Overview
Saudi nationals and other residents of Saudi Arabia who need a U.S. visa — tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F-1), exchange (J-1), immigrant, or other category — apply at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or at the Consulates General in Jeddah and Dhahran. Saudi Arabia is not on the Visa Waiver Program; all nationals require a visa to enter the United States. The embassy also provides consular services to the U.S. citizen community in the Kingdom, which includes professionals, academics, and their families. The embassy is located in the Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh.
Visa Services
The embassy and its two consulates (Jeddah, Dhahran) process nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories for Saudi Arabia residents. Common categories include B-1/B-2 tourist/business, F-1 student — Saudi Arabia has historically had one of the largest student populations in the United States — J-1 exchange, and all immigrant visas including family reunification. Appointments must be booked online via the USTravelDocs portal at ustraveldocs.com.
Consular Services
The American Citizen Services (ACS) unit provides passport renewals, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, notarial services, and emergency assistance to U.S. citizens living and working in Saudi Arabia. The unit serves professionals across a range of industries as well as their dependants.
Trade & Export Support
The U.S. Commercial Service promotes American exports to Saudi Arabia across sectors aligned with the country's Vision 2030 diversification plan, including healthcare, technology, entertainment, education, and infrastructure. It assists U.S. firms with market entry and major project opportunities.
Investment Opportunities
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving large-scale investment in infrastructure, entertainment, tourism, healthcare, technology, and renewable energy — including major projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project. The embassy supports U.S. firms seeking to participate in these projects and encourages Saudi investment into the United States via the SelectUSA programme.
Business Support
The embassy's Economic Section supports U.S. companies operating in Saudi Arabia, advising on investment climate, market access, and business regulations. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programme is generating significant commercial opportunities across multiple sectors for international businesses.
Cultural & Educational Programs
The Public Affairs section supports educational and cultural exchange programmes, including a large U.S. government-sponsored scholarship programme that has sent thousands of Saudi students to U.S. universities. Exchange programmes and English language initiatives foster ongoing people-to-people ties.
Appointment Information
All visa interviews and ACS services must be booked online via the USTravelDocs portal at ustraveldocs.com. Walk-in appointments are not available. Embassy: Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. Consulate General Jeddah and Consulate General Dhahran also process visas — check sa.usembassy.gov for jurisdiction details.
Special Notes
The embassy is located in the Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. All visitors are subject to security screening; electronic devices are not permitted. U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia should enrol in the STEP programme and review the current U.S. State Department travel advisory before travelling.