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Introduction:
Saudi Arabia is the most visited country in the Middle East, reportedly attracting over 27.4 million arrivals in 2023, showcasing an impressive comeback since the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions. Of these visitors, the majority came from the United States, making it the top source of international travel to Saudi Arabia.
As the number of travelers to Saudi Arabia is expected to grow over the coming years, many U.S. citizens are curious about the different types of visas and options available to them to ensure a hassle-free journey.
In this article, we will explain the different types of Saudi visa for U.S. citizens, who are applicable for each one, and the step-by-step process for applying for an e-visa.
Entry requirements
Prior to applying for an e-visa or obtaining a visa-on-arrival, travelers should ensure their passport is valid and a minimum of six months validity beyond the date of travel is recommended.
There are no COVID-19 related to Saudi Arabia visa requirements for US citizens. However, anyone who is planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj is required to submit a valid vaccination certificate with a quadrivalent (ACYW) meningococcal vaccine administered not less than 10 days prior to the planned arrival to Saudi Arabia.
Types of Saudi visa for U.S citizens
Depending on your reason for travel, whether for short-term or long-term purposes, the list below includes each type of Saudi visa for U.S. citizens.
Tourist visa
American citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia for tourism activities should apply online for the Saudi e-visa, which allows for multiple 90-day visits within the one-year Saudi e-visa validity period, or for a single 30-day entry that is valid for 3 months.
Processing times are typically very fast, with most applicants receiving their tourist e-visas within 24 hours. The tourist visa fee is 494 Saudi Riyal (equivalent to around 131 USD).
U.S. visitors are eligible for a visa-on-arrival at Saudi ports of entry, however, we recommend applying online before traveling to avoid potential delays.
Employment visa
U.S. nationals seeking employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia should apply for a Saudi employment visa.
This visa allows for a maximum 90-day stay in Saudi Arabia, during this time, travelers should apply for a Saudi residence permit through the Saudi Ministry of Labor. Along with the Saudi work permit, or Iqama, the Saudi residence permit allows American visitors the right to live and work in Saudi Arabia for 1 year.
On the condition that employment is maintained with the same Saudi employer, this visa can be extended. Work visas have a more detailed application process in comparison to other visas, which we will discuss in the section below.
Fees for this type of visa may range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, however, through sponsorship by the Saudi employer, this cost will be covered.
Residence visa
As mentioned above, American citizens, who are already in Saudi Arabia on a short-term visa and wish to live in Saudi Arabia long-term, should apply for the Saudi residence visa.
In terms of fees, several costs go into applying for this visa, such as visa processing fees, residency permit fees, medical examination fees, and sponsorship fees. The total typically ranges from 500 USD to 2,000 USD depending on individual circumstances.
Premium residency visa
U.S. citizens wishing to live and invest in Saudi Arabia should apply for the Saudi premium residency visa, which allows American nationals to reside, own property, invest, work, change jobs, hire foreign workers, sponsor family, and enter and exit Saudi Arabia, without the need for a Saudi sponsor.
Premium residency visas can be applied for via the Saudi government website, and there are different options including limited and unlimited durations.
The limited period is valid for one to five years and is renewable for 100,000 Saudi riyals per year (around 27,000 USD). For those who apply for a Saudi Premium Residency for more than one year, a 2% discount is offered on the fees, but payment must be made in advance to benefit from the cumulative discount.
For U.S citizens seeking permanent residence for an unlimited period, you can pay a one-time fee of 800,000 Saudi riyals (around 213,500 USD), allowing you to enjoy Premium Residency benefits indefinitely.
The holder of the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency is permitted to add eligible family members (including a spouse, children under the age of 25, and parents, regardless of their number), who will also be granted Premium Residency status in Saudi Arabia without any additional fees.
Business visit visa
Saudi companies wishing to host an American citizen for business activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or corporate visits, should apply on behalf of the American visitor. Fees for this type of visa range from approximately 100 USD to 500 USD.
Family visit visa
This visa is for Saudi nationals or legal residents wishing to host a first-degree relative for a short-term visit to Saudi Arabia can apply for the Saudi family visit visa on behalf of the American visitor.
Typically, the Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa fee will range from anywhere between $50 to $200. Applicants may need to pay additional fees for services such as medical insurance, document attestation, and translation of supporting documents.
Personal visit visa
This visa is for Saudi nationals wishing to host an American visitor in Saudi Arabia for a short-term, non-business, non-family visit to Saudi Arabia. Costs vary based on processing times and service fees.
