Filming in Saudi Arabia--Meet the Mutawwa!
WereoBoy
June 19, 2001
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by a king chosen from and
by members of the Al-Saud family. The king rules through royal decrees issued
in conjunction with the Council of Ministers, and with advice from the
Consultative Council. Members of both councils are appointed by the king.
Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the monarchy and provides the
foundation of the country's conservative customs and social practices. Saudi
Arabia has a modern and well-developed infrastructure, and facilities for
travelers are widely available, although the country does not issue visas for
tourism except for approved tour groups. The workweek in Saudi Arabia is
Saturday through Wednesday.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Passports valid for at least six months and visas are
required for entry. Visas are issued for business and work, to visit close
relatives, and for transit and religious visits. Visas for tourism are issued
only for approved tour groups following organized itineraries. Airport and
seaport visas are not available. All visas require a sponsor, can take several
months to process, and must be obtained prior to arrival. Women visitors and
residents are required to be met by their sponsor upon arrival. Women traveling
alone, who are not met by sponsors, have experienced delays before being
allowed to enter the country or to continue on to other flights.
Visitors to Saudi Arabia generally obtain a meningitis vaccination prior to
arrival. A medical report or physical examination is required to obtain work
and residence permits.
Residents working in Saudi Arabia generally must surrender their passports
while in the Kingdom. The sponsor (normally the employer) obtains work and
residence permits for the employee and for any family members. Family members
of those working are not required by law to surrender their passports, though
they often do. Residents carry a Saudi residence permit (Iqama) for
identification in place of their passports. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates
General in Saudi Arabia cannot sponsor private American citizens for Saudi
visas.
Foreign residents traveling within the Kingdom, even between towns in the same
province, carry travel letters issued by employers and authenticated by an
immigration official or a Chamber of Commerce office. Police at all airports
and dozens of roadblocks routinely arrest and imprison violators.
Residents in Saudi Arabia who are departing the country must obtain an exit
permit prior to leaving and an exit/reentry permit if they intend to return to
Saudi Arabia. The Saudi sponsor's approval is required for exit permits. A
married woman residing in Saudi Arabia with her husband must have her husband's
approval to receive an exit permit. The father must approve the departure of
any children. The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General cannot sponsor
private U.S. citizens for an exit permit under any circumstances. Temporary
visitors normally do not need an exit permit but may be prevented from
departing the country if they are involved in a legal dispute.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have
initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring
documentary evidence of the relationship between the child and an accompanying
adult and, when the child's parent(s) or legal guardian is not traveling with
the child, permission from that adult for the child's travel. Having such
documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
For further information on entry/exit requirements, travelers may contact the
following Saudi government offices in the U.S.:
--Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 601 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
20037, telephone (202) 337-4076. The Embassy's Internet home page is at
http://www.saudiembassy.net/
--Saudi Consulate General in New York: 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 480, New
York, NY 10017, tel: (212) 752-2740
--Saudi Consulate General in Houston: 5718 Westheimer, Suite 1500, Houston, TX
77057, tel: (713) 785-5577
--Saudi Consulate General in Los Angeles: Sawtelle Courtyard Building, 2045
Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025, tel: (310) 479-6000
DUAL NATIONALITY: The Saudi government does not recognize dual nationality.
Saudi authorities have confiscated the U.S. passports of U.S. citizens when
they apply for Saudi citizenship and the U.S. passports of dual (Saudi/U.S.)
nationals when they applied for a Saudi passport. This does not constitute loss
of U.S. citizenship, but should be reported to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. For
additional information, please refer to the Consular Affairs home page on the
Internet at http://travel.state.gov and click on the dual nationality flyer.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The U.S. Government continues to assist Saudi authorities
in their investigations of the 1995 and 1996 bombings of U.S. military
installations in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. Mission continues to receive reports
that suggest terrorist action against U.S. interests in Saudi Arabia remains a
possibility. Because of continuing security concerns, the Embassy, Consulates
General, and the U.S. military elements throughout the country have reviewed
their security postures and made improvements wherever possible to lessen their
vulnerabilities. We strongly encourage all Americans visiting or resident in
Saudi Arabia to likewise take appropriate steps to increase their security
awareness and lessen their vulnerability.
