PRESS REIIEASE

Neither the United States Embassy in Riyadh nor the United States Consulate
General in Jeddah has changed its policy in determining visa eligibility as a result
of the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Nonimmigrant visa eligibility, particularly in the case of tourists and students, is

based on a determination by a consular officer that an applicant has adequate
resources to fully fund his or her travel or education expenses in the United States
and has sufficiently strong ties to his or her country of residence to clearly indicate
the intention to return to that country once the purpose of travel to the United
States has been completed. While many applicants may have family or friends in
either the United States or Saudi Arabia willing to assist the applicant in defraying
the cost of travel or education, the responsibility to qualify for a visa always
remains with the applicant.

In Saudi Arabia, nonimmigrant visa applications are presented through designated

travel agencies. In most cases, a visa is issued without the necessity of a personal
interview. However, in those cases where the consular officer feels that me
information presented is not clear or complete, a personal interview may be
requested to clarify the unresolved issues and, ultimately, to determine visa
eligibility. These standards conform to long-standing Department of State
guidelines.

For further information regarding the Embassy's nonimmigrant visa application

process, applicants may wish to visit the U.S. Embassy website at:

http://usembassy.state.gov/riyadh
i

or call the Embassy at (1) 488-3800, which provides recorded information in,
English and Arabic on application procedures.

Released by Public Aflkin Office. U.S. Embassy- P.O. Box 94309 Riyadh 11693. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- Tel. 4883800
 PRESSRELEASE

UPDATE ON U.S. VISA PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS AND TOURISTS

1- In response to recent inquiries from individuals and members of the press, the United
States Embassy wishes SreiterateVhat neither the Embassy in Riyadh nor the United
States Consulate General in Jeddan has changed its procedures or policies in determining
visa eligibility as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11,2001.

Nonimmigrant visa eligibility, particularly in the cases of students and tourists, is based
on a determination by a consular officer that an applicant has adequate resources to fully
fund his or her travel or education expenses in the United States. That applicant must
demonstrate sufficiently strong ties to his or her country of residence to clearly indicate a
return to that country once the purpose of travel to the United States has been completed.
While many applicants may have family or friends in either the United States or Saudi
Arabia "willing to assist the applicant in defraying, the cost of travel or education, the
responsibility to qualify for a visa always remains with the applicant.

In Saudi Arabia, nonimmigrant visa applications are presented through designated travel
agencies. In most cases, a visa is issued without the necessity of a personal interview.
However, in those case where the consular officer feels that the information presented
does not clearly reflect the applicant's purpose of travel or situation in Saudi Arabia, a
personal interview may be requested to clarify the unresolved issues and, ultimately, to
determine visa eligibility.

For further information regarding the Embassy's nonimmigrant visa application process,
applicants may visit the U.S. Embassy website at http://usembassy.state.gov/riyadh or
call the Embassy at (1) 488-3800, which provides recorded information in English and
Arabic on application procedures. -

Released by Public Affairs Office,-U.S. Embassy- P.O. Box 94309 Riyafflj 11693, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-Tel 4883800