State Department Orders Non-Emergency U.S. Staff Out of Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued a new security alert on November 3, urging American citizens in the kingdom to exercise extreme caution while traveling.

The warning follows a Department of State order dated October 23, 2026, which required non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia. The directive cites safety risks stemming from ongoing Houthi attacks on the region.

The embassy stated that Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure. These strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and severe disruptions to air travel.

U.S. government employees currently working in the country now need special authorization from the Chief of Mission to use any airport. This measure responds to recent missile and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks on facilities within the kingdom.

The alert notes that the conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area of strikes. It advises citizens to expect potential attacks, airspace closures, and flight cancellations.

Travelers are instructed to check flight departure status directly with their airlines and local airports before departing. The embassy emphasized that these hostilities continue to affect travel conditions across the region.