Australia escalates travel warnings for Saudi Arabia: ‘Do not travel’
Australia has raised its travel advice for Saudi Arabia to “Do Not Travel”, urging people to postpone planned visits, including for religious purposes. The change follows a volatile security situation and attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which have disrupted flights and airport operations.
The warning cites threats to Saudi airports and airspace, with regular closures, cancellations and delays. Recent strikes on Aramco sites and Riyadh’s international airport reportedly killed at least 19 people and injured hundreds; Australians already in the country are advised to prepare to shelter and follow local authorities’ instructions.
- Australia advises against all travel to Saudi Arabia.
- Houthi threats have disrupted airports and flights.
- Recent strikes reportedly killed at least 19 people.
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Saudi Arabia is a large country in the Middle East and home to Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Millions of Muslims travel there for the annual Hajj pilgrimage and for Umrah, which can be performed at other times of year.
The Houthi movement is based in Yemen, Saudi Arabia’s neighbour to the south, and has fought a long-running conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The Houthis have also launched attacks beyond Yemen, including towards Saudi Arabia, making security around the region’s airports and airspace a concern for travellers.