Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa: Who Can Apply & How

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors wide to visitors, and the tourist eVisa is the simplest way for most travelers to explore everything from the historic streets of Al-Balad to the deserts of Al-Ula and the futuristic developments rising across the country. Whether you are planning a short holiday, visiting family, or scouting the Kingdom before a longer stay, this guide walks you through who can apply, how the process works, what it costs, and the key rules to keep in mind.

Who can apply for the tourist eVisa

Eligibility for the Saudi tourist eVisa depends primarily on your nationality and, in some cases, your existing visas or residency. The current list of eligible countries is published on the official Visit Saudi visa portal, so it is always worth checking that your passport is included before you begin.

• Citizens of eligible countries can apply for the eVisa directly online.
• Holders of a valid visit visa for the United States, United Kingdom, or the Schengen Area may qualify under specified conditions.
• Permanent residents of the United States, the European Union, or the United Kingdom may also be eligible.
• Residents of GCC countries may qualify under the specified conditions.

Applicants must be at least 18 to use the online eVisa service. Anyone under 18 needs to be included through an eligible adult's application rather than applying alone.

Passport and document requirements

Before applying, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia. During the online application you will need to upload a clear scan of your passport and provide your personal details accurately, as any mismatch can delay processing.

How to apply online, step by step

The tourist visa is designed to be handled entirely online through the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal or the KSA Visa platform. The process is straightforward:

• Create your application and enter your personal information.
• Upload your passport and any required documents.
• Select or receive the mandatory medical insurance.
• Pay the fees electronically.
• Receive your eVisa by email once approved.

Approval is immediate in some cases, while other applications may take up to three business days. It is best to apply well ahead of your travel dates rather than at the last minute.

If your country has no visa service center

If a visa service center is not available in your country, you can still submit your request through the KSA Visa platform and then proceed through the Saudi embassy in your country of residence. Check the requirements for the embassy route carefully, as processing can differ from the fully online path.

Visa validity and length of stay

There are two main options depending on your travel plans:

• Multiple-entry tourist visa: valid for one year and allows stays of up to 90 days.
• Single-entry tourist visa: valid for 90 days and allows a stay of up to 90 days.

When your tourist visa expires, you can generally request a new one afterward if you plan to return.

Fees and insurance

The published visa charge is US$80 (approximately SAR 300), and this charge is refundable where applicable. On top of that, there are non-refundable digital service fees of US$10.50 for visa digital services and US$10.50 for insurance digital services (each roughly SAR 39.38).

Mandatory medical insurance is charged separately, and the amount depends on the provider you select during the application. Because fees and insurance costs can change, always confirm the exact totals on the official Visit Saudi or KSA Visa platform before paying.

Important restrictions to know

The tourist visa is meant for tourism, family visits, and similar purposes, and it does not permit performing Hajj. During the 2026 Hajj season, tourist-visa holders were barred from entering or remaining in Makkah from April 18, 2026, through June 1, 2026. If your trip overlaps with the Hajj period, plan your itinerary carefully and confirm current rules on the relevant official Saudi portal.

With a valid passport, the right eligibility, and a few minutes online, most travelers can secure a Saudi tourist visa quickly and start planning an unforgettable trip across the Kingdom.

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