How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Visa in Philadelphia

Philadelphia area tourists have been allowed to visit Saudi Arabia ever since the kingdom finally opened the door to leisure travelers in 2019, following decades when most visitors were businesspeople, government officials, Islamic pilgrims, and/or expatriates visiting family members.  The largest nation on the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia’s natural treasures range from the beaches of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf to its hot dry deserts, mountain ranges, grasslands, and forests (located in the Asir Mountains).

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy that has been ruled by the House of Saud for centuries.  The discovery of petroleum in 1938 transformed the area’s economy from one relying primarily on agriculture and religious tourism into becoming one of the richest countries in the world.  While oil, gas, and petrochemicals remain the linchpin of the Saudi economy, in recent years the country has expanded its service sector to prepare for a world that depends less on fossil fuels.  Other industries with potential for Philadelphia-based businesspeople include power, healthcare, information technology, telecommunications, water management, defense/security, and tourism, according to the U.S. State Department (https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/saudi-arabia-market-overview).  Under the Vision 2030 economic diversification initiative, the kingdom is spending billions of dollars to add more tourism infrastructure, including movie theaters, theme parks, retail malls, and sports facilities.

Aside from its oil wealth, Saudi Arabia is best known as the birthplace of Islam, the world’s second largest religion.  It is home to two of Islam’s most holy cities, Mecca and Medina, which can only be visited by Muslims.  Millions of travelers come to Mecca each year for the pilgrimages of Hajj (a five-day series of rites that usually fall in early July) and Umrah (a shorter series that can be performed at any time).  While the Muslim nation’s culture has traditionally been highly conservative, reform-minded Saudi rulers have made numerous changes in recent years to open their society to foreigners.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and largest city, is home to more than seven million residents who live in a modern metropolis at the center of the an-Nafud desert.  The city welcomes five million visitors annually, making it the second-most visited city in the Middle East.  The cultural hub of the country, Riyadh has preserved its centuries-long history in the Qasr Al-Hokm district.  The historic area includes the Masmak fortress and Murabba’ Palace.  The second largest Saudi city, Jeddah, is a modern commercial center with more than 300 gardens and one of the world’s tallest fountains.  Jeddah’s port district includes the Corniche, a series of promenades extending into the Red Sea, and the restored 100-room Naseef House.  The city’s proximity to the sea’s coral reefs also makes it a popular water sports destination.

The historical portion of Jeddah is also one of Saudi Arabia’s six UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Others include the Gate to Mecca; Al-Ahsa Oasis; Al-Hijr Archaeological Site; and the rock art and historic oases in the Hail region. “Saudi Arabia offers both natural and historical wonders, from the mountain resorts of Taif and the majesty of ancient Nabatean tombs to the multicolored coral reefs of the Red Sea,” the Saudi embassy stated on its website (https://www.saudiembassy.net/sports-and-recreation).  Other popular destinations include the holy city of Makkah, birthplace of the Prophet Mohammad; the ancient trading center of Najran, home to several museums, the Al-Ukhdood settlement, Al-An Palace, and Al-Madik Dam; 1.1-million-acre Asir National Park; and cultural festivals across the kingdom.  Outdoor recreation includes world-class scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, camping, and hiking.  While its Arabian horses are world-famous, the kingdom’s diverse range of terrestrial and marine wildlife includes gazelles, the ibex (goat), the Arabian Oryx (antelope), and – of course – camels.

Requirements for Obtaining a Saudi Arabia Visa

Citizens of the United States and most other countries are required to obtain a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. (Nationals of the five Gulf Cooperation Council countries and France can enter visa-free). U.S., Canadian, and those from 47 other countries can also apply for electronic tourist visas (eVisa).  The full list of eVisa-eligible countries is at https://www.saudiembassy.net/tourist-visa.

The main requirement to obtain any type of Saudi visa is holding a passport valid for least six months and containing at least one blank page.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires travelers to complete an approved COVID-19 vaccination schedule plus provide a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours before departure. (Current travel advisories from the U.S. State Department can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/saudi-arabia-travel-advisory.html.

The most popular types of Saudi visas for Philadelphia area travelers are tourist, business visit, and Umrah visas.  A list of all the visa types and details about each can be found at https://www.saudiembassy.net/visa-types.

