Saudi Visit Visas for US Visa Holders: A Guide

Introduction

If there’s a part of the world you should consider visiting, it’s Saudi Arabia. It’s home to ancient trade routes, petroglyphs, mouthwatering food, scenic natural landscapes, and Islam’s most important religious sites. With its mix of old and new, it allows travelers to step back in time while relishing the comforts of luxurious modern living.

With Saudi Arabia opening its gates further to the world, US visa holders, in particular, can enjoy easy and convenient access to the country. What are the guidelines for obtaining a Saudi visit visa for US visa holders? In this article, we share important information about travelers’ eligibility, passport requirements, where they can apply for a Saudi visit visa, and more.

Getting a Saudi visa

If you currently have a valid US visa, you still need to apply for a Saudi visa. the good news is that US visa holders are eligible for Saudi’s electronic visa or e-visa.

Option 1: E-visa

The Saudi e-visa program, launched in September 2019, makes it easier for citizens from eligible countries such as the US to secure a Saudi visa. It allows foreign nationals entry into Saudi Arabia for various purposes such as tourism, business, and even Umrah.

Apart from eligible nationalities (including dual citizens from eligible countries), permanent residents in the US, EU, or the UK; holders of visit visas (Schengen, US, UK); and residents in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).

Application

Now that we know what an e-visa is, we can learn how to apply for a Saudi e-visa.

To apply for a Saudi e-visa, visit KSA Visa, Saudi Arabia’s unified visa applications platform, sign up for an account, provide their US visa information as well as their personal and passport information, pay for the insurance and visa application fees, and just wait for the e-visa to be e-mailed.

Visa fees

The cost of the Saudi e-visa will vary depending on the purpose of the travel, but for tourism purposes, the Saudi tourist e-visa costs SAR 535 (USD 142.64). As mentioned, the fee already includes the fee for the medical insurance selected during the e-visa application process. Note that the payment must be made in Saudi Riyals with an international debit or credit card.

Note that the visa fees are non-refundable in case the e-visa is rejected.

Validity

The Saudi e-visa will be valid for one year from the date of issuance and it will be valid for multiple entries. You can stay for a total of 3 months or 90 days in Saudi Arabia, as long as your US visa is still valid during your stay. Note that once you are granted a Saudi e-visa, it cannot be extended.

Processing time

Now that you’ve completed your online visa application form, it’s time to wait. The processing time can take anywhere between 1 minute to 3 business days. You’ll know if your visa has been approved once you receive an e-mail from KSA Visa.

Option 2: Visa on arrival

The next easy and convenient option is the visa on arrival issued upon a foreign national’s entry into a country. Note that although it is a quick and easy way to get a Saudi visa, it might be more practical to apply for a Saudi e-visa ahead of time to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Similar to the e-visa, those who hold eligible citizenship (including dual citizens); have active US, UK, or Schengen visit visas; are permanent residents of the US, UK, or the EU; as well as GCC nationals or residents can avail of a Saudi visa on arrival.

The Saudi visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from its issuance date. The multiple-entry visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. It allows the traveler to stay for a maximum of 90 days.

Option 3: Transit/Stopover Visa

There’s another way you can easily enter Saudi Arabia: the Saudi transit or stopover visa, which is open to all nationalities. It allows travelers to pass through Saudi land borders, airports, or ports. This is probably not the most ideal option for all, but it’s a good option if you are staying for less than four days in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers may opt to apply for a transit/stopover visa via Saudi Arabia’s Saudia or Flynas airlines by booking two flights with a suitable layover of between 12 to 96 hours. While the transit/stopover visa is free, it is still subject to administrative and medical insurance fees. Alternatively, travelers may apply for a standard transit/stopover visa via KSA Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article provides you with general information when it comes to your options for applying for a Saudi visa if you are a US visa holder. But you may still have other questions about traveling to Saudi Arabia. The following are answers to frequently asked questions.

Can US green card holders get a Saudi visa?

