Saudi Visa for US Citizens

A Saudi Arabia visa for US citizens is an official travel document that allows American citizens to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A Saudi visa for American citizens allows entry into Saudi Arabia for specific purposes, such as tourism, business, religious pilgrimage, visiting family and friends, and other purposes. KSA visas are valid for a set amount of time, depending on the type of visa and the visa conditions.

Several types of Saudi visas for United States citizens are available, depending on the purpose of travel, including:

• Tourist eVisa Can be used for tourism, Umrah (outside of Hajj season), and for attending events.
• Business Visa A KSA Business Visa for US citizens is required for work-related visits to Saudi Arabia, including meetings and conferences.
• Work Visa For U.S. citizens hired by a Saudi company.
• Family Visit Visa For visiting relatives of Saudi citizens or residents.

U.S. citizens need a visa for KSA, regardless of their reason for travel and how long they intend to stay in the country. U.S. citizens cannot enter KSA without a valid visa, unless they are transiting through the country and have a layover of less than 12 hours, provided they remain within the airport’s transit area and do not pass through immigration control.

Obtaining a visa is straightforward, especially with the Saudi eVisa program, which offers a fast and convenient way for Americans to obtain permission to travel to KSA.

U.S. citizens are eligible for the KSA electronic visa (eVisa), a streamlined online process that eliminates the need for in-person consulate visits. The eVisa allows for multiple entries into Saudi Arabia, within the one-year validity period and is valid for tourism, leisure, and Umrah.

Although the eVisa is the quickest and most streamlined option for most U.S. visitors to Saudi Arabia, U.S. citizens can also apply for another KSA visa for US citizens, such as a business visa, work visa, Hajj visa, or family visit visa, depending on their travel purpose.

The KSA eVisa application is typically processed quickly, with most applicants receiving approval within three days, although the majority of applications are processed within 24 hours. The Saudi visa fees for US citizens vary depending on the type of visa. The eVisa fee is $195, which is inclusive of the application fee, our professional service fees, and mandatory health insurance.

U.S. citizens visiting KSA must comply with specific entry requirements. Visitors must ensure they have:

• A valid U.S. passport.
• A Saudi eVisa that has been obtained online before travel, or another type of Saudi visa that has been obtained through the embassy or consulate.
• Return ticket and travel itinerary, as this may be required by immigration authorities.
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or host information.

Once the eVisa application has been approved, U.S. citizens may then travel to Saudi Arabia. When in the country, all visitors must comply with all rules and regulations. For example:

• Respect Saudi laws and customs, including dressing modestly and following local cultural norms.
• Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited.
• Follow public behavior restrictions, particularly relating to public displays of affection and inappropriate behavior.
• Be aware of rules forbidding non-Muslims from entering Mecca or Medina.
• Comply with visa limitations.

Saudi eVisas cannot be extended, and travelers cannot prolong their stay in Saudi Arabia past the visa validity period or beyond the permitted duration of stay (90 days). Travelers who want to stay in KSA for longer must exit the country and apply for another eVisa or apply for a different type of visa, providing they meet the criteria.

Most U.S. residents, including U.S. Green Card holders and individuals with U.S. business or tourist visas, can apply online for a KSA eVisa based on their residency or visa status.

However, certain nationalities are excluded from the eVisa program, even if they hold U.S. residency or a U.S. visa. Applicants from the following countries must apply for a traditional Saudi visa through an embassy, consulate, or authorized visa office:

• Chad
• Ethiopia
• Iran
• Libya
• Palestine
• Syria

The Saudi visa for green card holders requires applicants with a U.S. visa or green card to have at least six months of validity in their passports beyond the resident’s planned entry date to Saudi Arabia. If a U.S. resident or visa holder is from an excluded nationality, they must visit a Saudi embassy or consulate to apply for a traditional visa.

Saudi Arabia is a unique travel destination with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, a vibrant culture, and strong religious traditions. The country is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Al-Ula, the historic district of Jeddah (Al-Balad), and the ancient city of Diriyah. Travelers can explore the deserts, mountains, and stunning Red Sea coastline.

Saudi Arabia is also the birthplace of Islam, with Mecca and Medina being the two holiest cities in Islam. In addition to its historical and natural wonders, the country hosts cultural festivals, concerts, and major events such as Riyadh Season, making it an exciting place to visit year-round.

When visiting KSA, it is important to respect local customs and laws. While the country has modernized significantly, dressing modestly is still expected, with women no longer required to wear an abaya but encouraged to dress conservatively. Tourists should also be mindful of prayer times, as many shops and businesses temporarily close during these periods.