Saudi Arabia travel advice

There have been intermittent clashes with Saudi forces and Yemeni rebels on the Saudi-Yemen border since early November 2009. This comes on the back of the renewed fighting in Northern Yemen between rebels and the Government of Yemen since August 2009. There is a continued risk of clashes. We advise against all but essential travel to areas close to the Saudi-Yemen border in the Jizan, Asir and Najran provinces. Travellers should exercise caution in all areas close to the Saudi-Yemen border.

Saudi Arabian Customs officials have authority to screen all electronic devices ( laptops, mobile phones, PDAs etc) entering or leaving Saudi Arabia. Anyone found to be carrying pirated or explicit materials will have their equipment confiscated. Refusal to comply with this rule will result in detention and/or deportation.

Four French nationals were shot dead in an incident in the vicinity of Medina on 26 February 2007. Travellers should take all necessary steps to protect their safety and should have confidence in individual security arrangements. Travellers should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places and exercise caution when travelling outside urban areas. Travellers should also avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations.

Travellers should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel