Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 20 August 2009, 11:52 NZDT
Still current at:
04 November 2009
There is high risk to your security in Saudi Arabia due to the continuing threat from terrorism and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel.
At their peak in 2003 and 2004, terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia included kidnapping, the bombing of residential compounds and government offices, an attack against the US Consulate in Jeddah, targeted shootings of individuals, car bombs, parcel bombs and the bombing of shopping areas. In February 2007, four foreign nationals were shot dead in the vicinity of Medina. In February 2006, terrorists conducted a suicide car bomb attack on an oil processing facility in Abqaiq in the Eastern Province. Saudi security forces continue to take action against terrorist groups and have made a number of arrests in recent years but further attacks cannot be ruled out.
Further terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Saudi Arabia, and could be directed at any location associated with Western interests or known to be frequented by Westerners. Possible targets for terrorist attacks include (but are not limited to) embassies, hotels, expatriate housing compounds, restaurants, shopping areas, government offices, and aviation and oil industry facilities.
New Zealanders in Saudi Arabia are advised to maintain a high degree of personal security awareness at all times and take all possible security precautions to protect their safety, particularly in public places. For security reasons, travel routes and times should be varied and vehicle security taken seriously.
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Saudi Arabia to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.
Piracy is a significant problem in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report: http://www.icc-ccs.org
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Saudi Arabia should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Saudi Arabia are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for the Middle East
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
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Contact details are:
Street Address Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address PO Box 94 397, Riyadh 11693, Saudi Arabia
Telephone +966 1 488 7988
Facsimile +966 1 488 7912 or +966 1 488 7911
Email info@nzembassy.org.sa
Website www.nzembassy.com/saudiarabia
Office Hours Sat – Wed 0800-1200, 1230-1500 hrs
Contact details are:
Street Address c/o Associated Agencies, Sundus Building (Behind Caravan Shopping Centre), Al Madina Street, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address PO Box 419, Jeddah 21411, Saudi Arabia
Telephone +966 2 651 2109
Facsimile +966 2 651 6504
Email zinada1960@yahoo.com
Office Hours Sat – Wed 0900-1300, 1600-1900 hrs; Thu 0900-1300 hrs
