Going to Jeddah in February, only for a short visit.
Do you need a visa as a tourist ?
Any advice?

Gill

Gill -

You need a visa to enter KSA yes.

Tourist visas are incredibly rare and will be part of an official tour I believe.

Religeous visas and Business visas only.

would a tourist visa not be relatively expensive and involve hefty amounts of paperwork? Or is it nothing like the work visa process?

Last I heard tourist visas were only nfor groups not for individual travellers. What is your reason for travelling there ?

If you are a Muslim, you can go on Haj/Umra.

I am going to speak at a conference
Can you recommend anything to do in Jeddah ?

Travelling on either UK or NZ passport

Thanks
Gill

Ah The Conference will arrange the visa then.

Have a look at the SCTA website. http://www.scta.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx

Soak up the local culture if you can find it. There's an old bit to Jeddah.

Also if curious look at Kate Humble's documentary The Frankinsence Trail I think it's called. All on Youtube.

Obviously be aware of the restrictions and cultural norms

Enjoy

You mean February 2014?
Then it is to far to plan something, the conference dates likely to be changed or even cancelled.
Visa must be pre-arranged by your inviter, but for visa endorsement in UK or NZ passport you will need to apply to KSA Embassy in corresponding country.

For ongoing activities check facebook, e.g. http://www.google.lt/#q=facebook+jeddah+tours

Thank you...... yes 2014.

Gill

Go to the Balad which isd the oild market area downtown but NOT on a Friday. Every single TCN in the Hejaz heads downtown then to meet pals from back home and gawp at any women who are foolish enough to go there. The "Balad" is full of old style market stalls - and some new ones. SHARA GABEL is the place tpo look for.