If you are a US citizen traveling to Saudi Arabia, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements. Unless you are on a diplomatic or official government visit, most US citizens will need to obtain a visa before entering the country. Last year around 45,037,000 US citizens travel to Saudi Arabia for pleasure and multiple purposes. This article will provide an overview of the visa application requirements, process, and what you can expect once your application has been submitted.
Saudi Arabia Visa Types Available for US citizens
There are 4 types of Saudi visas available for US citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia. Saudi visa types are:
- tourist visa
- Business visa
- Pilgrimage visa
- Family visit visa
The most common type of visa is the tourist visa, which is issued for a consecutive stay of up to 90 days. Tourist visas can be obtained from the Saudi Arabia embassy/consulates or by applying online which saves time and hassle. You only require a valid passport, a digital photo, and a credit or debit card for payment.
What is needed for US Citizens to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia?
To obtain a tourist visa from the embassy of Saudi Arabia in USA, citizens will need to provide several documents including a valid passport, application form, photograph, and proof of travel arrangements. They may also need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Saudi Arabia. Applicants may be required to provide additional information depending on their circumstances. For Saudi eVisa, applicants are required to fulfill lesser requirements, such as no need to demonstrate fund coverage and permissions from the employment office.
The process for obtaining a Saudi eVisa
The process for obtaining a Saudi Arabia visa for US citizens is fairly straightforward. The first step is to complete an online application, which requires basic information such as your name, date of birth, and passport number. Once the application is submitted, you will need to pay the visa fee and wait a few hours to get the result. If everything is in order, you will be issued an eVisa that is valid for 12 months and multiple entries with a consecutive stay of up to 90 days. To fill out the form you need to have the below requirements ready,
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- One digital passport-sized photo (2 in x 2 in size)
- A place for accommodation in Saudi Arabia
- A valid online payment method
It typically takes about 6 to 48 hours for the eVisa to be processed, after which you will receive an email notifying you that it has been approved. You need to download the eVisa and bring it with you when you travel to Saudi Arabia.
Fees associated with getting a Saudi eVisa
For normal processing which takes 48 hours, The visa service fee is $190. For express processing which takes only 2 hours, the fee is $220. Find more information on visa fees & requirements for US Citizens.