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. 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. U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take similar precautions. Armed conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial flights are operational from Saudi Arabia, though they have been significantly disrupted at times. 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 h

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 Aseer province, Riyadh province, Najran province, Jizan province and the cities of Taif, Jeddah and Dammam all but essential travel to all airports within Saudi Arabia except for Medina International Airport Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel . Regional tensions Following a serious incident at King Khalid International Airport on 10 October 2026 at approximately 3pm local time, we advise British nationals to stay away from King Khalid International Airport until it is secure and to follow advice from the Saudi authorities. 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, 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. We therefore advise against all but essential travel to all airports in Saudi Arabia, except for Medina International Airport. 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, there remains the possibility of renewed attacks by Iran. The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June 2026 in relation to the conflict in the Middle East. However, the situation remains un

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 Aseer province, Riyadh province, Najran province, Jizan province and the cities of Taif, Jeddah…

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.