Mar 9, 2023
7 min read
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Saudi Arabia Visa for US citizens, including who is eligible, how to apply, and what to expect when traveling to this unique and exciting destination.
Let's start with the important information first:
Do I need a Saudi Arabia visa? Yes, you do.
Saudi Visa required: Tourist Visa (electronic visa).
Saudi Arabia Visa price: SAR 300 (USD 80)
Saudi Visa processing time: 5 days
Yes, you do. Unfortunately, the US isn't part of the visa-exempt countries, which means you must apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa online before you travel.
It depends on your nationality. If your country of nationality is part of the visa-exempt countries, you don't need to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa.
The Saudi Tourist Visa is an entry authorization document allowing foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia for non-essential and non-religious purposes.
The Saudi Tourist Visa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. It covers tourism-related activities and excludes other activities such as studying.
In addition, Muslims may perform Umrah (excluding the Hajj season) on a Tourist Visa. The tourist visa is available as an e-visa, visa-on-arrival, and consulate visa.
British Saudi Arabian residents will need a valid exit permit or re-entry permit from the Saudi Ministry of Interior to leave and re-enter the country.
Before starting your application process, I recommend gathering all the required documents. For example, if you are from one of the countries that allow you to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa), you only need the following documents:
The On Arrival Visa is probably the most low-maintenance visa you can ever get. All you need for this visa (entry requirements) is your valid passport and a return flight ticket.
Because visa issuance takes place when you’re already in Saudi, you don’t require a lot of documents.
Unfortunately, not everyone can apply for an eVisa or a Visa On Arrival. This means that you need to go to the Saudi Arabian Embassy to apply for your Tourist Visa.
If you apply at an Embassy, you'll need the following travel documents:
You can start the application process now that you have all your required documents. Applying for an eVisa is very easy, and the best part is that you can apply from the comfort of your home.
I'll give you a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Access the website
The first step is self-explanatory. Next, you must access the website you use to apply for your eVisa. In this case, it would be the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage website. At the top right corner of your page, you'll see an option to apply for your eVisa. Click on it.
Step 2: Create an account
Next, you need to create an eVisa account. Then, select your passport type and country of nationality. After that, you'll see you need to give information like your name and email address. Fill this out to complete setting up your account.
Step 3: Verify your account
Before you can log in, you need to verify your account. They will send an email to you which shows what you need to do to verify your account. When you log in, you'll notice that they also send you a verification code you need to enter before logging in.
Step 4: Apply for the eVisa
Now that you're logged in, you can move on to the next step. First, you need to choose whether you are applying for one person or for a group of people. Choose the option you want. After you choose, you need to answer a bunch of questions (truthfully) and provide a personal picture.
Step 5: Fill out the visa application form
Next, you need to fill out more questions, but these questions are about your travels. You need to provide your passport number and expiry date and how long you intend to stay in Saudi Arabia.
Step 6: Choose your Medical Insurance
You're almost done. All you need to do now is choose which medical insurance you want for your trip. The medical insurance companies shown to you are all approved and certified in Saudi Arabia.
The medical insurance comes with a fee. I will discuss the costs later in this post.
Step 7: Review the application
From here on, it's effortless. All you need to do is read and agree to the terms and conditions and review your application.
Step 8: Pay your visa application fee
The last step is to pay your visa and medical insurance fees. They will show the costs for you on the page. Be sure to have your credit card on hand.
They will notify you via email if they approve your eVisa.
How Can I Apply For A Saudi Arabia Visa On Arrival?
I know I said the eVisa application is easy (which it is), but it doesn't get any easier than this. To get a Visa On Arrival, you must go to the visa issuing desk at the Saudi Arabia port of entry once you disembark from your flight. Officials will then grant you your visa once you show them your passport.
Applying at a Saudi Embassy is easy. But first, you need to locate the Saudi Embassies near you or the Embassy in your jurisdiction.
Next, fill out your visa application form. You can get the application form at the Embassy or on their website.
Stack together all the required documents and the application form and hand it in at the Embassy. Before applying, you need to pay the visa fees and attach the payslip to your documents.
Then, you need to wait and hear if they grant your Tourist visa. If they do, they will notify you via email. Then, you need to pick up your passport with the visa at the Embassy.
Remember those little snippets of information in the intro? Well, this is where I'll discuss those questions in depth and give you some extra information.
Let's start:
The visa processing time may differ depending on the Embassy. It usually takes 5 days but can take as long as 2 weeks.
If you apply for an eVisa, it goes quicker. The processing time for an eVisa is usually between 3-4 working days.
The costs for the e visa for Saudi Arabia are:
The eVisa will be a one-year, multiple-entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country.
No, you can't. This means that you must leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires and apply for another visa to re-enter the country.
All you need to do now is apply, fly, and dine. My work here is done. The rest is up to you. I hope you enjoy the rich culture the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has to offer. I know Riyadh and Jeddah are popular destinations (in case you’re looking for places to go). And who knows, maybe you’ll learn some beautiful Arabic while you're there.
The information in this post is from reliable sources like:
This post was written and fact checked with AI assistance.
The following countries can apply for an eVisa for Saudi Arabia:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brunei, Canada, China (Hong Kong, Taipei, Macau), Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and the United States.
No, you can't work under a Tourist Visa. If you want to conduct business or work, you need to apply for a Work Visa or a Business Visa.
There are different types of Saudi Arabia Visas, each for a different purpose. The other visas are:
For further information visit the Saudia website.
No, you can't convert your Saudi Visitor's Visa into a residence permit (iqama).