US State Department Directs Non-Emergency Staff to Leave Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Department of State has ordered non-emergency government personnel and their families to depart Saudi Arabia, effective October 23, 2026. This directive stems from elevated safety concerns due to hostilities from Iranian-supported Houthi militants, including attacks on civilian infrastructure, which could rapidly escalate. U.S. employees now face airport restrictions and travel limitations near the Yemeni border and specific provinces.