Security Alert: U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia – October 18, 2026
Event: Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment. Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.
Check your flight’s departure status with the airline or through:
Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.
Americans traveling to or from the Middle East should monitor information about airport and airline operations and develop contingency plans in advance.
Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions.
U.S. Government Employee Travel Restrictions:
U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. 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, please contact your closest embassy or consulate for assistance.
Actions to Take:
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. Review the State Department’s Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia. Review the State Department’s Travel Advisory for Yemen. 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: 997
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 835-4000
Email: RiyadhACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah
Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near new American School building, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000
Email: JeddahACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran
The 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) 839-5700
Email: DhahranACS@state.gov
U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Call Center
+1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) or 1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada)