JEDDAH — Four Saudi embassies have warned Saudi tourists against violating visa regulations while visiting foreign countries and asked them to be extra cautious while traveling to insecure and unstable regions, including southern Philippines. The Saudi Consulate in Hong Kong said there are special instructions issued by Chinese authorities relating to businessmen and businesswomen and these regulations are applicable to all Saudis. "We have received intimations from the Chinese government regarding people visiting the country. There is a total ban on carrying all types of electric detonators. Any violation of the rule will be considered a criminal offense," the consulate said. The regulation is also applicable on transit passengers. The consulate said that travelers should obtain visas from the Chinese Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah before heading to the country as they would not get visas on arrival. The Chinese Commissioner in Hong Kong also issued instructions that Saudis intending to visit Hong Kong from China and then wishing to revisit China should obtain multiple visas. The Saudi Embassy in Greece has urged Saudis to obtain travel and health insurance documents from an insurance company in Saudi Arabia before heading to Greece. The Greece Embassy in Riyadh insists that travelers should procure travel and health insurance documents before applying for visas. Travelers should also declare the amount of foreign currency in their possession to avoid questioning. The Saudi Embassy in Tokyo advised Saudi tourists to avoid visiting certain public parks in Japan. It also advised Saudi businessmen and businesswomen to note the new measures taken by the two countries in favor of them following the state visit by Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense. The Saudi Embassy in Canada said it has launched a new emergency service for citizens in order to deal with special cases. "We have provided special mobile numbers of officials to provide this service. We have also set up a new email address for faster response," the embassy said. The Saudi Embassy in Manila issued a statement warning citizens against visiting southern parts of Philippines due to unstable situation. "Manila is safe and secure but you should be cautious," the statement added.
