Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for United States Citizens – How to Apply in 2026
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From the skyscrapers of New York and the monuments of D.C. to the futuristic skyline of Riyadh and the ancient wonders of AlUla, the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia is evolving from strictly business to a vibrant exchange of tourism and culture. Under "Vision 2030," the Kingdom has opened its doors wide to American travelers. The Saudi Arabia visa for US passport holders has been fully digitized, allowing US citizens to secure their entry permits online without the traditional paperwork or visits to the embassy.
This guide explains how US citizens can apply for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa in 2026, including eligibility, requirements, costs, processing times, and permitted activities.
Quick Overview for US Citizens:
Visa Type: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Validity: 1 Year (90 days per visit)
Application Method: 100% Online (No Embassy Visit)
Processing Time: 2–5 business days (Standard)
In 2026, the journey from the "Land of the Free" to the Kingdom is seamless. US citizens can now apply for a Saudi e-visa from the USA entirely online. Whether you are a consultant heading to Riyadh, an adventurer exploring the Red Sea, or a family visiting on a cultural exchange, this Saudi Arabia online visa for US citizens serves as your official entry authorization issued by the Kingdom.
At eviSAudi, we specialize in assisting travelers from North America. Our application checks follow the latest MOFA and Saudi Tourism Authority guidelines, ensuring American applicants receive accurate, up-to-date visa approvals without delays or rejections.
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Traveling from the USA to Saudi Arabia with an E-Tourist Visa (Flight Routes)
Connectivity between the US and Saudi Arabia is robust, with Saudia Airlines (a SkyTeam member) providing direct links from major US hubs, along with top-tier connections via global partners:
Direct Flights (Saudia): This is the most efficient route for holders of a Saudi tourist visa from USA. Saudia Airlines operates direct, non-stop flights to Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH) from: New York (JFK) Washington D.C. (IAD) Los Angeles (LAX)
Via Europe or Middle East: For travelers not near these hubs, connecting via London (British Airways), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), or Dubai/Doha (Emirates/Qatar Airways) offers excellent flexibility and premium service.
Alliance Benefits: Since Saudia is part of SkyTeam, US travelers flying Delta can often earn miles or book seamless connections through these partner networks.
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Financial Insights: US Dollar (USD) to Saudi Riyal (SAR)
For American travelers, the financial aspect of visiting Saudi Arabia is incredibly straightforward due to the currency peg.
The Peg Advantage: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US Dollar (USD) at a fixed rate of 1 USD = 3.75 SAR. This rate does not fluctuate, meaning you have zero exchange rate risk. Simple Math: To calculate the price in Dollars, simply divide the SAR price by 3.75 (or roughly divide by 4 for a quick estimate).
Banking Advice (Points & Miles): Credit Cards: Premium US cards like Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture are widely accepted in hotels, malls, and fine dining restaurants in Riyadh and Jeddah. American Express acceptance is growing rapidly in the Kingdom. The DCC Trap: When paying with your card, the terminal might ask if you want to pay in USD or SAR. ALWAYS choose SAR (Local Currency). Choosing USD triggers "Dynamic Currency Conversion," which results in a poor exchange rate.
Visa Payments: Our portal processes visa fees directly in USD, matching your bank account currency, so there are no surprise conversion fees for the application itself.
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Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa Cost & Processing Time for US Citizens
We offer a transparent, All-Inclusive fee structure specifically designed for the Saudi e-visa requirements for US citizens. Our fees cover the Government Visa Fee, Mandatory Medical Insurance, and our Professional Processing Service.
We provide two tailored options depending on your travel urgency:
Standard Processing ($185.00 USD): The ideal choice for travelers with planned itineraries. This service ensures your visa is processed and issued within 2–5 business days.
Express Priority Service ($250.00 USD): Designed for urgent travel needs or last-minute business trips. We fast-track your Saudi Arabia online visa USA application directly to the Ministry via our Urgent Express Visa service. Approvals are typically granted within 12–24 hours, and in many cases, even sooner.
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How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa from the USA
Applying for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa from the USA is a straightforward digital process. US citizens are required to complete an online application form, upload the necessary documents, and submit the visa fee securely. Once approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Saudi e-visa is issued electronically and sent directly to the applicant’s email address.
Critical Note on Middle Names: US passports almost always list a middle name.
Match the Code: Look at the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)—the two lines of text at the bottom of your passport photo page.
If your middle name is fully written in the top visual part but NOT in the bottom code lines (or is abbreviated in the code), you must prioritize the format shown in the MRZ code. However, in most cases, entering your full name as shown on the passport is the safest bet for US citizens.
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Saudi Arabia E-Visa Requirements for US Passport Holders
To ensure a 100% approval rate and avoid rejection due to strict Ministry standards, American citizens must provide the following digital items:
Valid Passport: Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into the Kingdom. Warning: Even though the US allows travel up to the expiration date for some countries, Saudi Arabia strictly enforces the 6-month rule.
Biometric Photograph: A recent, clear, color photo with a white background. (Selfies or photos with filters are not accepted).
Travel Information: A confirmed hotel booking or the address of your host in Saudi Arabia is required to complete the Saudi e-visa USA form.
Email Address: A valid email to receive the PDF visa file.
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What Can US Citizens Do with a Saudi E-Tourist Visa?
The Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa for US citizens allows travel for tourism, business meetings, conferences, family visits, leisure activities, and Umrah. It is a flexible document designed for modern travelers. However, please note that paid employment (working for a Saudi company), journalism, or permanent residency purposes are strictly prohibited under this visa category.
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FAQ: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for US Citizens
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Can US citizens apply for a Saudi e-visa online in 2026?
Yes. The United States is listed as a "Group A" eligible country. This means US citizens can complete the entire process online through our portal without visiting the Saudi Embassy in Washington D.C. or consulates in NY/LA. The Saudi Arabia visa for US passport holders is delivered as a PDF via email.
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Do US citizens need a return ticket for a Saudi e-visa?
A return or onward ticket is recommended but not mandatory at the application stage. However, Saudi border officials may request proof of onward travel upon arrival, so having a return flight itinerary is strongly advised for smooth entry.
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How long is the Saudi Arabia visa valid for US citizens?
The E-Tourist Visa is valid for 1 full year (365 days) from the date of issuance. It is a Multiple Entry visa, meaning you can fly from the US to Saudi Arabia as many times as you like. However, the maximum duration of stay per visit is 90 days.
Is travel insurance mandatory for the Saudi e-visa USA?
Yes, it is a requirement by Saudi Law. However, you do not need to buy it separately. We include the mandatory medical insurance recognized by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) automatically in your $185 or $250 application fee.