Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia on 24 September 2026, maintaining the country at “Avoid non-essential travel” and warning Canadians to stay at least 30 km away from the Yemeni border after a resurgence of cross-border missile and drone attacks. The update highlights escalating regional tensions and reminds travellers that even photographing military installations or debris could lead to severe jail sentences under Saudi anti-terror legislation. Provinces of Asir, Jazan and Najran remain under an “Avoid all travel” directive, and the briefing stresses that airports in the south can shut without notice. For Canadian corporates operating in the kingdom—particularly in energy, infrastructure and defence—duty-of-care obligations have intensified. Firms are urged to review emergency-evacuation protocols, confirm the location of expatriate staff, and ensure that employees register with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) system. Travel-risk consultants also recommend pre-positioning contingency supplies and training personnel on shelter-in-place procedures, given the possibility of sudden airspace closures. Insurance brokers note that many corporate travel-insurance policies exclude cover for regions under an official Government of Canada “Avoid non-essential travel” advisory issued before departure. Businesses may need to purchase supplemental high-risk coverage. Meanwhile, mobility managers should verify that employees transiting via Saudi airports have onward boarding passes within 24 hours, as overstays could trigger deportation or fines. The updated advisory illustrates how geopolitical flashpoints can directly affect Canadian mobility programmes. Companies with multi-country itineraries through Riyadh or Jeddah should consider rerouting flights until the security outlook stabilises.
Source: Travel.gc.ca
