Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism and the threat of missile attacks on civilian targets.
Do not travel to:
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and Western government interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners.
Rebel groups operating in Yemen have fired long-range missiles into Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting populated areas and civilian infrastructure; they have publicly stated their intent to continue doing so. Missile attacks have targeted major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, Riyadh’s international airport, Saudi Aramco facilities, and vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following locations as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to:
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
Yemen Border
Violence in Yemen has spilled over into Saudi Arabia on a number of occasions. Rebel forces in Yemen fire artillery at Saudi border towns and launch cross-border attacks against Saudi military personnel. Civilians who are near the border with Yemen are at risk.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to this area.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas
One page required for entry stamp.
Yes
The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street
Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
RiyadhACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah
Falasteen Street intersecting with Al-Andalus Street,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Emergency Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Fax: (966) (12) 669-3098
JeddahACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran
Between KFUPM and King Abdulaziz Airbase,
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816
DhahranACS@state.gov
Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Saudi Arabia for information on U.S. – Saudi Arabia relations
See the Embassy of Saudi Arabia’s website for visa information.
Saudi Requirements:
Further information can be found on the website of the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia.
Do not enter the country on a Saudi laissez-passer (temporary travel document), or you may encounter difficulty leaving the Kingdom. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a Saudi passport or a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer.
Saudi embassies do not have the authority to adjudicate citizenship claims or issue passports, but they may issue a laissez-passer for presumed Saudi citizens for whom citizenship has not been adjudicated, such as children of a Saudi parent or parents who were married outside of Saudi Arabia. Once admitted to Saudi Arabia on a laissez-passer, the traveler must obtain a Saudi passport before leaving the country. Saudi nationality is not conferred quickly or easily, and the processing time for a Saudi passport in these cases has often been six months or years in some cases. Obtaining a U.S. passport will not help, as you will not be able to leave Saudi Arabia without an exit visa which will not be granted if you entered as a Saudi citizen.
Saudi Arabia does not recognize dual nationality. Saudi Arabia has occasionally denied consular access to dual Saudi-U.S. citizens. At times, Saudi authorities have confiscated the U.S. passports of U.S-Saudi dual nationals applying for Saudi citizenship. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship. If this happens to you or someone you know, report the incident to the U.S. Embassy.
Length of Stay: Upon arrival, confirm your permitted length of stay with Saudi immigration authorities. Dates are calculated in accordance with the Hijri calendar, which is significantly different from the Gregorian calendar.
If you overstay your visa, you could face significant fines, detention, and/or deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. Embassy is unable to intercede, reduce fines, or prevent incarceration if you violate Saudi law.
Travel Bans: When placed under a travel ban, you cannot exit the country, even if you are a U.S. citizen. Travel bans are rigidly enforced and can take months or even years to resolve. Only Saudi Arabian authorities and sponsors can remove travel bans.
The government may issue travel bans on people who are/have:
Private Saudi citizens may also initiate travel bans against expatriate citizens for various reasons.
Yemen Travel: We strongly advise U.S. citizens against travel to Yemen due to the ongoing conflict in that country. See our Yemen Crisis webpage for further information.
Residency Permits: If you are seeking residency in Saudi Arabia, make sure you have all required legal documents authenticated before arriving. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh nor the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran can provide this service.
You should have all U.S. issued documents authenticated by the Department of State Office of Authentications (202-485-8000), and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington D.C.
Work Visas: If you plan on working in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a work visa before you arrive. If you work on another visa type, you risk substantial financial penalties, detention, deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia. Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia are subject to the country’s sponsorship system, which concedes substantial legal authority over the worker to the employer. This can include the ability to prevent the employee from leaving the country. American citizens considering working in Saudi Arabia should carefully review the information about employment in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section below.
HIV/AIDS: To obtain work and residence permits, you are required to obtain a medical report or physical examination confirming that you are free from contagious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. If you test positive for HIV/AIDS, you will not be allowed to work in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has not imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on other categories of travelers. Please inquire directly with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia before you travel.
Vaccinations: Visitors to Saudi Arabia should check vaccination requirements at the Saudi Ministry of Health website.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international parental child abduction, and customs regulations on our website.
Qatar Travel: All land border crossings with Qatar have been closed and there are no direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Qatar due to an ongoing political dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar since June 2017.
The Department of State advises you to exercise increased caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia due to terrorism and the threat of missile attacks on civilian targets. See the Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia here.
Do not travel:
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and Western government interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners.
Rebel groups operating in Yemen have fired long-range missiles into Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting populated areas and civilian infrastructure; they have publicly stated their intent to continue doing so. Missile attacks have targeted major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, Riyadh’s international airport, Aramco facilities, and vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following locations as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to:
You can find additional details relating to safety and security in our Travel Advisory and Alerts and the website of the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia.
Crime: Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years, but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States.
See the websites of the Department of State and the FBI for information on scams.
Victims of Crime: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, you should contact the local police at “999” and contact the Embassy in Riyadh or one of the Consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: If you are in danger or have been a victim of domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, you should contact the local Saudi police by calling “999.” You can also contact the Saudi National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing “1919.” The Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development runs a series of shelters for women and children. Contacting the domestic violence hotline (“1919”) is the only way to access these shelters. The Saudi National Family Safety Program also runs a Child Help Line “116111” and can assist children in accessing Saudi social services.
Instances of domestic violence can also be reported to the police. When reporting domestic violence, it is imperative to get a case reference number as all Saudi social and legal assistance is tied to this case number. It is also a good idea to document any injuries and obtain a copy of any medical reports.
U.S. citizens should be advised that filing a police report or utilizing any Saudi victims’ assistance services may result in the Saudi authorities informing your sponsor or guardian.
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance though they are unable to provide direct legal, law enforcement, or medical assistance. Please see our page for U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime.
For Further Information:
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, imprisoned, subject to corporal punishments, or even executed. Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, public floggings, and deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking is death.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. In the case of dual nationals, the Saudi Government may recognize only the nationality of the document used to enter the Kingdom. Suspects may be detained without charges or legal counsel and with limited access to a consular officer for months during the investigative stage of criminal cases. See our webpage for further information.
Faith-Related Travel Issues: Islam is the official religion of the country and is present in all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. See our Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet.
LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations, even when consensual, are criminalized in Saudi Arabia. Violations of Saudi laws governing perceived expressions of, or support for, same-sex sexual relations, including on social media, may be subject to severe punishment. Potential penalties include fines, jail time, or death. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is generally found in the United States. Saudi law does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities and there is no legislation requiring public accessibility. Newer commercial and government buildings, however, often include such access. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, there are numerous government-sponsored centers for people with disabilities. Note that Saudi Arabia has limited infrastructure to care for those with mental disabilities.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Residents and Travelers: Married women, including non-Saudis, require their husband's permission to depart the country, while unmarried women and children require the permission of their father or male guardian.
Minor children must have their father’s permission in order to leave the Kingdom. Children visiting their fathers in Saudi Arabia, even when there is a custody agreement, can be prevented from leaving unless the father consents. This is true even if the child is an American citizen. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot obtain exit visas for the departure of minor children without their father/guardian's permission.
Foreign mothers of Saudi children, regardless of marital status, may apply for five-year permanent residency permits without the need for a sponsor. To do so, they must prove maternity and that they are (or were) legally married to the Saudi father. If a foreigner and a Saudi living in Saudi Arabia divorce, Saudi courts rarely grant permission for the foreign parent to leave the country with the children born during the marriage, even if he or she has been granted physical custody.
Also see our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Employment: The Arabic text of a contract governs employment and business arrangements under Saudi law. Verbal assurances or side letters are not binding under Saudi law. In the event of any contract dispute, Saudi authorities refer to the written contract.
Customs:
Importing Animals: The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia.
Teaching English in Saudi Arabia: English teachers comprise a large segment of the U.S. expatriate population in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, increasing numbers of American teachers have experienced contractual and other problems. Dozens of teachers have complained about arbitrary dismissals, difficult living conditions, salary arrears, unwanted reassignments, restrictions on their movement, and inability to leave the country. Prospective teachers in Saudi Arabia should vet their potential employer and carefully review their employment offer as well as the detailed information found in our Guide to Teaching English in Saudi Arabia.
Prospective teachers should also take care to make sure that they obtain the appropriate work visa prior to coming to Saudi Arabia. Employers of English teachers have been known to issue short-term, single-entry work visas that coincide with a 90-day “probation” window, during which time the employee or employer can freely end the working relationship. Such visas do not grant the applicant the right to work or to reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Foreign employees must leave the country soon after dismissal or face deportation proceedings. Dismissed employees have little, if any, recourse or grounds for appeal and the Embassy and Consulates General cannot interfere in private commercial disputes.
Standards of Conduct and Religious Police: Norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are extremely conservative, and the religious police, referred to colloquially as the mutawwa or al-hay’a, are charged with enforcing these standards.
In most areas of Saudi Arabia, and particularly in Riyadh and the central part of the Kingdom, women wear a full-length black covering known as an abaya, and cover their heads. Women who choose not to conform to this dress code face a risk of confrontation by mutawwa and possible detention/arrest. Men should also dress conservatively, and not wear shorts in public or go without a shirt.
Many areas of life in Saudi Arabia are segregated by sex to ensure that unrelated men and women have no possibility of mingling (a punishable crime). Some mutawwa try to enforce this by asking for proof that a couple is married or related. Women who are arrested for socializing with a man who is not a relative may be charged with prostitution. Some restaurants, particularly fast-food outlets, refuse to serve women who are not accompanied by a close male relative. In addition, some restaurants or cafes do not have a "family section" in which women are permitted to eat. Men not accompanied by a close female family member are not allowed to enter family sections and cannot use services (such as registers at supermarkets) designated as “family.” These restrictions are not always posted.
Dancing, playing music, and showing movies in public are forbidden.
Photography: The Saudi government does not permit photography of governmental facilities such as military bases and government buildings nor military, security, or police personnel. The Saudi government is also sensitive to photographs that may be perceived as portraying the country in an unfavorable light. This policy can include photos of mosques, impoverished areas, the local population, and traditional souks (markets). You should not take anyone’s picture without clear consent, and never take a picture of a woman or a place where women congregate. Be aware of local sensitivities whenever you are taking pictures in public. U.S. Citizens have been routinely detained for violating these policies. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General are unable to intervene if a violation of law occurs.
The Hajj and Umrah: Please review the Department of State’s Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet for useful information on traveling to perform the Hajj or Umrah.
Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage.
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For further health information, go to:
HEALTH
Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage.
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For further health information, go to:
HEALTH
Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage.
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For further health information, go to:
HEALTH
Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage.
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For further health information, go to:
Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Saudi Arabia can be hazardous due to speeding and aggressive driving, lax enforcement of traffic regulations, and a high volume of traffic.
With a valid visitor visa and U.S. driver’s license, male visitors may drive a rental car. To drive vehicles other than rental cars, a Saudi driver’s license, appropriate car registration, and auto insurance are required. Police may detain you if you cannot produce these documents.
Although a September 2017 royal decree announced that women would be allowed to drive in the future, as of the date of this document, only males are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia.
See the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior website for further information.
Traffic Laws:
Public Transportation:
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of Saudi Arabia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page.
Information for Mariners:
Mariners should also review U.S. maritime alerts and advisories on the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A SPECIFIC CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPROPRIATE FOREIGN AUTHORITIES OR FOREIGN COUNSEL.
The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street
Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
RiyadhACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah
Falasteen Street intersecting with Al-Andalus Street,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Emergency Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Fax: (966) (12) 669-3098
JeddahACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran
Between KFUPM and King Abdulaziz Airbase,
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816
DhahranACS@state.gov
The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street
Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
RiyadhACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah
Falasteen Street intersecting with Al-Andalus Street,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Emergency Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Fax: (966) (12) 669-3098
JeddahACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran
Between KFUPM and King Abdulaziz Airbase,
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816
DhahranACS@state.gov
For information concerning travel to Saudi Arabia, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The report is located here.
Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Saudi Arabia and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Saudi Arabia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children's Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children's Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.
Contact information:
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website
Email: AskCI@state.gov
Parental child abduction may be considered a crime in Saudi Arabia depending on the circumstances surrounding the child's removal. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney in Saudi Arabia to determine if their particular case qualifies as a crime under Saudi Arabian law.
Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Saudi Arabia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Office of Children's Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States. Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Saudi Arabia for information and possible assistance.
Neither the Office of Children's Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Saudi Arabia are authorized to provide legal advice.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney.The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.
The Child Protection Section, a department of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Social Affairs, plays a role based on Sharia law in mediating family dispute cases involving children. Parents may contact the Child Protection Section by telephone at +966-1-477-8888 (ext 1559) or by email at mosa@mosa.gov.sa.
