- Applying in person at the embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Via Mail to the Embassy's address: 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20037.
- Through the Embassy's authorized travel agencies.
- Visitors should not overstay their visas.
- Visitors must abide by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic laws and regulations, respecting social values and traditions at all times.
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s laws on drug trafficking are strictly enforced. Violators are subject to severe penalties, which may include the death penalty.
- Passports or documents may be dropped off at the Embassy in Washington between 9:30AM and 11:30AM on weekdays. Pick up is between 9:30AM and 1:00PM on weekdays. ...
- Please note schedule could change without notice. Ramadan business hours.
- Incomplete applications or passports will be returned to applicants without processing.
- Mailing passports: Include a pre-paid return label and envelope (from FedEx, UPS, or USPS only) with the return address label filled out completely. ...
- No cash, credit card, or personal check will be accepted.
Full Answer
Do Americans need a visa to visit Saudi?
There are many options, including business visas, diplomatic visas, and religious pilgrimage visas. From September 2019, American citizens have also been able to apply for a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia through a simple eVisa application, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate to obtain travel authorization.
Do I need a transit visa for Saudi Arabia?
One factor that can help to determine whether you, in fact, need a Saudi transit visa is the length of your stay. Generally, layovers shorter than 12 hours do not require a transit visa, while those longer than that do. Note that airline personnel may deny you boarding of your plane in the event that you try to transit through Saudi Arabia for longer than 12 hours without a transit visa, so it’s to your advantage to sort this out before you head to the airport.
How do you get a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. Through the fast and easy-to-use online portal, international visitors from 49 eligible countries can apply for an eVisa and discover the warm hospitality of Saudi people the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse and breathtaking landscapes; from the mountains of ...
Do you need a visa to go to Saudi Arabia?
You will need a visa to enter or travel through Saudi Arabia as a visitor. You can apply for a tourist visa online. Muslim tourists may perform Umrah on a tourist visa, but a separate visa is needed for Hajj. See separate guidance on the Umrah application process in the Pilgrimage section.
Do I need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, anyone travelling to Saudi Arabia, for any reason, will need to apply for a visa. The most common visa is the tourist visa, in which more than...
How do I apply for a Saudi visa?
If we want to apply for Hajj or Business visas, we can only process them from the consulate or embassy nearest to our place of residence. If we are...
Who needs a visa for Saudi Arabia?
More than 50 countries are included in the eVisa processing programme. If you are not eligible for this programme, you should contact your nearest...
What are the requirements to apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia?
The main requirement to apply for the e-Visa (online visa) is to belong to a nationality within the programme. If so, we must have a valid passport...
Can I change my Saudi Arabian visa once it has been processed?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to make changes to an application once it has been paid for unless the Saudi government finds a mistake or asks f...
How much does a visa to Saudi Arabia cost?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to make changes to an application once it has been paid for unless the Saudi government finds a mistake or asks f...
How far in advance do I need to apply for a Saudi Arabian visa?
The eVisa should not take more than 5-7 working days. There is an option for selecting an express visa which has a processing time of 1-2 business...
Are vaccinations required for travel to Saudi Arabia?
It is advisable to have the official vaccination schedule updated and to travel with the certificate. It is advisable to have your vaccinations at...
What is the currency of Saudi Arabia?
The currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR). It should be added that both euros and US dollars are accepted as well. - 1 euro = 4...
When is the best time to travel to Saudi Arabia?
The best time to travel to Saudi Arabia is from January to May and from September to December. These months have a pleasant climate with little to...
What are the requirements to apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia?
The main requirement to apply for the e-Visa ( online visa) is to belong to a nationality within the programme. If so , we must have a valid passport with an expiry date of more than 6 months from our entry to the country. We will need to attach a recent colour passport photo and have a credit card for payment of fees. When we apply for a visa, the Arab government will require us to take out medical insurance with one of the Saudi Arabian companies , which will cover us for any medical problems that may arise during our stay in the country.
How far in advance do I need to apply for a Saudi Arabian visa?
