United States entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. There is no visa waiver or visa-on-arrival option for Saudi citizens. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia before traveling.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia. You need to complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an in-person interview. Wait times in Riyadh and Jeddah can be several weeks, so apply well ahead of your travel date.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Saudi passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. The US does not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | US immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary showing you leave the US before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're visiting for the first time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Bring recent bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. US officers rarely ask for this, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Saudi Arabian passport holders cannot enter the US without a visa. There is no visa waiver, no visa-on-arrival, and no electronic travel authorization (ESTA) option. Plan ahead — interview slots can fill up quickly.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into the US. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. Immigration at the border may deny entry if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 Form Online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out Form DS-160, upload a compliant photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the Visa Application Fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee through the approved payment methods (usually online via the embassy's website or at a local bank). Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule Your Interview
Create an account on the US Visa Appointment System, select the embassy (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dhahran), choose an available date, and book your slot. Wait times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on demand.
4
Attend the Interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and any supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip, ties to Saudi Arabia, and background. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for Visa Processing
If approved, your passport will be collected for visa stamping. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer. You'll receive instructions to pick up your passport or have it delivered.
6
Travel to the US
When you arrive at a US port of entry (airport, land border), a CBP officer will inspect your passport and may ask questions. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. 600 SAR)
Standard visa for tourism or business; must apply at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. 600 SAR)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (approx. 600 SAR) + SEVIS fee
For full-time study at accredited US institutions.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$190 USD (approx. 713 SAR) + other fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$190 USD filing fee + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection. Allows dual intent (immigration possible).
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace + OPT up to 3 years
$160 USD + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time academic study at SEVP-approved institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000+ USD investment + legal fees
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise that creates 10+ jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Varies by program (weeks to years)
$220 USD + program fees
For cultural exchange, research, or training programs. Requires a designated sponsor. May include a two-year home residency requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (approx. 600 SAR) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Saudi nationals. | $160 USD (approx. 600 SAR) |
| Stay extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. 1,388 SAR) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bans; avoid overstaying. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or expired documents25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Saudi nationals generally need a C-1 transit visa or a valid US visa to transit through the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain visa holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (B1/B2, F-1, etc.) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit through the US under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program if flying on a participating airline.
- Holders of a valid Green Card or US visa are exempt.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer and early fall, especially in rural areas.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Tick-borne; risk in wooded areas of Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Coast.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; safe food handling is recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service.
Los Angeles
USCIS Los Angeles Field Office
300 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
Practical information for SA travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process from submitting DS-160 to receiving your passport with visa typically takes 2–4 weeks, but interview wait times can be longer during peak seasons. Check the US embassy in Saudi Arabia's website for current appointment availability.
Yes, you can apply for an extension of stay with USCIS using Form I-539. You must file before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted in up to 6-month increments, but approval is not guaranteed. Overstaying can result in a ban.
You'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (most common). You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for refusal — typically insufficient ties to Saudi Arabia. There is no appeal process.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Saudi Arabia is not part of it). Even for a short layover, you need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. You must clear US customs and immigration at your first port of entry.
No. B-1/B-2 visas are for business meetings, conferences, tourism, or medical treatment. Any paid work for a US employer is prohibited. If you need to work, you must get the appropriate work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1).
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, one recent passport photo (if not uploaded), and any supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and invitation letters if applicable.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Saudi passport holders at any US port of entry. You must obtain a visa from a US embassy or consulate before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.