The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh has announced the easing of U.S. visa processes for certain B1/B2 visa applicants. Saudi citizens seeking to renew expired B1/B2 visas are eligible to do so by mail rather than through an in-person interview, if they are under 17 years old or above 40 years old and the visa expired within the last 48 months. Additionally, any Saudi citizens under 14 years old or at least 79 years old may renew a visa by mail. All other applicants, with the exception of official (A or G) visa applicants and those eligible for the interview waiver program, will still need appointment interviews. These measures aim to streamline renewals for business and tourist visas.
To find out if they qualify for the mail-in application process, applicants must answer a series of questions when scheduling their appointment through the online system. If eligible, that applicant will receive an Interview Waiver Confirmation letter and instructions on how to submit their application by mail.
The Embassy also announced that average waiting times for a visa have been cut in half; however, it is recommended that applicants apply for a visa early even if they don’t have immediate travel plans, as obtaining a visa may still take some time. Those with pending visa applications can check their status by contacting the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh by phone at 0115103731 or via email at riyadhniv@state.gov.
