Saudi Arabia: travel advice update

Updated 11 October 2026, 22:30 UTC. UK Foreign Office advice updated 11 October 2026 at 22:11 (UK time); it can change quickly, check the latest advice.

What we know

Following a serious incident at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October 2026, at about 15:00 local time, the UK Foreign Office advises British nationals to avoid the airport until it is secure and to follow the Saudi authorities.
The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to all airports in Saudi Arabia except Medina International Airport.
It also advises against all but essential travel to the cities of Jeddah, Dammam and Taif, and to Riyadh, Aseer, Najran and Jizan provinces, and against all travel within 10 km of the border with Yemen.
It says further attacks against airports are very likely, and that people leaving may consider travelling by land to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE or Jordan and flying from there.
Travelling against Foreign Office advice can invalidate your travel insurance.

Areas affected

Riyadh (King Khalid International Airport), Jeddah, Dammam, Taif, Riyadh, Aseer, Najran and Jizan provinces

If you are travelling

Follow the instructions of the Saudi authorities and Saudi Civil Defence alerts.
Check with your airline or tour operator before travelling to any airport.
Contact your hotel to confirm arrangements for your dates.
Check your travel insurance and the latest UK Foreign Office advice before you travel.

Official sources

This page summarises official and published reports at the time shown. Situations change quickly: always check the latest official advice before you travel. All travel updates