UK warns against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) now advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia, and against all travel within 10km of the border with Yemen.

The FCDO published the change on 16 October 2026, its change log for the country’s travel advice shows, and updated the page again on 17 October to reflect “latest regional tensions”.

The warning has been widened in stages. On 8 October it was extended to Aseer, Riyadh, Najran and Jizan provinces, Taif city and Taif International Airport. On 11 October it was extended to the cities of Jeddah and Dammam and to every airport except Medina International Airport.

The advice says the Houthis, a military group in Yemen, have launched missiles and drones at several locations in Saudi Arabia since 13 July. It describes a heightened threat against airports, Saudi military and defence buildings, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure, as well as shipping in the Red Sea, and says further attacks against airports, along with disruption and cancellations, are “very likely”.

What travellers are told

British nationals are told to stay away from King Khalid International Airport until it is secure, and to follow advice from the Saudi authorities, after what the page calls a “serious incident” there on 10 October. It does not say what happened.

British nationals who want to leave Saudi Arabia should consider travelling by land to a neighbouring country and flying from there and, if they judge it safe to do so, planning the journey carefully, the advice says. It adds that “Travel within or out of Saudi Arabia is at your own risk.”

British nationals travelling by air are told to check that their booking is confirmed, and the status of their flight, before going to the airport. It also notes that the Saudi Tourism Authority has banned tourist trips to military zones and border posts, and that besides the Houthi threat there remains the possibility of renewed attacks by Iran.

The page warns that travel insurance “could be invalidated” if someone travels against FCDO advice. For refunds or changes it points people to their travel provider, and says a claim through insurance may be possible, although insurers usually require a customer to speak to the provider first.

The advice keeps a separate section for people travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj, covering visas, vaccination requirements and scams.

In Saudi Arabia, the emergency number is 911, or 112 for anyone without a Saudi SIM card. People in the UK who need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad can call the FCDO in London on 020 7008 5000. The page lists the line as open 24 hours.