All American citizens in Saudi Arabia should maintain a high level of vigilance
and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness and reduce
their vulnerability. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and
times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar
sources with suspicion. In addition, American citizens are urged to avoid
contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of
such objects to local authorities. Vehicles should not be left unattended, if
at all possible, and should be kept locked at all times. American citizens are
urged to park their motor vehicles in protected areas with restricted access
and to inspect the vehicles before using them, looking underneath, inside the
engine compartment, and inside the trunk. The use of flashlight for vehicle
inspections at night is recommended. Suspicious activities, individuals, or
vehicles should be reported to the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate General.
License numbers of vehicles and descriptions of individuals are extremely
helpful. Saudi officials continue to cooperate closely with the Embassy to
ensure the safety of all Americans.
The American Embassy and Consulates General in Saudi Arabia inform the resident
American community of security matters through a communications system known as
the warden faxnet. Persons who are residing in the Kingdom should contact the
Embassy or nearest Consulate General for information on their warden contacts.
Americans arriving in Saudi Arabia are encouraged to register at the Embassy or
Consulates General and obtain the most current security information (see
section on Registration.)
CRIME: Crime is generally not a problem for travelers in Saudi Arabia. However,
private Saudi citizens who perceive that conservative standards of conduct are
not being observed by a foreigner may harass, pursue, or assault that person.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh cautions American citizens that Saudi Arabian police
authorities have detained potential witnesses to crimes, without charges or
access to legal counsel and with limited or delayed consular access, for months
during the investigative stage of criminal cases. On occasion, Saudi
authorities have temporarily confiscated the personal effects of detained
potential witnesses.
U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets A Safe Trip
Abroad and Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa for ways to
promote a more trouble-free journey. These publications are available by mail
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to
the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens
may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the
United States. The information below concerning Saudi Arabia is provided for
general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular
location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Saudi Arabia. Driving habits are
generally poor, and accidents involving vehicles driven by minors are not
uncommon. In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, all
persons involved (if not in the hospital) may be taken to the local police
station. Drivers are likely to be held for several days until responsibility is
determined and any reparations paid. In many cases, all drivers are held in
custody regardless of fault. Those involved in an accident should immediately
contact their sponsor and the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate. For
additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign
government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home
page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has
assessed the Government of Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority as Category
1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight
of Saudi Arabia's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers
may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873,
or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S.
Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for
suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding
the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618)
229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Saudi customs authorities enforce strict regulations
concerning importation into Saudi Arabia of such banned items as alcohol
products, weapons and any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of
Islam. This includes non-Islamic religious materials, pork products, and
pornography. Saudi customs and postal officials broadly define what is contrary
to Islam, and therefore prohibited. Christmas decorations, fashion magazines,
and "suggestive" videos may be confiscated and the owner subject to penalties
and fines. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington
or one of Saudi Arabia's consulates in the United States for specific
information regarding customs requirements.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to
that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from
those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the
individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Saudi
Arabia's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, imprisoned or even
executed. Suspects can be detained, without charges or legal counsel and with
limited consular access, for months during the investigative stage of criminal
cases. As stated in Section 5 (CRIME), witnesses to possible criminal incidents
also can be detained under similar circumstances for long periods of time. Even
when released from detention, witnesses to criminal incidents may be prohibited
from leaving the country until investigation of the incident is complete.
Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol
or illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences,
fines, public flogging, and/or deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking in
Saudi Arabia is death. Saudi officials make no exceptions. Customs inspections
at ports of entry are thorough. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General have no
standing in Saudi courts to obtain leniency for an American convicted of
alcohol or drug offenses.
Besides alcohol products and illicit drugs, Saudi Arabia also prohibits the
import, use, or possession of any item that is held to be contrary to the
tenets of Islam (see "Customs Regulations" section above.) The private
ownership of weapons is prohibited. Imported and domestic audiovisual media and
reading matter are censored.
