The following appeared on the official website
of the Saudi Supreme Commission for Tourism in February 2004. The site
says the policy of the Saudi Arabian
government is to deny visas to "Jewish People." After
this anti-Semitic language was discovered
and publicized by the media and Congressman Anthony
Weiner, the Saudi government removed the offensive language claiming
that it was a "mistake." Rep. Weiner noted that the Saudi
record of anti-Semitism suggests otherwise and subsequently sponsored
a bill that would control the distribution of visas to Saudi citizens
until the President certifies that the Saudis do not discriminate on
the basis of religious affiliation or heritage when issuing visas:
Everyone who enters the Kingdom should have a valid
passport with at least 6 months validity and the appropriate visa.
Unless you are a visitor from a GCC country or in transit,
all other nationalities require a visa to enter the Kingdom. Visas can
be for business, tourist, transit, residency, family, Hajj, or conference
attendance.
Visas can be obtained from the visa department in the
Saudi Embassy of the visitor's home country or from Saudi Consulates
available in all main cities around the world.
The cost of a visa is generally 200 Saudi Riyals however
visitors should ensure that they check with the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
Visas will not be issued for the following groups of
people:
- An Israeli passport holder or a passport that has an Israeli arrival/departure
stamp.
- Those who don't abide by the Saudi traditions concerning appearance
and behaviors. Those under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted
into the Kingdom.
- There are certain regulations for pilgrims and you should contact
the consulate for more information.
- Jewish People