SAUDI Arabia is more than four years into a brutal war with Yemen which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
As the Islamic country opens up its doors to tourists, let’s take a look at how safe the desert kingdom is – and where holidaymakers can go.
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Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?
The Foreign Office has said Brits can travel to most parts of Saudi Arabia – but encourage anyone going to read their advice before travelling.
Due to the ongoing war, the FCO has advised against all but essential travel to areas beween 10 and 80km from the Yemen border.
Officials also warn against going to Abha International Airport and its grounds, after a missile attack resulted in 26 civilians being injured in June 2019.
The airport has been subjected to at least four attacks within a month, and is likely to continue to be targeted.
The FCO also warns of possible attacks on Saudi’s capital Riyadh, and Jeddah, and along the Red Sea coast.
There have been six intercepted missile attacks over Riyadh since the first missile attack on 4 November 2017, the most recent on 24 June 2018.
The Saudi authorities have also declared “out of bounds” a 20km zone from the entire northern border of the country, and from the border in the Hafr Al-Batin and Khafji areas in the Eastern Province.
Violating this could bring a 30-month jail setence and a SAR 25,000 fine (£5,000), the FCO warns.
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What’s the new tourist visa?
For the first time in its history, Saudi Arabia is opening its doors and allowing tourists to visit for the first time.
The kingdom is issuing tourist visas from September 26, 2019 — part of ambitious plans to tempt more than 100 million visitors there by 2030.
Holidaymakers will be able to explore the beaches of the Red Sea, the snow-covered mountains of Tabuk, the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter and the stunning archaeological site at Mada’in Saleh.
Until now, only Muslims on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca were allowed into Saudi Arabia unless on business.
But the new visa will allow anyone to explore a country shrouded in mystery for many Brits. The multiple-entry, year-long document will allow visitors to stay for up to 90 days.
It is likely to cost around £95 and includes medical insurance.
What customs should tourists follow?
Female tourists are no longer required to wear the body-covering abaya robe that has to be worn in public by Saudi women, but are still asked to dress modestly.
Women travellers were also permitted to travel alone.
It’s still illegal to consume or purchase alcohol, and bringing in alcohol or drugs is also illegal.
Tourists should also be aware that public demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia.
Is there a terror risk?
The FCO writes: “Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia.
“Attacks can be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Opportunistic attacks on Saudi or western targets are also possible. You should be vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
Visitors are also warned of a “heightened risk” of terrorism against aviation interests.
Anyone planning a visit should consult the updated Foreign Office advice before they go.
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