Yes, US green card holders can get a Saudi visa as the term is also used to refer to US permanent residents. They are eligible to apply for a Saudi e-visa or a visa on arrival to travel to Saudi Arabia. Alternatively, they may also consider applying for a Saudi transit/stopover visa, available to those with a layover in Saudi Arabia between 12 to 96 hours.

Can I use a tourist visa to come to work in Saudi Arabia?

No, you cannot replace the Saudi work visa with a Saudi tourist visa. But you can use the Saudi tourist visa for short business trips that include meetings, short conferences, workshops, and other activities that do not require a business contract.

Can tourists visit Makkah and Al Madinah?

The holy city of Makkah may only be visited by Muslims. Meanwhile, Al Madinah is open to all
tourists. Many locations around Makkah are also open to tourists to learn about Saudi Arabia’s local culture and history.

My visa application status says it is “pending with applicant”. What does this mean?

This means that your application might have missing information or there is a problem with your photo.
Does the selected guardian have to be with the child when entering Saudi Arabia?

The selected guardian is not required to enter Saudi Arabia with the child, so long as a first-degree relative will be accompanying the child, such as his/her father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, or grandmother.

How can I inquire about the insurance company?

To inquire about an insurance company, visit the website of Saudi Arabia’s Council of Health Insurance (CHI) and inquire about the health insurance with your passport number.

Can the e-visa be modified if there was a mistake in the tourist’s information?

No, it is not possible to modify an issued e-visa in case there are mistakes in the visa application information. If the mistake was other than nationality or passport number, then the issued tourist visa can be canceled.

Is it possible for your Saudi visa on arrival to be rejected?

Yes, it’s possible for a Saudi visa on arrival application to be rejected. Although there are clear guidelines on who is eligible for a Saudi visa on arrival, remember that any visa is a conditional document and the final say will have to come from the immigration officer.

Yes, it’s possible for a Saudi visa on arrival to be rejected. Some of the possible reasons may be insufficient documents, previous visa violations, inaccurate or incomplete personal information, falsification of travel history, health issues, or insufficient funds.

How far is Saudi Arabia from the US?

It depends on which specific locations from the two countries are being compared. For instance, the distance between Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, and New York City, is roughly 6,800 miles (around 10,940 kilometers); while the distance between Jeddah and Los Angeles is approximately 7,300 miles (about 11,750 kilometers).

Is it possible to amend my data after submitting the visa application?

You cannot make changes to a Saudi e-visa if there is a mistake in the visa holder’s declared information apart from his/her nationality or passport number. As you cannot modify an e-visa, it will need to be canceled and you will need to re-apply for a new e-visa.

If, however, the embassy issued the visa with an incorrect nationality or passport number, then a new visa with the correct nationality or passport number can be issued for a fee. It won’t be necessary to cancel or revoke the old visa.

Who is eligible for a family & friends visit visa?

Only legal Saudi residents or citizens with an Iqama (residence permit) can apply for a Saudi personal visit visa for their friends. A single-entry personal visit visa is valid for 90 days and a multiple-entry personal visit visa is valid for 365 days. Both single and multiple-entry personal visit visas are valid for total stay duration of 90 days.

What should I wear while I’m in Saudi Arabia?

Both men and women should dress modestly while in Saudi Arabia, otherwise they potentially face penalties. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or clothes displaying profane language or images. Women should cover their shoulders and knees when in public.

Generally, wearing long, loose tops, long pants or trousers, or long skirts up to the ankle is safe. The only time you should not abide by this rule is when the situation calls for different attire, such as when swimming. Similarly, choose to wear modest swimming attire.

Conclusion

As Saudi Arabia opens its gates further to the world, more travelers can expect to gain greater access to the country’s wealth of natural, religious, and architectural marvels. Its e-visa and visa-on-arrival programs, in particular, are great ways for eligible citizens, permanent residents, and visa holders to visit Saudi Arabia.

US visa holders have the privilege of being eligible for a Saudi e-visa or a visa on arrival. Alternatively, they may also apply for a transit/stopover visa if they are passing through Saudi Arabia with a layover of over 12 hours and below 96 hours.

For more information on how US visa holders can obtain a Saudi visa, visit KSA Visa.

Image by freepik