Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER NOW
 

Saudia to start special UK flights - Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — The British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton has told British nationals in Saudi Arabia that those who would like to return to the United Kingdom from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, can avail an opportunity to do so.

Saudi Arabian Airlines has agreed to operate special flights to allow British nationals and their families to return to the United Kingdom, according to the British embassy.

Saudi Arabian Airlines will operate flights starting March 29 from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to London’s Heathrow Airport and additional flights if required

All flights have been suspended by Saudi Arabia since March 15 to combat the deadly coronavirus.

British nationals in Saudi Arabia who have registered with British Embassy will receive an email about their flights to the United Kingdom.

If a British National has not registered, please email [email protected] with the following: Name, email address, mobile telephone number, current location, visa type held, and any other relevant information, as soon as possible.

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

Are you going to stay or go?

I can't leave UAE... what about my dog, he's french.

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

Here's the blurb you'll receive if you register...

Thank you for contacting the British Embassy in Riyadh. This is an automated response to confirm receipt of your email.



We have listed some of the most common questions and answers below. Due to the high volume of queries we are receiving, if your query is covered by this information, we will not be able to send you an individual reply.



The Embassy team is monitoring this inbox and will reply to all messages not covered by the information below as soon as possible.



If you are a British National currently in Saudi Arabia who would like to return to the UK, please ensure that you have sent us the following information: name, email address, functioning mobile telephone number, current location, visa type held, and any other relevant information, so that we can add you to our mailing list.



For consular assistance, in the first instance please call +966 (0) 11 481 9100, or from the UK 0207 008 1500. You can also send consular enquiries using the forms available at www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-riyadh and www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-jeddah



For the latest information please subscribe to our travel advice and monitor our Facebook page: UK in Saudi Arabia.



Frequently Asked Questions



I am not a British National. Can I book a ticket to fly to the UK?



Only British Nationals and their family members who already hold valid UK visas, valid Biometric Residence Permits or permanent residency will be able to purchase tickets.



Do the usual Saudi immigration rules on exit visas apply?



Saudi immigration rules continue to apply. PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VALID EXIT OR RE-ENTRY PERMIT. WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH THIS AT THE AIRPORT.

Please ensure you have the required documentation to exit the country:

o For British Nationals in Saudi Arabia with a resident permit (Iqama), ensure you have a re-entry and exit permit. Contact your sponsor if you need to apply for one.

o For those on Family visit visas, Work visas, and Business visas, please ensure your visa is valid. To extend please contact your sponsor or ask your sponsor to visit the Passport Office.

• For those on Umrah visas, please ensure you visa is valid. To extend please visit: https://eservices.haj.gov.sa/ or visit the Passport Office.

Is the British Embassy organising repatriation or evacuation flights?

Following Embassy discussions with the Saudi authorities and Saudia Airlines, Saudia has agreed to operate exceptional commercial flights to allow British Nationals and their families to return to the UK. Any British Nationals currently in Saudi Arabia who would like to return to the UK should express their interest by emailing [email protected] with: name, email address, functioning mobile telephone number, current location, visa type held, and any other relevant information, to be added to our mailing list.



What should I do to prepare for my return to the UK?



Please read the British government guidance on coronavirus which is available at gov.uk. Information on returning to the UK is also available on our Return to the UK pages.



Can the British Embassy assist British Nationals who are in the UK and want to return to Saudi Arabia?



We know that there are some British Nationals currently in the UK who are normally resident in Saudi Arabia and wish to return there as soon as possible.



As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the Foreign Office advises British Nationals against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. On 14 March, Saudi authorities announced the suspension of international flights and sea routes. Restrictions have also been placed on some land border crossings. Currently, all travellers arriving into the Kingdom are required to enter quarantine facilities for 14 days.



The British Embassy is currently focused on working with the Saudi authorities on commercial options for British travellers to return home to the UK, in line with FCO Travel Advice. Please check our Travel Advice regularly.

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

I'd rather my family came back, but no-one is allowing residents to travel UK -> KSA at the moment. So it probably makes sense to head back unfortunately so we are at least all together to ride out this whole caboodle.

In terms of safety, the middle east is probably better unless things get REALLY bad (zombie apocalypse style) in which case the UK would probably be marginally safer overall but hopefully that kind of stuff won't kick off any earlier than say June by which time we'll have been able to build our reinforced underground bunker...joking...mostly....

