The U.S. State Department has issued “do-not-travel” warnings for five Middle Eastern nations—Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen—while ordering non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. These updates, reported by Fox News, respond to escalating armed attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure.
13 Middle East Nations Face Updated Security Warnings
Thirteen countries saw their travel advisories updated on Friday. Five are now listed under Level 4, the highest advisory level, which warns Americans not to travel. Travelers are advised to rethink their trips to eight other nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Israel, which have been assigned Level 3.
The State Department cited recent Houthi strikes on Riyadh’s airport and other critical infrastructure as primary drivers for these warnings. Officials warned that these hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area.
Did you know? The State Department encourages all Americans traveling to these regions to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive emergency security alerts from U.S. embassies.
U.S. Personnel Ordered Out of Saudi Arabia
Effective October 23, 2026, the State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families from Saudi Arabia. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated on X that this order applies to Saudi Arabia only, contradicting reports from NBC and AFP that families were also being withdrawn from the UAE, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain.
The drawdown follows a series of deadly Houthi attacks. According to the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority, an attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam resulted in eight injuries and one fatality. Separately, the Saudi energy ministry reported two deaths caused by falling debris from a drone interception targeting a Saudi Aramco facility at the Shaybah oilfield.
| Risk Factor | Affected Countries |
|---|---|
| Kidnapping & Hostage-Taking | Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen |
| Civil Unrest | Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen |
| Health Concerns | Iraq, Yemen |
Infrastructure Disruptions and Airport Status
Recent drone and missile attacks have forced significant operational changes. Government employees now require special authorization from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in the Kingdom. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh announced a partial reopening on October 25 for domestic and select national international flights.
Houthi forces claimed attacks on the Saudi defense ministry in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu. Two sources told Agence France-Presse that essential workers at Saudi Aramco’s eastern headquarters were told to evacuate on Thursday, following a previous order for non-essential staff to work from home.
Pro Tip: Travelers are urged to have an emergency departure plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance and to monitor local cellular broadcasts from Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense.
US-Israeli War on Iran Disrupts Global Energy Trade
The current volatility follows a wider conflict triggered by a U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Reuters reported that this conflict has disrupted global energy trade and damaged Gulf economies. The U.S. embassy in Riyadh and a CIA station hosted there were previously attacked by drones in early March.
While the U.S. has developed plans regarding Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain nuclear-linked site, President Trump has publicly stated he does not intend to restart the war before the November 3 elections.
Middle East Travel Security FAQ
Which airports currently require special U.S. government authorization?
All airports within Saudi Arabia require special authorization for U.S. government employees following missile and UAV attacks. However, international airports in Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE remain operational.
What specific risks are cited for Level 4 countries?
For Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, the State Department explicitly lists kidnapping, hostage-taking, and civil unrest as primary threats alongside armed conflict.
Are there other recent global travel warnings?
Yes. The State Department recently raised Kenya to Level 3 due to terrorism, kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and health risks, and issued warnings for China regarding electronic surveillance and wrongful detention.
The U.S. previously ordered non-essential staff to leave the Gulf in late February before the start of the war against Iran.