Saudi Arabia - US Embassy issues updated Security Alert Updated March 9 - Americans should strongly consider departing on one of these flights if they believe it is safe to do so.

[sharon sanders]

Security Alert: Exercise Increased Caution (February 28, 2026) By U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia
6 MINUTE READ


February 28, 2026

Event: Security Alert

Update: Please note that the shelter in place notification for Jeddah has been lifted. The shelter in place notification for Dhahran remains in effect. U.S. personnel are still being asked not to travel to Bahrain at this time. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh’s current status is normal operations.

Given regional hostilities, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region, and we recommend American citizens in the Kingdom do the same.

The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia continues to monitor the regional situation. We encourage all travelers to review our most recent Security Alerts , review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families. We advise all U.S. citizens to maintain a personal safety plan. Crises can happen unexpectedly while traveling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action.

Actions to Take:

• Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts.
• Enroll or re-enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
• Ensure you have a valid U.S. passport for short-notice travel; visit our website to schedule a passport appointment.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings, and areas where there is a heavy police presence.
• Monitor official information sources.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

https://sa.usembassy.gov/security-alert-exercise-increased-caution-february-28-2026/

[Pathfinder]

U.S. Embassy Riyadh

@USAinKSA
***Security Alert: Threat of Imminent Missile / UAV Attacks Over Dhahran***

**There is a threat of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran. Do not come to the U.S. Consulate.

** Take cover immediately in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside. The U.S. Consulate in Dhahran urges U.S. citizens in Dhahran to shelter in place, review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks. U.S. Consulate personnel are sheltering in place.

Actions to take:

• If you hear a loud explosion, or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover.

• If in a home or building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings.

• If you are outdoors, immediately seek cover in a hardened structure; if that is not possible, lie down and cover your head with your hands.

• Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk. • After the attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor major news outlets for official guidance.


6:51 AM · Mar 3, 2026

[sharon sanders]

Department of State
@StateDept
·
5h
The U.S. State Department is actively assisting Americans to leave the Middle East, if they wish to. Request Emergency Assistance: +1-202-501-4444

Enroll in http://Step.State.Gov

[sharon sanders]

Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – March 9, 2026 – Update 1


By U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia
7 MINUTE READ
March 9, 2026

There is no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens for President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the entire Department of State.



The U.S. government cares about your safety and will continue to share up-to-the-minute information you need to make informed decisions about your safety. The U.S. government is ready to help Americans leave the Middle East if you choose to take advantage of the options available.



In addition to commercial departure options, please note that the Department is coordinating flights out of the region and can manifest Americans who have completed the Crisis Intake Form as space is available.



Please complete this form so the Department of State can better assist you and provide you with timely updates: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake . If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.



U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia can also call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 to receive departure information and assistance.



If you choose to not take advantage of departure options available, Americans should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.



Options to Depart

• Commercial flights are currently operating out of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. Saudi airspace remains open, but with significant flight cancellations and prolonged operational delays. Americans should strongly consider departing on one of these flights if they believe it is safe to do so. Visit airline websites to find information about flight availability and purchasing tickets.

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .

Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .

https://sa.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-riyadh-saudi-arabia-march-9-2026-update-1/

[Pathfinder]

Security Alert: March 9 Update 2

By U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia

8 MINUTE READ
March 9, 2026

Event

The U.S. government cares about your safety and will continue to share up-to-the-minute information you need to make informed decisions about your safety. The U.S. government is ready to help Americans leave the Middle East if you choose to take advantage of the options available.

There is no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens for President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the entire Department of State.

In addition to commercial departure options, please note that the Department is coordinating flights out of the region and can manifest Americans who have completed the Crisis Intake Form as space is available.

Please complete this form so the Department of State can better assist you and provide you with timely updates: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake  . If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.

U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia can also call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 to receive departure information and assistance.

If you choose to not take advantage of departure options available, Americans should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.

Options to Depart

• Commercial flights are currently operating out of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. Saudi airspace remains open, but with significant flight cancellations and prolonged operational delays. Americans should strongly consider departing on one of these flights if they believe it is safe to do so. Visit airline websites to find information about flight availability and purchasing tickets.

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .  Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .

Shelter in Place

• If you choose not to depart via commercial options, you should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
• On March 8, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees to leave due to sustained missile and drone threats targeting American and diplomatic interests in the Kingdom.
• Essential employees remaining will continue under a modified shelter-in-place status and are advised to avoid the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate Dhahran. We recommend all Americans in the Kingdom do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.

Embassy and Consulate Operations 

• The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have suspended all routine consular services until further notice.
• For U.S. passports currently held by the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh we are making arrangements to return them via the courier service.
• For Americans who do not have a valid U.S. passport, arrangements will be made to provide passport services once security conditions permit.
• U.S. citizens should complete this form so the Department of State can better assist you and provide you with timely updates: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake  .
• If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.

Actions to Take

• Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
• Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
• In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
• Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
• Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.

Assistance 

• Local emergency numbers:
• Unified Emergency number (Police, Firefighters, traffic police, and others): 911
• Police: 999
• Highway security: 996
• Ambulance: 997
• U.S. Department of State: Call +1 202-501-4444 from abroad or +1 888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.

https://sa.usembassy.gov/security-al...ch-9-update-2/