Saudi Arabia
Last update 28 March 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 2: Increased attention (please be informed in detail about the current situation in the country)
2
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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Embassy of Republic of Bulgaria in Riyadh
Address: B-53, Dareen street 4067 Diplomatic Quarter 12512 Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +966 11 25 11 553; +966 11 25 11 554; +966 11 23 04 237
Working hours: from 9 am until 4:30pm
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mfa.bg/embassies/saudiarabia
Consular Section
Telephone: +966 11 25 11 553; +966 11 25 11 554; +966 11 23 04 237
Admission hours: from 9 am until 12:30pm, by appointment.
E-mail: [email protected] (For appointments and other enquiries)
General information
General information
Crime and security:
Attention! In view of the latest event in the region, it is advisable to avoid places of large group gatherings that may develop into demonstrations. It is advisable to get updates on the latest developments in both the country and the neighbouring states using reliable sources.
As a whole, the risk of terrorist attacks in the country remains high. Since the onset of terrorist assaults in 2003, Saudi Security Forces have launched ongoing measures to counteract extremist terrorist groups. A large number of firearms and munitions were seized. The last significant clash between the terrorists and the security forces was in Jizan in October 2009.
In the southwest part of the country close to the Yemen border, armed clashes between Saudi Army units and Yemen guerrillas continued from Nov 2009 until the end of 2010. Regardless of the armistice reached it is not advisable to travel in Jizan, Asir and Najran provinces.
Healthcare:
The majority of hospitals provide medical services at European standards.
Legislation specifics:
Saudi Arabia enforces strictly the provisions of Muslim law – the Shari’a. It is crucial to respect the Muslim rules, customs and prohibitions. It is strictly prohibited to consume and sell spirits. It is prohibited to take picture of mosques, military sites and buildings of strategic importance. Photographing women is also strictly prohibited.
Demonstration of intimacy between genders in public places is prohibited, so is hotel accommodation of couples not formally entered into matrimony.
Prostitution and homosexual behaviour are prohibited and are severely punished. In some cases failure to comply with the prohibitions may result in a death sentence.
Customs requirements:
No specific restrictions apply to carrying local or foreign currency upon entry into the country, with the exception of Israeli shekels.
No restrictions apply to carrying local and foreign currency upon exiting the country.
Items for personal use are the only goods exempt from duty upon entry into the country.
Food products of any kind are prohibited from bringing into the country, especially pork meet products as well as palm trees, palm tree products and natural pearls.
Strictly prohibited from bringing into the country are liquors, pornographic materials and narcotics.
Road traffic:
Road conditions in Saudi large cities and settlements are good. Road signs are generally in Arabic. Women are prohibited to drive. In case of a road accident, caution should be exercised with local policemen.
Practical tips:
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on all foreigners residing in the country, to show consideration with the common food, drinks and smoking abstention during the Holy Month of Ramadan, such abstention being observed in public places throughout the day until sunset. Local legislation stipulates severe sanctions applicable to foreigners as well. There are strict rules regarding behaviour of women. All women including those that do not follow Islam, must cover their hair with the so-called Abaya, and have to be decently dressed so that no body parts remain uncovered.
It is advisable to refrain from taking pictures in public places.
Before travelling, it is worth acquiring information about any country location that holds high security risk.
Be vigilant throughout your stay in the country.
It is not advisable to travel alone through the country’s desert regions.
Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly.
Salmonella contaminations are very common during summer months. Meat should be consumed after extensive processing.
It is recommended to drink only bottled water.
Local currency:
Saudi riyal (SAR). It is recommended to carry Euro or US dollars, cheques, ATM cards or credit cards.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens may travel to Saudi Arabia only after obtaining a visa (for regular, business and diplomatic passports).Their international passportshave to be valid for at least six months as of the date of entry into the country.
Attention! The passport you use to travel to Saudi Arabia must not hold an Israeli visa or a seal that you have visited the State of Israel.
Bulgarian nationals can apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia in person at the Consular section at the Embassy in Athens as long as they have an invitation letter from Saudi Arabia, they have completed the electronic visa application form https://enjazit.com.sa, and gathered all the necessary documents for the specific visa. They can also apply through one of the offices, in Sofia or in Athens, authorized by the Embassy for this purpose.
No visas can be obtained upon arrival at the Saudi airport with the exception of some cases of official visits.
Hermes Holidays office in Sofia has been authorized to proceed visa requests and other consular services, except for Umrah and Hajj visas. It can be found on the following address:
Sofia 1000, 9A Pozitano Str.
Tel. +359 2 980 44 13
Fax. + 359 2 980 44 15
Web site : www.hermesholidays.net
It is recommended to have a meningitis vaccination before travelling to Saudi Arabia. Recent update on vaccination required for Saudi Arabia is available at the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, telephone: +359 2 944 69 99/221.
Competitive service
Certifications and legalisations:
Bulgaria and Saudi Arabia are parties under the Hague Convention on the abolishment of the requirement for legalisation of foreign public documents dated 1961. Thus, the documents/deeds comprised in each of the two countries shall be provided with a seal – “Apostille” of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as translated and verified under the relevant order, to serve in front of the competent authorities of the other country.
Emergency Travel Document:
In emergency cases, upon damaged, lost or stolen passport, Bulgarian citizens may apply to a Riyadh-based EU member-state embassy for having an Emergency Travel Document issued.