The US State Department on Sunday ordered non-essential US diplomats and family members of government employees to leave Saudi Arabia amid the Middle East conflict.
An order issued by the State Department on March 8 cited “security risks” and called for the departure of all non-emergency personnel and their families.
“This amends the previous March 3, 2026, State Department authorization for non-emergency US government employees and family members of US government employees to leave Saudi Arabia due to security risks,” the US Embassy in Riyadh said on Sunday, relaying the State Department’s orders.
Latest Travel Alerts
While Washington ordered the departure of non-essential government workers from Saudi Arabia, the State Department’s travel advisory for the kingdom was at Level 3 – “Reconsider travel”.
“Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the risk of Iranian drones and missiles targeting US interests, armed conflict, terrorism, curfews and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas are at increased risk,” the latest advisory said.
It also says that due to the current situation in the Middle East, the US government has “limited ability” to offer emergency services and assistance to US citizens in Saudi Arabia.
The security risks mentioned include terrorism, as well as missile and drone attacks from Iran and Yemen.
“Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region,” the adviser warns.
Regarding missile and drone threats, the advisory notes recent attacks on Saudi Arabia launched by Iran and the Tehran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
“Attacks targeted cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic and energy facilities across the country (UAE),” the Foreign Ministry advisory said.
The advisory also warns against travel to Yemen, where the border region carries a “Do Not Travel” classification — “U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia may not travel within 20 miles of the Yemeni border due to security risks.”
“The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Yemeni border region due to security risks,” the advisory added.
What can US citizens do in Saudi Arabia
U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised by the State Department to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay on top of important updates and notifications from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Citizens are also advised to keep a close eye on both local authorities and the media for any emergencies.
The State Department also advised U.S. citizens to have an exit plan that does not depend on U.S. government assistance.
