Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Saudi Arabia is generally safe for tourists and is rapidly opening up to visitors. Check the latest advice for areas near the Yemen border in the south.
- Overall risk
- Generally low in major cities; tourism is expanding
- Main concern
- Areas near the southern Yemen border require caution
- Emergency number
- 999 (police), 997 (ambulance), 998 (fire)
- Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities are generally safe with low crime. For the latest situation regarding some southern provinces near the Yemen border, check your foreign ministry and the Japanese Embassy in Saudi Arabia before travelling.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Major cities and tourist regions are generally calm. Areas near the southern Yemen border warrant caution; confirm the latest advice before travelling there.
- Southern border
- Provinces near the Yemen border need caution
- Cities
- Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla and coastal resorts generally calm
- Central and western tourist areas are generally trouble-free. For some southern provinces near the Yemen border, confirm the latest situation with your foreign ministry and the Japanese Embassy in Saudi Arabia rather than relying on assumptions.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The climate is desert. Prepare for extreme summer heat (near 50°C), sandstorms and occasional flash floods in wadis after heavy rain.
- Summer
- Extreme heat near 50°C; risk of heatstroke
- Sandstorms
- Reduce visibility and affect breathing
- Flash floods
- Rare but sudden flooding in wadis after rain
- Summers are extremely hot; stay hydrated and avoid the midday sun. Sandstorms can arise quickly. After heavy rain, avoid low-lying valleys (wadis) where flash floods can occur.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Urban healthcare is high quality. Watch for heat-related illness, and be aware of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome); avoid close contact with camels.
- Healthcare
- High-quality facilities in major cities
- Heat
- Risk of heatstroke and dehydration in summer
- MERS
- Avoid close contact with camels and raw camel products
- Hospitals in Riyadh and Jeddah are modern. Drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. As a precaution against MERS, avoid touching camels and consuming unpasteurised camel milk. Carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Crime rates are low and violent crime against tourists is rare. Use normal caution against petty theft, scams and overcharging.
- Overall crime
- Low; violent crime against visitors is rare
- Main risk
- Occasional petty theft, scams and overcharging
- Advice
- Agree fares in advance and keep valuables secure
- Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate. Take normal precautions against opportunistic theft in crowded places, and be wary of overcharging by unofficial taxis. Use metered or app-based transport where possible.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Cities are calm and orderly for visitors. For the regional situation, especially near the Yemen border, rely on official travel advice rather than assumptions.
- Cities
- Generally calm and orderly for tourists
- Regional situation
- Check official advice, particularly for the south
- Everyday life in the main cities is calm. For the latest regional and geopolitical situation, particularly near the southern Yemen border, consult your foreign ministry and the Japanese Embassy in Saudi Arabia and follow official guidance.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Alcohol is completely banned and drug offences carry severe penalties, including the death penalty. Dress modestly and respect local customs; when unsure, check in advance.
- Alcohol
- Completely prohibited nationwide
- Drugs
- Severe penalties, including the death penalty
- Holy cities
- Central Mecca and Medina are closed to non-Muslims
- Dress modestly in public and, during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours. The central areas of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are not open to non-Muslims. Respect local laws and customs, and check in advance if you are unsure.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Key numbers: police 999, ambulance 997, fire 998, and traffic accidents 993.
- Police
- 999
- Ambulance
- 997
- Fire / Traffic
- 998 (fire), 993 (traffic accidents)
- Dial 999 for police, 997 for ambulance, 998 for fire and 993 for traffic accidents. Note down the address of your accommodation in Arabic to help responders.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private healthcare can be costly, so ensure medical and repatriation cover.
- Insurance
- Comprehensive cover strongly recommended
- Medical costs
- Private care can be expensive
- Include
- Medical treatment and repatriation cover
- There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement, so take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation. Check that any planned activities such as desert tours or diving are covered.