Government visa
U.S. citizens who are invited by a Saudi Arabian government institution, ministry, or department, can apply for a Saudi government visa.
Diplomatic missions & organizations
U.S. citizens visiting a Saudi Arabian mission or organization should apply for a Saudi diplomatic missions and organizations visa.
Hajj visa
American Muslims wishing to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage purposes should apply for a Saudi Hajj visa. Applications for Hajj visas are restricted to the Hajj season only and tourism activities are not allowed when visiting with this visa type. The Hajj Visa is typically free of charge, however, there are associated costs such as accommodation and other services.
Umrah visa
American Muslims, wishing to visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrimage purposes, should apply for a Saudi Umrah visa. Umrah visas are available year-round.
Saudi Arabia visa fees for Umrah are generally lower compared to the Hajj Visa and typically range from approximately 100 USD to 150 USD. Additional charges may include visa processing and other services provided by the travel agency or tour operator.
Student visa
American citizens enrolled in a Saudi Arabian educational institution should apply for a Saudi student visa. The fees for this visa vary based on the duration of study and the educational institution, however, it is common for the price of this visa to be anywhere from 100 USD to 500 USD.
Companion visa
U.S. citizens wishing to accompany another person on a trip to Saudi Arabia should apply for a Saudi companion visa.
Newborn visa
American parents, who have a valid Saudi work permit (Iqama), and the mother of the child has a valid re-entry visa into Saudi Arabia should apply for the Saudi newborn visa.
Diplomatic and official visas
Official or diplomatic American citizens should apply for a Saudi diplomatic and official visa. Diplomatic and Official Visas are often exempt from visa fees or may be subject to reduced fees as part of diplomatic or official protocols, although there may be administrative fees or service charges that still need to be paid.
Extension of exit/re-entry visa
American employees and their dependents wishing to travel to and from Saudi Arabia for a specific period of time should apply for the Saudi extension of exit/re-entry visa. The cost of an ERE permit is SAR 200 (around 53 USD) for a two-month, single trip and an additional SAR 100 (around 26 USD) is charged for each extra month requested.
Transit visa
American travelers on a layover in Saudi Arabia for more than 12 hours should apply for a Saudi transit visa. U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia for less than 12 hours do not need a Saudi transit visa.
Transit visa fees are typically approximately 20 USD to 100 USD. Additional fees may be required for expedited processing or extended transit stays.
What is the step-by-step process when applying for a Saudi visa for U.S. citizens?
Unless stated otherwise, the majority of visas can be applied for online.
Step one: Fill out the online Saudi e-visa application form, including personal data, passport details, and other requested information.
Applications will also ask for a personal colour photo on a white background, 2×2 inches, 5 to 100kb, natural facial expressions, no eyeglasses, and no headwear, except for religious reasons. Guidelines for accepted photos can be found on the Saudi Arabia embassy website.
Step two: Pay the Saudi e-visa online fees with a valid credit or debit card.
Step three: The approved Saudi e-visa will be sent to the email provided. You should check that all information on the Saudi e-visa is correct and matches your American passport.
What is the step-by-step process when applying for a Saudi work visa for U.S. citizens?
The application for a work visa is more detailed, and applicants will require a copy of their diploma, 3 copies of their health report, purchase of medical insurance in Saudi Arabia, a copy of a sponsorship letter and employment contract, a recent and detailed police report and a passport which is valid for 6 months from the date of travel to Saudi Arabia, with 2 blank pages that are facing each other.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is responsible for issuing a visa authorisation number, and digital power of attorney from the Saudi employer, certifying the employment contract and issuing a visa referral note.
Step one: The Saudi employer applies to MOFA for a Saudi work visa on the American worker’s behalf.
Travelers are then required to fill out the Saudi work visa application on the Saudi MOFA portal, including personal data and other requested information.
The applicant then prints out the Saudi work visa application form, signs it, and affixes their personal photos, before paying the Saudi work visa fees securely online at the Saudi MOFA portal.
Step two: Submit the Saudi job visa application and required documents by mail or in person at the nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or consulate.
Step three: Receive the approved Saudi work visa from the Saudi Arabia embassy or consulate and check that all information on the Saudi e-visa is correct and matches your American passport.
Step four: During the 90-day permitted stay in Saudi Arabia, you should then apply for a Residence permit via the government website.
