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.