Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, raising the danger level for southern areas bordering Yemen.
All of Asir, Najran, and Jazan provinces (excluding the border areas with Yemen, which are at Level 3), as well as two districts in Makkah Province adjacent to Asir and Jazan provinces (Al Qunfudhah and Al Urdiyat), have been raised from Level 1 (Exercise Caution) to Level 2 (Avoid Non-Essential Travel).
Amid developments in the situation in Yemen, Yemen’s Houthi movement has intensified its attacks against Saudi Arabia since October 5. An attack at Abha International Airport in Asir Province killed two foreign nationals and injured 28 people, including Saudi nationals. On October 4, Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, formally announced the start of military action against the Houthis. The Saudi-led coalition also announced that it would continue to provide full operational support to Yemen’s national forces, prompting the Houthis to intensify their attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Level 2 will remain in place for all of Riyadh Province and the Eastern Province, excluding the border areas with Yemen that are at Level 3. Level 3 (Avoid All Travel) will also remain in place for the areas along the Yemeni border in Jazan, Asir, Najran, and the Eastern Province, where Houthi attacks using rockets, missiles, and drones have occurred repeatedly. The border area with Iraq in the Northern Borders Province will remain at Level 2, while all other areas will remain at Level 1.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and fighting within Yemen could continue, and that the outlook remains uncertain. It is calling on travelers to refrain from non-essential travel to the areas whose danger levels have been raised, as well as to Riyadh Province and the Eastern Province. Those who must travel are urged to obtain the latest information from multiple sources, exercise special caution, and take adequate safety measures.
It also calls on travelers to act cautiously, including by avoiding energy-related and military facilities and by not taking photos or videos of military facilities, even from a distance.