Homosexual activity is considered to be a criminal offense and those convicted
may be sentenced to lashing and/or a prison sentence, or death.
Saudi authorities do not permit criticism of Islam or the royal family. The
government prohibits the public practice of religions other than Islam,
although private worship by non-Muslims generally is permitted. Non-Muslims
suspects of violating these restrictions have been jailed.
EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS CONTRACT: The written, Arabic text of a contract
governs employment and business arrangements under Saudi law. Before signing a
contract, American companies should obtain an independent translation to ensure
a full understanding of the contract's terms, limits, and agreements. No
American should come to work in Saudi Arabia or make a business arrangement
without having seen and understood the full, written contract. Verbal
assurances or side letters are not binding under Saudi law. In the event of any
contract dispute, the Saudi authorities refer to the contract. Since the Saudi
sponsor holds the employee's passport and controls the issuance of exit
permits, Americans cannot simply leave Saudi Arabia in the event of a labor or
business dispute. An American who wishes to break an employment or business
contract may have to pay substantial penalties before being allowed to leave
Saudi Arabia. To change employers in Saudi Arabia requires the permission of
the previous employer, which is discretionary. Saudi courts take seriously
their responsibility to adjudicate disputes. This process, which is performed
in accordance with Saudi law and customs, may require the hiring of legal
counsel, should not be entered into without an Arabic translator, and can take
several months. The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General cannot adjudicate
labor or business disputes.
U.S. consular officers can provide lists of local attorneys to help U.S.
citizens settle business disputes, but ultimate responsibility for the
resolution of disputes through the Saudi legal system lies with the parties
involved.
SAUDI CUSTOMS, RELIGIOUS POLICE, AND GENERAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT: Islam
pervades all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. It is the official religion of
the country, and public observance of any other religion is forbidden. Public
non-Muslim religious services are illegal, and public display of non-Islamic
religious articles such as crosses and Bibles is not permitted. Travel to
Makkah (Mecca) and Medina, the cities where the two holiest mosques of Islam
are located, is forbidden to non-Muslims.
The norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are extremely conservative, and
religious police, known as Mutawwa, are charged with enforcing these standards.
Mutawwa are required to carry special identification and usually are
accompanied by uniformed police. However, in some cases they have detained
persons even without police presence. To ensure that conservative standards of
conduct are observed, the Saudi religious police have accosted or arrested
foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for improper dress or other infractions,
such as consumption of alcohol or association by a female with a male to whom
she is not related. While most incidents have resulted only in inconvenience or
embarrassment, the potential exists for an individual to be physically harmed
or deported. U.S. citizens who are involved in an incident with the Mutawwa
should report the incident to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the U.S. Consulates
General in Jeddah or Dhahran.
The Saudi Embassy in Washington advises women traveling to Saudi Arabia to
dress in a conservative fashion, wearing ankle-length dresses with long
sleeves, and not to wear trousers in public. In many areas of Saudi Arabia,
particularly Riyadh and the central part of the Kingdom, Mutawwa pressure women
to wear a full-length black covering known as an Abaya and to cover their
heads. Most women in these areas therefore wear an Abaya and carry a headscarf
to avoid being accosted. Women who appear to be of Arab or Asian origin,
especially those presumed to be Muslims, face a greater risk of being
confronted.
Some Mutawwa try to enforce the rule that men and women who are beyond
childhood years may not mingle in public, unless they are family or close
relatives. Mutawwa may ask to see proof that a couple is married or related.
Women who are arrested for socializing with a man who is not a relative may be
charged with prostitution. Some restaurants, particularly fast-food outlets,
have refused to serve women who are not accompanied by a close male relative.
In addition, many restaurants no longer have a "family section" in which women
are permitted to eat. These restrictions are not always posted, and in some
cases women violating this policy have been arrested.
Women are not allowed to drive vehicles or ride bicycles on public roads.
In public, dancing, music and movies are forbidden.
Pornography, which is very broadly defined by Saudi authorities, is strictly
forbidden.
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