US warns against travel to Saudi Arabia amid risk of Iranian drone, missile attacks
The United States has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia, citing the risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws concerning social media activity.
The US State Department issued the Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The advisory also places some areas of Yemen under a higher Level 4: Do Not Travel warning.
The advisory says the security situation has been affected by the ongoing threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026.
The State Department also warned that Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened to attack Saudi Arabia again.
The advisory said falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles also poses a risk. US citizens living and working near energy infrastructure and military bases may face increased risks, particularly closer to the border with Yemen.
The US government has also warned about terrorism in Saudi Arabia. Terrorist attacks can occur with little or no warning, particularly around holidays, and may involve knives, firearms and vehicles.YEMEN BORDER UNDER 'DO NOT TRAVEL' WARNING
The US has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for the Yemen border because of the threat of terrorism.
US government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not permitted to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border because of safety risks.
They are also not allowed to travel to Qatif for non-essential travel. Special authorisation is required for US government employees travelling to the provinces of Jizan, Asir, Najran and Qatif because of safety risks.
As of August 30, 2026, family members may join US government employees working in Saudi Arabia, according to the advisory.SAUDI-HOUTHI TENSIONS ESCALATE
The advisory comes amid wider tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed group, which has carried out attacks on Saudi territory in recent days and threatened maritime traffic in and around the Red Sea. The latest development follows a series of attacks on Saudi territory and critical infrastructure.
On September 12, Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack that Saudi Arabia and Iraq said originated from Iraqi territory. The pipeline offers an alternative route for Saudi crude exports to the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been severely disrupted by the broader regional conflict under way since February 28.
Saudi authorities also said Houthi missile and drone attacks on September 9 injured at least 73 civilians. Sharif's statement, the Saudi security alert around Mecca, and the recent attacks together underline the growing tensions, even as Pakistan called for restraint and a diplomatic way forward.- EndsPublished By: Karishma Saurabh KalitaPublished On: Sep 16, 2026 13:58 IST
