United Kingdom issues strict travel advisory against Saudi Arabia

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have issued travel advisory warning its nationals and other visitors against traveling to Saidi Arabia.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned against all but essential travel to Aseer province, Riyadh province, Najran province, Jizan province and Taif city and Taif International Airport.

In addition, the FCDO continues to advise against all travel to within 10 kilometers of the border with Yemen. (Warnings and insurance.)

“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office,” warns the FCDO through the latest travel advisory.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel 

The FCDO advises against all travel to within 10 kilometers of the border with Yemen all but essential travel to Aseer province, Riyadh province, Najran province, Jizan province and Taif city and Taif International Airport.

Regional tensions

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, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu, as well as shipping in the Red Sea. Further attacks are possible. Follow Saudi Civil Defence alerts. See ‘Regional risks’ page.

British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruption, and advised to read guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what they might include in emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”

They are also supposed to follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts and refrain from capturing or sharing images of conflict-related incidents.

Travelers must monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice. Exercise caution at transport infrastructure, including ports and airports.

Foreigners need to stay away from areas around oil infrastructure and military facilities and keep their departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date.

And when advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find 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 intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June 2026 in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable.

Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure.

There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organizations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.