Public guidance · October 24, 2026
State Department orders departure of non-emergency personnel from Saudi Arabia
Published October 24, 2026 · Official advisory dated October 23
What changed
The State Department’s October 23 advisory says non-emergency U.S. government employees and government employee family members were ordered to leave Saudi Arabia because of safety risks. Government employees working in the country now require special authorization to use any Saudi airport.
This broadens the airport restriction described in our October 11 briefing, which concerned King Khalid International Airport.
What it means for other travelers
The overall advisory remains Level 3: Reconsider Travel. The Yemen border region carries Level 4: Do Not Travel guidance. The departure order concerns the specified government personnel and families; it is not a general evacuation order for every U.S. citizen.
The department cites drone and missile threats, armed conflict and terrorism among the risks. Travelers should read the full advisory, enroll in STEP for embassy alerts, and prepare emergency plans that do not depend on U.S. government assistance.
Limits of this update
The advisory does not confirm availability of a particular flight or predict when an attack will occur. Check current official alerts and transport availability before making plans.
Official source
State Department Saudi Arabia advisory · Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)