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

Screw returning to the UK right now.... I'd say circumstances are better here (in DXB) than they are in most of Europe right now.

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

You don’t know what you don’t know.

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

Any news on these flights back to the UK?
Supposed to start on 29th March, but cant find any info. online.
Be useful to know when they will start/ finish, or if they've given up on the idea already...

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

Our travel agent has told me about the following flights, there may be other routes so check with your own travel agent if something else (e.g. Dammam-London) would work for you. All flights by Saudia.

2 April: 10.40am - 3.55pm (sold out, cannot waitlist) Riyadh - London
16 April: 10.45am - 2.50pm Jeddah - London
16 April:1.20am - 6.20am Riyadh - London

Also, reported yesterday that UK government is (finally...) arranging to fly stranded expats & travellers home: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52099252 "Guidance" (which is pretty useless) here: https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-52098067

Register with the FCO if you haven't already ([email protected])

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

That works both ways tho right?

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

Many thanks for this, the 16th April from Jeddah works for me, the week before Ramadan kicks off...

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

I have just received this message from the FCO:

This email is for those still wishing to fly to the UK from Riyadh. Please ignore if you have already booked on a flight or are located elsewhere.

Flight from Riyadh

The British Government now strongly recommends that if you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, whether working or on holiday, you should return where commercial flights are available. British people who are resident overseas are not being advised to return to the UK, but to follow the advice of the local authorities in their host country. It is for all individuals, including permanent residents overseas, to consider their own personal circumstances and take into account all of the information available to them.

· Following Embassy discussions with the Saudi authorities and Saudia Airlines, Saudia has agreed to operate exceptional commercial flights to allow British Nationals and their families to return to the UK.

· Saudia will operate a flight this week from Riyadh. We expect demand to be high. The Ministry of Health has introduced a cap on passenger numbers as a precaution. This means flights may fill up faster than usual.

· If there is availability on this flight, you will receive an email or phonecall from a Saudia airlines representative before 17.00 on Wednesday 1 April giving you exact details and asking if you wish to book a seat on the flight. Please be prepared for the call or email, and ready to pay for tickets should you decide to leave.

· PLEASE DO NOT CALL SAUDIA AIRLINES DIRECTLY.
· If you are already in Riyadh, you will have to make your own way to the airport. If you are located outside Riyadh and will have difficulty reaching the airport, please respond to this email with “RIYADH RESTRICTIONS” in the subject line.
· If there is sufficient demand, we will liaise with Saudia about an additional Riyadh flight in future. However, this will depend on demand and is not guaranteed.
· This is a commercial flight and each passenger will require a ticket. Please do not travel to the airport if you have not purchased a ticket in advance as you will not be able to board the flight.

· Please do not attempt to travel if you or anyone accompanying you is unwell. The Saudi authorities will be screening all passengers at airports. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms will be placed in quarantine for a period of 14 days.

We have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions to provide you with as much information as possible. If your question in not answered below, please get in touch with us by replying to this email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything else after I have booked my ticket?

The service will be run like a regular commercial service. Please ensure you check Saudia rules on baggage allowances.

Please now plan your journey to the airport. If you think Covid-19 restrictions will prevent you from reaching the airport, please get in touch with us now.

My family members are not British Nationals, can they also buy tickets?

Family members who already hold valid UK visas, valid Biometric Residence Permits or permanent residency will be able to purchase tickets. Please ensure that you send us the full names of all family members with you who are not British Nationals but who wish to purchase tickets so that we can inform Saudia Airlines.

Guidance on who needs a visa for the UK is available athttps://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

I already have a ticket for a flight with Saudia Airlines in the coming months. Can I exchange it?

Please contact Saudia directly to discuss ticket exchange requests. The Embassy is not able to assist with this.

I have a ticket for a flight back with another airline. Is that flight likely to go ahead? Will I get a refund if I don’t use it?

Please contact the airline directly to discuss. The Embassy is unable to assist with refund queries.

Even if you have a ticket for a flight in future, it is not possible to say when the next flights to the UK will depart, so we urge you to consider booking a new ticket now.

Will there be more flights in future?

It is not possible to say when the next flights to the UK will depart. We urge all British Nationals who may wish to return to the UK in the near future to consider purchasing a ticket now.

