Saudi Arabia – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Advisory Issued September 15, 2026

Reconsider travel

to Saudi Arabia due to risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

As of August 30, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work 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 are not allowed to travel to Qatif for non-essential travel due to safety risks.
• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir, Najran, and Qatif due to safety risks.

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 locations
• Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners
• Tourist locations and large gatherings
• Hotels, and locations where American 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 has 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

Exercise increased caution due to exit bans

U.S. citizens have been prevented from leaving Saudi Arabia. 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.

• Exit bans prevent individuals from leaving the country. These can last for many years.
• In some cases, exit bans can continue even after a criminal sentence has been fully served or a private suit is settled.

Exercise increased caution due to local laws

• 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.
• 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 take into account when, where, or in what context posts are made.
• You are subject to local laws when traveling in Saudi Arabia. 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.

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.

Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of terrorism.
 

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/tsg_aem/us/en/home/international-travel/travel-advisories/destination.sau.html
Originally Published: September 15, 2026