Climate and clothing: Lightweight clothing is essential for the hot 38 C-54 C climate. However, during the winter months in the interior regions (such as in Riyadh), the weather can be quite cool, so warmer clothing is recommended. Riyadh is dry, while Jiddah and Dhahran are humid most of the year. Western men and women should dress conservatively. For women, skirts should be well below the knee, sleeves elbow length, and necklines modest. Pants and pantsuits for women are not recommended.

Entry and residence requirements: Saudi Arabia forbids the importation, sale, or use of alcohol and may apply the death penalty to anyone convicted of possession of drugs with intent to distribute. In this conservative Muslim society, visitors are advised not to have any religious material, pork products, or material that may be construed as pornographic in their personal luggage for entry into Saudi Arabia. Cholera shots are required for entry for travelers arriving from areas where cholera is an epidemic. U.S. citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia must have valid Saudi visas. Saudi regulations have no provision for tourist visas. All applicants must have a letter of invitation from an employer or Saudi sponsor.

Health: First-class hotels are available in all the major cities. Eat and drink cautiously outside major hotels and restaurants. Hospital and emergency care and services in major cities approach U.S. standards.

Telecommunications: Telephone and telegraph service is expanding rapidly, and direct domestic and overseas dialing is available at most locations within the country. Riyadh is eight time zones ahead of eastern standard time. Saudi Arabia does not have daylight savings time. There are several daily English language newspapers, as well as an English-language television station.

Transportation: Many domestic and international flights are scheduled daily; taxis and rental cars are available in all major cities. Saudi Arabia has an impressive and rapidly expanding network of paved roads, including super highways, which connect the country's regions and major cities. Women are forbidden to drive, and women traveling alone normally are unable to rent a hotel room.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, July 1989.