While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:
The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.
To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.
For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.
Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.
For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.
Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Saudi Arabia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
Adoption in Saudi Arabia is illegal and strictly forbidden. There is no Saudi Arabian adoption authority.
Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.
Please visit the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Embassy Riyadh's website for information on consular services.
Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| C-1/D | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| H-1B | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-1C | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-2A | $800.00 | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2B | $800.00 | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2R | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-3 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-4 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| I | $7.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-2 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| O-2 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| O-3 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-1 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-2 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-3 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-4 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| Q-1 6 | $50.00 | One | 3 Months 3 |
| R-1 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| R-2 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.
Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
There are no general documents.
Available: At time of birth. Sometimes hospitals are able to reproduce birth certificates and/or endorse copies at a later time.
Fees: Fees can vary from hospital to hospital.
Document Name: Birth Certificate/ Birth Certificate for Non-Saudis. Older versions of the birth certificate are either paper documents or small booklets. Either of these is acceptable for immigration purposes. In the past, Saudi authorities would issue a ‘temporary’ birth certificate and hold the permanent document until the baby completed its vaccinations. These temporary birth certificates are also acceptable. For recent newborns, Saudi Authorities issue certificates in the shape of large notecards. These are acceptable for immigration purposes. When a baby is born, the hospital issues a birth notification to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The parents can then receive the birth certificate from the Ministry.
Issuing Authority: Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs, Ministry of Interior
Special Seal(s) / Color/Format: Civil Affairs Seal; Color white (older version green)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Varies. Sometimes issued by a magistrate, sometimes a registrar. The document may have a signature or name stamp.
Registration Criteria: Parents must hold valid identification. For non-Saudis, both parents need to be legally-documented (iqama-holding) residents of KSA in order to obtain a birth certificate. The Iqama is the Saudi legal residency card for non-Saudis.
Procedure for Obtaining: Request at the Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs (Al Ahwal Al Mudniyah) office in district of residence. The Ministry will require a birth notification from the hospital where the baby was born and parents’ valid identification. Appointment can be made online: moi.gov.sa
Certified Copies Available: The Saudi government will authenticate copies of the birth certificate, provided that the requester presents a copy of the original document to the Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs.
Alternate Documents: In lieu of birth certificates (in cases where a birth certificate is not available) the nationality card (Tabiya) should be used. Tabiyas are only available to Saudis.
Exceptions: Birth certificates are not available to persons born prior to 1968.
Comments: Birth certificates issued by embassies or foreign missions in Saudi Arabia are not acceptable for immigration purposes. However, third country nationals living in Saudi Arabia originating in countries experiencing serious civil unrest (such as Yemen or Syria) may approach a special office in their embassy to obtain a birth certificate. To be considered, two signed affidavits of birth must accompany these birth certificates.
Available
Fees: Varies
Document Name: Death Certificate / Death Certificate for Non-Saudis
Issuing Authority: Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs, Ministry of Interior
Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: Civil Affairs Seal; Color white/blue
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Varies
Registration Criteria: Police report, burial letter from the cemetery, identification documents
Procedure for Obtaining: Request from the Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs in district of residence. Requester must provide: Ministry of Interior Police Report, burial letter from the cemetery, and identification documents. Appointment can be made online: moi.gov.sa
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies by Sharia Court are available (see below sections).
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available: Marriages in Saudi Arabia are conducted in accordance with Sharia (Islamic) law.
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Marriage Certificate/ Marriage Certificate for Non-Saudis/ Marriage Contract
Issuing Authority: Sharia courts. Sharia courts fall under the Ministry of Justice.
Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: There are two main documents to consider: the marriage certificate and the marriage contract. The marriage contract deals with arrangements to include dowries, names of witnesses, and other legal details of the marriage. The marriage certificate is a simplified document without the financial details. Either are acceptable documents for immigration purposes. The marriage certificate is a small booklet with a green cover. The marriage contract is a document, currently issued on A4 letterhead. A Saudi-issued marriage contract has the Ministry of Justice logo (a small picture of a book) in the top margin. Older versions of the marriage contract are printed on oversize stock paper (approximately 11x28 size). Non-Saudi Sharia Court marriages may be recorded with different documents (see exceptions).
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Sharia Court, Ministry of Justice. Islamic weddings are performed by a judge.
Registration Criteria: In accordance with Islamic laws, two witnesses must be present at the marriage.
Procedure for Obtaining: Sharia courts issue marriage and divorce certificates. Every district in Saudi Arabia has its own Sharia Court. Depending on the size of the court in that district, there may be a Personal Affairs Office under the Sharia Court which deals with marriage certificates.
Certified Copies Available: Contact the Sharia Court by phone or E-mail.
Alternate Documents: Authenticated copies of the certificate are available, provided the requester presents to the court a copy of the original document. These authenticated copies are acceptable for immigration purposes. Once the Sharia Court verifies the copy with their records, the judge will stamp the document with his seal. The seal’s pattern and color vary.
Exceptions: Only the Saudi government is authorized to create legally-binding marriages that are valid for immigration purposes. In the cases of third country nationals who get married outside of a Sharia Court in Saudi Arabia, that marriage must be endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are MOFA offices located in most major cities. For example, a third country national who performs his/her wedding ceremony at their embassy in Saudi Arabia must have their wedding certificate and/or marriage contract endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will affix a small stamp with two crossed sabers and a tree on it when they endorse the document.
Of note, under Sharia law in Saudi Arabia, women are not permitted to remarry after the death of their husbands until four months and ten days have elapsed.
Comments: If a copy of the original document cannot be presented, the court can only state it has confirmed details of the marriage or divorce based on its records. This would be acceptable for immigration purposes.
Available: Divorces are conducted in accordance with Sharia (Islamic) law.
Fees: Varies
Document Name: Divorce Deed
Issuing Authority: Sharia courts
Special Seal(s)/Color /Format: Saudi-issued divorce certificates come from the Ministry of Justice and bear a court seal. The document is issued on A4 letterhead with the Ministry of Justice logo (small book symbol) on the top. Older versions of the divorce certificate are printed on oversize stock paper (approximately 11x28 in size).
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Justice Clerk and/or Judge
Registration Criteria: Both parties or their representative must attend in person and deliberate after the initial oral divorce pronouncement by the husband is made.
Procedure for Obtaining: Sharia courts issue marriage and divorce certificates. Every district in Saudi Arabia has its own Sharia Court. Depending on the size of the court in that district, there may be a Personal Affairs Office under the Sharia Court which deals with the divorce certificates.
