Key facts about the Saudi Arabia visa for US citizens

Ready to travel to the land of desserts and beautiful archeological sites? Ready for Saudi Arabia? If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia from the US, you will need to comply with some rules and get a Saudi Arabia visa. Let us help you navigate the visa application process, gather the necessary documents and make other preparations for your dream trip to Saudi Arabia. 

Do US citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, US citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia. Good news is that they can apply for a Saudi Arabia electronic visa. With just a simple online process, you will be able to enjoy the main things to do in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabia visa allows you to travel multiple times as a tourist during 1 year. You can stay up to 90 days each time you visit Saudi Arabia. You can also get the urgent tourist eVisa, which is processed quicker than the ordinary one. 

With Visagov, you can also apply and get the transit visa for Saudi Arabia. 

Saudi Arabia visa requirements for US citizens 

In order to process the Saudi Arabia visa online, you will need to fulfill some entry requirements for Saudi Arabia and have the following documents:

• Valid passport to enter or exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The passport must have a minimum of six months’ validity beyond the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
• Photo of the applicant. The photograph must be recent and in color; against a white background. You shouldn’t wear eyeglasses or head wear, except for religious reasons.
• Fulfilled online application. 
• Valid credit/debit card to pay for the visa application fees.
• Current email address in order to get the resolution of the visa application process. 

How do I apply for a Saudi Arabia visa for US citizens? 

Thanks to Visagov’s platform, you will be able to easily get the Saudi Arabia visa for US citizens fully online. You will just need to follow these steps: 

1. Fill out the Saudi Arabia electronic visa (eVisa) application form. Provide all the information as it appears in your valid passport. You can choose to process either the tourist eVisa, the urgent tourist eVisa or the transit eVisa for Saudi Arabia.
2. Check all the information provided in the application form. If you are sure that you have provided accurate information, proceed to pay the fees.
3. You're done! At this point, you will just need to wait for the resolution of the application to be sent directly to your email. You can expect it to arrive in a few days.

If you have any doubts regarding how to get visa for Saudi Arabia, you can count on Visagov’s blog to get the latest information about the whole process and other interesting facts about the country.

What is the Saudi Arabia visa fee for US citizens?

You can expect to pay 133 USD in governmental fees to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the three types of visas.

How long does it take to get a visa for Saudi Arabia from the US? 

The urgent tourist eVisa will be processed in 24 hours, while the ordinary tourist eVisa and the transit eVisa are processed in about three working days. We strongly advise you to apply for the Saudi Arabia visa at least one week prior to your departure date. 

Where is the US embassy in Saudi Arabia? 

The US embassy in Saudi Arabia is found in Riyadh.

Address: P.O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693

Phone: +966 (11) 835-4000

E-mail: [email protected] 

Where is the embassy of Saudi Arabia in the US?

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the US is in Washington.

Address: 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037.

Phone: (202) 342-3800

E-mail: [email protected] 

What are the vaccine requirements for Saudi Arabia for US citizens? 

There are only 2 mandatory vaccines for specific situations. You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination if you come from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or have transited through a country where the disease is endemic.

If you are able to take part in the Hajj or the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, you will have to be vaccinated against Meningococcal disease.

Although being vaccinated is not something that is mandatory for all travelers, all travelers must be covered by travel medical insurance. If you process your visa with Visagov, your health insurance will be included in the application. 

Currently, Saudi Arabia does not require negative PCR tests or vaccination certificate against COVID-19. However you must register by filling out an immunization information form. You won’t need to do so, if you are part of an airline crew, a diplomat or a holder of a Saudi government visit visa. Your travel insurance must cover any issues related to COVID-19.

What is the time difference between Saudi Arabia and the US?

Saudi Arabia is 7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, USA. For example, if it is 10 am in Washington, it is 5 pm in Saudi Arabia.

What is the currency of Saudi Arabia and the exchange rate to US Dollars?

The currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), and you will be able to get it at banks, exchange offices, at the airport and ATMs. In Saudi Arabia, you can find banknotes of 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 SAR, and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 halala. 1 SAR is divided into 100 halala. 

Although credit and debit cards can be used in some places in main cities, you must always carry cash. Bear in mind that some places accept euros and US dollars. You can get more information about currency and tipping culture with our guide “tips for traveling to Saudi Arabia.”

The daily exchange rate from Riyals to US dollars changes everyday, but you can expect a conversion like this one: 

• 1 USD= 3,75 SAR

Check here for the daily exchange rate.