Travel · Crime, scams & Britons abroad · 18 October 2026
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has published updated travel advice for Saudi Arabia. The department advises against all but essential travel to the country, with stricter restrictions near the Yemen border.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its travel guidance for Saudi Arabia to reflect current regional tensions. The new advice advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Yemen. For the rest of the country, the department recommends against all but essential travel.
British nationals are specifically advised to stay away from King Khalid International Airport following a serious incident at 3pm local time on 10 October 2026. The announcement highlights a heightened threat to airports, military buildings, bases, ports, and energy infrastructure. This includes risks in specific cities and to Red Sea shipping operations.
Since 13 July, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones targeting Saudi Arabia. Although the US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding on 17 June 2026, the possibility of renewed attacks by Iran remains. British nationals wishing to leave the country are advised to consider travelling by land to a neighbouring country and flying from there.
The guidance instructs British nationals to sign up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts and follow advice from local authorities. It also advises against capturing or sharing images of conflict-related incidents.
Written by StreetOwl from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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