Greece’s Foreign Ministry has issued Saudi travel advice urging Greek citizens to avoid non-essential trips to the kingdom, citing the situation in the Middle East and restrictions on Saudi airspace.
The ministry issued the advice on Sunday 11 October. Because of the situation in the region, Greeks should avoid travel to Saudi Arabia unless it is absolutely necessary, it said.
Its warning comes a day after a deadly missile attack on the main airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital.
Under the Saudi travel advice, Greeks already in the country should stay in contact with their airline. They should also follow official sources and obey local authorities, the ministry said.
In an emergency, they can call the Greek Embassy in Riyadh on +966 (0) 50 6090207. They can also email the embassy at [email protected].
Missile strike and closure
The attack on King Khalid International Airport on Saturday 10 October killed 12 people. More than 300 others were injured, the Associated Press reported.
Greek City Times reported the attack as it unfolded. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia extended the closure of the airport, AP reported, citing an online flight tracker.
Greece also has a stake in Saudi security. Athens is deploying a Patriot air defence battery to the kingdom.
Smartraveller warning for Australians
Australia has its own Saudi travel advice. The federal government’s Smartraveller service, in guidance updated on 11 October, tells Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Saudi Arabia.
It now advises Australians not to travel to King Khalid International Airport. This is because recent security incidents are disrupting operations there, it said.
Travellers should reconfirm their flights with their airline before leaving for any airport in the country, Smartraveller said.
In addition, it advises against all travel to Asir, Jazan and Najran provinces. Australians should also stay away from areas within 30km of the Yemen border.
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia resumed on 13 July, according to the Smartraveller warning. Greek Australians planning a visit should check both versions of the Saudi travel advice before they fly.
Source: ERT News
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Bill Giannopoulos
Junior Editor
Bill Giannopoulos is a Junior Editor at Greek City Times, covering Greek and international news, sport, and history.