Interview Waiver Update July 25, 2025

Last Updated: July 25, 2025

Effective September 2, 2025, the Department of State will update the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer except:

• Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
• Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and
• Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.

To be eligible for an interview waiver based on the third bullet point above (applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals), applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:

• apply in their country of nationality or residence;
• have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
• have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.

This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025.

Location: Worldwide

Event: The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution. Please read carefully our Travel Advisory, country information, and any recent security alerts when planning travel at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html.

Location: Worldwide

Event: The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution. Please read carefully our Travel Advisory, country information, and any recent security alerts when planning travel at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html.

Event: Security Alert:  Exercise Increased Caution (June 22, 2025)

Given reports of regional hostilities, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region.  We recommend American citizens in the Kingdom do the same.  The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia continues to monitor the regional situation.  We encourage all travelers to review our most recent Security Alerts, review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families.  At this time, U.S. Mission staffing and operations are unchanged, and consular services continue as normal.

We advise all U.S. citizens to maintain a personal safety plan.  Crises can happen unexpectedly while traveling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action.

Actions to Take:

• Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts.
• Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
• Ensure you have a valid U.S. passport for short-notice travel; visit our website to schedule a passport appointment.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings, and areas where there is a heavy police presence.
• Monitor official information sources.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.

For Assistance Contact:

U.S. Embassy Riyadh 

Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (966) (11) 835-4000

RiyadhACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah 

Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000

JeddahACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran

Off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street

Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700

DhahranACS@state.gov

U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs 

+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

Saudi Arabia Country Information

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts

Follow us on X (Twitter)

U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are encouraged to register for STEP.  If you have not registered in the past 9 months, please re-enroll to ensure you receive the latest updates.

The new STEP platform allows you to use a login.gov account to customize your subscriptions and receive country-specific email alerts during the timeframe of your choice. You can enroll multiple trips or locations at once and can modify your subscriptions or unenroll at any time.

Enrolling in STEP makes it easier for the nearest U.S embassy or consulate to contact you during an emergency and send you safety and security alerts. We strongly encourage all U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to enroll or re-enroll today to take advantage of new functionality.

Actions to Take: 

• If you have not already re-registered, visit state.gov   to enroll in the updated STEP to set your preferences and continue receiving alerts and messages from the U.S. embassy.  Links are available on our website under Emergency Information for American Citizens, using the link for “Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).”  Click here: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step 
• Encourage friends and family traveling or living internationally to enroll in STEP. Travelers may choose to sign up for alerts for individual trips or to receive alerts long-term for specific countries where they or their loved ones are visiting or residing.
• Follow the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs on social media (@travelgov) as well as the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Event:  Security Alert

Due to high tensions in the region, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly.  We remind U.S. citizens in Israel and the broader Middle East region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments.

Potential for Hostilities: U.S. citizens should know the location of the nearest shelter in the event of hostilities.

Actions to Take:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.
• Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence.
• Monitor local media.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Contact your airline directly for flight change details if your flight is affected.
• Exercise caution and stay alert at locations publicly associated with the United States.
• Keep a low profile.

Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

Event: Due to increased regional tensions, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution.  Historically, similar tensions have resulted in travel disruptions and increased security concerns for U.S. citizens in the region.  U.S. citizens should:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X and visit travel.state.gov.

Reach us by phone:

State Department – Consular Affairs 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S.) and +1 202-501-4444 (from overseas).

Consulate General of the United States of America
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS
April 17, 2025

Saudi Arabia Announces Restrictions on Entry into Mecca in Preparation for Hajj

Saudi authorities have announced restrictions on entry into Mecca without the proper Hajj permit or visa. Beginning April 23, residents attempting to enter Mecca will require a Hajj permit, a residency ID issued from Mecca, or a valid permit to work in Mecca.

Visa holders will not be permitted to enter Mecca unless they hold a valid Hajj visa. Visa holders without Hajj visas should depart Mecca before April 29. U.S. citizens coming to Saudi Arabia for Hajj are required to obtain a Hajj visa through the Nusuk platform. Saudi authorities announced that individuals attempting to enter Mecca without the required permit or visa will be denied entry and may face deportation and legal action.

April 13 was the last day for entry into Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa. Umrah visa holders are required to depart by April 29. Issuance of Umrah permits on the Nusuk platform is currently suspended.

These measures will remain in effect until June 10, 2025.

Message from Saudi Ministry of Interior:

https://x.com/MOISaudiArabia/status/1911130993756430466?t=OlH00drPGHppNHsPBrmLcA&s=08

Actions to Take: 

• If you are only an Umrah visa holder, leave Mecca before April 29th.
• Stay informed: Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at mytravel.state.gov to receive e-mails about travel and security information, and other messages important to U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia.
• Follow us on X/Twitter at @KSA_ACS
• Review the Department of State’s Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory and Country Information at travel.state.gov
• If you see something, say something. Notify local authorities immediately if you encounter unusual or suspicious activity. The local police can be reached at 999 or 911. Ambulances can be reached at 997. More emergency contact numbers can be found on our website at usembassy-sa.com

For Assistance Contact:

U.S. Embassy Riyadh 

Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (966) (11) 835-4000

RiyadhACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah 

Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000

JeddahACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran

Off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street

Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700

DhahranACS@state.gov

Travel Advisory:

Updated to reflect current security conditions and other minor edits.

Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks from Yemen and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Be aware of risks concerning social media activity and importation of prohibited items.

Do not travel to the following locations due to the threat of missile and drone attacks and terrorism:

• Within 20 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, including the city of Najran
• Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

Country Summary: U.S. Embassy and Consulate personnel must adhere to the above travel restrictions. The U.S. government has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in the above locations.

The Houthis have perpetrated missile and drone attacks in Saudi Arabia. Attacks have been rare since the announcement of a truce between Saudi Arabia, the Houthi rebels, and the internationally recognized Government of Yemen. Recent Houthi attacks have focused on vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. The Houthis have also threatened to renew attacks against Saudi Arabia. Past attacks have been aimed at targets throughout the country. Cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases and energy facilities have all been targeted.

Debris from intercepted drones and missiles has also been a risk. U.S. citizens living and working near infrastructure and military bases and infrastructure are at increased risk if attacks reoccur. The risk is most pronounced near the border with Yemen.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning. Terrorists have targeted Saudi and international interests. Religious sites and other places frequented by U.S. citizens have been targeted. Globally, terrorists are using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles. Targets often include tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. Terrorists are also known to time attacks around major holidays and/or in response to military operations.

Social media activity Saudi authorities deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest. U.S. citizens have been arrested for past social media activity and comments made while outside of Saudi Arabia. This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments critical of Saudi institutions, policies, or public life. Saudi laws on cybercrime and terrorism are used to prosecute these cases. Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years. Saudi courts do not necessarily consider the timeframe of the posts, or the location from which they were made, to be material.

It is illegal to bring drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, or alcohol into Saudi Arabia. Importing gambling-related items, weapons, or pork is prohibited. Bringing materials that could be considered obscene or suggestive into Saudi Arabia is also prohibited. Penalties are severe by U.S. standards. For more information, please see the Saudi Arabia Customs Authority website.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Saudi Arabia.

If you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia:

• Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas.
• Stay alert in large crowds and/or locations frequented by foreign nationals.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrest notification and the Department of State’s general information on arrests of U.S. citizens abroad.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Facebook and X/Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Saudi Arabia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Travel within 20 miles of the Yemen Border and Qatif in the Eastern Province, including Awamiyah – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Militants in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets. Civilians that are near the border with Yemen are especially at risk. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including in Qatif.

U.S. Embassy and Consulate personnel and their families are restricted from traveling within 20 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border. The U.S. government has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in this area.

Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Saudi Arabia:  Meningococcal Disease in Saudi Arabia – Vaccine Requirements for Travel During the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages.

Key points

• The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is one of the world’s largest mass gatherings. In 2024, Hajj will take place during June 14–19th. In addition, Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca can occur throughout the year.
• Mass gatherings, such as Hajj or Umrah, can increase the risk for infections such as meningococcal disease.
• In 2024, there have been reports of meningococcal disease in travelers who had been in Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
• Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, you should be up to date on all routine vaccines and travel related vaccines, including meningococcal vaccine.
• Saudi Arabia requires that all travelers aged one year and older arriving for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage show proof they have received a quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal vaccine in the last 3–5 years (depending on vaccine type) and at least 10 days prior to the planned travel. This vaccine is recommended for protection against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
• Visit a travel medicine specialist or healthcare professional 4–6 weeks before travel for specific advice related to your destination and this event.
• You should seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, or vomiting during or after travel.
• Monitor travel warnings and alerts from the U.S. Department of State and consider signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Traveler Information

• Consular & Travel Services – Hajj and Umrah k (Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
• Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Hajj  (Saudi Ministry of Health) (PDF)
• Health Information for Travelers to Saudi Arabia
• Meningococcal Disease

Clinician Information

• Saudi Arabia: Hajj/Umrah Pilgrimage in the CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
• Travel to Mass Gatherings in the CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
• Meningococcal Disease in the CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel
• Meningococcal Disease for Clinicians
• International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP)
• Meningococcal Disease Cases Linked to Travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Ensure Pilgrims Aged One Year and Older Traveling to KSA Are Current on Meningococcal Vaccination

For Assistance Contact:

U.S. Embassy Riyadh 

Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (11) 835-4000
Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670
RiyadhACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah 

Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000
Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093
JeddahACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran

Off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street
Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700
DhahranACS@state.gov

U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Saudi Arabia Country Information

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts

Follow us on Twitter

Meningococcal Disease in Saudi Arabia – Vaccine Requirements for Travel During the Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages.