GLOBAL SITUATION ALERT: Saudi Arabia Travel Notice

Saudi Arabian airspace is currently open, and all major airports are operational. However, the growing regional conflict significantly increases the possibility of unplanned delays, flight cancellations, and/or reroutes. These factors have created elevated concerns for travel into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Travelers across the Gulf region and KSA are advised to check with their airline before traveling. Your planning should account for delays and disruptions. It is very important to remain aware, locate the nearest shelters, and seek shelter immediately in the event of alert sirens or other warnings to seek shelter are issued. 

Amid heightened tensions in the region and the increasing number of attacks in the South, West, and recently in Riyadh, by Houthi rebels, recommendations for travelers’ awareness and safety include: 

• Conducting only essential travel

• Review travel plans before arriving in the country and ensure contingency planning is complete

• Enrolling in safe traveler alert programs

• Monitoring Local Media 

• Avoiding large crowds and traveling near government buildings. 

  • While public protests and demonstrations are not allowed in Saudi Arabia, it is recommended to be situationally aware in and around any large gatherings. 

• Adhering to instructions from local authorities. 

• Refrain from unnecessary conversations about the crisis in the Middle East. 

Alcohol is strictly prohibited for the general public and tourists in Saudi Arabia with only highly restricted exceptions.  Punishment can include jail time, heavy fines and/or deportation for foreign nationals. 

Generally a desert and arid climate with extremely hot temperatures in summer. Sandstorms and heavy rainstorms are occasional factors. There are climate differences between the coastal cities along the Red Sea, such as Jeddah, and what’s considered “the interior”, where Riyadh sits. High levels of pollution may be an issue in major cities. 

Escalating global tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine, frictions in the South China Sea and South America, and widespread inflamed rhetoric, have heightened the risk of lone-wolf extremist incidents, terrorist attacks, and violent large-scale protests worldwide. Travelers must exercise increased caution and practice a heightened awareness of their surroundings at all times.

DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.