US Issues ‘Reconsider Travel’ Advisory for Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has issued an updated Level 3 advisory urging travellers to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia, citing the risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks on American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws governing social media activity.

The advisory, dated September 15th, also maintains a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ warning for the Yemen border, where the State Department cites terrorism and the continued threat of missile, drone and rocket attacks from armed groups in Yemen.

The update comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen and a fresh wave of Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. Saudi authorities issued security alerts in Makkah and parts of the south after ballistic missile and drone attacks wounded 13 civilians, according to reports carried on September 15th.

The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have also expanded their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the Bab Al-Mandab Strait following a renewed offensive against Saudi-backed government forces. The waterway is a major shipping route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

The US advisory separately warns that American citizens can face exit bans over legal, financial or family disputes and that social media activity considered critical, offensive or disruptive by Saudi authorities can lead to detention or prosecution.