The 1,307-kilometer border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, winding from the Red Sea coast to the fringes of the Empty Quarter, is currently a frontline in a complex regional conflict. Once a network of crossing points for trade, families, and pilgrims, it is now a heavily militarized and closed frontier. For any traveler, this border is an impassable barrier defined by the ongoing war.
Historically, several crossings facilitated movement between the two nations, with Al-Wadiah being one of the most significant, connecting the countries’ road networks. Other crossings like Al-Tuwal also served as important links for the deeply intertwined populations of the border region.
Today, the reality is that this border is not open for any form of civilian or tourist travel. It is an active conflict zone. The entire frontier is heavily fortified on the Saudi side, and control on the Yemeni side is fragmented and contested. Any approach to the border region from either side is extremely dangerous and restricted.
It is imperative that you follow your government’s travel advisories, which unequivocally warn against all travel to Yemen and to the immediate border areas within Saudi Arabia. There is no safe or legal way for a traveler to cross this border. The once-historic routes are now inaccessible, a stark consequence of the devastating conflict.