Travel · Crime, scams & Britons abroad · 29 October 2026
FCDO updates Saudi Arabia travel advice over security risks
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office announced updated travel advice for Saudi Arabia, citing regional tensions. The department advises against all travel within 10km of the Yemen border and restricts other movement to essential purposes only.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has published revised travel guidance for Saudi Arabia, highlighting increased security risks and regional tensions. The update specifically addresses the threat posed by missile and drone activity in the region, prompting a review of safety protocols for British nationals currently in the country or planning to visit.
King Khalid International Airport was hit by a missile on 10 October 2026 and remains at risk. Since 13 July, the Houthis have been launching missiles and drones at Saudi locations. Additionally, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel. Travelers are instructed to avoid capturing or sharing images of conflict-related incidents.
The guidance advises against all travel within 10km of the Yemen border. For the rest of Saudi Arabia, the department advises against all but essential travel. Travel insurance may be invalid if a person travels against this advice. British nationals should consider leaving the country by land to a neighboring country.
The announcement does not specify a timeframe for when the security situation might improve or when travel restrictions will be lifted. It also does not detail the specific criteria for what constitutes essential travel beyond the general restriction.
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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