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Saudi Arabia
Mar 03, 2026
Saudi Arabia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The advisory level was increased to 3. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. Mission operations. Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of Terrorism. Advisory summary On March 3, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks. Armed conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia due to the safety risks. U.S. government employee travel restrictions near Yemen U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to Qatif for non-official travel due to safety risks The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Yemen border region due to the safety risks. U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take the same precautions. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorism is a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles. Potential targets include: Important political, cultural, or religious locations Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners Tourist locations and large gatherings Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Entertainment venues Government facilities Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region. Missile and drone attacks from Yemen The Houthis in Yemen have launched missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia. Past attacks have targeted cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, and energy facilities throughout the country. The Houthis have previously conducted missile and drone attacks in Saudi Arabia, the last in 2022. Recent Houthi attacks have targeted vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis have threatened to attack Saudi Arabia again. Falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles are also a risk. U.S. citizens living and working near energy infrastructure and military bases may be at increased risk, especially closer to the Yemen border. Exercise increased caution due to exit bans U.S. citizens have been prevented from leaving Saudi Arabia. Exit bans may be related to pending criminal and civil investigations and cases, including, but not limited to unpaid visa overstay fees, domestic family disputes, and other financial and labor disagreements. Exit bans prevent individuals from leaving the country. These can last for many years. In some cases, exit bans can continue even after a criminal sentence has been fully served or a private suit is settled. Exercise increased caution due to local laws Saudi authorities may detain you if they consider your social media posts or other online activity to be critical, offensive, or disruptive to the public order. U.S. citizens have been arrested for past social media activity, including comments posted while outside of Saudi Arabia. This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments critical of the Saudi government or its leaders and policies. This also may apply to comments about public life or religion in Saudi Arabia. Local laws against cybercrime and terrorism may be used to prosecute cases related to social media use. Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years. Local authorities may not take into account when, where, or in what context posts are made. You are subject to local laws when traveling in Saudi Arabia. If you break laws in Saudi Arabia – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, imprisoned, or subject to an exit ban. Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several months or even years without charges. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration FAA has issued a Notice to Airmen NOTAM or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation SFAR. This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings. Risks in specific areas Level: 4 – Do not travel The Yemen border region Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of Terrorism. Armed groups in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets. People near the border with Yemen are at increased risk. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including Qatif. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel to Qatif for non-essential travel due to safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to Qatif due to safety risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas due to safety risks. U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take the same precautions. For U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Many prescription medications need prior approval before bringing into, or taking out of Saudi Arabia. Before you travel, register any listed prescriptions at the Controlled Drug System CDS website. This approval process may take several weeks. Review our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations. Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access. Stay aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in large crowds or tourist spots. Avoid public displays of affection, particularly between same-sex couples. Visit Saudi Arabia’s website for information about public decency regulations. Do not carry, produce, use, or distribute illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia. Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrests. Review our information for Gay and Lesbian travelers. Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or past content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in Saudi Arabia. Do not post, share, or like such content while in Saudi Arabia. Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices. Visit our page regarding Arrest or Detention Abroad for more information on what happens when you or a loved one are arrested abroad. Review the Country Security Report for Saudi Arabia. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information for Saudi Arabia. We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the Checklist.
Oman
Mar 03, 2026
Oman - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The advisory level was increased to 3. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Reconsider travel to Oman due to risk of armed conflict and terrorism. Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict. Advisory summary On March 3, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Oman due to safety risks. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks in Oman. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorism is a concern in Oman. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles. Potential targets include: Important political, cultural, or religious locations Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners Tourist locations and large gatherings Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Entertainment venues Government facilities Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration FAA issued an ongoing Special Federal Aviation Regulation and Notice to Airmen NOTAM. This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Yemen. For more information Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Risks in specific areas Level 4 – Do Not Travel The Yemen border region Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict. Do not travel to this area for any reason. Terrorist attacks and armed conflict continue in Yemen. Crossing the Oman-Yemen border can be dangerous. Americans who attempt to cross the border, from either Oman or Yemen, may be detained by Omani authorities. Review our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas. If you decide to travel to Oman: Review our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Oman. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Oman. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the Checklist. We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage. Please be sure to visit our website for Crisis Response and Evacuations.
