Saudi Arabia eVisa Requirements for United States Citizens

The application process for United States citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia is straightforward and can be done from the comfort of the applicant’s own home. The only things United States nationals require to apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa are an internet connection and the items listed below.

To apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa, applicants will require the following:

• A passport-style photograph
• An up-to-date passport with at least six months’ validity from the applicants’ dates of travel
• A current email address
• A credit or debit card with which to pay the processing fee

The Saudi Arabia electronic visa form is simple to fill out and should take only around 10 minutes to complete. It is important that applicants complete the form correctly, inputting all the relevant information when applying so as not to delay the process.

Applicants will also be required to include information regarding their intended trip, such as dates of travel, flight details, and where they will be staying.

Once approved, the electronic visa is sent to the email address provided. It is also electronically linked to the US passport registered.

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is usually approved within 1-2 business days. It can occasionally take longer during busy travel times, so US passport holders should ensure they leave plenty of time to apply prior to travel. 

Once approved, the eVisa will grant the holder entry to Saudi Arabia via any of its seaports, certain airports and land border checkpoints. It is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. 

The holder should also ensure they print out a copy of the eVisa and carry it with them when traveling through the country in case border officials need to check it. They will need their passport and visa when entering the country.

For United States citizens wishing to visit Saudi Arabia for business purposes, study, or to relocate to the country should contact a Saudi Arabia embassy or consulate to find out more about different visas available and how to apply for them.

There are also special Hajj visas for those undertaking the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj visas are only available from the 8th to the 12th of the last month of the Muslim calendar each year. 

United States nationals who receive a Saudi Arabia electronic visa will also receive an insurance policy linked to their eVisa.

This is a compulsory requirement for United States tourists traveling to Saudi Arabia. An insurance provider is randomly assigned by the Saudi government at the moment the eVisa is processed.

Most tourists to the country will have Jeddah on their must-visit list: the ancient port town is packed with history and houses the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gate to Mecca. 

Another popular destination is the Asir Mountains in the southwest of the country, where visitors can trek through the unique forest terrain.

Yes, the Saudi eVisa also functions as an Umrah visa for US citizens. In addition to tourist activities, transit, or attending meetings, conferences, or workshops, you can perform Umrah with an online visa for Saudi Arabia.

You simply need to select the primary purpose of your travel as ‘Umrah’ when filling out the electronic visa application form. This is important so you will be prioritized for Umrah.

An approved online Umrah visa from the USA allows you to undertake this type of pilgrimage at any time of the year, except during Hajj season. This is during the final month of the Islamic calendar.

However, as the dates change every year, you should double-check that the Hajj season does not coincide with your trip for Umrah. Otherwise, you may have to apply for a separate visa through a specialized agency.