?
My name is … = … asmi hu ...
Do you speak English? = hal tatakalam allughat al'iinjiliziatu?
I don’t speak … = ... ana la atakalim ...
How do you say… in … = kayf yumkinuk 'an taqul fi ...
I don’t understand = la 'afham

Basics

Yes = naeam
No = raqm
Please = law samaht
Thank you = shkran lak
You’re welcome = ealaa alrahb walsaea
Excuse me = eafwan
Wait = antazir
Hurry up = eajaluu
Go away = yabtaeid
Let’s go to = linadhhab 'iilaa
I want to go to … = 'urid 'an 'adhhab 'iilaa ...
A little bit = qalilan
A lot = kthyraan

Shopping & Eating Out

Restaurant = mateam
Do you have? … = hal tamtaliku? ...
Not too spicy = lays har jidana
It was delicious = laqad kanat ladhidhatan
The bill, please = alfaturat min fadlik
How much? = kam althamani?
Very expensive = ghali jidana
Can you reduce the price? = hal yumkinuk taqlil alsuera?
Please can I have a beer? = min fadlik hal yumkinuni alhusul ealaa birat?

Transportation & Directions

Taxi = sayaarat ajirih
Car = jamal
Bus = 'uwtubis
Right = alsahih
Left = alyasar
Straight = mustaqim
Stop here = tawaqaf huna

Places

Downtown = wast albalad
Street = sharie
Hotel = alfunduq
Museum = muthaf
Mall = mujamae tijariun
Market = suq
Hospital = mustashfaa
Doctor = tabib
Police = shurta
Post office = maktab albarid
Bank = bank

Time & Dates

What time is it? = 'ayu saeatin?
Today = alyawm
Tomorrow = alghad
The day after tomorrow = baed ghad
Yesterday = fi alamis
When? = mataa؟

Emergencies

Where is the toilet? = 'ayn alhamami?
Help me, please = saeadani min fadlik
Call an ambulance = aitasil bial'iiseaf
I don’t feel goo = 'ana la 'asheur bialdhuhul

• Riyadh: +966114606774

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Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. In 2022, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 2 April and finish on 1 May. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Saudi authorities advise that it is respectful to avoid eating or drinking in public during the day at this time. The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal; as is an intention to convert others. However, the Saudi authorities accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you can bring a religious text into the country as long as it is for your personal use. Importing larger quantities than this can carry severe penalties. With the launch of the tourist e-visa on 28 September 2019, Saudi Arabia announced new regulations related to public conduct and decency. Men and women are required to refrain from public displays of affection, and avoid using profane language or gestures. Taking pictures or recording videos without permission is not permitted. Visitors to Saudi Arabia should familiarise themselves with public decency laws. Local laws require men and women to dress modestly covering shoulders and knees in public, avoiding tight-fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images. It is not mandatory for female travellers to wear the traditional robe or abaaya. As of June 2018 women are legally able to obtain a licence to drive a car, motorbikes and scooters. You should seek guidance from the local authorities on how to apply for a local licence. Homosexual or extra-marital sexual relations, including adultery, are illegal and can be subject to severe penalties. It’s also illegal to be transgender. Transgender people travelling to Saudi Arabia are likely to face significant difficulties and risks if this is discovered by the authorities Penalties for the possession of, or trade in alcohol are severe. Both result in prison sentences. Do not arrive in Saudi Arabia under the influence of alcohol. If you bring medication with you, carry a doctor’s prescription. Importing pork products is forbidden. The possession of pornographic material, or of illustrations of scantily dressed people, especially women, is prohibited. Electronic devices may be screened by customs officials on arrival and departure. The punishment for smuggling drugs includes the death penalty. Photographing government buildings, military installations, and palaces is not allowed. You should avoid photographing local people. Binoculars should not be brought into Saudi Arabia and may be confiscated at the port of entry. It’s illegal to hold 2 passports in Saudi Arabia. Second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities if they're discovered. You should carry a photocopy of your passport for identification. Make sure you have included emergency contact details. The Saudi legal system differs in many ways from most countries. Suspects can be held without charge and are not always allowed quick access to legal representation. The Saudi authorities have detained witnesses and victims of crimes. If you need consular assistance, British Embassy staff will try to visit you as soon as they are aware of the case, but in some instances Embassy staff have not been permitted to do so immediately or have had access limited. Anyone involved in a commercial dispute with a Saudi company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute. Government bodies often retain passports for official purposes; sponsors also sometimes retain passports, although this is illegal.

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Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and main financial hub, is on a desert plateau in the country’s center. Business district landmarks include the 302m-high Kingdom Centre, with a sky bridge connecting 2 towers, and 267m-high Al Faisaliah Centre, with a glass-globe summit. In the historical Deira district, Masmak Fort marks the site of the 1902 raid that gave the Al Sauds control of Riyadh.

