Australia has raised its travel advice for Saudi Arabia to “do not travel”, urging Australians to postpone trips, including religious visits, amid a volatile security situation.
The Smartraveller advisory, updated on October 16, warns against travelling to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following incidents that have disrupted operations. It also urges extreme caution at other Saudi airports.
Australians already in the kingdom who want to leave have been urged to depart while commercial transport remains available. Smartraveller says travellers should consider alternatives such as private cars, trains and buses, including connections to aviation hubs in the UAE and Qatar, where safe.
Anyone remaining in Saudi Arabia should be ready to shelter at short notice and keep adequate food, water and essential supplies.
The guidance highlights the uncertainty facing travellers as flight cancellations and airport disruption complicate departures. Travellers should reconfirm flights before setting off for an airport and monitor official updates.
Read the latest Smartraveller advice for Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh skyline (file photo). Photo: B.alotaby / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
