Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia:
Since 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia has been issuing tourist visas to nationals of 49 countries, including France. According to the Saudi authorities, it is possible to apply for this type of visa directly on arrival, thanks to special terminals at Riyadh and Jeddah airports. However, French nationals wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia are advised to apply for an electronic visa in advance via Saudi Visa (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/). In all cases, visitors must be able to present the necessary documents on arrival, particularly with regard to medical insurance.
The Saudi authorities will not issue visas to holders of passports bearing Israeli visas or stamps.
On arrival in Saudi Arabia, luggage is generally subjected to a thorough inspection. Import bans on certain goods must be observed to avoid confiscation and a lengthy search.
For further information, please contact the Saudi Arabian Embassy in France (https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/France/FR/Pages/default.aspx).
Certain social and religious rules must be respected:
- The import and consumption of alcohol and pork is totally forbidden in Saudi Arabia. Imported cultural products (books, DVDs, magazines, etc.) must be compatible with local standards of decency.
- Foreign women are no longer required to wear an "abaya" (a long dress covering the entire body). However, women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid short sleeves and dresses above the knee.
- Men should wear pants and avoid shorts or Bermuda shorts.
- Islam is the only religion allowed in Saudi Arabia. All manifestations of belonging to other religions (practice, proselytism, symbols, etc.) are forbidden.
- Only Muslims are allowed to visit Mecca, where access is strictly controlled. As for Medina, access to the Prophet's Mosque is forbidden to non-Muslims.
- During the month of Ramadan, travellers should pay particular attention to respecting Saudi customs and habits.
- Saudis are strict about fasting. It is absolutely forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public, on threat of arrest and deportation. Women must be particularly careful about their dress code.
Certain aspects of private life are considered indecent offences (adultery, homosexuality, etc.) and are severely punished. The consumption and trafficking of alcohol and drugs are also severely punished.