Travel Advisory Update: Saudi Arabia October 10, 2026

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators.  Advisory summary was updated.

Travel advisory – Saudi Arabia

Level 3 – Reconsider travel

T – Terrorism

O – Other

Reconsider travel to 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.

Do not travel to the Yemen border due to terrorism.

Advisory summary

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
• 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.
  • King Khalid International Airport

• U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take similar precautions.

Armed conflict

Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial flights are operational from Saudi Arabia, though they have been significantly disrupted at times.

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 targeted 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.

 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 the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings. 

Risks in specific areas

Level 4 – Do not travel

The Yemen border region

Do not travel to the Yemen border due to Terrorism for any reason.

Armed groups in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets. People near the border with Yemen are at increased risk. Do not travel to this area for any reason.

• Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks 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 require special authorization for travel to the cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu, and the provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran.
• The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas due to safety risks.
• U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take the same precautions.

For U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Saudi Arabia.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest Travel Health Information for Saudi Arabia.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Review our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.
• Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in large crowds or tourist spots.
• Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our information on arrests in Saudi Arabia.
• Visit our page regarding Arrest or Detention Abroad for more information on what happens when you or a loved one is arrested abroad.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This helps them manage your affairs if you cannot return to the United States.
• Do not carry, produce, use, or distribute illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia.
• Many prescription medications need prior approval before bringing them into or taking them out of Saudi Arabia. Before you travel, register any listed prescriptions at the Controlled Drug System (CDS) website. This approval process may take several weeks.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian travelers.
• Avoid public displays of affection, particularly between same-sex couples.
• Visit Saudi Arabia’s website for information about public decency regulations.
• Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or past content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in Saudi Arabia. Do not post, share, or like such content while in Saudi Arabia. Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest travel health information for Saudi Arabia.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, review the International Travel Checklist.