Chargé d'Affaires Tim Lenderking introducing U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to Embassy Riyadh staff on November 4, 2013

Embassy Of The United States, Riyadh

Visiting the Embassy of the United States in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Tickets, Hours, and Visitor Tips

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The Embassy of the United States in Riyadh is a cornerstone of U.S.-Saudi diplomatic relations and a central hub for consular services, cultural exchange, and bilateral cooperation. Originally established as a legation in Jeddah in the early 1940s, the embassy has evolved in tandem with the deepening partnership between the two nations. Its history reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing geopolitical importance and the expanding scope of U.S. engagement in the region. Now located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the embassy continues to serve American citizens, facilitate visa services, and promote mutual understanding. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the embassy’s history, visiting protocols, security measures, and nearby attractions, as well as practical tips for planning your visit. For official updates, consult the U.S. Embassy Riyadh website and U.S. Department of State travel advisories.

Chancery Office Building in Riyadh in 1981

Chancery Office Building in Riyadh, 1981

Chancery Office Building in Riyadh designed by CRS Sirrine in 1986

Chancery Office Building in Riyadh, designed by architect CRS Sirrine, 1986

Chancery Office Building in Riyadh, architectural slide photo from 1986 by CRS and Sirrine

Chancery Office Building in Riyadh, 1986

Embassy Mission Residence in Riyadh designed by CRS Sirrine in 1990

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meet and greet with U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia staff and families in Riyadh

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meet and greet with U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia staff and families in Riyadh June 2023

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meeting with employees and families of U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia and Yemen Affairs Unit in Riyadh

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken greeting U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia staff and families in Riyadh

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meet and greet with U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia staff in Riyadh

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meeting with U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia staff and families in Riyadh

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaking to U.S. Embassy staff and families in Riyadh Saudi Arabia March 2012

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry greeting Embassy Riyadh staff and their families during visit to Saudi Arabia in 2013

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry addressing embassy workers at U.S. Embassy Riyadh

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry departing U.S. Embassy in Riyadh with Ambassador Joseph Westphal

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry greeting children of embassy workers at U.S. Embassy Riyadh

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry greeting Embassy Riyadh staff in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry greets U.S. Embassy Riyadh workers and families

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and officials viewing display of U.S. Presidents and Saudi Kings at U.S. Embassy Riyadh

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry saluting embassy workers at U.S. Embassy Riyadh in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry posing with children at U.S. Embassy Riyadh

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressing U.S. Embassy Riyadh staff and their families

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivering remarks to staff and families at U.S. Embassy Riyadh in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressing U.S. Embassy Riyadh staff and families in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivering remarks at U.S. Embassy Riyadh in 2018

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaking at U.S. Embassy Riyadh addressing staff and families

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressing staff and families at U.S. Embassy Riyadh

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressing U.S. Embassy Riyadh staff and families

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meeting with U.S. Embassy Riyadh staff and families

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meeting staff and families at U.S. Embassy Riyadh in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meeting staff and families from U.S. Embassy Riyadh in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meeting staff and families at U.S. Embassy Riyadh

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meeting with staff and families from U.S. Embassy Riyadh in Riyadh Saudi Arabia on April 29 2018

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meeting with staff and families at U.S. Embassy Riyadh

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meeting staff and families from U.S. Embassy Riyadh in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Secretary Marco Rubio meets employees and families of U.S. Embassy Riyadh and U.S. Mission to Yemen

Secretary Marco Rubio meet and greet with U.S. Embassy Riyadh and U.S. Mission Yemen staff and families in Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Secretary Marco Rubio meet and greet with U.S. Embassy Riyadh and U.S. Mission Yemen employees and families in Riyadh Saudi Arabia February 2025

Secretary Marco Rubio meeting with employees and families of U.S. Embassy Riyadh and U.S. Mission to Yemen

Secretary Marco Rubio meet and greet with U.S. Embassy Riyadh and U.S. Mission Yemen employees and families

Secretary Marco Rubio meeting employees and families at U.S. Embassy Riyadh and U.S. Mission Yemen

Secretary Marco Rubio meeting with employees and families of U.S. Embassy Riyadh and U.S. Mission to Yemen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Secretary Marco Rubio meeting with employees and families of U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia in Riyadh

Introduction
Historical Overview
Early Diplomatic Presence
Relocation to Riyadh
Architectural Evolution
Visiting the U.S. Embassy Riyadh
Location and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Appointments
Security Protocols and Entry Requirements
Accessibility and Visitor Support
Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Insights
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh Historical Sites
Milestones and Key Events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

U.S. Embassy Riyadh: History, Visiting Information, and Cultural Insights

Historical Overview

Early Diplomatic Presence

U.S.-Saudi diplomatic ties began in the 1940s, with the U.S. establishing its first legation in Jeddah in 1943. The initial diplomatic mission operated from a traditional house in Jeddah’s old city, serving as the primary avenue for American interests in the Kingdom. The legation’s elevation to embassy status in 1948 signified deeper political and economic cooperation as Saudi Arabia’s global energy role grew. In 1952, the mission moved to a beachfront site north of Jeddah, now the location of the U.S. Consulate General (sa.usembassy.gov/riyadh).

