U.S. Embassy warns Americans of drone and missile risk in Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a travel advisory on Oct. 13, 2026, warning of a heightened risk of drone and missile attacks after a Houthi missile strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing 13 people and injuring hundreds.

The advisory, which classifies Saudi Arabia as a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel area and the Yemen border as Level 4 – Do Not Travel, urges American citizens to think carefully before entering the kingdom and to avoid travel to regions near the Yemen frontier.

According to the embassy, the attack on the airport was attributed to the Iran‑backed Houthi rebels, part of a broader surge of strikes that have targeted Saudi cities, military bases, diplomatic sites and energy infrastructure over the past week.

In the advisory, officials wrote, "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." The statement also cautions that falling debris from intercepted missiles and drones poses a danger to people on the ground.

The United States State Department warned that Americans detained for photographing, filming, or sharing information about missile interceptions or impact sites could face legal liability under Saudi law. The embassy noted several American citizens have already been detained for such activity.

U.S. officials condemned the attacks, and President Donald Trump publicly criticized the Houthis, suggesting the strikes may be aimed at raising oil prices ahead of the U.S. elections. The administration reiterated that it cannot guarantee the release of Americans arrested under Saudi regulations.

Commercial flights to and from Saudi Arabia remain operational, though the embassy acknowledged that airline schedules have been disrupted at times due to security concerns.

The travel advisory remains in effect, and the embassy advises U.S. travelers to stay informed of evolving security conditions, avoid the Yemen border, and comply with local laws regarding photography and social media while in the kingdom.