Saudi Arabia Travel Risk

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Iranian-supported Houthis, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

On October 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use any airport in Saudi Arabia.
• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks.
• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to: The cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu The provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran.
• Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues.

Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to terrorism.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against:

• all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen
• all but essential travel to the rest of Saudi Arabia

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Regional tensions

King Khalid International Airport was struck by a missile on 10 October 2026. The airport continues to be targeted and remains at risk of further attacks.

Since 13 July, the Houthis (a military group in Yemen) have launched missiles and drones targeting several locations in Saudi Arabia. There is a heightened threat against airports, Saudi military and defence buildings, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Yanbu, as well as shipping in the Red Sea. Further attacks against airports as well as disruption and cancellations are very likely.

As an alternative to airports within Saudi Arabia, British nationals wishing to leave Saudi Arabia should consider travelling by land to a neighbouring country and flying from there. Plan your journey carefully, including checking the travel advice for any entry and exit requirements. See ‘Regional risks page’ for more information on land routes.

In addition to the threat from Houthi attacks, the wider context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.

In light of the regional tensions, British nationals in Saudi Arabia should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” including suggestedemergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• follow advice from the local authorities. Saudi Civil Defence may issue early warning alerts to people in affected areas
• monitor local and international media for the latest information
• avoid capturing or sharing images of conflict-related incidents
• stay away from areas around oil infrastructure and military facilities
• keep your travel plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if travelling by air, check that your booking is confirmed and the status of your flight before travelling to the airport; remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities
• if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or go to the nearest safe building or designated shelter; an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection; the greatest risk is from falling debris caused by interceptions, and you are safest inside a secure structure

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Saudi Arabia

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to missile and drone strikes conducted by the Houthis, attacks from terrorist groups could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

For information about Houthi attacks and the current conflict see Warnings and insurance.

Terrorists have threatened to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including on:

• residential compounds
• military, oil, transport and aviation interests
• public places, including restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centres and mosques
• tourist sites

Be aware of your surroundings, particularly during high-profile events, and avoid large demonstrations.

This section has safety advice for regions of Saudi Arabia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Saudi Arabia-Yemen border and threats from the Houthis

In 2026, direct military conflict between the Houthi rebel military group and the Governments of Yemen and Saudi Arabia has resumed.

FCDO advises against:

• all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen
• all but essential travel to the rest of Saudi Arabia

As an alternative to airports within Saudi Arabia, British nationals wishing to leave Saudi Arabia should consider travelling by land to a neighbouring country and flying from there. If you judge it is safe to do so, plan your journey carefully, including checking travel advice for the country you are considering to travel through, and any entry and exit requirements to make sure you have the correct documentation and not be denied entry.

If travelling by car, the vehicle must be wholly owned and registered in your name. If using commercial transport, check the latest updates from your airline or tour operator and ensure they can transport you across the border, follow instructions from the local authorities and check the status of border crossings before you travel. Make sure you have access to emergency supplies, water and essential medication. Travel within or out of Saudi Arabia is at your own risk.

Vehicle authorisations can be issued through the Absher portal, allowing another person, including dependants aged 18 and over, to drive your vehicle in Saudi Arabia or abroad. Drivers with a valid Exit/Re-Entry Visa must cancel it before the authorisation can be issued.

Some bus services, private hire taxis and other vehicles may offer cross-border travel. Check schedules, confirm bookings and make sure the operator has the necessary permissions to cross the border. Before you travel, check where your transport will leave you. Some border crossings do not have onward transportation, and facilities can be extremely limited.

• Bus service: SAT Transportation

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

SAUDI ARABIA - AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia due to the volatile security situation in the region.

Regional risks

King Khalid International Airport (RUH) - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh due to ongoing military activity, which is disrupting airport operations.

Provinces of Asir, Jazan and Najran - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to to the provinces of Asir, Jazan and Najran due to the risk of armed strikes, drone attacks and military debris from interception.

Border with Yemen - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to areas within 30 km of the border with Yemen, due to the ongoing armed conflict in Yemen and the risk of violent clashes and spillovers across the border.

Tensions in the Middle East

The security situation remains volatile due to ongoing military activity in the region. Military activity has affected operations and caused flight disruptions at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The airport is currently closed.

Filming, taking photos and online sharing of images of military installations, activity or damage could lead to severe penalties pursuant to the enforcement of local laws and regulations across the region.

Prepare contingency plans that don't rely on the Government of Canada's assistance for departure.

You should:

• be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times
• be prepared to shelter in place if instructed to do so
• ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up to date
• contact your airline if you need to change your flight
• monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
• sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important additional information, specific to your location.

沙特阿拉伯现有黄色（中风险）地区1个，其他地区均为蓝色（低风险）。具体如下：

一、黄色地区：沙特与也门边境地区。外交部提醒在沙特上述地区的人员加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

二、蓝色地区：其他地区。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。