The United States Department of State has directed non-emergency government personnel and their family members to depart Saudi Arabia in response to escalating security risks stemming from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces.
The directive, which took effect on October 23, 2026, was announced on the website of the US Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia, warning American citizens about possible attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations and travel disruptions.
The embassy said the Houthis had engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and severe disruptions to travel.
It warned that the situation could deteriorate rapidly, extending beyond the immediate areas affected by the hostilities.
“The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area,” the advisory stated.
The US mission also disclosed that American government employees working in Saudi Arabia now require special authorisation from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in the kingdom following recent missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks on airports.
It urged American citizens to exercise extreme caution when travelling through the country’s airports.
“U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia,” the advisory stated.
The embassy further advised travellers to confirm their flight departure status directly with airlines and airports before embarking on their journeys.
Providing an update on aviation operations, the US mission said King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had announced a partial reopening from October 23, allowing domestic flights and some international services operated by Saudi national carriers.
It added that a limited number of flights normally based at the Riyadh airport were operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam remained operational, although both were experiencing some delays and cancellations.
The advisory also identified alternative means of transportation for travellers, including private vehicles, trains and buses.
It listed Saudi Arabia Railways, SAT Transportation and the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) as available transport options, while urging travellers to confirm schedules and availability directly with the service providers.
According to the embassy, all land border crossings, including the King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, remained operational.
It also said highways and roads in and around Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran were functioning normally.
The US mission noted that international airports in neighbouring Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates remained operational, advising travellers to confirm their status directly with the relevant airports.
Beyond the security concerns surrounding air travel, the embassy warned American citizens about the legal consequences of photographing or sharing information relating to military operations and security incidents in Saudi Arabia.
It cited warnings by the country’s Ministry of Interior that “filming, publishing, or sharing information related to counter missiles and drones, and their impact sites, exposes you to legal liability.”
The advisory disclosed that some American citizens had been detained for violating the regulations, including taking photographs of government buildings, airports and locations where missiles or drones had struck.
“Visitors and residents are subject to local laws while in Saudi Arabia,” the embassy cautioned.
It also reminded American citizens to follow national emergency alerts issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense through cellular broadcast notifications.
Under additional travel restrictions, US government employees in Saudi Arabia are prohibited from travelling within 20 miles of the country’s border with Yemen because of security risks.
They are also required to obtain special authorisation before travelling to the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran, as well as the cities of Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.
The latest directive underscores Washington’s concerns over the security situation in Saudi Arabia following attacks on critical infrastructure and the potential for further escalation.
What You Should Know
The United States government has issued a mandatory departure order for non-essential staff and their families in Saudi Arabia due to active regional conflicts and drone and missile threats targeting civilian and aviation infrastructure. American citizens are strongly advised to exercise caution, verify flight statuses before traveling, and avoid taking photographs of sensitive security or military sites.
- Potential Concerns: Heightened security risks, potential airport closures, flight cancellations, travel disruptions within the region, and strict local laws against photographing security incidents.
- Positive Impact: Clear travel advisories and alternative transit options help ensure the safety of citizens and visitors by guiding them toward operational land borders and safer travel routes.
