Travel Advisory
Level 3Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travelto Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Iranian-supported Houthis, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. On October 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use any airport in Saudi Arabia. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to: The cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu The provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues. Armed conflict Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Saudi Arabia. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorism is a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles. Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region. Potential targets include: Important political, cultural, or religious sites Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners Tourist locations and large gatherings Hotels and locations where U.S. citizens gather Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Entertainment venues Government facilities Missile and drone attacks from Iran and threats from Houthis in Yemen Iran and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia. Attacks have impacted cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic, and energy facilities throughout the country. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have threatened to attack Saudi Arabia again. Falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles are also a risk. U.S. citizens living and working near energy infrastructure and military bases may be at increased risk, especially closer to the border with Yemen. Do not photograph, film, or share information about missile or drone interceptions or impact sites. Saudi authorities have detained U.S. citizens for taking photos of recent events. Exit bans The Government of Saudi Arabia has imposed exit bans on some U.S. citizens that prevent them from leaving. These can last many years. Exit bans may be related to pending criminal and civil investigations and cases, including, but not limited to unpaid visa overstay fees, domestic family disputes, and other financial and labor disagreements. In some cases, exit bans can continue even after a criminal sentence has been fully served or a private suit is settled. Arbitrary Enforcement of Local laws You are subject to Saudi Arabia’s local laws when traveling in the country. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your release if you are detained or arrested abroad. If you break laws in Saudi Arabia – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, imprisoned, or subject to an exit ban. Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several months or even years without charges. Saudi authorities may detain you if they consider your social media posts or other online activity to be critical, offensive, or disruptive to the public order. Some U.S. citizens have been arrested for past social media activity, including comments posted while outside of Saudi Arabia. This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments critical of the Saudi government or its leaders and policies. This also may apply to comments about public life or religion in Saudi Arabia. Local laws against cybercrime and terrorism may be used to prosecute cases related to social media use. Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years. Local authorities may not consider when, where, or in what context posts are made. Aviation safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Saudi Arabia. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Private car, train, and bus options may provide alternatives to air travel. Below are some transportation resources for your consideration. Please confirm availability and schedules directly with the providers. Saudi Arabia Railways SAT Transportation SAPTCO Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to terrorism.
Full advisory on travel.state.gov →Updated: 2026-10-22T20:00:00-04:00
