Wardens' Notice: The following additionto the FCO Travel advice has been made to take account of the recent incidentsof the clashes between the Saudi Government and Yemeni Rebels on theSaudi-Yemen border. The Hajj advice has also been updated. The overall level ofthe advice has not changed.

" There have been clashes with Yemeni rebels on the Saudi-Yemen border. SinceAugust 2009 there has been renewed fighting in Northern Yemen between rebelsand the Government of Yemen. If you plan to travel to areas close to theSaudi-Yemen border please contact the British Embassy in Riyadh. Travellersshould exercise caution in these border areas. Please check this advice forfurther updates.

Please note that until Eid, all Muslimvisitors travelling to Jeddah and Medina will need to have a valid Hajj visa.Non-Muslim visitors travelling to these destinations may be asked to explainthe purpose of your trip or asked to show evidence of appointments before beingallowed to board a flight to Jeddah if you are not travelling for the Hajj. AnyMuslim visitor arriving in Jeddah or Medina without a valid Hajj visa will berefused entry. This requirement does not apply to other airports or British residentsin Saudi Arabia.

This year the Saudi authorities have introduced new entry requirements for Hajjpilgrims. If you intend to travel to the Hajj, please see our Hajj -specific advice".

You can read the FCO travel advice for Saudi Arabia in full by visiting theFCO's website: www.fco.gov.uk/travel andthen selecting Saudi Arabia, or on the Embassy's website www.ukinsaudiarabia.fco.gov.ukvia the shortcut menu. Both these websites can be personalised so that you arenotified when items of interest to you are changed.

 

Keith Allen

HM Consul to Saudi Arabia