Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's capital, a fast-changing desert city where the mud-brick Masmak Fortress, the National Museum, the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge and the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district in Diriyah sit within a short drive of each other.
Everyday crime against visitors in Riyadh is low and police are visible, but the security situation is the dominant risk in 2026. The US State Department lists Saudi Arabia at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, citing Iranian and Houthi drone and missile threats, terrorism, exit bans and local laws on social media. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia (updated October 2026) and warns that further attacks on airports and flight cancellations are very likely. Check current official advice before and during any trip.
Current safety advisory
Elevated
Riyadh has low street crime, but 2026 attacks on the city and its airport make security the main risk. The US State Department lists Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) and the UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel; monitor official advice.
Last updated: 2026-10-21
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Check the US State Department and UK FCDO advisories before departure and again before flying; Houthi missile and drone attacks since July 2026 have repeatedly hit Riyadh, including King Khalid International Airport on 8-12 October 2026.
Follow alerts from Saudi authorities and Civil Defence; if told to shelter, stay indoors away from windows and external walls.
Confirm flights directly with the airline before travelling to the airport; many carriers have cancelled or suspended Riyadh service.
Avoid areas around military and oil facilities, and do not photograph or share images of conflict-related incidents.
Do not post or repost content critical of the Saudi government, its leaders or Islam: social media posts have led to arrests and exit bans.
Never bring alcohol, drugs or unprescribed medication into Saudi Arabia; penalties for drug offences are severe.
Carry a passport copy and a printout of the e-visa and insurance; police may ask for ID.
Use app taxis (Uber, Careem, Bolt, Jeeny) rather than unmarked cars, and avoid midday outdoor activity from May to September.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unagreed taxi fares
Street or airport taxi drivers may quote inflated flat fares to visitors who have not agreed a price.
How to avoid: Book through Uber, Careem, Bolt or Jeeny so the fare is fixed in the app, or agree the fare before getting in.
Souq and gold overpricing
Opening prices for gold, perfume, oud and souvenirs in Souq Al-Zal and Al Bujairi can be well above market.
How to avoid: Compare several shops, bargain politely for non-gold goods, and buy gold only from licensed jewellers with a receipt.
Fake visa and job-offer fraud
Websites imitating the Saudi e-visa portal and social media visa-service offers charge extra fees.
How to avoid: Apply only at visa.visitsaudi.com and check any offer against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.
Online ticket and event resale fraud
Fake resale tickets for Riyadh Season events circulate on social media.
How to avoid: Buy tickets only from the official platforms listed on riyadhseason.sa or the Webook ticketing site.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines are advised; hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended. Meningococcal vaccination is required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Check current official requirements before travel.
- Water
- Tap water is desalinated and treated, but most visitors use bottled water.
- Food
- Food hygiene standards are good; take care with refrigeration of takeaway food in summer heat.
- Facilities
- Major hospitals include King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital (Olaya) and King Fahad Medical City. The Ministry of Health hotline is 937. Heat illness is a real risk from May to September. Carry travel insurance with medical cover; the e-visa fee includes basic health insurance.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Share the itinerary and accommodation address with someone at home., Save 911, 997, 999, the embassy number and the accommodation address in Arabic on the phone., Keep a charged phone and a power bank, and a printed hotel card for taxi drivers., Register with the home embassy's traveller programme (STEP for US citizens) before arrival.
Female travellers
Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered, loose clothing) to avoid unwanted attention; an abaya is not required for visitors., Women may sit anywhere in restaurants and cafes; separate family sections still exist in some venues., Use Uber, Careem, Bolt or Jeeny at night and share ride details with someone., Women do not need a male guardian for hotel check-in or travel as foreign visitors.
Families
Keep children hydrated and out of midday sun from May to October., Use age-appropriate car seats in rented cars; most app taxis do not carry them., Brief children on what to do if an alert sounds: stay indoors, away from windows., Check government advice on the regional security situation before bringing children.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Saudi Arabia, with severe penalties; public displays of affection are not accepted for any couple. Discretion is strongly advised, including on dating apps and social media.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 999
- Medical
- 997
- Fire
- 998
- General Emergency
- 911
- Health Hotline
- 937 (Ministry of Health)
- Traffic
- 993 (Traffic police)
- Main Hospital
- King Fahad Medical City, Sulaimaniyah, Riyadh, with an emergency department; call 997 for an ambulance.
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Riyadh: +966 11 488 3800 (Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh)
- Embassy Uk
- British Embassy Riyadh: +966 11 481 9100 (Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh; confirm on gov.uk)