Saudi Arabia: US citizen need visa?
US citizens wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia can now easily obtain a tourist visa thanks to the Saudi eVisa, set up to facilitate access to the country.
Available at main airports, but the online eVisa is faster and avoids delays.
The Saudi eVisa for US citizens is simple, quick, and approved by email.
The Saudi Arabia visa for US citizens is valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and permits a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. 🇸🇦 US citizens can apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa online through the official portal or an approved website in a few simple steps, making travel to the Kingdom easier than ever. This guide explains everything about the Saudi visa for US citizens, including Saudi Arabia visa requirements for US citizens, processing times, Saudi Arabia visa fee for US citizens, and useful details on visa renewal, validity, and common rejection reasons — helping you prepare for your trip with confidence.
Do US citizens need a Saudi Arabia visa?
- Requirement: Yes, US citizens must obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, even for a tourist stay.
- eVisa: Americans can apply for an eVisa online, a quick and simple process.
- Price: the total cost of an eVisa is around 140–145 USD (≈ 535 SAR), including mandatory medical insurance.
- Processing time: eVisa processing is usually very fast — often within 24–72 hours, but it may take up to 5 working days in some cases.
- Validity: the eVisa is valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit (maximum 180 days per year).
US citizens can apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia from the USA entirely online, without visiting an embassy or consulate. The Saudi Arabia eVisa for US citizens greatly simplifies access to the Kingdom for tourism, short visits, or family trips.
🖱️ Simple online process:
💡 The Saudi Arabia visa application for US citizens is entirely digital — there’s no need to send your passport or attend an appointment. You simply print or save the eVisa on your mobile device to present at immigration upon arrival.
💰 Whether you’re checking the Saudi Arabia visa fee for US citizens, or wondering if US citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia, below you’ll find all the key information about Saudi Arabia visa requirements for US citizens, including documents, costs, validity, and processing times.
US citizens must prepare several key documents before submitting their Saudi Arabia eVisa application. Below are the main Saudi Arabia visa requirements for US citizens:
The total cost of the Saudi Arabia eVisa for US citizens is approximately 140–145 USD (≈ 535 SAR). This price already includes the mandatory health insurance required by the Saudi authorities, which covers medical expenses and emergencies throughout your stay in the Kingdom.
This all-in-one fee covers:
💳 Payment: You can pay online by credit or debit card. Minor additional charges (1–3%) may apply depending on your bank or payment provider.
❌ Refunds: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or canceled after submission.
⚡ Tip: Always double-check your personal details and passport information before payment — this ensures faster processing and avoids rejection linked to data entry errors.
The processing time for a Saudi Arabia eVisa for US citizens is usually very fast, allowing travelers to obtain their visa within just a few days — and often much sooner.
The Saudi Arabia tourist visa for US citizens offers great flexibility in terms of validity and length of stay. Here’s what every traveler should know:
♻️ Visa renewal: the Saudi tourist visa for US citizens is valid for one year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed. Once it expires, or if you’ve already used the 90 permitted days, you must submit a new eVisa application before re-entering Saudi Arabia.
Applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa for US citizens is usually simple and fast, but in some cases, an application may be rejected. Below are the most common causes and what to do if it happens.
🚫 Common reasons for rejection:
💡 What to do in case of refusal:
If your Saudi Arabia visa for US citizens is rejected, you’ll receive an email explaining the reason. Unfortunately, visa fees are non-refundable. You can reapply after correcting the identified issues or if your situation changes. Before submitting a new application, double-check all documents and requirements to maximize your approval chances.
Overall, Saudi Arabia is a safe destination for US citizens, with strict security measures and a strong focus on protecting foreign visitors. Major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are well-policed, modern, and welcoming, hosting many expatriates and tourists every year.
⚖️ Respect local laws: visitors must comply with Saudi Arabia’s religious and social customs, including modest dress and public behavior rules. Note that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
🌍 Travel advice: while everyday life is stable and safe, travelers should stay informed of regional geopolitical developments and consult the latest US State Department travel advisories before departure.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes, US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia in certain cases. This visa is available at the country’s main ports of entry, such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports, for travelers who have not applied for an eVisa in advance. However, it is strongly recommended to apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa online before departure, as it allows travelers to avoid queues, waiting times, and possible delays at the airport. Like the eVisa, the visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days per visit, but it is generally less convenient to obtain locally.
In addition to the eVisa or visa on arrival, US citizens must hold a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended date of entry. Medical insurance approved by the Saudi authorities is mandatory and automatically included when applying for the eVisa. Although proof of accommodation or return flight is not officially required, travelers are advised to keep the address of their stay and flight details on hand, as they may be requested by immigration officers.
Yes, children who are US citizens must also obtain an eVisa to enter Saudi Arabia, just like adults. Each child needs an individual eVisa, and minors cannot travel alone — they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents should therefore complete a separate application for each child during the eVisa process to ensure every family member has their own visa.