Customs Allowances : Click Here

Unfriendly neighbourhood Watch

Private Saudi citizens have been know to harass, and in extreme cases physically assault, travelers who they felt were not observing high enough standards of conservative behavior. This is a country where you should always abide by the local laws and customs, and always show respect to the religion – no matter what your beliefs are.

Potential terrorism risk in Saudi Arabia

The border region between Saudi Arabia and Yemen is currently regarded as hostile, and should be avoided. Most government travel advisories have listed this area as 'Do Not Travel'.

Saudi authorities are currently concerned about an increased threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia, and in the period from December 2009 to December 2010, 765 people were convicted for involvement in terrorist activities.

The places where travelers (mostly expats) are known to congregate are considered possible targets, so you'll notice tight security in these areas.

You should take care when you're near embassies, international organisations and businesses as well as residential compounds and hotels. Also areas where foreigners are known to work or play such as clubs, open air markers, pedestrian areas, schools, places of worship, restaurants, sporting events, outdoor recreation facilities, transport infrastructure, and general resort or tourist areas.

Anything connected with the oil industry should also be considered a potential terrorist target, and this includes all oil installations and infrastructure including pipelines and truck depots.

Buildings, institutions and symbols associated with the Saudi Arabian government – and security forces in particular – should also be considered a potential terrorist target.

There's not a lot you can do if you have need to be near these places or institutions, except be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for the unexpected.

International Driving Permit 1968 is required

• The most common religion in Saudi Arabia is Islam.
• Don't criticise Islam and Don't discuss any religion. The public practice of other faiths than Islam is prohibited.
• Don't eat, drink, smoke or chew chewing gum in public during the holy month of Ramadan.
• Don't travel to military zones or border posts - it’s banned for tourists.
• Don't forget women must be met by their sponsor upon arrival, according to Saudi Arabia’s regulations. Women who are travelling alone and are not attended by sponsors have experienced delays before being allowed to enter the country or to continue on other flights.
• Don't forget married women, including non-Saudis, require their husband’s permission to depart the country, while unmarried women and children need the permission of their father or male guardian.
• Don't bring your pet without an official approval the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia.
• Don't dance, play music or show movies in public - it’s forbidden.
• Don't be surprised many areas of life in Saudi Arabia is segregated by sex to ensure that unrelated men and women have no possibility of mingling.
• Don't drive or ride motorcycles, bicycles, or any other type of vehicle on public roads if you're a woman - it’s not allowed.
• Don't expect anything to be open on Friday - it's the Muslim holy day. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
• Don't wear tight and unveiling clothes - always dress conservatively.
• Don't use your left hand for eating or handing things over.
• Don't forget same-sex sexual relations are criminalised in Saudi Arabia.
• Don't necessarily drink camel’s milk unless you're really willing to.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Saudi Arabia?

Travel insurance is very important when traveling overseas. We strongly recommend that you take out cover to travel to Saudi Arabia. You can usually take out single trip or annual multi-trip cover to give you peace of mind should anything happen.

It can be a better and cheaper option to take annual multi-trip cover as it usually covers any number of trips taken in one year with a maximum of up to around 60 days away per trip.

We work with the top names in the industry and have already pre-selected the easiest, cheapest and best quality travel insurance on the market to save you time and money trying to find the best cover.

Travel insurance typically covers the following; however, you can tailor a policy to suit your needs depending on where you are traveling to, your activities and how long you are away.

• Medical Expenses
  Medical treatment can be extremely costly and add up very quickly, and include Overnight stays in hospital, minor or major surgery, accident and emergency treatment, drugs, COVID-19 treatment, journey home if you cannot use the original ticket, dental treatment, and many more unexpected expenses.
• Baggage and personal belongings
  If your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed it is extremely frustrating. If you must buy new clothes, toiletry products or personal belongings it can be very expensive and time consuming.
• Cancellation
  Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances you may need to cancel your trip. This could be due to several reasons such as illness, injury, a bereavement or many other scenarios. Usually airlines, tour operators and hotels have large cancellation fees, so buying travel insurance that covers this is recommended.

Health Care

Healthcare System in Saudi Arabia

Healthcare of Saudi Arabia is ranked 71st in the world. Saudi Arabia has a mixed public and private healthcare system, both providing good quality services.

Health Risk

Leptospirosis

Caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.

Schistosomiasis

Caused by wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated water body.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

Caused by touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF.

Dengue

Occurs from insect bites, including mosquitoes.

Leishmaniasis

Occurs from sand fly bite.

Rift River Valley

Caused by touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock and mosquito bites

Hantavirus

Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Caused from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

MERS is passed primarily to people from infected camels.