Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa: Who Can Apply & How

Oct 23, 2026•4 min read

Saudi Arabia has made visiting easier than ever through its electronic tourist visa, which lets travelers from dozens of countries apply entirely online and plan a trip within minutes. Whether you are coming for leisure, a major event, to see family, or to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, this guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through who qualifies, what the visa allows, and exactly how to apply.

Who can apply

The electronic tourist visa (eVisa) is open to citizens of a specific group of eligible countries. The official tourist-visa portal currently lists 68 eligible countries, so your first step should always be to confirm that your nationality appears on the portal before starting.

Your passport must be from one of the eligible countries.
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity on the date of entry.
Applicants using the eVisa service must be 18 years or older. For children, a parent or legal guardian submits the application on their behalf.

If your nationality is not on the eligible list, you can still apply through a Saudi embassy or consulate, or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform, depending on your nationality and the visa category you need.

What the tourist visa lets you do

The tourist visa is designed for visitors, not for employment or study. Permitted activities include:

Tourism, sightseeing and leisure travel
Attending events, festivals and entertainment seasons
Visiting family and relatives
Performing Umrah outside the Hajj season

Working and studying are not allowed on this visa. If your plans involve employment or enrolling in a program, you will need the appropriate work or study visa instead.

Validity and length of stay

The standard tourist eVisa is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance and is normally a multiple-entry visa, so you can enter and leave the Kingdom more than once within that year.

You can stay for up to 90 days
The eVisa cannot be extended, so plan your trip within the allowed period.

Fees and insurance

The official portal shows the current total at the payment stage, including applicable VAT and the mandatory medical insurance that comes bundled with the visa. Because the price can change, it is best not to rely on a fixed figure in advance—check the exact amount displayed when you reach the payment screen, and keep in mind that the fee is paid online during the application.

How to apply step by step

The whole process is done online and is usually quick:

Confirm eligibility: Make sure your nationality is on the official list and your passport meets the 6-month validity rule.
Start the application: Go to the official Saudi tourist eVisa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com.
Enter your details: Complete the online form and upload your passport and personal information.
Pay the displayed fee: This includes VAT and medical insurance, shown before you confirm.
Receive your visa: The electronic visa is issued and delivered to you online.

Important things to know before you travel

Approval is not a guarantee of entry. Saudi border authorities make the final decision on admission when you arrive.
Watch the expiry date. If your visa expires before you enter the Kingdom, you will need to submit a new application and pay the fee again.
Keep your documents ready. Have your passport and visa accessible at the border, along with any supporting information about your trip.

Final tips from سعودي ليفنج

Apply a little ahead of your travel date, but not so early that the visa risks expiring before you go. Always rely on the official portal for the latest eligible countries, fees and conditions, as these can be updated. With the online process, most eligible travelers can secure a visa and start planning their visit to the Kingdom in a single sitting.

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