Since September 2019 the nation of Saudi Arabia has welcomed international visitors with its eVisa program for tourists. It is now much simpler for Americans to visit attractions such as the Edge of the World cliffs and the sandy beaches of Umluj.
US Citizens are one of the many nationalities that are eligible for the electronic pass. As well as being quick and simple to apply for, the great thing about this travel authorisation is it is valid for multiple entries for 12 months! You can also stay for longer than many countries allow; in this case, for up to 90 days per visit.
This will give you plenty of time to visit all the top sites and to sample all the best shawarma places!
We have compiled all the essential information you need to know regarding the visa to Saudi Arabia for US Citizens. Read on to find out the requirements, how to apply for it, the visa fee and much more. Planning your trip to the sunny Arabian peninsular couldn’t be easier!
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Do You Need a Visa to Go to Saudi Arabia From the USA?
Yes, all US passport holders must apply for a visa to enter the kingdom. Americans will be pleased to hear that they can apply for this via the Byevisa site, no waiting around at an embassy is required. Your approved travel document will then be sent straight to your email inbox! Another bonus is that the tourist visa is valid for lengthier holidays too, giving you more time to explore the country at your leisure.
Nearly all foreign visitors require a visa to enter this country apart from citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates who are exempt.
Visa Requirements for US Citizens Traveling to Saudi Arabia
So now that you know that Americans are eligible for the Saudi eVisa, you will want to be clear on any requirements you have to meet.
Firstly, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after you arrive in Saudi.
Secondly, the eVisa is only suitable for travellers coming to the country for certain purposes:
- You must either be travelling for tourist purposes or visiting for Umrah, you cannot come here to work.
- Although this pass is valid for Muslim visitors on Umrah, you can only travel using it outside of Haji season.
*Please note, non-Muslim travellers are not permitted to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Finally, you must be able to support yourself financially during your trip and should carry a paper copy of your eVisa with you at all times.
You will also be subject to local laws during your visit. This means that you should respect the rules regarding alcohol consumption and public decency. This expatriates guide gives you an idea of what life is like for Americans living here.
How to Get a Visa to Saudi Arabia From the USA
You can apply online with Byevisa and get your paperwork emailed to you.
In order for us to process your application, you will just need to enter some basic details into the online form. These include:
- Your email address.
- Your entry and exit dates
- Your contact phone number.
- Your full name (including any middle names where applicable).
- Your gender.
- Your D.O.B (date of birth) and country of birth.
- Your nationality.
- Your country of residence.
- Your passport number and the country of issue
- Your passport issue and expiry dates.
- Your credit or debit card details so we can take the payment (or a valid PayPal account).
You must also submit a couple of supporting documents as part of your application:
- A scanned copy of your passport info page.
- A passport photo.
Once your authorisation has been processed, this Multiple-Entry pass is valid for 1 year. During this time you can visit the country for a maximum of 90 days per visit providing you don’t exceed 180 days in the country in total over the course of the year. This type of travel pass is only valid for tourist visits or Umrah. For visits for other purposes, a different type of authorisation will be required.
Saudi Arabia Visa Fee From the USA
The government fee for the tourist visa is 132 USD. In addition to this, you will also need to pay a processing fee to Byevisa for managing the paperwork on your behalf.
We have a number of options to suit all budgets:
- Standard processing for 30 USD. Get your pass in 5 business days.
- Rapid service for 55 USD. Receive your authorisation in 3 days.
- Highly Rapid processing for 80USD. Get it in just 1 business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travelling to new lands is incredibly exciting, however, it is important to do your research before you depart so everything goes smoothly. Here are some commonly asked questions for travellers heading to the kingdom with simple and easy to grasp answers.
Can I Get A Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival for US Citizens?
There are 6 ports of entry where US citizens can get a Visa on Arrival. We do not recommend this option, however, as it is always best to sort out official paperwork ahead of your trip to avoid long queues and a rushed arrival. When you apply for an eVisa you can whizz through security and start enjoying your adventure right away.
Where Is the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia?
The US Embassy is located in Riyadh at this address:
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
P.O. Box 94309
Riyadh 11693
They can assist American citizens with a variety of matters. If you need to get in touch with them here is the contact information you will need:
Telephone: 966-11-4883800
Fax: 966-11-4887360
Email: RiyadhACS@state.gov
There are also US Consulates in Dhahran and Jeddah.
How Can I Get a Visa to Saudi Arabia From the USA if I Am an Indian Passport Holder?
Indian nationals with a US Visa can get a Visa on Arrival when visiting the kingdom. You will need to be able to prove you were in the US before entering the country and you must enter the country via the Saudi national carrier.
For the moment, Indians are not eligible for the eVisa, however. We will update this page if this changes.
Can American Muslims Use the eVisa to Go on Umrah and Hajj?
Muslims can use this travel document as their Umrah visa. However, it is not suitable for those travelling on Hajj. As Hajj is only permitted during Dhu al-Hijjah in the final month of the Islamic calendar, a different visa is required to enter the country during this time.
Can Women Travel Here Alone?
Female travellers should have no problems entering the kingdom provided you have applied for your visa authorisation in advance or got a VoA.
More Information on Travelling to Saudia Arabia
You can find useful tips on Saudi airports, travel insurance, travel packages and more by visiting this page. This should answer any lingering questions you may have.