Safety & Security
Pilgrimage
Each year, approximately 3.7 million pilgrims participate in Hajj. Since 2013, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj has implemented a 20% global reduction in Hajj pilgrims due to ongoing infrastructure projects in Makkah. Pilgrims who have performed Hajj in the past five years may not be eligible for a visa, though certain exemptions exist, such as those traveling with disabled pilgrims.
Before undertaking your pilgrimage, it is highly recommended to review the latest travel advice from the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London and the Health section of the official travel guidance. If your journey to Saudi Arabia involves transit through another country, check with that country’s embassy in London for any travel restrictions.
All British pilgrims performing Umrah or Hajj must travel with a UK-based travel agency accredited by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. It is important to confirm your full pilgrimage itinerary before departure. While Hajj organization has significantly improved in recent years, large crowds can pose risks—exercise caution at all times.
There has been a rise in pickpocketing and theft in Makkah, especially near the Grand Mosque and in Medina. Take extra care of your passport, tickets, and valuables. Make a copy of your passport and store it safely before traveling.
Photography Restrictions: Still or video photography, including on mobile phones, is strictly prohibited in the Holy Mosque of Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, and their surrounding courtyards. Violating this rule may result in confiscation of your camera, phone, or other recording devices.
Political situation
Public demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia. Follow local media and be alert to local and regional developments which might trigger public disturbances. It would be best if you avoided public gatherings or demonstrations. Despite warnings issued by the authorities, demonstrations occasionally occur, mainly in the Shia communities in the Qatif area of Eastern Province and Al Hasa. Violent clashes have occurred between demonstrators and security forces.
Saudi Arabia-Yemen border
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen and all but essential travel between 10km and 80km of this border. If you’re currently in an area where the FCO advises against all but necessary travel, you should consider whether you have an essential reason to remain. If you do not, you should leave the area.
Since 25 March, Saudi Arabia has been leading coalition air strikes in Yemen following the request for support from President Hadi to deter continued Houthi aggression. Clashes along the Saudi-Yemeni border have increased recently, resulting in military and civilian casualties. SCUD missiles were fired from Yemen into Saudi Arabia on two occasions in June, and further launches are possible. Missiles may be targeted by military facilities in Najran Province, Asir Province, Jazan Province, and the most south-westerly part of Riyadh Province.
Airports near the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border have been closed temporarily from time to time: you should check with your airline before traveling to airports near the border.
Saudi Arabia-Iraq border
Take great care in all areas close to the Saudi Arabia-Iraq border. On 5 January 2015, 3 Saudi Arabian border guards were killed in clashes close to the Arar crossing point.
Crime
Although the crime rate in Saudi Arabia is low, there have been some isolated incidents of more severe crimes. On 3 November, there was a shooting incident outside of a mosque in Daiwa which resulted in 5 reported deaths. Take particular care when traveling outside towns and cities. On 13 January 2014, a car carrying 2 German diplomats was fired at in the Eastern province. Petty crime does also occur.
Road Travel
You should wear seatbelts at all times. Distances between cities are large, and emergency services can take some time to get to any accidents or emergencies. Some Saudi cities have implemented an automated traffic system. Before leaving the country, you will need to pay any fines issued through this system. You can pay at the airport but only during regular Saudi office hours.
Sea travel
Oil infrastructure remains a possible terrorist target. Shipping serving the oil installations should ensure SSPs are implemented fully and robustly while operating in the area. All ships should maintain a high state of vigilance in Saudi Arabian ports and report anything suspicious to the authorities. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab El Mandeb areas may be at increased risk of maritime attack from pirates.