Saudi Arabia

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel within 30 kilometres of the border with Yemen, including Najran and the southern and eastern areas of Jizan, due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the potential for cross-border missile attacks.

Avoid non-essential travel within 100 kilometres of the border with Yemen, including central Jizan and Abha International Airport, due to the potential for cross-border missile and drone attacks.

Avoid non-essential travel to Al Qatif governorate due to violent clashes between government forces and armed groups.

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Saudi Arabia due to the threat of terrorism.

Saudi Arabia

Missile/UAV attacks

Cross-border attacks originating from Yemen continue to pose a threat to Saudi Arabia and its infrastructure. Missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) and water borne IEDs continue to be launched against Saudi Arabia, targeting critical national infrastructure, including oil facilities, and civilian infrastructure, including ports and airports. Many of these have been intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defence systems. On February 10, 2022, the Yemen-based Houthis launched a drone attack targeting the Abha International Airport. The drone was intercepted by Saudi defence forces but shrapnel fell within the airport grounds, resulting in several injuries. The majority of attacks occur close to the border with Yemen, however some attacks have occurred throughout Saudi Arabia, including in Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu, as well as parts of the Eastern province. The possibility of further attacks, including against civilian targets, remains high.

In the event of a missile attack, New Zealanders are advised to stay indoors and away from windows, and/or seek overhead cover if outdoors. Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media to stay informed of developments.

Terrorism
There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia and Saudi authorities continue to disrupt terrorist plots. There have been a number of attacks in recent years with targets including Shia minority, places of worship, security forces, diplomatic missions and aviation interests. Attacks could directly target Westerners in lower-scale, opportunistic attacks or any location associated with Western interests or known to be frequented by Westerners.

Security threats remain in the Eastern Province, where numerous attacks have taken place, including around Shia mosques. In June and July 2017, there were several violent clashes between security forces and armed elements in Al Qatif.

Future attacks could occur anywhere, at any time, including in places frequented by foreigners. Possible targets for terrorist attacks include (but are not limited to), airports, mosques, embassies, hotels, expatriate housing compounds, international schools, restaurants, shopping areas, government buildings, security forces, aviation and oil industry facilities.

New Zealanders throughout Saudi Arabia are advised to remain vigilant at all times, particularly in places where Westerners congregate and during periods of religious significance (particularly the holy month of Ramadan) and public holidays; terrorist groups sometimes call for attacks at these times. Terrorists previously carried out several attacks in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan in 2016.

 Keep informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We also recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Civil unrest
Public demonstrations and protests are illegal in Saudi Arabia but do occur occasionally and have at times resulted in violence, particularly in Al Qatif and Al Awamiyah in Eastern Province, as well as Al Hasa. New Zealanders throughout Saudi Arabia are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations and comply with any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities.

Piracy
Piracy is a significant threat in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.  Mariners are advised to take appropriate security measures in these waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report.

General travel advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Saudi Arabia to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour. The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal, including encouraging religious conversion or proselytising. Homosexuality and sexual relations outside marriage are illegal and can be subject to severe penalties, including the death penalty.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include the death penalty. The importation and consumption of alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

If you become involved in a commercial dispute with a Saudi company or individual, you may be prevented from leaving the country until the dispute is resolved.

Take particular care when travelling by road. Standards of driving in Saudi Arabia are poor and there are a high number of fatal accidents.

Foreigners should carry a form of identification at all times to present to authorities if asked.

During the holy month of Ramadan, New Zealanders travelling to Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia should show respect and pay attention to religious and cultural sensitivities.  In Saudi Arabia it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public view during the daytime in Ramadan.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Saudi Arabia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Saudi Arabia are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Street Address Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Postal Address PO Box 94 397, Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia Telephone +966 1 1 4887735 Fax +966 1 488 7912 Email nzembassyksa@gmail.com Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/saudi-arabia Hours Sun – Thurs 0800 – 1200hrs, 1230 -1500hrs Note

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Street Address c/o Associated Agencies, Sundous Building (Behind Caravan Shopping Centre), Al Madina Street, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Postal Address PO Box 419, Jeddah 21411, Saudi Arabia Telephone +966 2 651 2109 Fax +966 2 651 6504 Email zinada1960@yahoo.com Hours Sat – Wed 0900-1300, 1600-1900 hrs; Thu 0900-1300 hrs

See our regional advice for the Middle East

MIL OSI