How to get B1/B2 visa from Saudi Arabia
To get a B1/B2 visa from Saudi Arabia, you must go through several steps. Most travelers receive a combined B1/B2 visa, which allows them to engage in both business and leisure activities during their trip.
Let’s look at how to get a B1/B2 visa from Saudi Arabia in detail.
Understanding the B1/B2 Visa
What Is a B1 Visitor Visa
The B1 visa is for those traveling to the U.S. for temporary business purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or professional consultations.
You cannot work for a U.S. employer or receive a U.S. salary, and you must maintain a residence outside the U.S.
Examples: meeting business partners, attending events, or conducting independent research not tied to a U.S. organization.
What is a B2 Visitor Visa?
The B2 Visitor Visa is a short-term U.S. visa for tourism, leisure, or medical visits. It allows travelers to go sightseeing, visit family, or receive medical treatment in the U.S.
It may also cover short, non-degree recreational courses.
Examples: vacation travel, family visits, or health consultations with U.S. doctors.
What is a B1/B2 Visa?
The B1/B2 visa is a combination of both business and tourism permissions, ideal for travelers who plan to mix work-related and leisure activities in one trip.
B1/B2 visa overview for travelers visiting for mixed purposes:
- Attend business meetings, then explore tourist attractions.
- Combine business events with personal travel or family visits.
- Useful for frequent travelers who visit the U.S. for both business and leisure throughout the year.
This combined visa is typically issued for up to 10 years (multiple entry), allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit.
B1 vs B2 vs B1/B2 Visa Comparison
| Visa Type | Primary Purpose | Typical Duration | Common Activities | Work Permission |
| B1 (Business) | Business meetings, negotiations, training | Up to 6 months | Attending conferences, negotiating contracts, and attending business events | Not allowed |
| B2 (Tourism) | Leisure, tourism, family visits, and medical | Up to 6 months | Sightseeing, visiting family, and medical treatment | Not allowed |
| B1/B2 (Combined) | Business + Tourism | Up to 10 years (multiple entries, 6 months per stay) | Both business and leisure activities | Not allowed |
Validity & Eligibility for B1/B2 Visa in Saudi Arabia
Validity :
- A U.S. B1/B2 visa can be valid for up to 10 years. This means you can use it to travel to the U.S. during that time.
- However, how long you can stay on each visit is decided when you enter the country. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will stamp your I-94 form with the date you must leave. Usually, visitors can stay for up to six months per trip.
Who can apply:
You must be a Saudi citizen or a foreign resident living in Saudi Arabia with a valid iqama.
Eligibility Factors:
- Purpose of travel: The B1/B2 visa is for both business and tourism. You must explain what you plan to do in the U.S.
- Financial proof: You need to show that you can pay for your trip and stay. This can include bank statements or income proof.
- Home ties: You must show strong reasons to return to Saudi Arabia, such as family, property, or a job.
Required Documents for B1B2 Visa for Saudi Residents
- Invitation letter: Needed for B1 business trips; it must come from a U.S. company or organization.
- Proof of home ties: This can include property documents, an employer letter, or tax records from Saudi Arabia.
- Passport: It must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
- Sponsor’s iqama: A copy of your sponsor’s valid iqama is required if applicable.
These are the documents required for a B1/B2 visa. If you need any assistance with the documents related to a U.S. B1 or B2 visa, contact the visa agents in Saudi Arabia. For step-by-step instructions, just take a look below.
Step-by-Step B1/B2 Visa Application Process
- Choose the Right Visa Type
Decide if you need a B1 visa (for business), a B2 visa (for tourism/visiting family), or the combined B1/B2 visa if your trip includes both purposes. - Fill Out the DS-160 Form Online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website and complete the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.
Choose your interview location: Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dhahran.
Upload a recent photo that meets U.S. visa requirements.
Print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode; you’ll need it for your appointments.
- Create a Profile and Pay the Visa Fee
Visit the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website for Saudi Arabia and create your account.
Pay the non-refundable visa fee of $185 (around SAR 695) following the site’s instructions.
Save the payment receipt, as you’ll need the receipt number to book your appointments.
- Schedule Your Appointments
After your payment is processed, schedule two appointments through your online profile:
VAC (Visa Application Center): for fingerprints and photos.
