Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa. An eVisa is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for tourism, leisure, or Umrah (outside the Hajj season). This electronic visa allows travelers to experience Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, spiritual heritage, and modern attractions through a simple online application.

Who Can Apply

The Saudi eVisa is available to:

Required Documents

To complete your eVisa application, please prepare the following:

  1. Valid U.S. Passport – Must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended stay.
  2. Recent Passport-Style Photo – Color photo with a plain white background.
  3. Email Address – A valid email to receive your application updates and eVisa approval.
  4. Payment Method – Credit or debit card to pay the secure online Visa fee.
  5. Travel Purpose – Tourism, Umrah (outside the Hajj season), or leisure activities.
  6. Proof of Accommodation – Hotel booking or residential address during your stay.
  7. Return Ticket – Proof of onward or return travel may be required at entry.
  8. Travel Insurance – Included automatically in your eVisa fee, as required by Saudi authorities.

How to Apply for the Saudi eVisa

Applying for your eVisa is quick and secure. The entire process is completed online in just a few steps:

Complete Online Form

Provide your passport details and travel information.

Upload Documents

Attach a valid passport scan and a recent passport-style photo.

Submit Payment

Pay securely online using a credit or debit card.

Receive eVisa via Email

Present your printed eVisa and passport upon arrival.

Travel to Saudi Arabia

Present your printed eVisa and passport upon arrival.

Processing times are typically 24 to 48 hours, though some applications may take longer if additional verification is required.

Saudi Visa Validity and Stay Duration

The eVisa cannot be used for employment, residency, or study purposes. Those purposes require a separate visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate.

Important Notes for Umrah Travelers

  • The Saudi eVisa allows U.S. citizens to perform Umrah at any time except during the Hajj season.
  • Travelers may enter through any of the approved Saudi airports, including Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh, or Dammam.
  • No sponsor or invitation letter is required for Umrah travel under the eVisa.
  • Ensure you comply with local customs and religious regulations during your stay.

Entry Requirements Upon Arrival

At the airport or border entry point, travelers must present:

  • A printed copy of the approved eVisa,
  • A valid U.S. passport, and
  • Proof of accommodation and return travel if requested by immigration officials.

Why Apply Online

Applying for your Saudi eVisa through Saudi Visa US ensures:

Start Your Application

Begin your Saudi Arabia eVisa application today and enjoy a smooth, reliable process designed exclusively for U.S. citizens.

Saudi e-Visa Processing Times

Applying for a Saudi Arabia e-Visa is quick and efficient for U.S. citizens. Most applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours, and approved e-Visas are sent directly to your email. In some cases, applications may take longer if additional document verification or security checks are required by Saudi authorities.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s best to apply at least one week before your departure date. This allows time for review and any follow-up requests. Urgent cases are often approved sooner, but advance submission guarantees you receive your visa well before your flight.

Your e-Visa approval will include a PDF copy of your travel authorization, which you should print and carry with your passport when entering Saudi Arabia. Once approved, you can travel anytime during the visa’s one-year validity period and stay up to 90 days per visit for tourism or Umrah.

Saudi Visa on Arrival for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can get a Saudi Visa on Arrival for tourism or Umrah (outside Hajj), valid for up to 90 days per visit and 12 months from issue. However, airport lines, delays, or missing documents can cause entry issues. Applying for a Saudi e-Visa online before traveling is faster and safer. You’ll receive approval by email within 24–48 hours, skip airport paperwork, and enjoy automatic health insurance coverage. Pre-applying ensures smooth entry, full compliance, and peace of mind for your trip to Saudi Arabia.

Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. citizens and travelers from other approved countries can apply online for a Saudi e-Visa. This visa allows entry for tourism, leisure, and Umrah outside the Hajj season. Applicants must have a valid passport, meet health and documentation requirements, and complete the secure online form. The process takes only a few minutes and eliminates the need to visit a Saudi embassy.

Yes. The Saudi tourist e-Visa allows U.S. citizens to perform Umrah throughout the year, except during the Hajj season. This makes travel simpler, as you don’t need to apply for a separate religious visa. You can visit Makkah and Madinah for spiritual purposes while also exploring Saudi Arabia’s cultural, historic, and modern attractions within your approved stay period.

The Saudi e-Visa for U.S. citizens is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries into the Kingdom. You may stay for up to 90 days per visit for tourism or Umrah. This flexibility makes it ideal for travelers who plan to return multiple times during the year without reapplying for a new visa.

You’ll need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity, a recent passport-style photo, and a valid email address. A credit or debit card is required for secure payment. You may also need proof of accommodation and a return ticket. All applications include basic travel insurance as part of the visa fee, which covers your stay in Saudi Arabia.

You can apply online in minutes. Complete the application form with accurate passport and travel details, upload your photo, and pay the visa fee securely. Once submitted, most e-Visas are approved within 24 to 72 hours and sent directly to your email. Print your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport when you travel to Saudi Arabia.

Yes, printing your e-Visa is recommended. You should bring a printed copy and keep a digital version on your phone or device. Saudi immigration officers may ask to see both the printed visa and the passport used during the application. Having both versions ensures a smooth entry and helps avoid delays during arrival procedures.

No, the tourist e-Visa does not allow stays longer than 90 days per visit. Travelers must leave before the visa’s stay limit expires. If you plan to return, you can re-enter on your valid multiple-entry e-Visa within the one-year period. For longer stays, such as work or study, you’ll need to apply for a different visa type through a Saudi consulate.

No, the Saudi tourist e-Visa is strictly for leisure, tourism, or Umrah (outside Hajj). It does not permit employment, study, or long-term residency. Engaging in work or academic activities under a tourist visa may result in penalties or deportation. For those purposes, you must apply for a work, business, or student visa through official government channels.

Yes, minors under 18 need their own e-Visa and must apply under a parent or guardian’s supervision. Each traveler, regardless of age, must have a valid passport and visa. Parents are responsible for completing the child’s application and ensuring all travel documents match. Minors cannot enter the Kingdom alone without a guardian.

Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry into Saudi Arabia. If your passport expires before the e-Visa does, your visa automatically becomes invalid. To avoid issues, renew your passport before applying. The e-Visa is linked to your passport number and cannot be transferred to a new one.

U.S. travelers can enter Saudi Arabia at major airports including Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), and Madinah (MED). Land and sea entry points may also accept e-Visa holders. Upon arrival, you must present your printed visa, passport, and accommodation details. Using these approved entry points ensures fast processing by border officials.

Most applications are processed and approved within 24 to 72 hours, though some may take longer for additional verification. You’ll receive an email notification once your visa is approved. It’s best to apply at least one week before your trip to allow time for review. Rush applications are typically unnecessary but may be considered for urgent travel.

Yes, all Saudi e-Visa applications automatically include mandatory travel health insurance, provided by Saudi-approved insurers. This covers basic medical needs during your stay, ensuring visitors meet entry requirements without purchasing separate coverage. The cost is included in your visa fee, so you don’t need to arrange additional travel insurance yourself.

Overstaying your visa is a violation of Saudi immigration law. Travelers who remain beyond the allowed stay period may face fines, deportation, or future entry bans. To avoid penalties, always check your visa’s expiration and leave before it ends. If an emergency prevents timely departure, contact local authorities or the Ministry of Interior immediately.

No, the tourist e-Visa does not allow travel for Hajj. U.S. citizens must apply for a special Hajj visa through an approved travel agency or consulate if they plan to perform the pilgrimage. However, you can still visit Saudi Arabia for tourism or Umrah before or after the Hajj period, provided your e-Visa remains valid.