Saudi Arabia Travel Alerts & Entry Updates
Saudi Arabia has intensified enforcement of residency and visa regulations, deporting nearly 8,000 foreign nationals in June 2026 and imposing 20,000 SAR fines and 10-year bans for Hajj violations on tourist visas. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of State raised travel advisories to Level 3, ordering the departure of non-emergency personnel due to regional tensions and missile threats. These developments require travelers and expats to monitor strict permit deadlines and heightened security protocols.
Saudi Arabia deports 7,989 foreign nationals in June residency sweep
Saudi authorities deported nearly 8,000 expatriates between June 4 and June 10 following intensified nationwide inspections. The crackdown targets individuals with expired residency permits, labor violations, or improper border documentation, signaling a high-risk environment for those without full legal compliance.
Saudi Arabia remains at Level 3 as US orders non-emergency staff to leave
The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia has reiterated a Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' advisory due to heightened regional tensions. Expats and digital nomads are urged to avoid large gatherings, maintain high situational awareness, and prepare contingency travel plans.
Saudi Arabia imposes 10 year ban and 20,000 SAR fine for Hajj violations
Foreigners attempting to perform Hajj on standard tourist or visit visas face fines of 20,000 SAR and immediate deportation. Violators will be barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years, affecting future residency or travel plans.
Security Alerts and Travel Disruptions in Saudi Arabia
On April 7, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert reiterating risks from sustained Iranian missile and drone threats targeting American interests, diplomatic sites, hotels, U.S. businesses, and American-affiliated universities. Travelers (including U.S. citizens, expats, and digital nomads) are advised to reconsider travel, shelter in secure locations with supplies of food/water/medication, limit movements, maintain a low profile, enroll in STEP, and monitor for updates. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports remain operational but with frequent air traffic restrictions; travelers must check flight status directly due to possible delays and cancellations. Specific suspensions include Lufthansa/Eurowings flights to/from Riyadh and Dammam through October 24, 2026, and KLM flights to/from Dammam/Riyadh through May 17, 2026. These directly impact air travel for nomads and expats.
U.S. Orders Personnel to Depart Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Tensions
The U.S. Department of State has raised the travel advisory for Saudi Arabia to Level 3, ordering the departure of non-emergency government employees and their families. Expats and travelers should reconsider travel to the region and exercise increased caution due to heightened safety concerns.