Saudi Tourist visa

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors to its Red Sea beaches, exotic deserts, and majestic mountains. Saudi Arabia is also a notable destination for religious tourism and pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia’s business centers, tourist attractions, modern architecture, and second-to-none infrastructure is also sure to attract millions of visitors per year.

In an effort to make the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a world-class tourist destination, Saudi Arabia has launched the Saudi e-Visa allowing foreign nationals from 49 countries and qualified GCC residents to apply online for the Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa. The Saudi e-Visa allows its holders to travel to Saudi Arabia for short-term tourism activities, including Umrah, excluding Hajj season or any long-term activity, such as education or employment. Foreign citizens, who are not eligible to apply online for the Saudi tourist e-Visa, must apply for a Saudi “sticker” visa at their nearest Saudi embassy or representation office.

Table of contents

Eligibility

Foreign nationals from 49 countries are eligible to apply online for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa. GCC residents, who have an eligible occupation and a residency visa valid for at least 3 months, can also apply online for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa. Foreign nationals eligible to obtain a Saudi visa-on-arrival are always recommended to apply online for the Saudi tourist e-Visa, in order to avoid airport lines and possible delays.

Validity

All Saudi tourist e-Visas are normally valid for 1 year and allow for a maximum 90-day stay in Saudi Arabia, unless otherwise stated. Saudi Arabia tourist visas are processed on a case-by-case basis and may be issued with a 3-month validity period, allowing its holder only a 1-month stay in Saudi Arabia. It is advised to check the Saudi Arabia visa that you have been issued, in order to avoid overstays in Saudi Arabia.

Processing Time

Applying for a Saudi Arabia electronic visa is a very fast process. Once approved, applicants can receive their Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa within 24 hours.

Categories

The Saudi e-Visa is issued as one of two possible entry categories, either as a single-entry or as a multiple-entry electronic visa:
Single-entry

30 Days

valid for 3 months
Multiple-entry

90 Days

valid for 12 months
Foreign nationals eligible to apply for the Saudi e-Visa will be issued a multiple entry Saudi e-Visa, while MOFA officials will issue GCC residents either a single or a multiple-entry Saudi e-Visa, depending on their individual case.

Saudi e-Visa requirements

Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa

Foreign nationals from 49 countries are eligible to apply online for a Saudi Arabia electronic visa, if they fulfill the following Saudi tourist visa requirements:

Passport

Applicant must have a passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia or that meets the rules of reciprocity.

Personal photos

Applicant must submit one recent color photo; against a white background; 2x2 inches; 5 to 100 KB natural facial expressions; 80% face; no eyeglasses; no head wear, except for religious reasons.

Application

Apply for your Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa by filling out an online Saudi visa application form, complete with your personal data, passport details, and other requested information.

Please note that visa applicants must be over 18 years old to apply without a parent or legal guardian.

Additional requirements for GCC residents

GCC residents, who hold a valid GCC residency visa and occupation, can apply for a Saudi tourist e-Visa if they meet the following Saudi e-Visa requirements, in addition to those listed above:

Residency visa

Applicant must hold a GCC residency visa that is valid for at least three months.

Occupation

Applicant must hold an eligible occupation.

Please note that visa applicants must be over 18 years old to apply without a parent or legal guardian.
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Application steps

We have made it easy to apply for a Saudi electronic visa. The simple online process requires you simply submit a completed Saudi e-Visa application, provide your passport details, and pay the Saudi visa application fees. Once approved, you will receive your Saudi e-Visa directly to the email you provided.

The 3-step Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa application process is as follows:

Complete application form

Fill out the electronic Saudi visa application form, complete with your personal data, passport details, and other requested information.

Pay e-Visa fees

Pay the Saudi tourist e-Visa fees securely online, using a valid credit or debit card.

Receive approved e-Visa

If approved, your Saudi e-Visa will be directly sent to the email you provided. Check that all visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport. If the Saudi electronic visa is rejected, you can reapply for a new Saudi e-Visa.

If you are a GCC resident applying for a Saudi e-Visa, remember that you are required to hold a valid occupation and a GCC residency that is valid for at least 3 months.
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Visa extension

Saudi Arabia electronic visas cannot be extended. If you wish to extend your stay while in Saudi Arabia, you cannot. You should leave Saudi Arabia and reapply for a new Saudi tourist e-Visa. If you do not travel to Saudi Arabia within your Saudi tourist e-Visa’s validity period, then you should also reapply for a new Saudi tourist e-Visa.

Saudi visa FAQ

Saudi tourist e-Visas are normally issued as multiple entry visas valid for 1 year, allowing for a maximum 90-day stay, unless otherwise stated. Saudi e-Visa applications are processed on an individual basis, and accordingly, they may be issued as a single-entry visa valid for 3 months, allowing only a 1-month stay. In all cases, no traveler can stay in Saudi Arabia for more than 90 days.
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest visa application turn-around times, issuing approved Saudi e-Visas within 24 hours.
A Saudi visa-on-arrival is available to foreign nationals from the 49 eligible countries.
A tourist visa is intended for travel for tourism purposes, while a visit visa indicates one of several types of temporary visit, including personal visit, business visit, family visits, and other activities.