London: Britain's Foreign Office said it believed that "terrorists may be in the final phases of planning attacks" in Saudi Arabia.

The Foreign Office gave no details about its information on the terrorists, but said its warning against all but essential travel in Saudi Arabia remained in place.

The Department said it had updated its travel advice, adding, "We advise British nationals against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia. We believe that terrorists may be in the final phases of planning attacks."

A statement posted on the Department's Website advised travellers to make sure they had confidence in their security arrangements and said visitors to military buildings should take special care.

On October 23, Australia used similar wording in warning that another terrorist attack was expected in Saudi Arabia. It, too, urged its citizens to avoid travelling there.

The Australian government also authorised the voluntary departure of families of Australian Embassy staff from Riyadh.

"There is new information suggesting that further terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia may be in the final stages of planning," the Australian government said.

Agencies