Relocation to Riyadh

In 1984, following a government initiative to centralize diplomatic activity, the embassy relocated to Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. This secured district was purpose-built for embassies and international organizations, reflecting Riyadh’s rise as the nation’s administrative and political capital. The former Jeddah compound became the U.S. Consulate General, and a second Consulate General opened in Dhahran to serve the Eastern Province (travel.state.gov; sa.usembassy.gov/riyadh).

Architectural Evolution

The current embassy site, at Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street, Roundabout No. 9, was selected for its security and proximity to Saudi ministries (embassies.info). In December 2023, construction began on a new, sustainable, state-of-the-art compound blending Saudi design motifs with modern security and green technologies. Spanning 27.5 acres, the new facility will be the largest U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia and a symbol of continued partnership (sa.usembassy.gov/building-for-the-future-united-states-breaks-ground-on-new-embassy-compound-in-riyadh).

Visiting the U.S. Embassy Riyadh

Location and Accessibility

Address: Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street, Roundabout No. 9, Diplomatic Quarter (Safarat District), Riyadh
Access: The Diplomatic Quarter is a secure, well-connected area near major landmarks such as Kingdom Centre and King Abdulaziz Historical Center (embassies.info).

Visiting Hours and Appointments

Hours: Sunday: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM; Monday–Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Fridays, Saturdays, U.S., and Saudi holidays
Appointments: All visits for consular or visa services require an appointment, booked via the official embassy website. Walk-ins are not permitted.

Security Protocols and Entry Requirements

Identification: Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport for non-Saudis, Iqama or national ID for Saudis).
Entry: Only visitors with confirmed appointments are allowed entry.
Prohibited Items: Electronic devices (phones, laptops, smartwatches, cameras), large bags, food, beverages, and prohibited substances (alcohol, pork, drugs, and non-Islamic religious materials) are not allowed.
Security Screening: All visitors must pass through security checks. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited.

Accessibility and Visitor Support

The embassy is equipped for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access and assistance. Notify the embassy in advance if you require special accommodations.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use taxis or ride-hailing apps, as public transit options are limited in the Diplomatic Quarter.
Arrival: Arrive 15–30 minutes early for security procedures.
Dress Code: Modest attire is required; men should wear long pants and sleeves, women should cover arms and legs (abaya optional for foreign women).

Nearby Attractions and Cultural Insights

Diplomatic Quarter (Safarat District)

A secure, landscaped district with embassies, parks, walking trails, and art installations. Ideal for a stroll before or after your embassy appointment.

Riyadh Historical Sites

King Abdulaziz Historical Center: Museums and gardens exploring Saudi history and culture.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia: Exhibits on the Kingdom’s heritage.
Masmak Fortress: 19th-century fort central to Saudi unification, now a museum open to the public.

For more on Masmak Fortress, see the Riyadh Tourism Official Website.

Milestones and Key Events

1943: First U.S. diplomatic mission in Jeddah
1984: Embassy relocates to Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter
2023: Groundbreaking on the new embassy compound, signifying modern bilateral cooperation (sa.usembassy.gov/building-for-the-future-united-states-breaks-ground-on-new-embassy-compound-in-riyadh)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the embassy’s visiting hours?
A: Sunday 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM; Monday–Thursday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Closed Fridays, Saturdays, and official holidays.

Q: Are tickets or fees required to visit the embassy?
A: No tickets or entry fees are required. Appointments are mandatory for all services.

Q: Can I bring my phone or laptop into the embassy?
A: No. All electronic devices are prohibited.

Q: How do I schedule a visa or consular appointment?
A: Book online at sa.usembassy.gov/visas or sa.usembassy.gov/consular-services.

Q: Is the embassy accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes. Contact the embassy in advance for special accommodations.

Q: How can I receive embassy alerts or updates?
A: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for notifications.

Summary of Key Information and Visitor Recommendations

The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh stands as a vital institution reflecting the enduring partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. For those seeking consular services, planning ahead—by booking appointments, preparing documents, and understanding security protocols—ensures a smooth visit. The embassy’s modern facilities, commitment to accessibility, and evolving compound underscore its ongoing dedication to security and sustainability. Exploring the surrounding Diplomatic Quarter and nearby cultural sites like Masmak Fortress enriches your experience in Riyadh. Stay informed through official channels, enroll in STEP, and respect local customs for a safe and successful embassy visit (sa.usembassy.gov/riyadh).