How long before my planned travel date should I apply for a visa?

We recommend that you apply at least three months in advance of your intended travel date. For current wait times for visa appointments

Your visa may also be delayed after the interview due to processing. When processing is required, timing will vary, but usually takes between one and three months.

What is the DS-160 and where can I find it?

The DS-160 is the worldwide application form for nonimmigrant visas and can be found at: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

Where do I sign up for an appointment?

See our VisaPoint site

Are the questions in Arabic? Can my answers be in Arabic?

The form is in English, but you can select "Arabic" from the "Select Tooltip Language" window at the top, right hand corner.  Every time you put your mouse cursor over any group of text, a translation into Arabic will appear. All application answers, except as specially provided, must be in English, using English characters only.

I am having problems with uploading my picture onto the DS160. What should I do?

If you are having difficulties with the picture upload, bring the picture with you to the interview.   The consular staff can upload the photo at intake for you.

Are all fields on the DS-160 mandatory?

Most fields on the DS-160 are mandatory.  Some fields may also give you the option to select "Does Not Apply". If you do not answer questions that in fact do apply, your form may be rejected. 

Why did the edits I made from the review page not save?

In order for data changes made from the review page links to save, you must use the buttons at the bottom of each page to navigate, instead of the browser's back/forward buttons or the buttons along the left of the screen.  

Should I save my application before I submit it?

YES!  You should save a local copy of your application before you submit your application.  This is helpful because if your application is rejected by the Embassy for being incomplete you will be able access your saved application, correct incomplete answers, and submit the corrected application without having to complete an entirely new application.  You can also have the CEAC system email you a copy of your application.

I am traveling with my family or as part of a group. Can I create a family or group application?

Yes.  On the "Thank You" page you will see an option to create a family or group application.  When you select this option, certain information from your application will automatically be displayed on a new application.  You will still need to create an individual application for each individual.

Should I appear in person at the Consular Section?

All applicants who don’t meet one of the interview waiver criteria must go personally to the Embassy or Consulate where they have made their interview appointment.

How long should I plan to be at the Embassy? How long does the entire process take from beginning to end?

On average, applicants should be prepared to be at the Embassy for 3 hours. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. If you are late you may not be able to enter the embassy.

Can I come early for my appointment?

On the day of your appointment, please come to the Embassy no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your appointment time.  Applicants will only be allowed into the consular section according to their appointment time.

Can I re-schedule my appointment?

Yes. If you need to change your appointment date you can do so on VisaPoint up to 2 times, as long as you reschedule more than 48 hours before your existing appointment.

I have made my appointment in Jeddah, but would like to switch to Riyadh. How can I do this?

You are allowed to make up to 2 changes to your appointment through VisaPoint. Contact VisaPoint for assistance or in case of technical difficulties.  

My family is applying together. Will they interview us as a family or individually?

Consular officers usually interview families together.

Do I bring my entire application with me to the interview, or do I just bring the confirmation page (bar code sheet)?

You only need your confirmation page. Please do not bring the application. The confirmation page is the small sheet with the bar code that you print out after completing, saving, and submitting your application.

My appointment date is not soon enough for me to make my trip. What can I do?

In order to request an expedited appointment, please log in to your VisaPoint account and click on the Emergency Appointment button.  We make every effort to accommodate applicants with medical emergencies, students, and business travelers, but cannot accept all expedite requests.

If I'm renewing my expired visa, do I need to bring supporting documents to the interview?

Yes. You are also encouraged to bring your previous passports and visas.

Can I renew my visa before it expires?

Yes, but please note that the previous visa will be no longer be valid once we issue the new visa.

What additional documents do I need to bring if I'm going for medical treatment in United States?

A letter from a doctor in the U.S. authorizing treatment and specifying all costs of the medical care.

Proof of your ability to pay for all medical care.

Hospital records.

Do children under 14 need to schedule an appointment? How many appointments can I make at a time?

Click here for information on how to apply for a visa for children under 14.

With each PIN you purchase on VisaPoint you may schedule an appointment for yourself and up to 4 traveling companions. If there are more than 5 members in your group applying for visas, please create another user account to obtain information and schedule appointments for the rest of your group.