US Embassy says to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia in new advisory update

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The US Embassy has issued an updated advisory regarding Saudi Arabia. The new update states those than plan or had planned to travel to the country should reconsider.

When asked during a recent interview with Fox News about the status of Crown Jewel on November 7 in Riyadh, TKO CEO Ari Emanuel said, “Its a daily monitoring.”

The latest travel advisory is below.

The Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia was updated on October 23, 2026, to reflect the threat of increased Iranian- supported Houthi regional aggression. The Travel Advisory reads:

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect an increase in potential armed attacks by the Iranian-supported Houthis and Iranian efforts to target U.S. government officials in the region.

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 region due to terrorism.

Advisory summary

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: https://www.sar.com.sa/

SAT Transportation: https://satrans.com.sa/

SAPTCO: https://saptco.com.sa/en

Risks in specific areas

Level 4 – Do not travel

The Yemen border region

Do not travel to the Yemen borderregiondue to terrorism.

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.

If you decide to travel to 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

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