The US Embassy in Riyadh has issued a travel warning advising American citizens to reconsider traveling to Saudi Arabia. The reason cited is the potential targeting of US citizens and assets within Saudi territory by Iran and its supported Houthi militants through drone and missile attacks.
This announcement comes after the US State Department and the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia released a statement on their official websites regarding the security situation in Saudi Arabia, issuing a Level 3 travel warning to American citizens, suggesting they “reconsider travel”.
The travel warning highlights that “Iran and its supported Houthi militants may target US interests with drone and missile attacks and due to the risks posed by armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activities, please reconsider traveling to Saudi Arabia. Some areas pose higher risks.”
The announcement also warns against traveling to the Yemeni border areas due to terrorism threats.
The security warning outlines specific issues that need attention, including restrictions for US government employees currently working in Saudi Arabia, requiring them to obtain special authorization before visiting high-risk areas and using any airports within Saudi territory. The security warning also advises similar precautionary measures for American citizens currently in Saudi Arabia.
Since the outbreak of hostile actions between the US and Iran on February 28, 2026, drone and missile attacks launched by Iran have been a persistent threat. Commercial flights departing from Saudi Arabia are still operational but may sometimes face significant disruptions.
Additionally, the announcement warns that besides armed conflict, Saudi Arabia also faces terrorism threats.
“There is a risk of terrorism violence in Saudi Arabia, including terrorist attacks and other related activities,” the announcement states, listing potential targets of terrorist attacks, including “places frequented by American citizens and other foreigners.”
The announcement points out that Iran and its supported Houthi rebels from Yemen have launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, targeting various cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic institutions, and energy facilities.
The travel warning specifically advises to pay attention to aviation safety and suggests using private cars, trains, and buses as alternative options to air travel.
At the time of this travel warning, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which is the second busiest airport in Saudi Arabia, has temporarily suspended operations. Since the attack by Houthi militants on October 10, the airport has been closed. The attack on that day resulted in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to over 300; the following day saw another attack, resulting in one fatality and 12 injuries.