This Travel Warning is being updated to inform U.S. citizens that the Department of State has authorized the return of all employees and family members to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia, effective immediately. U.S. citizens are reminded of remaining security concerns and the potential for further terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia. This Travel Warning supersedes that of May 13, 2003.

Although the Department of State has authorized the return of all personnel and family members to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia, the Department warns U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel there. Americans are reminded, as stated in the current Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, of the potential for further terrorist actions against U.S. citizens abroad, including in the Persian Gulf region.

U.S. citizens who travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia despite this Travel Warning should register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or at the Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) in order to obtain updated information on travel and security in Saudi Arabia.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers can also get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. or Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Saudi Arabia, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov.

Return to Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings Page