Certified Copies Available: Requester should contact the Sharia Court by phone or online.
Alternate Documents: Authenticated copies of the certificate are available, provided the requester presents the court a copy of the original document.
Exceptions: Divorces conducted outside of Saudi Sharia Courts (such as at a foreign embassy or consulate) may have a different appearance. However, a divorce conducted outside of the Saudi Sharia courts (for a marriage carried out within Saudi Arabia) must be endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be legal for immigration purposes. A Saudi official will place a stamp on the document with two crossed sabers and a tree.
Comments: If a copy of the original document cannot be presented, the court can only state it has confirmed details of the marriage or divorce based on its records. To be acceptable for immigration purposes, there are some additional criteria depending on the type of divorce. The first set of criteria applies to the talaq type of Islamic divorce. Talaq is the unilateral pronouncement by a man that he divorces his wife. Typically, these types of divorces are identifiable in the divorce document by the phrase “talaq, talaq, talaq,” or use of the modifier “revocable” in the divorce contract. If the husband pronounces “talaq” the divorce is valid, but revocable for a period of three menstrual cycles (iddah). Officially, this period of time corresponds to 90 days. If he says “talaq” privately, the divorce is still valid, but witnesses are required to authenticate the divorce in writing. During the iddah waiting period the parties can reconcile, which effectively revokes the divorce. Talaq divorces must specify both the registration date and its later authentication. The registration date is when the divorce proceedings began (typically when the husband initially pronounces divorce). The authentication date is when an official confirms that the iddah has passed and the divorce is both final and irrevocable. If there is no authentication date on the document, then any subsequent marriage within the 90-day period of the registration date are not acceptable for immigration purposes.
Typically, Saudi courts will only issue divorce certificates after the iddah period has passed. These divorce certificates will specify that the 90 day period has passed and the divorce is final. However, this can vary based on the different grievances of both parties, how property was divided, etc. In summary, divorce certificates that are generated in Saudi Arabia are acceptable for immigration purposes if they (1) demonstrate that both parties are informed of the divorce (2) are issued or endorsed by the Saudi government (3) and clearly show that the divorce is final/irrevocable.
Unavailable: Adoption in Saudi Arabia is not legal. In Islamic tradition, a surviving family member may be granted guardianship, but parentage cannot change. Guardianship is not acceptable for immigration purposes.
For non-Saudis, residence cards (Iqamas) are typically arranged by the employer. The employer becomes the sponsor, and the employee may then stand as a sponsor for his family members.
Available
Fees: 30 Saudi Riyals
Document Name: Criminal Record
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Interior
Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: White paper with blue stamps/seals.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Interior.
Registration Criteria: Police clearances are available for Saudi citizens and resident third country nationals. Saudi citizens currently residing overseas must return in person to process the police clearance.
Procedure for Obtaining: In order to obtain the police certificate for immigration purposes, applicants will need to obtain a letter addressed to the Saudi authorities from the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or U.S. Consulates General in Dhahran or Jeddah. This letter will contain the applicant’s name and Iqama number (non-Saudis)/national ID number (Saudis). Upon receipt of the requested police letter, applicants must authenticate the document with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office (every major city has a Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office). Next, applicants present the letter to the Crime Branch Division Police Station in their district for processing. Applicants will need to bring their Saudi residence permits (Tabiya for Saudis or Iqama for third country nationals) and the letter from the US Embassy/Consulate requesting the police clearance. Applicants may request a letter from the appropriate U.S. Mission office as follows:
U.S. Embassy Riyadh: Available during public service hours – Sundays- Thursday from 1:30pm-3:30pm (except U.S. or Saudi holidays). Applicants may make an appointment by sending an email to RiyadhIV@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran: Available during public service hours - Sunday- Thursday, 1:00-3:30PM (except U.S. or Saudi holidays). Applicants may make an appointment for notarial service at: evisaforms.state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah: Available during public service hours - Sunday- Thursday, 1:00–3:00pm (except U.S. or Saudi holidays). Applicants may make an appointment for notarial service at: evisaforms.state.gov
Police certificates are valid for one year.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available, but police departments can issue new certificates.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: Police clearances are unavailable for third country nationals who no longer reside in the Kingdom. They are also unavailable for third country nationals who are not legal residents.
Comments: The best time to go to the police stations is 10:00am Sunday-Thursday. Police clearances from Riyadh are now processed electronically. However, other cities may still issue the paper version. Police certificates will only confirm that ‘no charges’ exist against the applicant. They will not provide details of the crime or the civil action.
Unavailable
Unavailable
Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic, Special (Official)
Information regarding regular passports is available here: mofa.gov
Information regarding diplomatic and special passport is available here:
Fees: Varies
Document Name: Passport (Jawaz Safr)
Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Interior (Jawazat)
Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: Regular (Green) Diplomatic, Special (Dark green)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Interior (Jawazat)
Registration Criteria: Must be a Saudi Citizen holding a national identity card.
Additional information for regular passports is available here: mofa.gov
Additional information for diplomatic and special passports is available here: mofa.gov
Procedure for Obtaining: In the case of a lost or damaged passport, an applicant must report the loss within one week from the date of knowledge of the loss. He or she must also provide either a police report in the case of a lost/stolen passport, or a civil defense report if the passport was destroyed in a fire. Next, the applicant must create an appointment electronically via the following link: moi.gov
Guardians must be present for women or children under the age of 21, and married applicants of all ages must attend personally. Everyone over the age of 15 must have a national identity card when a Saudi passport is issued to replace a loss. Applicants must provide two photos 4cm×6cm white background (those over the age of 15 are preferred to be in Saudi national attire), and fill out the following form: http://www.gdp.gov.sa/sites/pgd/ar-SA/PassportServices/Forms/Pages/default.aspx. Any applicant under the age of 15 must bring to the appointment their original family card and a paper copy of it. The principle applicant or the guardian may collect the passport after issuing.
Alternate Documents: Saudis can travel with their Saudi national identity card to gulf countries without the Saudi passport.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Not applicable
Post Title: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Embassy)
Address:
Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307
Phone Number: +966-11-488-3800
Comments / Additional Information: None
Riyadh provides Immigrant Visa services for all of Saudi Arabia. Nonimmigrant Visa Services are provided in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran.
Washington, DC (202) 342-3800 (202) 944-3126 (202) 944-3113
Houston, TX (713) 785-5577 (713) 785-1163
Los Angeles, CA (310) 479-6000 (310) 479-2752
New York, NY (212) 752-2740 (212) 688-2719
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
One page required for entry stamp.
Yes
The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street
Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
RiyadhACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah
Falasteen Street intersecting with Al-Andalus Street,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Emergency Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Fax: (966) (12) 669-3098
JeddahACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran
Between KFUPM and King Abdulaziz Airbase,
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816
DhahranACS@state.gov
Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Saudi Arabia for information on U.S. – Saudi Arabia relations
See the Embassy of Saudi Arabia’s website for visa information.
Saudi Requirements:
Further information can be found on the website of the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia.
Do not enter the country on a Saudi laissez-passer (temporary travel document), or you may encounter difficulty leaving the Kingdom. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a Saudi passport or a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer.
Saudi embassies do not have the authority to adjudicate citizenship claims or issue passports, but they may issue a laissez-passer for presumed Saudi citizens for whom citizenship has not been adjudicated, such as children of a Saudi parent or parents who were married outside of Saudi Arabia. Once admitted to Saudi Arabia on a laissez-passer, the traveler must obtain a Saudi passport before leaving the country. Saudi nationality is not conferred quickly or easily, and the processing time for a Saudi passport in these cases has often been six months or years in some cases. Obtaining a U.S. passport will not help, as you will not be able to leave Saudi Arabia without an exit visa which will not be granted if you entered as a Saudi citizen.
Saudi Arabia does not recognize dual nationality. Saudi Arabia has occasionally denied consular access to dual Saudi-U.S. citizens. At times, Saudi authorities have confiscated the U.S. passports of U.S-Saudi dual nationals applying for Saudi citizenship. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship. If this happens to you or someone you know, report the incident to the U.S. Embassy.
Length of Stay: Upon arrival, confirm your permitted length of stay with Saudi immigration authorities. Dates are calculated in accordance with the Hijri calendar, which is significantly different from the Gregorian calendar.
If you overstay your visa, you could face significant fines, detention, and/or deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. Embassy is unable to intercede, reduce fines, or prevent incarceration if you violate Saudi law.
Travel Bans: When placed under a travel ban, you cannot exit the country, even if you are a U.S. citizen. Travel bans are rigidly enforced and can take months or even years to resolve. Only Saudi Arabian authorities and sponsors can remove travel bans.
The government may issue travel bans on people who are/have:
Private Saudi citizens may also initiate travel bans against expatriate citizens for various reasons.
Yemen Travel: We strongly advise U.S. citizens against travel to Yemen due to the ongoing conflict in that country. See our Yemen Crisis webpage for further information.
Residency Permits: If you are seeking residency in Saudi Arabia, make sure you have all required legal documents authenticated before arriving. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh nor the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran can provide this service.
You should have all U.S. issued documents authenticated by the Department of State Office of Authentications (202-485-8000), and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington D.C.
Work Visas: If you plan on working in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a work visa before you arrive. If you work on another visa type, you risk substantial financial penalties, detention, deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia. Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia are subject to the country’s sponsorship system, which concedes substantial legal authority over the worker to the employer. This can include the ability to prevent the employee from leaving the country. American citizens considering working in Saudi Arabia should carefully review the information about employment in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section below.
HIV/AIDS: To obtain work and residence permits, you are required to obtain a medical report or physical examination confirming that you are free from contagious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. If you test positive for HIV/AIDS, you will not be allowed to work in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has not imposed HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on other categories of travelers. Please inquire directly with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia before you travel.
Vaccinations: Visitors to Saudi Arabia should check vaccination requirements at the Saudi Ministry of Health website.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international parental child abduction, and customs regulations on our website.
Qatar Travel: All land border crossings with Qatar have been closed and there are no direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Qatar due to an ongoing political dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar since June 2017.
The Department of State advises you to exercise increased caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia due to terrorism and the threat of missile attacks on civilian targets. See the Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia here.
Do not travel:
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and Western government interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners.
Rebel groups operating in Yemen have fired long-range missiles into Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting populated areas and civilian infrastructure; they have publicly stated their intent to continue doing so. Missile attacks have targeted major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, Riyadh’s international airport, Aramco facilities, and vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following locations as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to:
You can find additional details relating to safety and security in our Travel Advisory and Alerts and the website of the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia.
Crime: Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years, but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States.
See the websites of the Department of State and the FBI for information on scams.
Victims of Crime: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, you should contact the local police at “999” and contact the Embassy in Riyadh or one of the Consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: If you are in danger or have been a victim of domestic violence in Saudi Arabia, you should contact the local Saudi police by calling “999.” You can also contact the Saudi National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing “1919.” The Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development runs a series of shelters for women and children. Contacting the domestic violence hotline (“1919”) is the only way to access these shelters. The Saudi National Family Safety Program also runs a Child Help Line “116111” and can assist children in accessing Saudi social services.
Instances of domestic violence can also be reported to the police. When reporting domestic violence, it is imperative to get a case reference number as all Saudi social and legal assistance is tied to this case number. It is also a good idea to document any injuries and obtain a copy of any medical reports.
U.S. citizens should be advised that filing a police report or utilizing any Saudi victims’ assistance services may result in the Saudi authorities informing your sponsor or guardian.
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance though they are unable to provide direct legal, law enforcement, or medical assistance. Please see our page for U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime.
For Further Information:
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, imprisoned, subject to corporal punishments, or even executed. Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, public floggings, and deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking is death.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. In the case of dual nationals, the Saudi Government may recognize only the nationality of the document used to enter the Kingdom. Suspects may be detained without charges or legal counsel and with limited access to a consular officer for months during the investigative stage of criminal cases. See our webpage for further information.
Faith-Related Travel Issues: Islam is the official religion of the country and is present in all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. See our Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet.
LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations, even when consensual, are criminalized in Saudi Arabia. Violations of Saudi laws governing perceived expressions of, or support for, same-sex sexual relations, including on social media, may be subject to severe punishment. Potential penalties include fines, jail time, or death. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is generally found in the United States. Saudi law does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities and there is no legislation requiring public accessibility. Newer commercial and government buildings, however, often include such access. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, there are numerous government-sponsored centers for people with disabilities. Note that Saudi Arabia has limited infrastructure to care for those with mental disabilities.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Residents and Travelers: Married women, including non-Saudis, require their husband's permission to depart the country, while unmarried women and children require the permission of their father or male guardian.
