Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Culture Overview1, 2
- Capital: Riyadh
- Population: approx. 35 million
- Official Language: Arabic
- Currency: Saudi Riyal (SR)
- Saudia Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East.
- It is the home to Islam’s two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina.
- The Abraj Al Bait Towers in Mecca holds the world’s tallest clock tower.
- Saudi Arabia does not have any rivers.
Tips On Moving to Saudi Arabia
What Do You Need to Enter Saudi Arabia?3
- Valid Passport
- Visa
- Completed Customs Declaration Form
Customs and Declarations3,4
All passengers entering Saudi Arabia are required to declare their belongings. Passengers carrying cash or other means of payment exceeding $16,000 are required to declare to Customs.
Major restricted items:
- Alcohol
- Sex toys
- Pornographic material
- Narcotics
- Bible, Christmas trees and Crosses
- Prototype of the Holy Kaaba
- Animal blood products
- ZamZam water
- Weapons
- Night Vision Binoculars
- Wireless telephones, radio transmitter
Helpful numbers in case of emergencies in Saudi Arabia5
There are several important emergency numbers to know in case you ever experience an emergency or need emergency help:
- Poloce (112)
- Police and Firefighters (102)
- Ambulance or Fire (103)
Passing Away in Saudi Arabia6, 7
The must be reported by the hospital where the death occurred. Once reported, you can request the death certificate electronically via the Absher platform.
The death should also be reported to the relevant embassy or consulate.
The following information is required when reporting a death:
- The deceased's full name, date and place of birth, address
- Required documentation- the deceased’s passport, residence card, death certificate
- The date and place of death
- The cause of death
Repatriating Mortal Remains
The repatriation of a body to the home country requires the help of the relevant local embassy or consulate. Consular officials can assist in organizing repatriation and obtaining appropriate documentation.
When repatriation of the body is requested, funeral homes or crematoriums in Saudi Arabia will temporarily hold the remains while arrangements are made.
The cost of repatriation covers transportation and essential documentation, which may include:
- A certified Copy of the Notification of Death
- An embalming certificate (if required by the destination country)
- A certificate confirming the coffin complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.