We are monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Department of State have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens.
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
Per the Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory , we encourage U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia. Commercial flights are available and Saudi airspace remains open with frequent air traffic restrictions to address continued missile and drone threats. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports remain open and operational, but travelers are advised to check their flight status directly with the airline due to possible delays and cancellations.
We understand the airlines below have suspended some flight operations:
- Lufthansa (including LH group airlines) and Eurowings suspended flights to/from Riyadh and Dammam through October 24, 2026; and
- KLM suspended Dammam/Riyadh flights to/from Dammam/Riyadh up to and including Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Mission Posture
- The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has directed all U.S. government employees to limit non-essential movements and abide by curfews. U.S. citizens who remain in the Kingdom should heed the advice of the Government of Saudi Arabia early warning system. At this time, the early warning system is not consistently reliable in providing timely warnings.
- 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, if needed. 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.
- We are tracking reports of threats against locations where American citizens gather. We advise U.S. citizens that hotels and other gathering points including U.S. businesses may be potential targets.
- Iran and its aligned terrorist militias may intend to target American-affiliated universities in Saudi Arabia. Iran has specifically threatened American universities across the Middle East.
- On March 22, the Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution Security Alert advising Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.
Hajj 2026
- Per the Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory , and due to the ongoing security situation and intermittent travel disruptions, we advise reconsidering participation in Hajj this year.
- Beginning April 18, individuals attempting to enter Mecca will be required to show a Hajj permit, a residency ID issued from Mecca, or a valid Mecca work permit. Other visa holders should depart Mecca before April 18.
- U.S. citizens coming to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj are required to obtain a Hajj permit and visa through the Nusuk platform.
- Individuals attempting to enter Mecca without the required permit or visa will be denied entry and may face fines, jail, or deportation.
- April 3 was the last day for entry into Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa. Umrah visa holders are required to depart by April 18.
- These measures will remain in effect until early to mid-June. Please continue to monitor and follow updates from Saudi authorities.
Embassy Operations
- The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have suspended all routine consular services and are providing limited emergency services for American Citizens.
- For American Citizen emergencies please email the appropriate Embassy or Consulate where you reside:
RiyadhACS@state.gov
JeddahACS@state.gov
DhahranACS@state.gov
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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- For American Citizen Emergencies please email the appropriate Embassy or Consulate where you reside:
RiyadhACS@state.gov
JeddahACS@state.gov
DhahranACS@state.gov
