Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇾🇪 Yemen 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Nearest Cities
Al-Tawal, Najran region
Coordinates
17.50°N, 44.00°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-90 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~3000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Arabic, English
Currency Exchange
Available near Al-Tawal (YER, SAR)
Connectivity Options
Limited Wi-Fi, 3G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Restricted, security risks
Emergency Contacts
🇾🇪 191 🇸🇦 911
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About Al-Tawal, Najran region
Extreme Danger Warning: Do Not Travel
The Yemen-Saudi Arabia border is an active and extremely dangerous conflict zone. All travel to Yemen is strongly advised against by international governments due to war, terrorism, and civil unrest. The Al-Tawal crossing and the surrounding regions have been the site of cross-border attacks, including missile and drone strikes. This guide is for informational and geopolitical context only. Attempting to approach or cross this border is life-threatening and strictly forbidden for ordinary travelers.
The Al-Tawal Crossing: A Frontline Frontier
The Al-Tawal border crossing, connecting Yemen’s Hajjah Governorate with the Jizan Province in Saudi Arabia, is one of the main land gateways on the western side of the peninsula. Situated on the hot and humid Tihamah coastal plain, this was once a bustling crossing for Yemeni workers, religious pilgrims heading to Mecca, and commercial trade. Since the outbreak of the Yemeni civil war in 2014 and the subsequent Saudi-led intervention, it has been transformed into a heavily fortified and frequently targeted frontline. The crossing has been closed for extended periods and has been the scene of intense fighting and cross-border attacks. Its status and operation are entirely dictated by the state of the military conflict, making it one of the most volatile and dangerous border points in the world.
A History of Labor, Trade, and Conflict
For decades, the Al-Tawal crossing was a primary artery for the flow of Yemeni labor into the much wealthier Saudi economy. Millions of Yemenis worked in the Kingdom, and this border was a key point of transit for them. It was also a vital route for Yemeni agricultural exports and for imports of Saudi goods. The Houthi takeover in northern Yemen and the start of the war fundamentally altered this relationship. The border became a hard security barrier. The Houthis have frequently used the mountainous terrain of the Hajjah governorate to launch attacks into Saudi Arabia, prompting heavy retaliatory airstrikes and the fortification of the Saudi side of the border. The crossing, therefore, has shifted from a symbol of economic interdependence to a symbol of direct military confrontation.
Border Procedures in a War Zone
The Al-Tawal crossing is not operating as a normal international border. It has been closed to all regular civilian traffic for most of the conflict. Any movement is limited to officially sanctioned and coordinated operations, such as the transfer of prisoners of war, specific humanitarian convoys under the protection of international organizations, or pre-arranged diplomatic missions. There are no facilities or procedures for tourists, independent travelers, or ordinary civilians. The infrastructure on both sides has sustained damage during the conflict. The Saudi side is a heavily fortified military zone with multiple layers of security, including fences, sensors, and military outposts, designed to prevent infiltration and attacks. The Yemeni side is controlled by Houthi forces, making it completely inaccessible and dangerous.
The Surrounding Region: Tihamah and Jizan
The crossing lies on the Tihamah, a narrow coastal plain running along the Red Sea. On the Yemeni side, the Hajjah Governorate is mountainous and has been the scene of some of the most intense and prolonged fighting of the war, leading to a devastating humanitarian situation. On the Saudi side, the Jizan Province is a densely populated agricultural region. While it is part of the stable and modern Saudi state, its proximity to the border means that cities and infrastructure, including airports and oil facilities, have been repeatedly targeted by Houthi missile and drone attacks. The entire region on both sides of the border is an active military operational area. Civilian life is severely impacted by the conflict, and there is a constant and high level of military activity.
Final Contextual Note: A Closed and Active Frontline
The Al-Tawal border crossing is not a gateway but a barrier. It is a frontline in an ongoing and brutal war. Its story is one of a complete reversal: from a place of connection and economic opportunity to one of division, danger, and military conflict. The physical infrastructure and the human connections it once supported have been casualties of the war. Any discussion of this crossing must be grounded in the stark reality that it is a no-go zone, a place where the risks are absolute and travel is impossible. It serves as a grim reminder of how conflict can sever ties and transform a border into an impassable and deadly divide.