Saudi Arabia Joins Germany, Thailand, Switzerland, Jordan, Poland And More As UK Issues New Travel Advisory Amid Rising Security Threats, Updated Entry Rules And Stricter Visa Guidelines

Saudi Arabia joins Germany, Thailand, Switzerland, Jordan, Poland, and several other nations in the UK’s latest travel advisory as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office responds to rising security threats, updated entry rules, and stricter visa guidelines that are reshaping global travel norms. The sweeping advisory highlights how mounting regional tensions, new biometric systems, and evolving border policies are prompting British travellers to exercise greater caution. From Saudi Arabia’s tightened border zones and visa reforms to Europe’s rollout of the new Entry/Exit System and stricter passport validity checks, the updated guidance underscores the UK government’s growing focus on traveller safety, compliance, and preparedness in an increasingly complex travel landscape.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released an extensive update to its global travel advisory, listing a series of new security alerts, visa regulations, and entry rule changes for several key international destinations. The latest update includes new guidance for Saudi Arabia, Germany, Thailand, Switzerland, Jordan, and Poland — each carrying its own set of specific risks, travel restrictions, and procedural changes that British travellers must carefully note before departure. The update reflects a growing trend of tightened border controls, new visa systems, and increased security monitoring in light of recent geopolitical tensions and safety challenges worldwide.

Saudi Arabia – Tightened Security Zones and Stricter Visa Procedures

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to parts of Saudi Arabia, particularly along the Saudi-Yemen border, where unrest remains a serious concern. Travellers are warned to avoid areas within 10 kilometres of the Yemen border, and only essential travel is permitted within 10 to 80 kilometres from the frontier. This advisory follows ongoing hostilities and a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which has heightened security across the wider region.

Visitors are urged to stay informed through both local and international news sources, check for potential transport disruptions, and strictly follow the instructions of local authorities. The advisory also emphasizes the importance of valid travel insurance — noting that policies could be invalidated if travellers enter regions against official advice.

For those planning to visit, Saudi Arabia has updated its entry and visa requirements. Passports must remain valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date, and any British traveller with Israeli travel history could face denial of entry. Tourists are required to obtain either an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver (EVW) before travel or on arrival at international airports. The standard e-visa is valid for one year and permits multiple entries for up to 90 days in total, while EVWs are valid for a single entry of up to six months.

Additionally, e-visas now come bundled with basic health insurance, though travellers must apply for a separate visa to perform Hajj. Saudi Arabia has also reinforced its laws on conduct, warning that public affection, rude gestures, and political criticism can lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation. Tourists are required to carry identification at all times, with digital residency cards accepted through the Tawakkalna and Absher apps.

Germany – New Schengen Entry System and Passport Rules

Germany has rolled out updated travel procedures in line with the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which began its phased launch on 12 October 2025. Under this system, short-stay visitors entering the Schengen area, including Germany, may be asked to register biometric data such as fingerprints and photos. The process aims to replace manual passport stamping once fully implemented, improving border tracking and security.

British citizens travelling for tourism, short-term business, or cultural visits can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, but must ensure their passport meets Schengen validity rules. This includes having a “date of issue” less than ten years before arrival and an “expiry date” at least three months after the intended departure date.

Germany has also emphasized stricter passport checks, as travellers using passports reported lost or stolen will be denied entry. Overstaying the 90-day visa-free limit may result in bans of up to three years.

Travellers are advised to carry proof of accommodation, financial means, and return tickets to show at the border. Germany also faces a continued security warning, as the FCDO classifies the risk of terrorist attacks as “very likely.” Major public places such as markets, places of worship, and transport hubs remain under heightened surveillance.

Thailand – Mourning Period and Border Caution

Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for British travellers, but the FCDO has updated its advice amid new security and travel alerts. The advisory warns against all but essential travel to several southern provinces — Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla — where border conflicts persist near Malaysia.

The update coincides with the official mourning period following the passing of Thailand’s Queen Mother on 25 October 2025, which will continue for at least 30 days. Visitors are urged to wear muted or dark clothing and act respectfully in public spaces, particularly around temples and royal sites.

Border areas with Cambodia remain volatile after cross-border clashes earlier this year, with reports of renewed gunfire in September. Land borders, including popular tourist sites such as Khao Phra Wihan and Ta Muen Thom temples, remain closed. The FCDO also reminds travellers that carrying cannabis out of Thailand is illegal and has led to arrests of transiting passengers in other countries.

