COVID-19

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

Do not travel within 30 kilometres of the border with Yemen, including Najran and the southern and eastern areas of Jizan, due to ongoing sporadic cross-border attacks (level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel between 30 and 80 kilometres of the border with Yemen, including central Jizan and Abha International Airport, due to the potential for cross-border missile and drone attacks (level 3 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel to Al Qatif governorate due to violent clashes between government forces and armed groups (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Saudi Arabia due to the threat from terrorism and drone/missile attacks (level 2 of 4).

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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 April 2019, 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, transportation networks, mosques, embassies, hotels, expatriate housing compounds, international schools, restaurants, shopping areas, tourist attractions, markets, 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.

Local Travel
The Saudi authorities have declared an “out of bounds zone” of 20km from the entire northern border of the country, and from the border in the Hafr Al-Batin and Khafji areas in the Eastern Province. Violations are punishable by up to 30 months in prison and a SAR 25,000 fine. Direct access to land border crossings remains available and signs are being placed in areas where vehicles are allowed to cross. Consult local authorities before attempting to cross a land border through this area.

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. There may be severe penalties for participating in demonstrations or protests. 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.

Crime
Overall the crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low, however petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded places and from vehicles. Ensure that your personal belongings are secure at all times.

Piracy
Piracy is a threat in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Mariners are advised to take appropriate security measures in these waters. Exercise caution, including if undertaking recreational marine travel. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau's piracy report.

General travel advice
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country. Many laws are different to those in New Zealand, and New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions . Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour. Get advice on acceptable clothing before you arrive. The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal, including encouraging religious conversion or proselytising. Saudi Arabian law prohibits sexual relations outside of marriage, and between individuals of the same sex. It is illegal to be transgender in Saudi Arabia. Those convicted may face severe penalties, including the death penalty. Men and women are required to refrain from public displays of affection. Visitors to Saudi Arabia should familiarise themselves with public decency laws.It is illegal under Saudi Arabian law to mock or criticize Islam, the Royal family, or Saudi Arabia. Take particular care when posting on social media sites, as individuals may be convicted for statements considered offensive (including those made prior to entering the country).

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. If you are a resident, you must always carry your residence card. There are security checkpoints both in cities and on roads between cities.

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.

Photography of government buildings, military establishments or officials, official residences, palaces, motorcades and some religious sites is prohibited and could result in detention. Get permission before taking photographs of people. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Saudi Arabia does not recognise dual nationality for its citizens. Authorities may seize extra passports if they find them. If you are a dual national, and you’re travelling with both passports, you can only leave Saudi Arabia with the passport you used to enter. If local authorities consider you a citizen of Saudi Arabia, they may refuse to grant you access to New Zealand consular services. See our advice for travelling as a dual citizen.

Sandstorms and dust storms are common. 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

• For current health alerts

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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 11 488 7988 Email NZEmbassyKSA@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/saudi-arabia Hours Sun - Thurs 0900 - 1200hrs, 1230 -1500hrs Note

See our regional advice for the Middle East