Embassy/Consulate interview: to meet a consular officer.
- Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required papers before your appointments:
- Valid passport (at least six months beyond your stay in the U.S.)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Appointment confirmation letter
- Visa fee receipt
- One 5×5 cm (2×2 inch) photo (if the digital one didn’t upload)
- Proof of strong ties to Saudi Arabia (such as a job letter, bank statements, property documents, or family records)
- Proof you can afford your trip
- For non-Saudi residents: your valid iqama (residence permit)
- Translate any documents not in English using a certified translator.
- Attend Your Appointments
Go to your VAC appointment first for fingerprints and a photo.
Then attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dhahran. The consular officer will ask questions and decide if you qualify for the visa. - Get Your Passport Back
If your visa is approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be sent to your chosen address by courier or made available for pickup.
This usually takes 7 to 10 working days after your interview.
B1B2 Visa from Saudi Arabia Processing Time :
For B1/B2 visa applications in Saudi Arabia, the usual processing time after the interview is 7 to 10 working days. However, processing can take longer in some cases. You can track your application status online on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
When someone applies for a U.S. visa from Saudi Arabia, they often ask about the success rate and how to avoid rejection. In fact, there are certain things you should keep in mind to prevent a U.S. visa refusal. Here’s what our U.S. visa experts in Saudi Arabia have to say.
Tips for Visa Approval Chances
- Show Strong Ties to Your Home Country
Provide proof of your job, business, property, finances, or family to show you will return after your trip. - Present a Clear Travel Plan
Explain your travel purpose clearly, include a simple itinerary, and show you can afford your stay. - Prepare Well for the Interview
Be honest, confident, and consistent with your answers and DS-160 form. Speak for yourself, dress professionally, and ensure your social media matches your application. - Keep Documents Ready and Organized
Bring all required and supporting papers neatly arranged, without adding unnecessary documents. - Address Possible Red Flags
If you have limited travel history, are single, or have family in the U.S., provide strong evidence of your home-country ties. If previously denied, show how you corrected the issue.
Where to Get Help for the B1B2 Visa from Saudi Arabia
Basically, getting a U.S. visa from KSA isn’t as complicated as you might think. With expert visa assistance and the right documents, you can secure it on time. As a first step toward visa approval, make sure you have the correct documents and verified information, and be honest during your interview.
More importantly, having someone with verified knowledge by your side helps you avoid confusion and gain clarity about U.S. visa procedures.
That’s where The Visa Guy, with years of experience handling U.S. visa applications in Dubai and Qatar, now offers support in Saudi Arabia too.
If you need any assistance, get in touch with our visa consultants. Our professional visa experts can help you prepare documents, book appointments, and ensure a smoother visa process.
FAQ’s
1. Can Saudi citizens apply for a U.S. B1/B2 visa online?
Yes, Saudi citizens can start their U.S. B1/B2 visa application online. You need to fill out the DS-160 form on the official U.S. visa website and then schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Saudi Arabia.
2. How long does it take to get a B1/B2 visa from Saudi Arabia?
In most cases, it takes about 7 to 10 working days after the interview to get a decision. Processing time can vary depending on the season, embassy workload, and individual cases.
3. Can I apply for a B1/B2 visa if I am a Saudi citizen working in another GCC country?
Yes, you can apply from the GCC country where you live, but you must show legal residence there. You can also choose to apply in Saudi Arabia if you prefer.
4. Where can Saudi residents attend their U.S. visa interview?
Saudi residents can attend their interview at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or at the U.S. Consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran, depending on location and appointment availability.
5. What are the chances of B1/B2 visa approval for KSA?
Approval chances depend on your personal situation. Strong home-country ties, a clear travel purpose, and complete documents increase your chances of approval.
6. Can I apply for a B1/B2 visa if I’m an expat living in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, expats living in Saudi Arabia can apply if they have a valid residence permit (Iqama). They need to apply through the same process as Saudi citizens.
7. How early should Saudi residents apply for a B1/B2 visa before travel?
It’s best to apply at least 2 to 3 months before your planned travel date. This gives enough time for interview scheduling, processing, and passport return.