Switzerland – Safety Alerts and Face-Covering Ban

Switzerland’s inclusion in the latest UK advisory comes primarily due to updates related to the EU’s new EES biometric registration, which will affect travellers entering or leaving the Schengen area. While Switzerland maintains a low crime rate, the FCDO urges vigilance in crowded spaces, especially at Geneva Airport and on public transport routes where pickpocketing has increased.

Tourists are reminded that possession or use of illegal drugs carries severe penalties, and even small amounts can lead to jail time. Switzerland also enforces strict face-covering laws in cantons such as Ticino and St. Gallen, where wearing a balaclava, full veil, or any garment obscuring the face can lead to fines between 100 and 10,000 Swiss francs.

Travellers engaging in mountain or adventure sports must ensure that their travel insurance covers helicopter rescue, mountain evacuation, and repatriation costs, as rescue operations can be extremely expensive in the Swiss Alps.

Jordan – Partial Travel Ban and Regional Instability

The UK’s new advisory for Jordan highlights both entry requirement updates and regional security concerns. The FCDO advises against all travel within three kilometres of the Jordan-Syria border, citing ongoing instability and militia activity. Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Iran established in June, tensions remain high, and Iran-aligned groups continue to pose security threats.

Travellers are urged to monitor news sources closely and be aware of potential transport disruptions or temporary closures at border crossings. Jordan’s entry visa procedures have also changed, with visitors for purposes other than tourism now required to provide biometric data during application.

The FCDO warns that terrorist threats remain possible, particularly at popular tourist sites such as the Roman ruins in Jerash, shopping centres, and hotels. British nationals are also reminded of ongoing protests in Amman and around foreign embassies, especially related to the Gaza conflict. Demonstrations are typically peaceful but can escalate quickly, prompting authorities to impose roadblocks and security patrols.

Crime in Jordan remains low, but petty theft and aggressive begging have been reported in tourist zones. Visitors are urged to carry minimal cash and keep passports and valuables secure at all times.

Poland – Dual National Requirements and Schengen System Updates

Poland’s section of the advisory includes significant clarifications on passport and visa-free travel rules, particularly under the Schengen 90/180-day limit. British citizens may enter without a visa for short stays but must meet passport requirements similar to Germany and France.

The update also reiterates that dual British-Polish nationals must enter and exit using a Polish passport or national ID card, as border guards may refuse exit to those attempting to leave on a British passport. The FCDO notes this has caused confusion for families of mixed nationality.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES), rolling out gradually since October, also applies to Poland, meaning travellers may be required to register biometrics upon entry or exit. Those crossing through Eurotunnel or Eurostar terminals in the UK will have data recorded before departure.

Security alerts remain moderate, with the FCDO mentioning Russian military activity within 20 kilometres of the Ukraine-Poland border, and advising travellers to avoid restricted areas and follow local instructions.

Additional European Updates – Germany, France, and Beyond

France, while not the main focus of this update, remains under continued heightened vigilance due to industrial actions, demonstrations, and isolated security incidents. The UK government reminds travellers that France enforces Schengen passport validity rules, and visitors may be asked for proof of insurance and accommodation.

In both Germany and France, overstaying the 90-day Schengen limit could lead to entry bans of up to three years, making it essential for travellers to keep records of entry and exit stamps or digital registration confirmations once EES fully replaces manual systems.

Rising Travel Awareness for British Nationals

The FCDO’s latest multi-country advisory underscores a broader trend — the intersection of travel safety and regulatory tightening. With new digital entry systems, visa updates, and stricter border surveillance, British travellers are urged to plan ahead, verify passport validity, and secure comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergencies, cancellations, and health expenses.

Saudi Arabia joins Germany, Thailand, Switzerland, Jordan, Poland and more on the UK’s updated travel advisory list as rising security threats and newly revised visa and entry rules prompt tighter travel monitoring and heightened safety measures for British travellers. The move reflects growing global caution and stricter border regulations across multiple destinations.

The FCDO has also reminded travellers to stay informed via official government channels on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, and to sign up for email updates as conditions can change rapidly. Whether for tourism, study, or business, the message is clear: thorough preparation and situational awareness are now essential parts of international travel.

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