Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa: Who Can Apply & How

Oct 25, 2026•4 min read

Saudi Arabia has made visiting the Kingdom easier than ever through its online tourist visa service. Whether you want to explore historic sites, attend an event, visit family, or perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, the tourist eVisa lets eligible travelers apply from home and receive approval electronically. In this Saudi Living guide, we break down exactly who can apply, what you need, how long the visa lasts, and the steps to complete your application correctly.

Who Can Apply for the Tourist eVisa

The online tourist eVisa is open to citizens of the 68 countries currently listed on Saudi Arabia's official eVisa portal. If your nationality appears on that list, you can complete the entire process online without visiting an embassy.

You must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries shown on the official portal.
Applicants using the eVisa service must be at least 18 years old.
Minors cannot apply on their own — an adult must submit the application on their behalf.

If your country is not on the eligible list, you are not out of options. You can apply through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform or through an authorized Saudi diplomatic mission in your country.

Passport and Document Requirements

Before you begin, check that your travel documents meet the basic standards:

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
You will need a clear digital copy of your passport and a personal photo to upload during the application.
Your personal details must match your passport exactly to avoid delays or rejection.

What You Can and Cannot Do on This Visa

The tourist eVisa is designed for short-term visits, not for living, studying, or working in the Kingdom. Permitted purposes include:

Tourism and leisure travel.
Attending events.
Visiting family or relatives.
Performing Umrah outside the Hajj season.

Study and work are not permitted on this visa. If you plan to take up a job or enroll in an educational program, you will need the appropriate work or study visa arranged through the relevant official channels.

Validity, Entries, and Length of Stay

The standard tourist eVisa is generous for travelers who want flexibility:

Validity: 1 year from the date of issue.
Entries: Normally multiple entry, so you can come and go during the validity period — unless your issued visa states otherwise.
Maximum stay: Up to 90 days
Extension: The eVisa cannot be extended, so plan your trip within the allowed period.

Fees and Payment

The visa fee is paid online during the application and typically includes VAT and a mandatory medical insurance component. The exact amount in Saudi Riyal is displayed on the payment screen before you confirm, and it may change over time. Because the figure is not fixed, always check the total shown on the official portal at the moment you apply so there are no surprises.

How to Apply Step by Step

The process is fully online and usually straightforward:

Go to the Saudi tourist eVisa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com.
Complete the online application form with your personal and travel details.
Upload your passport and personal photo as required.
Review everything carefully, then pay the displayed fee.
Receive your electronic visa by email once it is approved.

Keep a digital and printed copy of your eVisa to show at check-in and on arrival.

Important Notes Before You Travel

Approval of your eVisa does not automatically guarantee entry into the Kingdom. Saudi border authorities make the final decision at the point of entry, so carry your supporting documents and be ready to answer routine questions. Make sure your visit stays within the permitted purposes and the 90-day limit, and confirm any current requirements on the official portal before you fly, as rules and fees can be updated. With a little preparation, the tourist eVisa makes visiting Saudi Arabia smooth and welcoming.

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