Can the British government provide financial assistance to cover the cost of my flight?

If necessary, please contact your UK bank, family, or friends to help you financially. In addition, the FCO provides information on what to do and who to contact if you require financial assistance abroad. Alternatively please contact us by replying to this email if you would like to discuss options.

Can I travel if I feel unwell or experience symptoms of COVID 19?

If you or your dependants experience symptoms, you should self-isolate and call 937, the official Saudi Emergency line for COVID-19. The Saudi government has allocated specialist hospitals to treat COVID-19 cases.

The Saudi authorities will be screening all passengers at airports. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms will be placed in quarantine for a period of 14 days.

I am a resident of Saudi Arabia and I do not have an exit visa OR my visit visa has expired. Will I still be able to travel?

Saudi immigration rules continue to apply. PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VALID EXIT OR RE-ENTRY PERMIT. WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH THIS AT THE AIRPORT.

Please ensure you have the required documentation to exit the country:
o For British Nationals in Saudi Arabia with a resident permit (Iqama), ensure you have a re-entry and exit permit. Contact your sponsor if you need to apply for one.
o For those on Family visit visas, Work visas, and Business visas, please ensure your visa is valid. To extend please contact your sponsor or ask your sponsor to visit the Passport Office.
o For those on Umrah visas, please ensure you visa is valid. To extend please visit: https://eservices.haj.gov.sa/ or visit the Passport Office.

I have a question about the sales process/baggage allowances/mobility requirements in the airport, or I need special assistance from Saudia.

Please contact Saudia customer services. The Embassy is unable to assist with these queries.

When will I be able to return to Saudi Arabia?

It is not possible to say when flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia will be available.

As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the Foreign Office advises British Nationals against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. On 14 March, Saudi authorities announced the suspension of international flights and sea routes. Restrictions have also been placed on some land border crossings. Currently, all travellers arriving into the Kingdom are required to enter quarantine facilities for 14 days.

The British Embassy is currently focused on working with the Saudi authorities on commercial options for British travellers to return home to the UK, in line with FCO Travel Advice.

What should I do to prepare for my return to the UK?

Please read the British government guidance on coronavirus on gov.uk  and the Return to the UK pages.

I need consular assistance. What should I do?

If you need consular assistance, please get in touch with us now by replying to this email with ‘CONSULAR’ in the title or by filling in the forms on www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-riyadh andwww.gov.uk/contact-consulate-jeddah or call +966 (0) 11 481 9100, or from the UK 0207 008 1500.

For the latest information please subscribe to our travel advice and monitor our Facebook page: UK in Saudi Arabia.

Kind regards,

Flights team

British Embassy Riyadh

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

For those in or around Jeddah...


This email is for those in Jeddah and the Western Provinces still wishing to travel to the UK. Please ignore if you have already booked on a flight or are located elsewhere.



Flight from Jeddah

• We expect that Saudia will operate a further exceptional commercial flight this week from Jeddah.

• WE ANTICIPATE VERY HIGH DEMAND – IF YOU REQUIRE TRANSPORT TO JEDDAH FROM THE WESTERN PROVINCES, PLEASE RESPOND IMMEDIATELY TO THIS EMAIL AS INSTRUCTED BELOW. THE DEADLINE FOR TRANSPORT REQUESTS IS 6PM TODAY (WED 1 APRIL). If you are already in Jeddah, you will have to make your own way to the airport.

• If there is availability, you will receive a phonecall from a Saudia Airlines representative giving you exact details and asking if you wish to book a seat on the flight. Please be prepared for a call, and ready to pay for tickets should you decide to leave.

• PLEASE DO NOT CALL SAUDIA AIRLINES DIRECTLY

• Given current restrictions, this is likely to be the only opportunity for British Nationals outside of Jeddah to travel to Jeddah in the near future. If you are outside of Jeddah and not able to travel on this flight, but think you might want to take a flight to the UK at some point in the near future, we advise that you travel to Jeddah now.

• If there is sufficient demand, we will liaise with Saudia about an additional Jeddah flight in future. However, this will depend on demand and is not guaranteed. In any case, it is unlikely that anyone outside of Jeddah will be able to reach the airport again in the near future.
• We expect demand to be high. The Ministry of Health has introduced a cap on passenger numbers as a precaution. This means flights may fill up faster than usual.
• This is a commercial flight and each passenger will require a ticket. Please do not travel to the airport if you have not purchased a ticket in advance as you will not be able to board the flight.
• Please do not attempt to travel if you or anyone accompanying you is unwell. The Saudi authorities will be screening all passengers at airports. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms will be placed in quarantine for a period of 14 days.