Minor children must have their father’s permission in order to leave the Kingdom. Children visiting their fathers in Saudi Arabia, even when there is a custody agreement, can be prevented from leaving unless the father consents. This is true even if the child is an American citizen. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot obtain exit visas for the departure of minor children without their father/guardian's permission.
Foreign mothers of Saudi children, regardless of marital status, may apply for five-year permanent residency permits without the need for a sponsor. To do so, they must prove maternity and that they are (or were) legally married to the Saudi father. If a foreigner and a Saudi living in Saudi Arabia divorce, Saudi courts rarely grant permission for the foreign parent to leave the country with the children born during the marriage, even if he or she has been granted physical custody.
Also see our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Employment: The Arabic text of a contract governs employment and business arrangements under Saudi law. Verbal assurances or side letters are not binding under Saudi law. In the event of any contract dispute, Saudi authorities refer to the written contract.
Customs:
Importing Animals: The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia.
Teaching English in Saudi Arabia: English teachers comprise a large segment of the U.S. expatriate population in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, increasing numbers of American teachers have experienced contractual and other problems. Dozens of teachers have complained about arbitrary dismissals, difficult living conditions, salary arrears, unwanted reassignments, restrictions on their movement, and inability to leave the country. Prospective teachers in Saudi Arabia should vet their potential employer and carefully review their employment offer as well as the detailed information found in our Guide to Teaching English in Saudi Arabia.
Prospective teachers should also take care to make sure that they obtain the appropriate work visa prior to coming to Saudi Arabia. Employers of English teachers have been known to issue short-term, single-entry work visas that coincide with a 90-day “probation” window, during which time the employee or employer can freely end the working relationship. Such visas do not grant the applicant the right to work or to reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Foreign employees must leave the country soon after dismissal or face deportation proceedings. Dismissed employees have little, if any, recourse or grounds for appeal and the Embassy and Consulates General cannot interfere in private commercial disputes.
Standards of Conduct and Religious Police: Norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are extremely conservative, and the religious police, referred to colloquially as the mutawwa or al-hay’a, are charged with enforcing these standards.
In most areas of Saudi Arabia, and particularly in Riyadh and the central part of the Kingdom, women wear a full-length black covering known as an abaya, and cover their heads. Women who choose not to conform to this dress code face a risk of confrontation by mutawwa and possible detention/arrest. Men should also dress conservatively, and not wear shorts in public or go without a shirt.
Many areas of life in Saudi Arabia are segregated by sex to ensure that unrelated men and women have no possibility of mingling (a punishable crime). Some mutawwa try to enforce this by asking for proof that a couple is married or related. Women who are arrested for socializing with a man who is not a relative may be charged with prostitution. Some restaurants, particularly fast-food outlets, refuse to serve women who are not accompanied by a close male relative. In addition, some restaurants or cafes do not have a "family section" in which women are permitted to eat. Men not accompanied by a close female family member are not allowed to enter family sections and cannot use services (such as registers at supermarkets) designated as “family.” These restrictions are not always posted.
Dancing, playing music, and showing movies in public are forbidden.
Photography: The Saudi government does not permit photography of governmental facilities such as military bases and government buildings nor military, security, or police personnel. The Saudi government is also sensitive to photographs that may be perceived as portraying the country in an unfavorable light. This policy can include photos of mosques, impoverished areas, the local population, and traditional souks (markets). You should not take anyone’s picture without clear consent, and never take a picture of a woman or a place where women congregate. Be aware of local sensitivities whenever you are taking pictures in public. U.S. Citizens have been routinely detained for violating these policies. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General are unable to intervene if a violation of law occurs.
The Hajj and Umrah: Please review the Department of State’s Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet for useful information on traveling to perform the Hajj or Umrah.
Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage.
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For further health information, go to:
HEALTH
Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage.
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For further health information, go to:
HEALTH
Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage.
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For further health information, go to:
HEALTH
Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage.
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For further health information, go to:
Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Saudi Arabia can be hazardous due to speeding and aggressive driving, lax enforcement of traffic regulations, and a high volume of traffic.
With a valid visitor visa and U.S. driver’s license, male visitors may drive a rental car. To drive vehicles other than rental cars, a Saudi driver’s license, appropriate car registration, and auto insurance are required. Police may detain you if you cannot produce these documents.
Although a September 2017 royal decree announced that women would be allowed to drive in the future, as of the date of this document, only males are allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia.
See the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior website for further information.
Traffic Laws:
Public Transportation:
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of Saudi Arabia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page.
Information for Mariners:
Mariners should also review U.S. maritime alerts and advisories on the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A SPECIFIC CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPROPRIATE FOREIGN AUTHORITIES OR FOREIGN COUNSEL.
The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street
Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
RiyadhACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah
Falasteen Street intersecting with Al-Andalus Street,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Emergency Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Fax: (966) (12) 669-3098
JeddahACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran
Between KFUPM and King Abdulaziz Airbase,
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816
DhahranACS@state.gov
The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.
U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street
Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
RiyadhACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah
Falasteen Street intersecting with Al-Andalus Street,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Emergency Telephone: (966) (12) 667-0080
Fax: (966) (12) 669-3098
JeddahACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran
Between KFUPM and King Abdulaziz Airbase,
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 330-3200
Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816
DhahranACS@state.gov
For information concerning travel to Saudi Arabia, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The report is located here.
Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Saudi Arabia and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Saudi Arabia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children's Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children's Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.
Contact information:
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website
Email: AskCI@state.gov
Parental child abduction may be considered a crime in Saudi Arabia depending on the circumstances surrounding the child's removal. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney in Saudi Arabia to determine if their particular case qualifies as a crime under Saudi Arabian law.
Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Saudi Arabia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Office of Children's Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States. Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Saudi Arabia for information and possible assistance.
Neither the Office of Children's Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Saudi Arabia are authorized to provide legal advice.
The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney.The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.
The Child Protection Section, a department of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Social Affairs, plays a role based on Sharia law in mediating family dispute cases involving children. Parents may contact the Child Protection Section by telephone at +966-1-477-8888 (ext 1559) or by email at mosa@mosa.gov.sa.
While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:
The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.
To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.
For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.
Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.
For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.
Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Saudi Arabia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
Adoption in Saudi Arabia is illegal and strictly forbidden. There is no Saudi Arabian adoption authority.
Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.
Please visit the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Embassy Riyadh's website for information on consular services.
Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| C-1/D | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 3 Months |
| H-1B | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-1C | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-2A | $800.00 | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2B | $800.00 | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2R | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-3 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| H-4 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| I | $7.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-2 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| O-2 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| O-3 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-1 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-2 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-3 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months 3 |
| P-4 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| Q-1 6 | $50.00 | One | 3 Months 3 |
| R-1 | $800.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| R-2 | $150.00 | Multiple | 24 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.
Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
There are no general documents.
Available: At time of birth. Sometimes hospitals are able to reproduce birth certificates and/or endorse copies at a later time.
Fees: Fees can vary from hospital to hospital.
Document Name: Birth Certificate/ Birth Certificate for Non-Saudis. Older versions of the birth certificate are either paper documents or small booklets. Either of these is acceptable for immigration purposes. In the past, Saudi authorities would issue a ‘temporary’ birth certificate and hold the permanent document until the baby completed its vaccinations. These temporary birth certificates are also acceptable. For recent newborns, Saudi Authorities issue certificates in the shape of large notecards. These are acceptable for immigration purposes. When a baby is born, the hospital issues a birth notification to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The parents can then receive the birth certificate from the Ministry.
Issuing Authority: Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs, Ministry of Interior
Special Seal(s) / Color/Format: Civil Affairs Seal; Color white (older version green)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Varies. Sometimes issued by a magistrate, sometimes a registrar. The document may have a signature or name stamp.
Registration Criteria: Parents must hold valid identification. For non-Saudis, both parents need to be legally-documented (iqama-holding) residents of KSA in order to obtain a birth certificate. The Iqama is the Saudi legal residency card for non-Saudis.
Procedure for Obtaining: Request at the Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs (Al Ahwal Al Mudniyah) office in district of residence. The Ministry will require a birth notification from the hospital where the baby was born and parents’ valid identification. Appointment can be made online: moi.gov.sa
Certified Copies Available: The Saudi government will authenticate copies of the birth certificate, provided that the requester presents a copy of the original document to the Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs.
Alternate Documents: In lieu of birth certificates (in cases where a birth certificate is not available) the nationality card (Tabiya) should be used. Tabiyas are only available to Saudis.
Exceptions: Birth certificates are not available to persons born prior to 1968.
Comments: Birth certificates issued by embassies or foreign missions in Saudi Arabia are not acceptable for immigration purposes. However, third country nationals living in Saudi Arabia originating in countries experiencing serious civil unrest (such as Yemen or Syria) may approach a special office in their embassy to obtain a birth certificate. To be considered, two signed affidavits of birth must accompany these birth certificates.
Available
Fees: Varies
Document Name: Death Certificate / Death Certificate for Non-Saudis
Issuing Authority: Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs, Ministry of Interior
Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: Civil Affairs Seal; Color white/blue
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Varies
Registration Criteria: Police report, burial letter from the cemetery, identification documents
Procedure for Obtaining: Request from the Ministerial Agency for Civil Affairs in district of residence. Requester must provide: Ministry of Interior Police Report, burial letter from the cemetery, and identification documents. Appointment can be made online: moi.gov.sa
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies by Sharia Court are available (see below sections).
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available: Marriages in Saudi Arabia are conducted in accordance with Sharia (Islamic) law.
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Marriage Certificate/ Marriage Certificate for Non-Saudis/ Marriage Contract
Issuing Authority: Sharia courts. Sharia courts fall under the Ministry of Justice.
Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: There are two main documents to consider: the marriage certificate and the marriage contract. The marriage contract deals with arrangements to include dowries, names of witnesses, and other legal details of the marriage. The marriage certificate is a simplified document without the financial details. Either are acceptable documents for immigration purposes. The marriage certificate is a small booklet with a green cover. The marriage contract is a document, currently issued on A4 letterhead. A Saudi-issued marriage contract has the Ministry of Justice logo (a small picture of a book) in the top margin. Older versions of the marriage contract are printed on oversize stock paper (approximately 11x28 size). Non-Saudi Sharia Court marriages may be recorded with different documents (see exceptions).
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Sharia Court, Ministry of Justice. Islamic weddings are performed by a judge.
Registration Criteria: In accordance with Islamic laws, two witnesses must be present at the marriage.
Procedure for Obtaining: Sharia courts issue marriage and divorce certificates. Every district in Saudi Arabia has its own Sharia Court. Depending on the size of the court in that district, there may be a Personal Affairs Office under the Sharia Court which deals with marriage certificates.
Certified Copies Available: Contact the Sharia Court by phone or E-mail.
Alternate Documents: Authenticated copies of the certificate are available, provided the requester presents to the court a copy of the original document. These authenticated copies are acceptable for immigration purposes. Once the Sharia Court verifies the copy with their records, the judge will stamp the document with his seal. The seal’s pattern and color vary.
Exceptions: Only the Saudi government is authorized to create legally-binding marriages that are valid for immigration purposes. In the cases of third country nationals who get married outside of a Sharia Court in Saudi Arabia, that marriage must be endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There are MOFA offices located in most major cities. For example, a third country national who performs his/her wedding ceremony at their embassy in Saudi Arabia must have their wedding certificate and/or marriage contract endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will affix a small stamp with two crossed sabers and a tree on it when they endorse the document.
Of note, under Sharia law in Saudi Arabia, women are not permitted to remarry after the death of their husbands until four months and ten days have elapsed.
Comments: If a copy of the original document cannot be presented, the court can only state it has confirmed details of the marriage or divorce based on its records. This would be acceptable for immigration purposes.
Available: Divorces are conducted in accordance with Sharia (Islamic) law.
Fees: Varies
Document Name: Divorce Deed
Issuing Authority: Sharia courts
Special Seal(s)/Color /Format: Saudi-issued divorce certificates come from the Ministry of Justice and bear a court seal. The document is issued on A4 letterhead with the Ministry of Justice logo (small book symbol) on the top. Older versions of the divorce certificate are printed on oversize stock paper (approximately 11x28 in size).
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Justice Clerk and/or Judge
Registration Criteria: Both parties or their representative must attend in person and deliberate after the initial oral divorce pronouncement by the husband is made.
Procedure for Obtaining: Sharia courts issue marriage and divorce certificates. Every district in Saudi Arabia has its own Sharia Court. Depending on the size of the court in that district, there may be a Personal Affairs Office under the Sharia Court which deals with the divorce certificates.
Certified Copies Available: Requester should contact the Sharia Court by phone or online.
