“On March 8, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks,” US Embassy in Riyadh said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Travel Advisory: Saudi Arabia (March 9, 2026)
On March 8, 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.This amends the prior on March 3, 2026, Department of…— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) March 9, 2026
The embassy added that American citizens in the kingdom seeking assistance should complete a crisis intake form to inform US authorities of their request for help.
Advisory remains at Level 3
The US State Department said the overall travel advisory level for Saudi Arabia remains unchanged at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”, though the summary has been updated to reflect operational changes at US diplomatic missions.
In the advisory, the department warned travellers to reconsider visiting Saudi Arabia because of risks linked to terrorism, armed conflict, Iranian missile and drone attacks, exit bans, and strict local laws governing social media activity.
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Officials said the threat environment has intensified following hostilities between the United States and Iran that began on February 28.
“Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights,” the advisory noted.
The State Department also warned that the US government currently has limited capacity to provide emergency assistance to American citizens in the country due to security concerns.
Yemen border and Qatif flagged as high-risk
US authorities have placed additional travel restrictions on government staff working in Saudi Arabia.
According to the advisory, US personnel are prohibited from travelling within 20 miles of the Yemen border, citing the risk of cross-border attacks by armed groups. The area has been categorised as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to the threat of terrorism and missile strikes from Yemen.
Employees are also barred from non-official travel to Qatif, where authorities believe militant groups may be planning potential attacks.
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The State Department said Yemen-based Houthi forces and Iran have previously launched missiles and drones targeting Saudi cities, airports, energy facilities and military installations. Falling debris from intercepted projectiles also poses a risk, particularly near military bases and energy infrastructure.
US citizens in Saudi Arabia have been advised to monitor local media, keep travel documents accessible and maintain plans to leave the country independently if the security situation deteriorates.