There is an option for selecting an express visa which has a processing time of 1-2 business days. It is still advisable to apply for a Saudi visa at least 15 days before your entry to the country. This will avoid any last-minute mishaps, or delays if having to send additional documentation requested by government authorities.
When is the best time to travel to Saudi Arabia?
The best time to travel to Saudi Arabia is from January to May and from September to December. These months have a pleasant climate with little to no rainfall. The average maximum temperature in Saudi Arabia is 42°C in July and 20°C in January.
Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is a very safe part of the Middle East. Although you should always be aware of your belongings, theft is not common. The area bordering Yemen should be avoided as there are often altercations. The biggest threat you will likely find in Saudi Arabia is the drivers. You will need to be more vigilant than usual when walking on a busy road, as drivers are known to use the side of the road.
What are the laws of Saudi Arabia?
It is essential never to forget that you are travelling to a Muslim country. You must be aware of local laws and customs, so as not to have any mishaps. Some specific laws to bear in mind:#N#- Saudi Arabian women must be dressed in abaya (traditional long black cloak), which is the local dress that covers the body but not the head. Tourists are not required to wear the local women's dress, but must be covered up to the ankles and wear long sleeves. It is not necessary for tourists to cover their hair.#N#- Men must wear long trousers and may wear a short-sleeved T-shirt.#N#- The form of greeting must be with a handshake, and never kisses or demonstrations of affection in public.#N#- It is not customary to enter a shop or restaurant during the hour of prayer.#N#- Alcohol is illegal, and you will not be able to drink even in 5-star hotels.#N#- No drugs of any kind are allowed as you may risk the death penalty.#N#- We should not speak out about our religious beliefs. Mention of being an atheist can lead to problems, as it is considered blasphemy and can be punished with imprisonment, or even death.#N#Some laws have taken a small step forward, such as:#N#- Men and women who are not immediate family members can now be together in public places. Previously this was not possible.#N#- Foreign women can travel independently throughout the country on their own or with whomever they wish.#N#- Women can now drive, and this includes renting a car alone. Previously, neither was possible.#N#Tips for all tourists in general:#N#- Tipping is not mandatory but is customary in restaurants and taxis (10%).#N#- In almost all souks, the prices quoted are usually double what a Saudi Arabian would pay, so travellers are expected to haggle. A good strategy is to start by offering half. If they let you go, you're already over the limit.#N#- In all Arab countries, they eat with their hands. If you intend to do the same, then it customary to do so exclusively with the right hand.#N#- Islam is widely misunderstood by Western cultures. Remember that people only want to live in peace with their people and their customs, regardless of religion. If you remove the prejudices, you will see that most Saudi Arabians love to receive tourism and to learn more about your culture.#N#Saudi Arabia is a very exotic country, with a very different culture than your own. Many things will undoubtedly be new and exciting, so it is important to look at the Arab-Muslim world as it is and not through the lens of our western culture. Be respectful when approaching its people and their customs, and only then draw your own conclusions.
Can a Muslim woman travel to Saudi Arabia alone?
The application must be made at a Saudi consulate. Muslim women cannot travel to Saudi Arabia alone. They must have a close male relative, aged 18 or older, to accompany them. Muslim women over age 45 may travel with a group of women of that age or older, if they are bringing a male group leader. Non-Muslim women do not have this restriction. They can travel alone or accompanied by whomever they wish.
Can I get a Saudi Arabian visa for business?
It is relevant for business persons, investors, managers, or representatives of a company from outside of the country. This visa can only be applied for through the Saudi Arabian consulate or embassy in the country where your legal residence is located.
How to apply for a tourist visa in Saudi Arabia?
Tourists from 49 eligible countries can apply for a tourist visa online through our fast and easy-to-use eVisa portal ahead of their trip, or upon arrival in Saudi Arabia through visa kiosks at immigration.
How old do you have to be to get a Saudi passport?
Minimum age of applicants is 18 years old. Underaged applicants require an individual above 18 years old to be the guardian. When applying, the passport validity must suffice for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia. Refund in case of rejection is not possible, visa fees are non-refundable.
