Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia travel guide for Americans
Americans need an eVisa (apply online before travel) for tourism; if you already have a visa, you can enter anytime. Change to a visa‑free entry only if you hold a valid Saudi residence permit.
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GuideSaudi Arabia
Key facts
- Visa typecheck
- eVisa (tourist) required
- Visa costcheck
- ≈ $80 USD
- Maximum staycheck
- 90 days per entry
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR) ≈ 0.27 USD
- Plug type
- Type G (UK three‑pin), 230 V 60 Hz
Quick answer
Apply for a Saudi eVisa online (about $80) before you travel. The eVisa is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries. No visa‑on‑arrival for US passports.
Entry requirements for US citizens
US passport holders must obtain a tourist eVisa through the official Saudi portal. The application asks for passport details, travel dates, and a credit‑card payment. Processing is usually within 24 hours.
A valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended stay) and proof of onward travel are required. No mandatory vaccination for entry, but COVID‑19 rules are currently lifted.
- Apply online at https://visa.visitsaudi.com
- Pay the fee (≈ $80 USD)
- Print the eVisa PDF or keep it on your phone
- Enter through any international airport (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) or land border
US Embassy contacts
The United States Embassy in Riyadh handles consular services, visa inquiries, and emergency assistance.
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia | +966 11 488 8800 |
Cost of a trip to Saudi Arabia (USD)
A mid‑range 10‑day itinerary (flights, accommodation, meals, transport) typically costs between $2,500 and $3,500 per person.
| Item | Estimated cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip flight from major US city | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Mid‑range hotel (per night) | $80–$150 |
| Meals (per day) | $30–$50 |
| Domestic flights (Riyadh‑Jeddah, Riyadh‑AlUla) | $150–$250 each |
| eVisa fee | $80 |
Flights from the United States
Major US hubs (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) have one‑stop flights to Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam, typically 14–18 hours total travel time including layover.
- Riyadh (RUH) – main gateway, 2‑hour layover in Europe or the Gulf
- Jeddah (JED) – good for Red Sea coast, similar travel time
- Dammam (DMM) – serves Eastern Province, same routing
Practical information
Electrical plugs are Type G; bring a universal adapter. The power supply is 230 V 60 Hz.
Tipping is not required; round up taxi fares or leave 10 % where a service charge is absent.
Emergency numbers: 911 for unified services, 999 police, 997 ambulance.
Questions people ask
Do Americans need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. US passport holders must obtain an online eVisa (tourist) before travel; no visa‑on‑arrival is offered.
How much does a trip to Saudi Arabia cost in USD?
A 10‑day mid‑range trip usually costs $2,500–$3,500, covering flights, hotels, meals, domestic transport and the $80 eVisa fee.
Where is the nearest United States embassy in Saudi Arabia?
The US Embassy is in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter; it handles consular services and emergencies for US citizens.
What plug type should I bring?
Saudi Arabia uses Type G (UK three‑pin) plugs; a universal adapter covering 230 V 60 Hz is recommended.
Is tipping expected in Saudi Arabia?
Tipping is not required; you may round up taxi fares or leave about 10 % in restaurants without a service charge.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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