Doing Business in Saudi Arabia - International Franchise Association

meal is normally served at the end of the evening, and guests will not linger long after finishing.
Be observant and adapt your behavior to the customs of your host.
Dress is conservative for both men and women. Men should not wear shorts or tank tops, while
women are advised to wear loose-fitting and concealing clothing with long skirts, elbow-length
sleeves and modest necklines.
There is strict gender separation in the Kingdom and restaurants maintain separate sections for
single men and families. Wives are often excluded from social gatherings or are entertained
separately.
Travel Advisory Return to top
The American Embassy continues to receive reports that suggest terrorist action against U.S.
interests in Saudi Arabia remains a possibility. Because of continuing security concerns, the
U.S. Embassy, Consulates General, and U.S. military elements throughout the country routinely
review their security postures and make improvements wherever possible to lessen their
vulnerabilities. The Embassy strongly encourages all American residents in Saudi Arabia to
likewise take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness and lessen their
vulnerability.
In addition, the State Department issues Consular Information Sheets for every country of the
world with information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or
entry requirements, any areas of instability and the location of the nearest American embassy or
Consulate in the subject country.
American citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels
or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures and are also advised to
maintain good situational awareness when visiting commercial establishments frequented by
Westerners. American citizens also are advised to keep a low profile; vary times and routes of
travel; exercise caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles; and ensure that travel
documents and visas are current and valid.
Americans traveling to Saudi Arabia for a short period of time are encouraged to register with
the U.S. Embassy or Consulates and to obtain the most current security information. This
process can be done before departing the United States through the Internet Based Registration
System (IBRS).
Americans who expect to spend more time visiting Saudi Arabia or who are resident in Saudi
Arabia are encouraged to register through the IBRS and to subscribe to the American Embassy
warden system to receive the latest Warden Messages and Travel Warnings. The Warden
system will inform the resident American community of current security matters.
Visa Requirements Return to top
Saudi visas valid for at least six months are required for entry. Visas can be obtained for
business and work, to visit relatives, for religious visits, and for tourism. Most visas are single
entry and allow for a maximum six-month stay; however the Saudi Government has recently
started granting a limited number of multiple-entry business visas for two to five years. Because
of a reciprocal arrangement recently concluded with the United States, the issuance of five year