Saudi Arabia
United States
United States visa for Saudi citizens
Entry requirement
Saudi citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 4 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at sa.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Saudi Arabia
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- Consulate General of the United States in Jeddah
Al Safa Street, Jeddah
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All missions of the United States in Saudi Arabia
The United States has 4 missions in Saudi Arabia, with its embassy in Riyadh. Consulates: Jeddah and Dammam.
US visas issued to citizens of Saudi Arabia
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 54,435 | 48,331 |
| Student (F, M) | 6,363 | 5,096 |
| Exchange (J) | 756 | 635 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 746 | 667 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 936 | 871 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 6,582 | 7,488 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 6 | 9 |
| Total | 69,824 | 63,097 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 7.9% | 6.0% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 63,097 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Saudi Arabia, the 25th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 77%, diplomatic and official visas 12% and student visas 8%. That is 10% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (69,824).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Saudi Arabia received 18,900, 27% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 6.0% for citizens of Saudi Arabia in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 7.9%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Saudi Arabia anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Saudi Arabia.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia
United StatesSaudi Arabia Visa on arrival Saudi Arabia visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from Saudi Arabia to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long Saudi citizens can stay in the United States
How long Saudi citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Saudi citizens apply
In Saudi Arabia, applications go to the US embassy in Riyadh and the consulates in Jeddah and Dammam, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Saudi citizens
Canada and Mexico require Saudi citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia issues US citizens a visa on arrival for stays of up to 90 days, so nothing has to be arranged in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do Saudi citizens need a visa for the United States?
Saudi citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
Where is the US embassy in Saudi Arabia?
The US embassy in Saudi Arabia is in Riyadh; there are also consulates in Jeddah and Dammam.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia issues US citizens a visa on arrival for stays of up to 90 days, so nothing has to be arranged in advance.
Can Saudi citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Saudi citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.