Saudi visa requirements

If you are a foreign national from one of the 65 eligible countries, you can apply online for a Saudi e-Visa, allowing you to travel to Saudi Arabia for short-term tourism related activities, including Umrah, except during the Hajj season.

GCC residents can also apply online for a Saudi e-Visa, on the condition they hold a valid occupation and a residency valid for at least 3 months. Foreign nationals from the 65 countries are eligible to obtain a Saudi visa-on-arrival at a Saudi port of entry; however, it is always advised to apply online for a Saudi e-Visa, in order to avoid airport lines and possible delays.

GCC nationals can travel to Saudi Arabia visa-free, needing only to show a passport or national ID at a Saudi port of entry. All other foreign nationals, and those applying for a Saudi consulate visa, must apply for a Saudi visa at their nearest Saudi Arabian embassy or representation office abroad, prior to traveling to Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi visa requirements

Saudi e-Visa

To apply for the Saudi e-Visa, only 3 basic Saudi visa requirements should be met:

Passport

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

Personal photos

Applicant are required to 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

To apply for a Saudi electronic visa, applicant should fill out an online Saudi visa application form, complete with 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.

Saudi visa application steps

Applying for a Saudi e-Visa is a simple 3-step process:

Complete e-Visa application form

Fill out the online e-Visa application form, complete with personal data and requested information

Pay e-Visa fees

Pay the Saudi e-Visa fees securely online with 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.

Saudi Arabia entry requirements

Those eligible for a Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa can enter Saudi Arabia for tourism related activities, including Umrah, except during Hajj season. Long-term activities, such as employment or education, require foreign nationals to apply for a Saudi visa type that is relevant to their purpose for traveling to Saudi Arabia. Applying online for a Saudi e-Visa requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry into Saudi Arabia, submittal of a completed Saudi e-Visa application form, and a valid credit/debit card to pay for the Saudi e-Visa application fees.

GCC nationals need only show their national ID or passport upon arrival to Saudi Arabia. Foreign Nationals from 65 countries are eligible to apply online for a Saudi tourist e-Visa, prior to traveling to Saudi Arabia, or obtain a Saudi visa-on-arrival at a Saudi port of entry. GCC residents can apply online for a Saudi e-Visa, provided they hold a valid occupation and a residency valid for at least 3 months. All other foreign nationals and Saudi consulate visa applicants should apply for a Saudi visa at their nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office, prior to traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Current Saudi Arabia COVID-19 measures do not require travelers to Saudi Arabia to furnish negative PCR tests or vaccination certificates. All foreign travelers to Saudi Arabia, however, must register by filling out an immunization information form, except for airline crew, diplomats, and holders of a Saudi government visit visa. All visitors to Saudi Arabia are expected to carry medical insurance to cover any COVID hospitalization and other health issues that may occur.

Saudi visa FAQ

Those eligible for a Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa can enter Saudi Arabia for tourism related activities, including Umrah, except during Hajj season. Foreign Nationals from 65 countries are eligible to apply online for a Saudi tourist e-Visa, prior to traveling to Saudi Arabia, or can obtain a Saudi visa-on-arrival at a Saudi port of entry. GCC residents can apply online for a Saudi e-Visa, provided they hold a valid occupation and a residency valid for at least 3 months. If you are a GCC national, you need only show your national ID or passport upon arrival to Saudi Arabia. If you are not a GCC citizen or eligible to apply for a Saudi tourist e-Visa or obtain a visa-on-arrival, then you must apply for a Saudi visa at your nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office.

The Saudi tourist e-Visa is offered to foreign nationals from 65 countries and to GCC residents wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism activities, including Umrah, except during Hajj season.

Applying for a Saudi electronic visa is a simple process, where eligible foreign citizens complete a Saudi Arabia visa application form, provide their passport details, and pay the Saudi e-Visa application fee. If approved, SaudiVisa.com will directly send the Saudi e-Visa to the email provided, within 24 hours. It’s that easy.

The multiple entry family visit visa is issued to Saudi resident visa holders, interested in hosting their close family members in Saudi Arabia. Applying for a Saudi family visit visa requires a Saudi resident visa holder living in Saudi Arabia to apply to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on their relatives’ behalf. Family is constituted as first-degree relations, including parents (and in-laws), spouses, and children. The Saudi family visit visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year, allowing a 90-day stay each visit.

Saudi Arabia is a country deeply rooted in culture and heritage. It is also the birthplace of Islam and home to many holy sites. Although Saudi Arabia has recently laxed its rules and regulations, it is advised for visitors to remain respectful of Saudi Arabia’s customs and traditions while traveling to Saudi Arabia.