Foreign travel advice

Saudi Arabia

! Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Saudi Arabia.
! Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Saudi Arabia.

Warnings and insurance

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

Areas where FCDO advises against travel  

Saudi Arabia-Yemen border  

FCDO advises against:

  • all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen 
  • all but essential travel to areas between 10km and 80km from the border with Yemen Yemen

Eastern Province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Eastern Province

  • Riyadh Province

    FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh Province

  • Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

    Stay inside

    Due to reports of missile and drone activity in the region, we advise British nationals already in Saudi Arabia to stay inside and exercise increased cautioncaution.  There are reports of continued missile and drone attacks in Saudithe Arabia.Eastern Province and Riyadh Province. There is also a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles and drones falling across the region and causing further disruption. Where available, follow advice from local authorities on how to stay safe in your location as risks may vary across Saudi Arabia.

    If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building and take hard cover. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.

    Regional escalation 

    Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.  

    Stay away from areas around security or military facilities. 

    Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information. 

    Read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK this includes suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies. 

    Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts.

    Shelter

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    Leaving Saudi Arabia 

    Commercial travel options remain widely available despite limited disruption and temporary closures of airspace across Saudi Arabia. If you judge it is safe to do so and plan to use commercial options to depart check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel. Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Saudi Arabia is at your own risk. 

    Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.

    Before you travel 

    No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics. 

    Travel insurance 

    If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

    About FCDO travel advice

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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