The US embassy in Riyadh raises its warning level.
The US embassy in Riyadh raises its warning level.
2026-09-16
Shafaq News – Follow-up
The US embassy in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, raised its security alert level to level three on Wednesday, warning of the risks of US interests being targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, as well as the risks of armed conflict and terrorism.
The US State Department advised its citizens in Saudi Arabia to reconsider their travel plans to the kingdom, given the existing security threats, stressing that the border areas with Yemen are subject to a Level 4 warning, which is the highest level of warning.
As part of the precautionary measures, the embassy imposed restrictions on the movement of US government employees, preventing them from entering areas near the Yemeni border. It also banned non-essential travel to Qatif Governorate and required special permits to visit the Jizan, Asir and Najran regions.
The embassy also warned that travel restrictions could prevent American citizens from leaving the kingdom due to civil or criminal issues or disputes, urging its citizens to take local laws and procedures into account.
She pointed to the strict Saudi laws regarding social media activity, noting that some posts or comments that are critical or that are considered contrary to public order may expose their authors to arrest and imprisonment for periods of up to 45 years, even if those comments are published from outside the Kingdom.
The embassy urged American citizens in Saudi Arabia to enroll in the Traveler Registration Program to receive updates and security information, review country security reports, follow local media, and obtain prior approvals for prescribed medications.
The guidelines also included preparing an emergency exit plan, ensuring that travel documents are up to date, avoiding large gatherings, refraining from public displays of affection, adhering to public decency laws, and completely abstaining from possessing or trading drugs.
The embassy also recommended reviewing local laws before traveling to the Kingdom, deleting sensitive photos or comments from devices and accounts before arrival, purchasing travel insurance that covers medical assistance and flight cancellations, as well as using the international travel list to ensure that the necessary preparations are complete.
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