How long can you stay in Saudi Arabia?
Visitors can acquire a multiple-entry visa valid for a year that will allow them to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The visa is relevant to tourism-related activities and Umrah ...
How long is a multiple entry visa valid?
A multiple entry visa is valid for a maximum of three months, regardless of whether you leave and re-enter the country during that period of time.
How long does it take to get an e-visa?
Time taken to issue an e-Visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases.
Can a US citizen apply for a Schengen visa?
Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas can apply for the visa upon arrival.
Do all airlines do visa checks before flying to Saudi Arabia?
Visa pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.
What is a referral note for a Saudi visa?
A visa referral note: indicating number and date of visa, issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or either of its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.
How long is a passport valid for?
Original passport valid for no less than six (6) months, with at least two (2) successive empty visa pages.
How long is a passport valid in Saudi Arabia?
A valid passport for a minimum of 6 months taking into consideration the agreements between Saudi Arabia and the other countries regarding the passport validation (example: US citizens).
Is Saudi Arabia open to the world?
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. Visitor will have the chance to discover and experience the warm hospitality of the Saudi people, the rich heritage, the vibrant culture, and Saudi Arabia's diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
How long does it take to get a Saudi visa?
Depending on where you are, you might be able to get the visa along with your passport by mail or in person. Usually, a family visit visa can take up to 3 days or more depending on each individual case. Note that Saudi Arabia has a list of approved agencies all over the world to apply for a visa.
How much Does a Saudi Family Visit Visa Cost?
The cost of Single Entry and Multiple Entry KSA Family Visit Visas are fixed at 300SR.
How to Apply Mofa Family Visit Visa?
A Saudi Family visit visa application is a process that involves separate processes for the family member living in Saudi Arabia and the applicant who is outside Saudi Arabia.
What is the deciding factor in the KSA family visa?
One of the deciding factors in the KSA Family Visa is the profession of the Iqama holder in KSA.
Can a Saudi family get a Mofa visa?
This means the following family members can’t get a Mofa family visit visa.
Who is the official partner for Saudi visa?
Etimad is the official partner to process your application and get the visa stamped. Note that they usually take your original documents like marriage certificate along with your passport and give it back once the visa is stamped. This is a sample Saudi visa for family visit.
Does MOFA visa have validity period?
I have been getting a lot of comments on this, so let me clarify. Not just the MOFA family visit visa, lots of visas in the world come with a validity period, and a duration.
How can I use Saudi Arabia e-Visa?
Travellers can use an electronic visa permit to Saudi only for the tourism purposes. If you are travelling to visit your family, friends, or to explore the country as a tourist, visa to Saudi Arabia will legalize your entrance.
How to check if I have a Saudi visa?
You can check your Saudi Visa status using this number. Log in to your account created upon applying and put the confirmation number to check the status of your e-Visa processing.
What is an e-visa in Saudi Arabia?
What is the Saudi Arabia e-Visa? The Saudi Arabia e-Visa is an electronic visa permit that allows its' holders to travel to Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in KSA introduced changes to their tourism policy to end their dependency on the oil industry.
How long is a Saudi passport valid?
a valid passport for at least six months ahead of the planned trip to Saudi. an active e-mail address onto which e-Visa is sent. a photograph of the applicant. Saudi Arabia e-Visa is valid for one year from the issuing date. However, once your passport expires, so does your e-Visa permit.
How long does it take to get an evisa in Saudi Arabia?
The application process can take up to 72 hours. Please note: Our company is not related to any government agency. We are an independent organization that helps individuals and legal entities with their administrative travel paperwork.
How many countries are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia?
Upon introduction of the changes to the tourism policy by the Saudi Arabian government, 49 countries are allowed entrance under the condition of having a Saudi Arabia Visa permit. Find a full list of countries eligible for an electronic visa to Saudi and see if you can apply online for an e-Visa to cross the Saudi border.
Do you need a visa to enter the Schengen Area?
You must be a holder of a valid visa for either USA/UK/ or any country of the Schengen Area. The visa must have been used at least once