International Travel

11 October 2026 | 7:00 pm

Reconsider travel

to Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Iranian-supported Houthis, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use any airport in Saudi Arabia.
• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks.
• U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to:
  • The cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu
  • The provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran.
• U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take similar precautions.

Armed conflict

Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial flights are operational from Saudi Arabia, though they have been significantly disrupted at times.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Saudi Arabia. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorism is a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles.

Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region.

Potential targets include:

• Important political, cultural, or religious sites
• Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners
• Tourist locations and large gatherings
• Hotels and locations where U.S. citizens gather
• Transportation hubs
• Markets and shopping malls
• Entertainment venues
• Government facilities

Missile and drone attacks from Iran and threats from Houthis in Yemen

Iran and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia.

• Attacks have targeted cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic, and energy facilities throughout the country.
• Iran-backed Houthi rebels have threatened to attack Saudi Arabia again.
• Falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles are also a risk.
• U.S. citizens living and working near energy infrastructure and military bases may be at increased risk, especially closer to the border with Yemen.
• Do not photograph, film, or share information about missile or drone interceptions or impact sites. Saudi authorities have detained U.S. citizens for taking photos of recent events.

Exit bans

The Government of Saudi Arabia has imposed exit bans on some U.S. citizens that prevent them from leaving. These can last many years.   

• Exit bans may be related to pending criminal and civil investigations and cases, including, but not limited to unpaid visa overstay fees, domestic family disputes, and other financial and labor disagreements.
• In some cases, exit bans can continue even after a criminal sentence has been fully served or a private suit is settled.

Arbitrary Enforcement of Local laws

• You are subject to Saudi Arabia’s local laws when traveling in the country. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your release if you are detained or arrested abroad.
• If you break laws in Saudi Arabia – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, imprisoned, or subject to an exit ban.
• Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several months or even years without charges.
• Saudi authorities may detain you if they consider your social media posts or other online activity to be critical, offensive, or disruptive to the public order.
• Some U.S. citizens have been arrested for past social media activity, including comments posted while outside of Saudi Arabia. This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments critical of the Saudi government or its leaders and policies. This also may apply to comments about public life or religion in Saudi Arabia.
• Local laws against cybercrime and terrorism may be used to prosecute cases related to social media use.
• Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years. Local authorities may not consider when, where, or in what context posts are made.

Aviation safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Saudi Arabia. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Private car, train, and bus options may provide alternatives to air travel. Below are some transportation resources for your consideration. Please confirm availability and schedules directly with the providers.

• Saudi Arabia Railways
• SAT Transportation
• SAPTCO

Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to terrorism.
 

9 October 2026 | 7:00 pm

Do not travel

in Yemen due to risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines.

Do not travel to Yemen for any reason, including the island of Socotra. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen due to the safety risks.

Terrorism

The Department of State re-designated Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in March of 2025.

• Other terrorist groups also plan and carry out attacks in Yemen. These include Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target:
  • Public sites
  • Places of worship
  • Transportation hubs
  • Markets
  • Government buildings and facilities

There is high risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Yemen. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Unrest

A civil war continues in Yemen. Yemen faces instability and the Houthis have repeatedly clashed with Yemeni government forces. The Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against Yemeni government personnel, as well as civilians and infrastructure across the country since July 2026. The Houthis have also targeted infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb.

• Do not rely on significant assistance from local authorities.
• Foreigners are frequently targets of kidnapping and carjacking, especially outside of urban areas.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Military conflict has destroyed basic infrastructure like housing, medical facilities, schools, and utilities. This makes it hard to get electricity, clean water, and medical care. Humanitarian groups face obstacles in delivering food, medicine, and water.

Crime

Violent and organized crime is common in Yemen. Local law enforcement may not be able or willing to respond to serious crimes.

Health

Medical services for routine and emergency procedures in Yemen are limited and poor. There is a re-emergence of diseases like cholera, polio, and measles which are spreading in Houthi-controlled areas. Medicine and medical supplies are hard to find. Adequate medical treatment for routine and emergency procedures is often not available. If you decide to travel to Yemen:

• Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
• Visit the CDC’s Travel Health page for the latest information.

Kidnapping

U.S. citizens, especially dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens, are at high risk of kidnapping and detention in Yemen.

• Young U.S. citizens may be kidnapped or trafficked for forced marriage. Family members in the United States or Yemen are often involved in these kidnappings.
• The Houthis control Sana’a. They have detained U.S. citizens without cause, including some with dual citizenship.
• U.S. citizens have faced difficulty and delays when trying to leave Yemen.

Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Yemen. Their location is often not marked or easy to recognize.

Socotra Island

Do not travel to Socotra Island or any part of Yemen. Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra.

• They offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid "visas."
• These companies put tourists in danger and legal jeopardy.
• Only the Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas.

The U.S. government cannot help U.S. citizens in Socotra.

Aviation safety

Limited commercial flights are available from Aden to other airports in the region. Sana’a International Airport is closed for commercial flights as it is frequently the target of attacks due to its illicit use by the Houthis. Check with airlines and travel companies for the latest flight information.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) prohibiting operations within the Sana’a Flight Information Region (FIR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.

Maritime travel

Due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen territorial waters, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory. For more information, mariners and passengers planning travel to Yemen should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Yemeni ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Yemeni ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory.

Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.

14 September 2026 | 7:00 pm

Exercise increased caution

in Cambodia due to crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnance.

Exercise increased caution in Cambodia due to crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnance. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Review our Travel Guidance for Cambodia to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. 

• Do Not Travel to Areas along the Cambodian and Thai border due to unrest.
• Exercise increased caution in Phnom Penh due to crime.
• Exercise Increased Caution in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear provinces due to unexploded ordnance.