There are no any changes to the options to depart, shelter in place, or mission operations sections.
We are monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. If you want to leave the Middle East, the U.S. government is ready to assist by providing you the latest information about the departure options available. President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Department of State have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens. New or updated information below is indicated in bold.
In addition to commercial departure options, the Department is coordinating transportation out of the region and can provide flights or bus transportation to Americans who have completed the crisis intake form as space is available.
If you have already completed the crisis intake form https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake , please do not fill it out again. You can reply to the most recent email from our crisis case management system to update your case with your current plans and location so that we can send you the best departure information for your location.
If you choose to not take advantage of available departure options, including commercial options, you should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Options to Depart
- Commercial flights are currently operating out of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Saudi airspace remains open, but with significant flight cancellations and prolonged operational delays.
- Americans should strongly consider departing on one of these flights if they believe it is safe to do so. Visit airline websites to find information about flight availability and purchasing tickets.
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .
Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .
Shelter in Place
- The U.S. Embassy Riyadh has directed all U.S. government employees to shelter in place. We recommend all Americans in Saudi Arabia do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, or another structure, and stay away from windows.
- If you choose not to depart via commercial options, you should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
- On March 8, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees to leave due to sustained missile and drone threats targeting American and diplomatic interests in the Kingdom.
- Essential employees remaining will continue under shelter-in-place status and are advised to avoid the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate Dhahran, and hotels. We recommend all Americans in the Kingdom do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence or another structure, and stay away from windows.
- We are tracking reports of threats against locations where American citizens gather. We advise U.S. citizens that hotels and other gathering points may be potential targets.
Embassy and Consulate Operations
- The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have suspended all routine consular services. We will continue to assist you wherever you may be located across the Middle East. Our 24/7 Task Force provides around-the-clock information and assistance.
- For U.S. passports currently held by the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh we are making arrangements to return them via the courier service.
- For Americans who do not have a valid U.S. passport, arrangements will be made to provide passport services once security conditions permit.
- U.S. citizens should complete this form so the Department of State can better assist you and provide you with timely updates: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake .
- If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.
Actions to Take
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
- Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
- In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
- Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
- Follow the “U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel on WhatsApp. Download WhatsApp at whatsapp.com/download .
- Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.
Assistance
- Local emergency numbers:
- Unified Emergency number (Police, Firefighters, traffic police, and others): 911
- Police: 999
- Highway security: 996
- Ambulance: 997
- U.S. Department of State: Call +1 202-501-4444 from abroad or +1 888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