• Saudi immigration rules continue to apply. PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VALID EXIT OR RE-ENTRY PERMIT. WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH THIS AT THE AIRPORT.

WHAT TO DO NOW IF YOU NEED TRANSPORT FROM OUTSIDE JEDDAH



We are aware of movement restrictions across the Western Regions. To help you to reach Jeddah airport, the British Consulate Jeddah will arrange transport to the airport from nominated locations across the region.

1. Decide your pick-up point – details will be confirmed in a later email, but we expect the following locations and routes:

ROUTE

LOCATIONS

1

TABUK – YANBU – JEDDAH

2

JAZAN – ABHA – JEDDAH

3

MEDINA – RABIGH – KAUST – JEDDAH

4

MECCA – TAIF – JEDDAH

1. Decide your drop-off point in Jeddah:

•  
  • Sheraton Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Spectrum
  • MENA hotel for Route 1 (Tabuk) and 2 (Jazan) only

1. Send us an email ASAP in the format below. (cut off is 6pm TODAY)
2. Put the Route required into the subject line of you email; for example ‘ROUTE 1 REQUEST – YANBU’.
3. Fill out the table below and paste it into the body of your email. Do this even if you have already sent us this information.

Name

How many Dependants

E-mail

Telephone No

Location

Route No

Meeting Point

















Please ensure the title of your email looks like this, tailored depending on the route you require:



[img]file:///C:/Users/john/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg[/img]

1. I have a Saudia Airlines ticket confirmation – what next?

Once you have received a booking confirmation from Saudia, you must inform us immediately to confirm your transport arrangements. You will then receive an e-mail with the transport details with confirmed timings of meeting point locations applicable to you. To expedite this process, please respond to this e-mail using the following procedure. In the Subject field of your email, change to appropriate route and insert flight confirmed.



An example below:



[img]file:///C:/Users/john/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg[/img]





ACCOMMODATION IN JEDDAH

• British Nationals travelling to Jeddah will be responsible for booking and paying for their own hotel accommodation and costs in Jeddah, and for any costs incurred in travelling to the airport from Jeddah.

• The Sheraton Hotel in Jeddah has availability for bookings from British Nationals departing Jeddah and returning to the UK. The Sheraton Hotel has offered a complimentary transfer service to Jeddah airport. Ensure you quote British Consulate Jeddah in your booking.

• Sheraton Hotel contact details: [email protected] Sheraton Tel No: +966 12 699 2212

• The Hilton Hotel in Jeddah is offering a preferential rate to British Nationals departing from Jeddah. Airport transfers can be arrange through the hotel, but will incur an extra cost. Please ensure you quote British Consulate Jeddah at the time of booking.

• Hilton Hotel contact details: 9200 03800 or: [email protected]

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

• Please do not attempt to travel if you or anyone accompanying you is unwell. The Saudi authorities will be screening all passengers at airports. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to board the plane and will be placed in quarantine for a period of 14 days.

• IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT ANYONE WITH COVID-19 SYMPTOMS DOES NOT BOARD A COACH TO JEDDAH. Travelling to the airport if you are unwell could result in you and your fellow passengers not being allowed to board the plane. You may not be refunded for your ticket.

• The Saudi government has allocated specialist hospitals to treat COVID-19 cases. If you or your dependants experience symptoms, you should self-isolate and call 937, the official Saudi Emergency line for COVID-19.

We have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions to provide you with as much information as possible. If your question in not answered below, please get in touch with us by replying to this email.



Frequently Asked Questions



Do I need to do anything else after I have booked my ticket?

The service will be run like a regular commercial service. Please ensure you check Saudia rules on baggage allowances.



Please now plan your journey to the airport. If you think Covid-19 restrictions will prevent you from reaching the airport, please get in touch with us now following the instructions above.



My family members are not British Nationals, can they also buy tickets?

Family members who already hold valid UK visas, valid Biometric Residence Permits or permanent residency will be able to purchase tickets. Please ensure that you send us the full names of all family members with you who are not British Nationals but who wish to purchase tickets so that we can inform Saudia Airlines.



