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- Safety Guide for Saudi Arabia 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.
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.
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.
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This page details areas of Saudi Arabia that are considered to be safe to go into and those that are best avoided:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Arin Vale