Alternate Documents: Authenticated copies of the certificate are available, provided the requester presents the court a copy of the original document.
Exceptions: Divorces conducted outside of Saudi Sharia Courts (such as at a foreign embassy or consulate) may have a different appearance. However, a divorce conducted outside of the Saudi Sharia courts (for a marriage carried out within Saudi Arabia) must be endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be legal for immigration purposes. A Saudi official will place a stamp on the document with two crossed sabers and a tree.
Comments: If a copy of the original document cannot be presented, the court can only state it has confirmed details of the marriage or divorce based on its records. To be acceptable for immigration purposes, there are some additional criteria depending on the type of divorce. The first set of criteria applies to the talaq type of Islamic divorce. Talaq is the unilateral pronouncement by a man that he divorces his wife. Typically, these types of divorces are identifiable in the divorce document by the phrase “talaq, talaq, talaq,” or use of the modifier “revocable” in the divorce contract. If the husband pronounces “talaq” the divorce is valid, but revocable for a period of three menstrual cycles (iddah). Officially, this period of time corresponds to 90 days. If he says “talaq” privately, the divorce is still valid, but witnesses are required to authenticate the divorce in writing. During the iddah waiting period the parties can reconcile, which effectively revokes the divorce. Talaq divorces must specify both the registration date and its later authentication. The registration date is when the divorce proceedings began (typically when the husband initially pronounces divorce). The authentication date is when an official confirms that the iddah has passed and the divorce is both final and irrevocable. If there is no authentication date on the document, then any subsequent marriage within the 90-day period of the registration date are not acceptable for immigration purposes.
Typically, Saudi courts will only issue divorce certificates after the iddah period has passed. These divorce certificates will specify that the 90 day period has passed and the divorce is final. However, this can vary based on the different grievances of both parties, how property was divided, etc. In summary, divorce certificates that are generated in Saudi Arabia are acceptable for immigration purposes if they (1) demonstrate that both parties are informed of the divorce (2) are issued or endorsed by the Saudi government (3) and clearly show that the divorce is final/irrevocable.
Unavailable: Adoption in Saudi Arabia is not legal. In Islamic tradition, a surviving family member may be granted guardianship, but parentage cannot change. Guardianship is not acceptable for immigration purposes.
For non-Saudis, residence cards (Iqamas) are typically arranged by the employer. The employer becomes the sponsor, and the employee may then stand as a sponsor for his family members.
Available
Fees: 30 Saudi Riyals
Document Name: Criminal Record
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Interior
Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: White paper with blue stamps/seals.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Interior.
Registration Criteria: Police clearances are available for Saudi citizens and resident third country nationals. Saudi citizens currently residing overseas must return in person to process the police clearance.
Procedure for Obtaining: In order to obtain the police certificate for immigration purposes, applicants will need to obtain a letter addressed to the Saudi authorities from the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or U.S. Consulates General in Dhahran or Jeddah. This letter will contain the applicant’s name and Iqama number (non-Saudis)/national ID number (Saudis). Upon receipt of the requested police letter, applicants must authenticate the document with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office (every major city has a Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office). Next, applicants present the letter to the Crime Branch Division Police Station in their district for processing. Applicants will need to bring their Saudi residence permits (Tabiya for Saudis or Iqama for third country nationals) and the letter from the US Embassy/Consulate requesting the police clearance. Applicants may request a letter from the appropriate U.S. Mission office as follows:
U.S. Embassy Riyadh: Available during public service hours – Sundays- Thursday from 1:30pm-3:30pm (except U.S. or Saudi holidays). Applicants may make an appointment by sending an email to RiyadhIV@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Dhahran: Available during public service hours - Sunday- Thursday, 1:00-3:30PM (except U.S. or Saudi holidays). Applicants may make an appointment for notarial service at: evisaforms.state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Jeddah: Available during public service hours - Sunday- Thursday, 1:00–3:00pm (except U.S. or Saudi holidays). Applicants may make an appointment for notarial service at: evisaforms.state.gov
Police certificates are valid for one year.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available, but police departments can issue new certificates.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: Police clearances are unavailable for third country nationals who no longer reside in the Kingdom. They are also unavailable for third country nationals who are not legal residents.
Comments: The best time to go to the police stations is 10:00am Sunday-Thursday. Police clearances from Riyadh are now processed electronically. However, other cities may still issue the paper version. Police certificates will only confirm that ‘no charges’ exist against the applicant. They will not provide details of the crime or the civil action.
Unavailable
Unavailable
Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic, Special (Official)
Information regarding regular passports is available here: mofa.gov
Information regarding diplomatic and special passport is available here:
Fees: Varies
Document Name: Passport (Jawaz Safr)
Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Interior (Jawazat)
Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: Regular (Green) Diplomatic, Special (Dark green)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Interior (Jawazat)
Registration Criteria: Must be a Saudi Citizen holding a national identity card.
Additional information for regular passports is available here: mofa.gov
Additional information for diplomatic and special passports is available here: mofa.gov
Procedure for Obtaining: In the case of a lost or damaged passport, an applicant must report the loss within one week from the date of knowledge of the loss. He or she must also provide either a police report in the case of a lost/stolen passport, or a civil defense report if the passport was destroyed in a fire. Next, the applicant must create an appointment electronically via the following link: moi.gov
Guardians must be present for women or children under the age of 21, and married applicants of all ages must attend personally. Everyone over the age of 15 must have a national identity card when a Saudi passport is issued to replace a loss. Applicants must provide two photos 4cm×6cm white background (those over the age of 15 are preferred to be in Saudi national attire), and fill out the following form: http://www.gdp.gov.sa/sites/pgd/ar-SA/PassportServices/Forms/Pages/default.aspx. Any applicant under the age of 15 must bring to the appointment their original family card and a paper copy of it. The principle applicant or the guardian may collect the passport after issuing.
Alternate Documents: Saudis can travel with their Saudi national identity card to gulf countries without the Saudi passport.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Not applicable
Post Title: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Embassy)
Address:
Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307
Phone Number: +966-11-488-3800
Comments / Additional Information: None
Riyadh provides Immigrant Visa services for all of Saudi Arabia. Nonimmigrant Visa Services are provided in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran.
Washington, DC (202) 342-3800 (202) 944-3126 (202) 944-3113
Houston, TX (713) 785-5577 (713) 785-1163
Los Angeles, CA (310) 479-6000 (310) 479-2752
New York, NY (212) 752-2740 (212) 688-2719
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
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