Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due tothe threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities.Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due toterrorism.Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to the following locations due tomissile and drone attacksandterrorism:
- Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, as well as the cities of Abha, ji*zan, Najran, and Khamis Mushayt;
- Abha airport;
- Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.
Country Summary: U.S. government personnel must adhere to the above travel restrictions. As such, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these locations.
Missile and drone attacks perpetrated by Iran and Iran-supported militant groups represent a significant threat. The Islamic Republic of Iran has supplied Yemen-based Houthis and other regional proxy groups with weapons to conduct destructive and sometimes lethal attacks using drones, missiles, and rockets against a variety of Saudi sites, including critical infrastructure, civilian airports, military bases, and energy facilities throughout the country, as well as vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Recent attacks were aimed at targets throughout Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, ji*zan, Khamis Mushayt, the civilian airport in Abha, Al Kharj, military installations in the south, as well as oil and gas facilities.
Debris from intercepted drones and missiles represents a significant risk to civilian areas and populations. Militant groups continue to plan and conduct attacks against locations in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working near military bases and critical civilian infrastructure, particularly near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk of missile, drone, and rocket attacks.
Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks against Saudi and Western targets throughout Saudi Arabia. Terrorists attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists are also known to time attacks around major holidays and/or in response to military operations. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and Western government interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners. ISIS claimed responsibility for a November 2020 IED attack at a cemetery in Jeddah during a ceremony commemorating the end of World War I. Several Western diplomats were in attendance.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information U.S. citizens should consult theFederal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Saudi Arabia.
If you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia:
Yemen Border, Abha airport, and Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Militant groups in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets. Civilians that are near the border with Yemen are especially at risk. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including in Qatif.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to this area.
Visit our website for information ontravel to high-risk areas.
FAQs
Saudi Arabia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Updated after periodic review to provide information on the risk of arrest due to social media use and the importation of prohibited items. Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks.
Can US citizens travel to Saudi Arabia? ›
U.S. citizens are eligible to obtain a visa-on-arrival at Saudi ports of entry. However, we advise you to apply online, prior to traveling to Saudi Arabia, for a Saudi e-visa, in order to avoid airport lines and possible delays.
Have a safe trip in Saudi Arabia? ›
Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate, making it generally safe for solo female travellers. However, cultural differences still exist, so awareness and common sense are key. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. It's also best to avoid isolated places at night and trust your gut if you feel unsafe.
Can you wear shorts in Saudi Arabia? ›
There is also not officially a dress code in Saudi Arabia for males. If you're wondering “Can I wear shorts in Saudi Arabia” as a man? The answer is technically yes, although during my time there I didn't see a man wearing shorts at all, so you'd probably feel more comfortable in loose trousers.
Can I wear jeans in Saudi Arabia? ›
Jeans are a must-pack for any visit to Saudi Arabia. They're warming, perfect for the cooler winters, particularly in the desert regions and can be dressed up or dressed down. When wearing skinny jeans opt for a top that covers your hips and bum or opt for a tucked-in t-shirt if wearing mum or a loose-fitting pair.
Is it safe for a white woman to travel to Saudi Arabia? ›
Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate, making it generally safe for solo female travellers. However, cultural differences still exist, so awareness and common sense are key. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. It's also best to avoid isolated places at night and trust your gut if you feel unsafe.
Can a single female travel to Saudi Arabia? ›
Yes, it is possible for a single American woman to travel alone to Saudi Arabia. However, there are certain cultural and legal considerations to be aware of. Women are required to dress modestly in public, and it's important to respect local customs and traditions.
Is Saudi Arabia cheap or expensive? ›
Most people will find Saudi Arabia to be an affordable country. It is cheaper to live in Riyadh than in the neighboring capitals of Doha, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. or Manama, Bahrain. Similarly, travelers from the United States will find a very low cost of living in Saudi Arabia vs.
Is the water in Saudi Arabia safe to drink? ›
In theory, tap water in Saudi Arabia is safe to drink. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, 99% of Saudi cities, towns, and rural areas have access to improved clean water sources available when needed.
Can tourists drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia? ›
The clergy continue to wield huge influence on how the laws of the land are interpreted. Penalties for drinking or possession of alcohol include lengthy jail terms and public flogging. Foreigners caught drinking face deportation.
Cover your shoulders and knees and avoid tight-fitting clothes or clothes with profane language or images. Same-sex relationships are illegal. Saudi Arabia does not recognise or allow same-sex marriages and rights.
What are the rules for female tourists in Saudi Arabia? ›
As a rule of thumb, any foreign woman wearing long trousers, long sleeves and showing no cleavage should be welcome in Saudi Arabia. At the moment, however, women should refrain from swimming in either one-piece or two-piece swimsuits, with the locals swimming either in their clothes or in a burkini.
Do female tourists have to cover up in Saudi Arabia? ›
In Saudi Arabia, while it's not legally required for women to wear a hijab or abaya, dressing modestly in public is a cultural norm and a sign of respect for local customs. This typically involves wearing loose-fitting, opaque clothing that covers the arms and legs.
Do you have to wear a headscarf in Saudi Arabia? ›
Things to Keep in Mind while visiting Saudi Arabia
Even though there are no laws that mandate you to wear an abaya or hijab, you must respect their religious sentiments. You can avoid doing so by dressing modestly. You do not need to wear an abaya for the same, but choose the kind of clothing that covers up your body.
Is smoking legal in Saudi Arabia? ›
By law, smoking is prohibited in public places such as governmental institutions and public workplaces. Also, the law states that sales of tobacco and its derivatives are prohibited to minors. Tobacco advertisem*nts, promotions, and sponsorship are banned in Saudi Arabia.
Are tourists welcome in Saudi Arabia? ›
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi Arabia has received international recognition and applause from UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council for its remarkable achievement of welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023.
Is it safe for Americans to travel to Jeddah? ›
Like many other major metropolitan cities of the globe, Jeddah features safe tourist and business neighborhoods. Travelers who stick to the main areas of tourism in Jeddah will have no problem enjoying a safe holiday in Saudi Arabia.
What do Americans need to enter Saudi Arabia? ›
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires all United States citizens to have a Saudi Arabia visa before traveling to the country. There are many options, including business visas, diplomatic visas, and religious pilgrimage visas.
Can you take a Bible to Saudi Arabia? ›
In 2007, there were news reports that according to Saudi policy for tourists it was not permissible to bring non-Muslim religious symbols and books into the kingdom as they were subject to confiscation, and that the U.S. State Department disputed this, saying that the regulation restrictions were no longer in place.
