Saudi Arabia Travel Risk Level

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. 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 T

Higher-risk regions — Level 4 (Do Not Travel): Some areas of the country carry a higher risk than the country overall.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel FCDO advises against: all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen all but essential travel to the rest of Saudi Arabia Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Regional tensions King Khalid International Airport was struck by a missile on 10 October 2026. The airport continues to be targeted and remains at risk of further attacks. Since 13 July, the Houthis (a military group in Yemen) have launched missiles and drones targeting several locations in Saudi Arabia. There is a heightened threat against airports, Saudi military and defence buildings, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Yanbu, as well as shipping in the Red Sea. Further attacks against airports as well as disruption and cancellations are very likely. As an alternative to airports within Saudi Arabia, British nationals wishing to leave Saudi Arabia should consider travelling by land to a neighbouring country and flying from there. Plan your journey carefully, including checking the travel advice for any entry and exit requirements. See ‘Regional risks page’ for more information on land routes. In addition to the threat from Houthi attacks, the wider context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure. In light of the regional tensions, British nationals in Saudi Arabia should: read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK . This includes gui

Higher-risk regions — Advise against all travel: FCDO advises against: all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen all but essential travel to the rest of Saudi Arabia

France Diplomatie : déplacement déconseillé sauf raison impérative sur l'ensemble du pays (orange).

Higher-risk regions — Travel formally advised against: (en rouge sur la carte sécuritaire) L’ensemble de la zone frontalière avec le Yémen sur une profondeur d’une centaine de kilomètres et englobant la région de Nadjran, d’Abha, de Khamis Mouchaït et…

Auswärtiges Amt: Reisewarnung (travel warning) in effect — the Federal Foreign Office advises against travel.