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Although it's still generally a safe destination for visitors, terrorist attacks and instability have heightened concerns. However, you're unlikely to experience any problems in the main cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Be extra vigilant close to the border with Yemen, as the conflict there's ongoing and likely to continue.
Safety & Security Update (Last revised on 17/10/2019) As of 2026, the safety position in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, remains stable in all but a few locations. The capital city, Riyadh, the Port city of Jeddah and the Eastern province city of Dammam, have never had any cause for concern from local or international visitors. Travel to the provinces of Najran & Jizan just over the border from Yemen, due to military action in these areas, is highly advised against. Officially the country is now open to tourists but it's vital to remain aware of travel alerts and guidelines issued by foreign ministries of governments worldwide.
Government travel advisories offer valuable insights into travel safety in Saudi Arabia. The US State Department has elevated its Level 3 travel advisory (increase your awareness and/or exercise increased caution) for Saudi Arabia, indicating a higher risk of crime and/or violence including terrorism and rocket attacks. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to all areas within 80km of the border with Yemen. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also recommends that tourists refrain from travelling to conflict affected areas.
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Safety in Saudi Arabian cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam generally is high, with plenty of security and amenities available to visitors. Border areas with Yemen such as the provinces of Najran and Jizan are currently considered no go due to ongoing fighting between government troops and rebel militants.
For visitors the conflict in South Yemen has little impact apart from close to the border with Yemen. In the major cities life goes on as normal with cultural events and tours continuing. However all laws and customs must be respected to avoid potential arrest. it's wise to follow local media to stay informed about any changes to the security situation in the country.
Flights to and within the Kingdom have largely been unaffected, with airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam operating on a regular basis and flight schedules maintained. it's always best to confirm with your airline for any flight disruptions. In the cities, the public transport system is generally reliable, however it's recommended to make use of licensed taxis or transportation services.
As we mentioned earlier it's highly recommended to get travel insurance which includes conflicts. If you're planning to travel to any places which have been warned by your government not to travel there, you should get a check from the travel insurance company if they cover such areas. Apart from the travel insurance, having an international health insurance will ensure that in case of an emergency, the costs of the medical treatment will be fully covered.
All travellers should be aware of the local emergency telephone numbers for Saudi Arabia: Police – 999, Ambulance – 997 and Fire – 998. Important contact for Indian nationals: The Indian Embassy in Riyadh & the Indian Consulate in Jeddah. The Embassy is located in the Diplomatic Quarter. Their telephone number is +966 11 488 4144. The Consulate is located at 925 Tahlia Street, Jeddah, with the telephone number +966 12 261 4093.
Local emergency: 999, Indian Embassy: +966 11 488 4144, MEA helpline: +91-11-23012113
In the meantime, Indians travelling abroad, working or studying in Saudi Arabia, are advised to keep a low profile, abide by local regulations and follow local customs. While Indians living in major cities in Saudi Arabia seem to be relatively safe, the Ministry has asked them to remain informed through the Indian Embassy / Consulate about developments in the kingdom and requested them to get in touch with the Embassy/Consulate at the special 24 x 7 helpline numbers. Indians have also been advised to keep in touch with their community associations etc, so that they're updated on the ground situation.
If you're currently in Saudi Arabia we recommend monitoring the media for developments and following the advice of the government. We advise against travel to the border region with Yemen, and recommend that people comply with any enhanced security measures that are in place. In the event of an incident, local authorities should be contacted and the embassy/consulate of the country of destination informed. We also recommend considering advance planning for emergency evacuation from the country.
When planning or have already booked a trip to Saudi Arabia you may well be thinking about whether or not to cancel the trip. Depending on where you were intending to visit your decision will vary. Travel to major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam can still be carried out with care and with an awareness of the situation. However travel to areas close to the border with Yemen should be reconsidered and altered if possible. Please refer to the travel advisory section for more up-to-date travel information.
Information changes frequently. We recommend that you check with your government (e.g. US State Department, UK FCDO or Indian MEA) for travel advice for Saudi Arabia before making your trip.
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Arin Vale