FCDO Warns Against Non-Essential Travel to Saudi Arabia Amid Security Threats.
The British Embassy in Riyadh and the British Consulate-General in Jeddah have issued safety guidance for British nationals in Saudi Arabia, warning that the greatest danger during attacks comes from falling debris after missiles and drones are intercepted.
In a series of advisories shared on social media, the UK missions urged British citizens to move indoors and remain there if instructed to take shelter, stressing that people are safest inside a secure building. Suitable safe spaces include interior stairwells and rooms with few external walls or windows, the embassy said, adding that people should follow instructions from local authorities.
The guidance comes amid stepped-up attacks by the Houthis on the kingdom. This week, Saudi air defences intercepted missiles fired towards Riyadh, a drone was destroyed in the Eastern Province, and debris from two intercepted ballistic missiles fell on a village in the Makkah Region.
Travel advice
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia and against all travel within 10km of the border with Yemen.
It warned of a heightened threat to airports, Saudi military and defence buildings, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across the kingdom, as well as shipping in the Red Sea.
Further attacks on airports, along with flight disruptions and cancellations, are “very likely”, the FCDO said.
As an alternative to flying from airports in Saudi Arabia, British nationals wishing to leave the country should consider travelling by land to a neighbouring country and flying from there, the advisory said.
The FCDO also urged people not to photograph or share images of conflict-related incidents. Saudi Civil Defence has warned that filming or sharing footage of interceptions and impact sites could lead to legal action.
Do not overstay visas
The embassy also reminded British nationals not to overstay their visas, warning that doing so could result in substantial fines, detention and deportation, as well as a ban on returning to Saudi Arabia.
Visitors can check their visa status through the official KSA Visa platform at ksavisa.sa.
British nationals have also been encouraged to sign up for FCDO travel advice alerts to receive the latest updates.
