safety situation in Saudi Arabia for expats (2026)

Saudi Arabia is still considered to be a safe country for expats and tourists, although this can vary in different parts of the kingdom. While the larger cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are still considered relatively safe, there are exceptions. In particular, the border region with Yemen remains a volatile area, particularly in relation to the civil war currently being fought there.

• Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are considered safe for expats and tourists.
• Avoid regions near the Yemen border such as Najran and Jazan.
• The US State Department advises increased caution due to terrorism risks.
• FCDO UK - advises against all travel within a 10km radius of the border with Yemen.
• Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to southern border regions.

Current Situation Overview

SAUDI ARABIA - SECURITY Updated: 04 February 2026 As of 2026, security conditions are considered stable for foreign nationals in all major cities across Saudi Arabia provided they adhere to prescribed regulations. Special measures have been enhanced in the capitals of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. While considered safe, national border regions such as the provinces of Najran and Jazan remain volatile, partly due to broader developments in the surrounding region. Care should be exercised when travelling to these regions and closely monitoring official advice.

Official Travel Advisories

International travel advisories can give you some idea of what to expect in a country, which can be important if you’re planning to visit or live in Saudi Arabia.

• The US State Department has upgraded its travel advisory for several countries in the Middle East, including Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian territories, due to a heightened risk of terrorist attack and the threat of missile and drone attack. The advisory was moved to a Level 3 warning – “Reconsider travel” – up from a Level 2, or “Exercise increased caution”. Level 4 is the most severe and warns against “don't travel” due to “greater risk of arbitrary arrest or even death”.
• Safety and Security - Oman The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Yemen.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indian citizens to refrain from non-essential travel to the border areas in Jammu and Kashmir’s Jammu region and Punjab’s Tarn Taran, Atari and Gidderbaha sectors.

Safe Areas vs Areas to Avoid

This page details areas of Saudi Arabia that are considered to be safe to go into and those that are best avoided:

Impact on Tourists and Daily Life

While cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are still open to tourists and expats and life generally goes on as normal, areas covered by these travel advisories may be subject to change and it's recommended that tourists plan their visits accordingly. Tourist visas are still being issued to support the development of tourism in the Kingdom. Advice should be checked before travelling.

Flight and Transportation Status

Air travel to and within the Kingdom is generally safe. Operations are proceeding as normal at the main international airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. We advise travellers to be aware that flights destined for the conflict zones near the border with Yemen may be disrupted and potentially suspended. We also recommend making enquiries with airline providers to confirm any scheduled flights and to take account of possible flexibility in planned journeys in the event of disruption.

Insurance and Coverage During Conflict

In a safe and increasingly high cost society, as well as being a high risk one, we strongly recommend you buy a high level of travel insurance cover for any visit to, or potential long term stay in Saudi Arabia. Although Saudi has a first class health service, any major emergency health care will require air ambulance to a foreign hospital and any involvement in any trouble or war has the potential to be extremely serious, expensive and likely result in imprisonment, possible trial and heavy fines. We know the costs of such things, and hence are able to assist with quotes and arrangements for good levels of cover. Please call or e-mail to seek advice and prices on suitable insurance cover for Saudi.

Emergency Contacts and Embassy Information

Local emergency numbers: Police - 999, Ambulance - 997, Fire - 998 Indian Embassy number: +966 11 488 4144 MEA helpline: +91-11-23012113

Emergency Contacts & Embassy Info Emergency contacts & embassy info is very important for your safety. Indian Embassy in Riyadh & Indian Consulate in Jeddah are available 24/7 for assistance for Indian Nationals. it's also highly recommended that you register with your country’s embassy and ensure your contact details are up to date.

Tips for Indian Travelers/Expats Specifically

Although a bit far from home, the majority of Indians living and traveling in Saudi Arabia remain safe especially in major cities. it's always wise to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy for the latest advice. One of the reasons for this smooth posting is down to the efficiency of Air India and the Government who really know how to get Indians out during times of war. Staying informed is important and will have access to reliable information and can get real time feedback from fellow Indians in the kingdom through various forums which is always a great way to build an additional social network.

What to Do If You're Already There

If you're currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia we urge you to register for Safety and Security updates and to follow local media reports. You should avoid within reasonable travel distance of any area involved in conflict, obey all local instructions, remain cautious and avoid drawing attention to yourself or your nationality. You should also make sure you have a list of your emergency contacts in Saudi Arabia up to date, and that you know how you can easily access reliable means of communication.

Should You Cancel Your Trip?

Find out if you should cancel your trip to Saudi Arabia With the recent updates of travel advisories, assess the level of risks that you may expose yourself to while traveling to Saudi Arabia. While major cities are considered to be secure and travel to KSA is largely proceeding as normal, the risks are higher near the border of Yemen and you may consider delaying or rearranging your trip if you feel insecure. it's also recommended that you get in contact with your insurance company in the case that you decide to cancel your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which cities in Saudi Arabia are safest for expats? Saudi Arabia does allow foreigners to reside and work there, but safety can sometimes be a concern. According to a real estate expert in Saudi, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are considered to be relatively safe and are “heavily policed and guarded”.
• Is it safe to travel in this region? We don't recommend travel to the border region.
• What to do in an emergencyPhone the local authorities by dialling the relevant emergency numbers (see Emergency contact numbers) and follow the instructions provided by the Embassy.
• Where is it safe to travel? The conflict has largely impacted rural areas. While life in major cities carries on as normal, we advise that you check any local travel warnings.
• Are there restrictions on travel for tourists to Saudi Arabia? Tourists are advised to exercise extreme caution in areas where there's ongoing fighting and follow the advice of their government.
• Safety tips for Indian expats What is the one safety tip that Indian expats should be following? – The Indian Embassy issues alerts and advises on new developments to Indians living abroad. – Connect with other Indian expats through various online forums. – One must ensure they have a good travel insurance that covers new age risks.
• US State Department Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel | Travel Advisory Last updated: October 23, 2020 As of February 6: There are no International Travel Restrictions in place due to COVID-19. However, domestic flight, public transportation, & Abha Region entry restrictions are in place.

For the latest advice, read the Full Travel Advisory and check the official government websites for Saudi Arabia. The safety and security of the kingdom and its citizens remains a priority. It’s important for travellers and expats to stay informed about any changes to the safety situation.

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