Cyprus
Mar 03, 2026
Cyprus - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The advisory level was increased to 3. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Reconsider travel to Cyprus due to the threat of armed conflict and limited U.S. embassy assistance for Americans in the Turkish Cypriot Administered area. Advisory Summary On March 3, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Cyprus due to the safety risks. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there have been significant disruptions to commercial flights. A drone struck a building on the British Sovereign Base Area on Cyprus on March 2. Turkish Cypriot-Administered Area The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in this area. Human rights reports show that central prison and police detention facilities do not meet international standards. Since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Cyprus. However, the northern part of Cyprus is administered by Turkish Cypriots. It proclaimed itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” “TRNC” in 1983. The United States does not recognize the “TRNC,” nor does any country other than Türkiye. A buffer zone, patrolled by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, separates the 2 sides. For U.S. citizen travelers: Enter and exit the island of Cyprus only at Larnaca and Paphos airports or at the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry or exit via Ercan Airport or by a seaport in the north to be legal. U.S. citizens who leave the island from Ercan could face challenges returning to the Republic of Cyprus in the future. You cannot receive a residency permit from the Republic of Cyprus to live in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots. The Republic of Cyprus does not recognize residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriots. If you arrive to the island at a north seaport or Ercan airport or stay in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area for over 90 days, you may be denied entry into the Republic of Cyprus. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not control the area. Travelers should consider this when planning their activities. If you decide to travel to Cyprus: Visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe text or call. Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access. Make back-up plans to leave the country. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel. You should make a safety plan for emergencies. Read the Traveler’s Checklist. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
United Arab Emirates
Mar 03, 2026
United Arab Emirates - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on March 2. Advisory summary was updated. Reconsider travel to the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of armed conflict and terrorism. Advisory Summary On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government family members to leave the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of armed conflict. U.S. Citizens should complete the Crisis Intake Form to let the U.S. Embassy know they are requesting assistance. Do not submit this form more than once. The form is available at the following link: Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations in the UAE associated with the United States. Terrorism There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration FAA has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions NOTAM recommending caution for U.S. air carriers and commercial operators operating in the Middle East, including the UAE. For more information, Americans who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Local laws Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban. Americans should review the Department of State’s Destination Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates. For U.S. citizens in the United Arab Emirates: Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations . Follow the U.S. Mission to the UAE on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and visit the Mission website. Review the Country Security Report for the United Arab Emirates. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for United Arab Emirates. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
Pakistan
Mar 03, 2026
Pakistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travelto Pakistan due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. On March 3, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks. There is no change to the status of Embassy Islamabad. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Pakistan. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Violent extremist groups have carried out attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks typically happen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, but they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad. Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings. Demonstrations Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests. You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials. Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests. Crime Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid. It sometimes changes without notice and can be a serious threat. There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities. Security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country. The most reported crimes are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft. Limited U.S. consular assistance The Government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan. U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are required to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel. The U.S. government has a limited ability to assist or provide services to U.S. citizens in the KP Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization from the host government to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time. This depends on local circumstances and security conditions. U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are generally prohibited from attending most large gatherings, such as political rallies or religious ceremonies. Dual nationals The U.S. embassy and consulates have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who have been arrested or detained. Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan. Do Not Travel to: Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas FATA, due to terrorism and kidnapping. The immediate vicinity of the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.
Kuwait
Mar 02, 2026
Kuwait - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on March 2. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Reconsider Travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime. Advisory Summary On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of government personnel to leave Kuwait due to safety risks. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Kuwait due to the safety risks. Notice to Airmen The Federal Aviation Administration FAA has issued a Notice to Airmen NOTAM or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation SFAR. This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings. Crime Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime. The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area. Landmines Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the desert area and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge and near the border with Iraq. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize. There may be unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War. Avoid areas that are “off the bea.ten path” and do not touch or move objects in that area. They could explode. Do not travel to these areas for any reason. For U.S. citizens in Kuwait: Visit our website for information on travel to High-Risk Areas. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe text or call. Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access. Review local laws and conditions before traveling. Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs including marijuana and alcohol. Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists. Review the Country Security Report for Kuwait. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage. Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations .
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