State Department issues travel advisory as arrests and exit bans hit popular destination

Americans who may be planning an overseas trip are facing an updated warning from the U.S. State Department amid heightened safety and security concerns.

The department issued a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory for Saudi Arabia on Oct. 12 - with certain parts of the country carrying the more severe Level 4 "Do Not Travel" designation.

U.S. officials cited several concerns behind the warning - including regional conflict, terrorism, missile and drone attacks, exit bans and strict laws surrounding social media activity.

AMERICANS WARNED AGAIN TO RETHINK TRAVEL AS MISSILE ATTACK RATTLES HISTORIC REGION

The updated advisory comes after a series of attacks on Saudi airports by Iran-backed Houthi rebels reportedly killed at least 14 people, including an American, and injured more than 300 others, as Fox News Digital recently reported.

Travel expert Lee Abbamonte told Fox News Digital, "Americans considering travel to Saudi Arabia should be aware of fresh attacks on Riyadh airport and threats of further action due to conflict with the Houthis and the ongoing Iran war."

He added, "This is a very confusing time for Saudi travel, as we don't currently know where this conflict will go. I would probably sit it out if I were thinking of traveling to the region" right now.

The security concerns have also affected commercial air travel, according to the department.

The threat of Iranian missile and drone attacks has continued since hostilities between the U.S. and Iran began in February, the State Department said.

Commercial flights are still operating in Saudi Arabia, though service has faced major disruptions at times.

Cities, airports, military bases, energy facilities and other infrastructure have been targeted, while debris from intercepted weapons can also pose a danger to people on the ground.

Travelers are also being cautioned about what they capture on their phones during such incidents.

"Do not photograph, film or share information about missile or drone interceptions or impact sites," the State Department warned - noting that Americans have been detained for taking photos of recent events.

Terrorism remains another concern.

Officials are warning that attacks could happen with little or no warning at tourist attractions, hotels, transportation hubs, shopping malls and other places visited by foreigners.

The advisory also cautions Americans about what they post or interact with on social media.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

"Some U.S. citizens have been arrested for past social media activity," the advisory states.

That can include posts, reposts or likes viewed as critical of the Saudi government or its leaders, even if they were shared while outside the country, according to the department.

The advisory warns that violating Saudi laws, even unintentionally, can carry serious consequences.

"If you break laws in Saudi Arabia - even by mistake - you could be deported, fined, imprisoned or subject to an exit ban," the advisory states.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The strongest warning applies near the Yemen border, where Americans are advised not to travel due to terrorism.

For those who do travel to Saudi Arabia, officials recommend staying alert, following local news and having a plan to leave in an emergency without depending on U.S. government assistance.

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for additional comment and details.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed to The Travel that the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia issued a separate security alert on October 10, strongly urging all Americans to avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the surrounding areas, the outlet reported. 

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The spokesperson also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and airports.

Emma Bussey of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.