Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Access to almost all internet cafes, and most mid- and budget-range hotels is impossible,
as is access to many restaurants. Most towns and villages have at least one restaurant with
a 'family section' where women, whether accompanied or not, must sit - those that do not
provide takeaways. Museums and some sights have special family-only hours, and banks
have 'Ladies' branches'.
What to Wear
Women must by law wear an
abeyya
(full-length black robe). Though a headscarf is not
compulsory, you should always have one at hand as the
mutawwa
may insist that you
wear it.
Getting There & Away
ENTERING SAUDI ARABIA
Immigration is much quicker than it used to be (except during hajj and Ramadan when
you can expect long queues). All bags including hand luggage are x-rayed but usually
only opened when further investigation is warranted. Don't forget to fill in immigration
cards.
Note that departure security is vigorous and time consuming. You're advised to arrive
early - 1½ hours before departures for domestic flights, three hours before international
flights. If you're travelling with Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), save time by obtaining
your boarding pass up to 24 hours in advance.
If you're arriving by land, procedures are similar, although expect long delays if you're
bringing your own car into the Kingdom.
AIR
The national carrier is
Saudi Arabian Airlines
(Saudia; 01-488 4444;
www.saudiairlines.com
)
, which
flies to dozens of destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the USA. It has a
respectable safety record and is usually on time and comfortable. Saudia usually offers a
free domestic flight with an international ticket.
There are four airports handling international traffic in Saudi Arabia:
02-684 2227)
In Jeddah.
King Abdul Aziz International Airport
(
03-883 5151;
www.kfia.com.sa
)
In Dammam.
King Fahd International Airport
(
01-221 1000;
www.riyadh-airport.com
)
In Riyadh.
King Khaled International Airport
(
04-842 0000)
In Medina.
Medina International Airport
(
Airlines Flying to/from Saudi Arabia
