Since the early initiation of its visa reforms, Saudi Arabia has become a much more accessible and inviting destination for international tourists. VISA requirements for the United States Citizens to visit Saudi Arabia depend upon the purpose, duration, and frequency of travel to the country.
Typically, U.S. citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia for tourism are required to have visas in advance and should obtain the visa from a Saudi Embassy or Consulate. It is strongly recommended to apply for the visa through an authorized third-party visa processing service and consult with the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.
When travelling for business, U.S. citizens must obtain a visa either from the Embassy in Washington, D.C., or from the Consulates General in Los Angeles, New York or Houston. Also, those travelling for Umrah or Hajj must obtain visas from the Saudi Embassy or designated consulates. The visa applications may include a document confirming vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis.
It is noteworthy that non-US nationals may also need to fulfill requirements for a Transition Visa from the US Department of Homeland Security. This visa is needed if the traveler has resided in the US for more than 12 months without an interruption over the past five years. Further, it is also necessary for travelers arriving from a country for which the US government has an applicable travel ban and coming to the US for a period longer than 9 hours.
The visa reforms of Saudi Arabia have attracted more and more travelers, curious about the different and captivating culture of the country. The up-gradation of the infrastructure and tourist facilities is commendable. Famously touted as a ‘land of mystery’, Saudi Arabia now offers a wide range of sightseeing spots, from ancient mosques to historic sites, sparkling malls and iconic cultural sites.
If you are interested in a long-term visit to Saudi Arabia, it is advised to check the specific rules and regulations of the country. Different visa types are available with different restrictions and durations depending upon the purpose of travel. For instance, the work visa is valid for up to one year and the entry/exit visa is valid for 30 days. Moreover, the visa regulations should be double-checked before initiating the travel.
Ease in Obtaining Visas
The visa reform initiated by Saudi Arabia has eased the process of obtaining a visa for United States Citizens to visit the country. Previously, the process was cumbersome and time taking. Now, the citizens of the United States can apply for various visa types after fulfilling the basic requirements.
Visitor visas are available for those traveling to Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits or for commercial activities. With the visa reforms, now it is possible to apply for the visa 72 hours prior to arriving in the country. Moreover, for tourism purposes, visitors can receive single-entry visas for up to 90 day duration.
The entry/exit visa is the best method in case of emergency or occasional visits. With this visa, the visitors can enter the country and stay no longer than 30 days. Furthermore, there is also a Saudi Transit visa for those intending to stay in the country for not more than 120 hours for transit purpose.
Cost and Processing Time
United States citizens may expect a fast and prompt visa processing with the technology-oriented services. The cost of the visa depends upon the type of visa required and is usually indicated in the application form itself. The cost also depends upon the services opted for. A typical visa may cost between 100 to 300 US dollars.
The time taken to process a visa depends upon the type of visa required. A short-term single or multiple entry visa may take up to 5 to 7 working days for processing. Although, it may take longer for citizens from certain countries such as Iraq and Syria; further time may be taken for security clearances.
The visa preparation process should include a list of documents for verification, such as valid US passport, two passport-sized pictures, and other documents required for the type of visa applied. Additionally, it is recommended to refer to the Visa Checker Tool and Visa Wizard Tool on the official eVisa website of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Mode of Submission
The visa application should be submitted either online through the portal catering for eVisa applications or at the nearest Saudi Embassy/Consulate to the resident country of the applicant. It is advised to apply for the visas as early as possible.
The online application requires creating a registered user profile which can be used to transfer data, store documents, and pay fees. The eVisa application can be tracked with the status tracking tools of the website.
For submission through the embassy/consulate, the applicant should have an appointment at the visa center. After the appointment, the applicant is required to submit a hard copy of the application and all the required documents.
At the visa center, the application will be processed and the traveler will receive an email notification when the visa is ready. The visa can be checked through the eVisa portal and the traveler can refer to the status tracking tools for more details.
Visa On Arrival
A visa on arrival program is offered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to certain passport-holders from a number of countries. It allows citizens of the following countries to obtain visas valid for one-month period on their arrival in the country: Brunei, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, United Kingdom, United States, and some GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nationals.
Requirements for the visa on arrival include a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, a return ticket, and a hotel reservation in Saudi Arabia. In some cases, some documents such as a bank statement may be required by the Saudi authorities. Furthermore, an immigration fee or leave fee may also be applicable for the type of visa.
Moreover, visa on arrival may also be extended for another month, however, additional conditions such as providing the required documents to the General Authority of Passports may apply. It is noteworthy that visas on arrival are subject to change any time, hence the traveler should be well-versed with the latest regulations and policies regarding visa on arrival.
Re-Entry Visa
For those intending to leave the country while in the middle of their trips, the re-entry visa allows them to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times during their stay. The traveler may request the re-entry visa at the Saudi Immigration after getting an entry visa or the eVisa (electronic visa). The re-entry visa should be valid for the same period as the entrance visa.
In case of the eVisa, the re-entry visa application should be done through the eVisa portal. The process of applying for re-entry visa is very simple and hassle-free. It requires filling a few details in the information column followed by the payment of the fee and submitting the basic documents.
Furthermore, the re-entry visa holders can use the electronic systems or automated borders while entering and exiting the country. The traveler is required to submit a valid and approved passport along with the visa in order to get the entry clearance. It is suggested to double-check the validity of the documents to avoid last-minute hiccups.
Visa Extensions
Sometimes the travelers may require visa extensions due to overstay, business engagements, or personal reasons. Such visa extensions may be requested by the traveler or by the sponsor/ employer. The process requires the traveler to submit the extension request along with the related documents to the General Directorate of Passports.
The extension can be issued for an additional 30 days and the process should be initiated 10 days prior to the expiry of the visa. Additionally, for the extension request, the traveler may also be required to furnish his/her financial certificate or bank statement.
In the case of Umrah circumambulation and Hajj pilgrimage, the visas may be extended automatically for up to 30 days to accommodate the pilgrims. However, the traveler should request for the extension from the hajj-visa holder at least 10 days prior to the expiry of the visa.
Conclusion
When it comes to visiting Saudi Arabia, certain visa requirements must be fulfilled. It is recommended to check the process before initiating the travel. In addition, travelers should be aware of the latest information on visas and keep themselves updated with the current rules and regulations.
