Saudi Arabia

Overview

The security situation in Saudi Arabia is highly volatile, and we advise New Zealanders to consider their options for leaving when it is safe to do so. Civilian infrastructure (including airports) and energy infrastructure have been a target of recent Houthi strikes. Threats of further attacks, including on Riyadh, have been made.

New Zealanders currently in Saudi Arabia should consider whether they are currently in a safe location or whether they should make arrangements to leave. New Zealanders considering travelling outside the Kingdom should consider private car, train and bus options to alternative airlines hubs in the region such as Oman, Qatar, and the UAE.

New Zealanders should not travel to King Khalid International Airport. All services have been suspended due to repeated strikes this month. These attacks have disrupted airport operations, caused airport closures and flight cancellations, and resulted in several fatalities and injuries. Other airports across the Kingdom are also at risk from attacks.

If you choose to depart Saudi Arabia via air, exercise extreme caution travelling to or from all other airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd Airport in Dammam. Air travel is significantly disrupted at these and other major airports in Saudi Arabia. 

Do not leave for any airport until you have reconfirmed your flight with your airline or travel provider. Monitor updates from your airline, and follow the advice of local authorities (including airport officials), and minimise your time spent at airports in Saudi Arabia. 

If your travel has been disrupted, contact your airline or travel insurer in the first instance with questions.

Houthi attacks against Saudi interests in the Southwestern provinces have intensified in recent weeks. There have been strikes targeting the Aramco administrative building in Dhahran, and threats against the Aramco Headquarters in Dammam and Aramco’s refinery in Riyadh. New Zealanders should not travel near these sites, and avoid oil and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia generally. 

Read our advice about what to do when there is a threat of Violence or conflict.  

Military and retaliatory strikes have continued between the United States and Iran.  Iranian attacks have targeted locations in the Middle East including the Eastern and Riyadh provinces of Saudi Arabia. Military activity could occur or resume in a sustained way at any time, with US-linked locations remaining a target of Iranian strikes. 

New Zealanders in Saudi Arabia should:

• Register your travel on SafeTravel so we can provide immediate advice if advisories change, and share information if there is a major incident in your location.
• Monitor local warning systems and alerts issued by government authorities.
• Monitor media, advice from local authorities and information from other credible sources for similar information and updates.
• Follow any shelter in place orders given by local authorities.
• Stay in touch with family and friends in New Zealand.
• Consider this advice on getting prepared in case an incident impacts your location. 

New Zealanders travelling or living in Saudi Arabia should also be aware of the following: 

• There is a residual threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. 
• Public demonstrations and protests are illegal, should be avoided, and the advice of local authorities followed. 
• Ensure that you know the local laws and customs, especially around public decency, drugs and photography. 

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 travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj should read our advice on Travel to Hajj.

See below for detailed travel advice.

Consular assistance for New Zealanders

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. See our advice for travelling as a dual citizen.

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