On January 30th, the U.S. State Department warned Americans in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait that, because of increased (but unspecified) risks to Americans, they should either carefully consider how much risk they are willing to accept. Americans were encouraged to leave the area, and dependents of State Department employees in the area were encouraged to leave voluntarily. Americans were also warned to seriously reconsider plans to visit Saudi Arabia and Kuwait at this time. American citizens who decide to stay in the area, are strongly encouraged to let the embassy know who they are, where they are living and where they will be going.