Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia. The entire country is now designated at Travel Advisory Level 2 or higher (avoid non-essential travel).
The advisory level was raised from Level 1 (exercise caution) to Level 2 (avoid non-essential travel) for the Northern Borders Region, excluding its border area with Iraq, as well as Al Jawf Region, Tabuk Region, Ha’il Region, Al-Qassim Region, and the western regions of Al Madinah and Makkah, and the southern Al Bahah Region.
Since October 5, attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on locations across Saudi Arabia have increased. According to an announcement by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, an attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 killed 12 people, including foreign nationals, and injured 309 others. The following day, October 11, an attack on the same airport killed one foreign national and injured 11 others, while an attack also occurred at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Similar attacks by the Houthis may continue to target civilian facilities such as airports throughout Saudi Arabia, and continued vigilance is required.
Level 3 (avoid all travel) remains in effect for the border areas with Yemen in the Eastern Province, ‘Asir Region, Najran Region, and Jazan Region. Level 2 remains in effect for all of Riyadh Province; all of the Eastern Province, excluding the Level 3 border area with Yemen; ‘Asir Region; Najran Region; Jazan Region; the two districts of Makkah Region bordering ‘Asir and Jazan regions (Al Qunfudhah and Al Urdiyat); and the border area with Iraq in the Northern Borders Region.
For the time being, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges people to strictly avoid using airports in Saudi Arabia or approaching airports unless absolutely necessary. Those planning to travel to Saudi Arabia are asked to carefully consider the necessity of their trip, including the possibility of postponing it. Even after conditions improve, travelers who need to use airports are urged to thoroughly check the latest situation in advance.
The ministry also calls on people to act with caution by staying away from energy-related facilities, military facilities, and similar sites, and by refraining from taking photos or videos of such facilities, even from a distance.