Guidance on who needs a visa for the UK is available athttps://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa



I already have a ticket for a flight with Saudia Airlines in the coming months. Can I exchange it?

Please contact Saudia directly to discuss ticket exchange requests. The Embassy is not able to assist with this.



I have a ticket for a flight back with another airline. Is that flight likely to go ahead? Will I get a refund if I don’t use it?

Please contact the airline directly to discuss. The Embassy is unable to assist with refund queries.



Even if you have a ticket for a flight in future, it is not possible to say when the next flights to the UK will depart, so we urge you to consider booking a new ticket now.



Will there be more flights in future?

It is not possible to say when the next flights to the UK will depart. We urge all British Nationals who may wish to return to the UK in the near future to consider purchasing a ticket now.



Can the British government provide financial assistance to cover the cost of my flight?

If necessary, please contact your UK bank, family, or friends to help you financially. In addition, the FCO provides information on what to do and who to contact if you require financial assistance abroad. Alternatively please contact us by replying to this email if you would like to discuss options.



Can I travel if I feel unwell or experience symptoms of COVID 19?

If you or your dependants experience symptoms, you should self-isolate and call 937, the official Saudi Emergency line for COVID-19. The Saudi government has allocated specialist hospitals to treat COVID-19 cases.



The Saudi authorities will be screening all passengers at airports. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms will be placed in quarantine for a period of 14 days.



I am a resident of Saudi Arabia and I do not have an exit visa OR my visit visa has expired. Will I still be able to travel?



Saudi immigration rules continue to apply. PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VALID EXIT OR RE-ENTRY PERMIT. WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH THIS AT THE AIRPORT.



Please ensure you have the required documentation to exit the country:

o For British Nationals in Saudi Arabia with a resident permit (Iqama), ensure you have a re-entry and exit permit. Contact your sponsor if you need to apply for one.

o For those on Family visit visas, Work visas, and Business visas, please ensure your visa is valid. To extend please contact your sponsor or ask your sponsor to visit the Passport Office.

o For those on Umrah visas, please ensure you visa is valid. To extend please visit: https://eservices.haj.gov.sa/ or visit the Passport Office.



I have a question about the sales process/baggage allowances/mobility requirements in the airport, or I need special assistance from Saudia.

Please contact Saudia customer services. The Embassy is unable to assist with these queries.



When will I be able to return to Saudi Arabia?

It is not possible to say when flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia will be available.



As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the Foreign Office advises British Nationals against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. On 14 March, Saudi authorities announced the suspension of international flights and sea routes. Restrictions have also been placed on some land border crossings. Currently, all travellers arriving into the Kingdom are required to enter quarantine facilities for 14 days.



The British Embassy is currently focused on working with the Saudi authorities on commercial options for British travellers to return home to the UK, in line with FCO Travel Advice.



What should I do to prepare for my return to the UK?

Please read the British government guidance on coronavirus on gov.uk  and the Return to the UK pages.



I need consular assistance. What should I do?

If you need consular assistance, please get in touch with us now by replying to this email with ‘CONSULAR’ in the title or by filling in the forms on www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-riyadh andwww.gov.uk/contact-consulate-jeddah or call +966 (0) 11 481 9100, or from the UK 0207 008 1500.



For the latest information please subscribe to our travel advice and monitor our Facebook page: UK in Saudi Arabia.



Kind regards,



Flights team

British Embassy Riyadh

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

I have just had a further email from the FCO saying "Saudia have been trying to repeatedly call you today but have been unable to get through" (no-one else had a problem getting through to me today...). I've emailed them back and will see what happens. The flight is, helpfully, tomorrow morning! Thanks for making me wait 3 weeks and then giving me 15 hours' notice guys...that's if they even manage to get through to me...

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

Saudia just called me and the flight for Riyadh - London tomorrow is CONFIRMED. Email the FCO people STRAIGHT AWAY if you want a chance of getting on that flight...

Note that you need a credit card to pay - my SABB debit card didn't work...they charged me 10 SAR as I had a flight already booked for 16 April. I had to try four different cards before I had one that worked...

Re: Evacuation flights from Saudi to UK for expats starting 28 March - REGISTER
 

Also PM me if you want the direct email address of the person who called me.