Singaporeans advised to defer travel to Saudi Arabia due to heightened security risks: MFA

The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans to postpone all travel to Saudi Arabia due to heightened security risks. The MFA issued this advisory on October 13, citing a recent surge in missile and drone attacks on civilian aviation and energy infrastructure in the country. Since July, airports in several Saudi Arabian cities, including Riyadh, Abha, Dammam, Khamis Mushait, Najran, and Jizan, have been targeted.

King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh has been particularly affected, with repeated attacks disrupting airport operations and causing flight diversions. The MFA also noted an increase in airspace shutdowns across the country.

For those already in Saudi Arabia, the MFA recommends avoiding travel to KKIA and other high-risk areas until further notice. Non-essential travel within the Kingdom is also discouraged. The MFA urges Singaporeans to closely monitor local news and adhere to instructions from local authorities. Airline passengers and those with transiting flights to Saudi Arabia are advised to check with their airlines for the most up-to-date travel information and confirm their flight on the day of travel. It is also suggested that travelers purchase travel insurance before embarking on their journey.

The MFA emphasizes that Singaporeans who must travel to Saudi Arabia or are currently in the Middle East should be prepared for potential travel disruptions at short notice. They are strongly encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the eRegister system (https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg) so that the ministry can contact them if necessary.

In case of need, the MFA advises contacting the Singapore Embassy in Riyadh, the Singapore Consulate-General in Jeddah, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office. The contact information for these bodies is provided in the advisory.