17/10/2026
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17/10/2026
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RIYADH, Oct 17 : U.S. citizens are reminded to follow the guidance of national alerts released by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense via cellular broadcast.
U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization from Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent missile and UAV attacks on airports in the Kingdom.
Operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain suspended. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam are operational with some delays and cancellations.
U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia. We recommend checking your flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport.
Private car, train, and bus options may provide alternatives to air travel to or from Saudi Arabia. Below are some transportation resources for your consideration. Please confirm availability and schedules directly with the providers.
- Saudi Arabia Railways: https://www.sar.com.sa/
- SAT Transportation: https://satrans.com.sa/
- SAPTCO: https://saptco.com.sa/en
International airports in neighboring countries of Bahrain (BAH), Jordan (AMM), Oman (MCT), Qatar (DOH), and the United Arab Emirates (AUH, DXB, SHJ) remain operational. Please confirm status directly with airports.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior continues to warn that “filming, publishing, or sharing information related to counter missiles and drones, and their impact sites, exposes you to legal liability.” U.S. citizens have been detained for not adhering to these regulations, including taking photos of government buildings, airports, and impact sites. Visitors and residents are subject to local laws while in Saudi Arabia.
U.S. Government Employee Travel Restrictions:
U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization from Chief of Mission 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 and need special authorization for travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir, Najran, and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu, and Taif.
Operational Status:
- Regular and emergency consular services are available for U.S. citizens.
Actions to Take:
- Review the State Department’s Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia .
- Review the State Department’s Travel Advisory for Yemen .
- Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
- If an aerial attack occurs, stay away from glass doors, windows, and any fallen debris, and monitor your phone and news outlets for official guidance.
- Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with emergency numbers, including those below for the embassy and consulates.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.
- Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence.
- Monitor local media.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Contact your airline directly for flight change details if your flight is affected.
- Exercise caution and stay alert at locations publicly associated with the United States.
- Keep a low profile.
Assistance:
Local Emergency Information
- Unified Emergency (police, firefighters, and others): 911
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 997
- Highway Security: 996
Medical Assistance
For medical emergencies in Saudi Arabia, the Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital system provides English-language medical care in all major cities. For Riyadh specifically, additional medical facilities include the Soliman Fakeeh Hospital and the Specialized Medical Center (SMC), which has two branches in the capital. For Jeddah specifically, additional medical facilities include the Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital and the International Medical Center Hospital.
U.S. Embassy RiyadhAbdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaTelephone: (966) (11) 835-4000Email: [email protected]
U.S. Consulate General JeddahAl Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near new American School building, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaTelephone: (966) (12) 220-5000Email: [email protected]
U.S. Consulate General DhahranThe Consulate is located off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road on the corner of Salah Addin Al Ayoubi Road and Abu l’baba Al Aslami Street.Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700Email: [email protected]
U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center202-501-4444 (from abroad)1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada)