Obtaining a Saudi Arabia Tourist Electronic Visa (eVisa)

Since 2019, tourists from the United States and 48 other countries have been eligible to apply for an eVisa to visit Saudi Arabia.  U.S., U.K., and EU citizens can also apply upon arrival at the Immigration Department offices in Saudi Arabia, but the easy, quick eVisa application is generally recommended to make sure you have no problems after you land.

The online application form and details about the eVisa are available by following the link found under “eVisa and Visa on Arrival” at https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/travel-regulations.  The minimum age is 18, unless the minor is accompanied by an adult who will act as guardian.  The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for one year from date of issuance, and allows stays of up to 90 days.

You will need to create an account, complete the application, and attach any required documentation through the link above.  Turnaround time is typically five to 30 minutes for eVisas.  The required fees are SAR 535 (about $143) for an eVisa and SAR 480 ($128) for visa on arrival.  Unlike the traditional visa, these fees include the cost of Saudi health insurance.  Fees are payable in Saudi riyals using an international credit card.

Obtaining a Conventional Business or Tourist Visa from Philadelphia

Philadelphia area residents can also obtain a tourist visa from the Saudi Arabia embassy in Washington, D.C, either in person or by mail; they can also visit one of the Saudi consulates in Houston, Los Angeles, or New York; or they can use Visa Supply or one of the authorized U.S. travel agencies listed at https://www.saudiembassy.net/visa-offices.  Visas are available to adults, or to minors traveling with an adult.

When you visit the Saudi government office or mail your package, you must provide:

  • Completed application.
  • Passport valid for at least six months.
  • Proof of accommodations (such as hotel reservations).
  • Roundtrip ticket and travel itinerary.
  • Health insurance purchased from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (Details are displayed during the application process.)
  • Proof of employment and financial solvency (such as bank statement).
  • COVID-19 documentation, as detailed on website below).
  • Non-refundable visa fee (see below).

The visa fee is SAR 300 and the insurance costs SAR 140, for a total of about $123.  The visa is valid for up to one full year (365 days) with a maximum 90-day duration of stay at one time and multiple entries.  Additional tourist visa details can be found at https://www.saudiembassy.net/tourist-visa.

The primary requirement for a business visa is that you must have a letter of invitation from a Saudi business.  This letter will state the embassy or consulate (written in Arabic) where you must submit your application.  Non-U.S. citizens must provide a green card or similar proof of residency.  Other requirements can be found at https://www.saudiembassy.net/business-visa-requirements.  You can submit your business visit visa application by mail or in person at the Washington embassy, or through an U.S. authorized travel agency shown at the link in the previous paragraph.

Obtaining a Umrah or Hajj Visa

Muslims living in the Philadelphia area who are planning a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca to perform the Umrah or Hajj rites must obtain a special visa through travel agents authorized by the Saudi government.  The list of approved travel agents can be found at https://www.saudiembassy.net/travel-agencies-hajj-and-umrah.  While Visa Supply can help U.S. citizens obtain the Umrah visa, foreign nationals must deal directly with an authorized travel agent to obtain their visa.

Obtaining a Transit eVisa from the Saudi Arabia Embassy

In February, the government launched a free four-day transit visa for passengers on the two Saudi airlines (Saudia Airlines and Flynas) who have stopovers in the country.  You can apply for the visa up to 90 days before you travel; it is valid for three months after issue.  The transit visa allows you to stay 96 hours in Saudi Arabia to visit sites, attend tourist events, or perform the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca (except during Hajj season).

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

Visa Supply can help you complete your application for any of these visas and answer your questions about visiting Saudi Arabia.  We also provide courier service to deliver your application and pick up your visa from the embassy in Washington or the Saudi consulates in Houston, Los Angeles, or New York.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Saudi Arabia.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

If you live in Philadelphia or anywhere in the state Pennsylvania and have difficulty applying for a Saudi Arabia visa, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Saudi Arabia visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents. 

We provide the following Saudi Arabia visa services for our customers in Philadelphia:

  • Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
  • Saudi Arabia Business Visa
  • Saudi Arabia Employment Visa
  • Saudi Arabia Person Visit Visa
  • Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa
  • Saudi Arabia Companion Visa
  • Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa
  • Saudi Arabia Government Visa
  • Saudi Arabia Diplomatic and Official Visa
  • Saudi Arabia Hotel Accommodations