saudi arabia

security risks

Anti – government protests in Eastern Province sometimes result in violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. U.S. government personnel and their families are prohibited from traveling to Qatif, Hofuf, and their suburbs.

The Iran – backed Yemeni group Ansar Allah, known as the Houthis, has repeatedly launched attacks against Saudi military bases and critical infrastructure, including oil facilities, seaports, airports, and commercial and naval maritime traffic.

Attacks dropped dramatically in 2022 but could resume if the Kingdom relaunches its air campaign in Yemen and/or redeploys allied militias to Houthi – controlled or contested territories. Iran-allied Iraqi militias and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps infrequently launch drone and missile attacks against the Kingdom.

The threat from domestic Middle East terrorist groups, including Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda has decreased but not dissipated. The last four confirmed IS – linked and/or inspired terror attacks have occurred in Jeddah, most recently in August 2022. Shi’a militants based in al-Qatif and al-Ahsa governorates of Eastern Province waged repeated attacks against security personnel from 2015 to 2020.

Criminal activity is low compared to most U.S. metropolitan areas. Saudi Arabia’s road accident fatality rate remains high, despite improvements following the 2009 introduction of the Saher traffic control system.

healthcare infrastructure and disease risks

The Chevron healthcare infrastructure and disease risk level for Saudi Arabia is A. Click here for International SOS health guidance.

guidance

Visitors to Saudi Arabia should exercise high levels of caution and situational awareness and take the following precautions:

• Avoid crowds and demonstrations
• Avoid displaying valuables, including cash, electronics, and jewelry
• Limit movements, especially after dark
• Observe Saudi rules and make local inquires if uncertain of appropriate conduct
• Be advised that the authorities arrest residents and visitors alike for speech, including on social media, considered politically provocative or critical of the government
• Use reliable private car services for transportation
• Avoid political demonstrations and other gatherings
• Monitor media and local information sources
• Minimize your profile by not displaying Chevron-related logos on your belongings
• Be prepared for additional security measures and potential travel disruptions
• All staff should ensure that their contact details are up to date before travel to Saudi Arabia

Travelers should be aware that when entering Saudi Arabia, customs officials have the authority to screen all electronic devices (laptops, mobile phones, PDAs, etc.) to look for prohibited material (such as pirated, explicit, or certain types of religious materials). Refusal to comply with this rule will result in detention and/or deportation.

Although non-Muslim foreigners are generally given some latitude within Saudi Arabia’s strict Islamic laws, there are cases of visitors being harassed or detained for infractions against religious and legal norms. Muslim visitors, regardless of citizenship, may be held to more rigorous standards.

Employees should be aware that information security risks can be greater during travel, as third parties present in foreign countries may monitor communications and transmissions.

Employees are advised to avoid communications on sensitive matters and to travel with as little sensitive information as possible.