Saudi Tourist Visa: Who Can Apply and How

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors wider to visitors than ever before, and the tourist eVisa is the fastest, most convenient way for eligible travellers to experience the Kingdom — from the historic streets of البلد in جدة to the ancient wonders of العلا and the buzzing energy of موسم الرياض. At سعودي ليفنج we regularly help newcomers and visiting families understand the process, so here is a clear, up-to-date guide on who can apply for a Saudi tourist visa and exactly how to do it.

Who can apply

The tourist eVisa is currently open to citizens of around 66 nationalities listed on the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal. If your country is on that list, you can apply entirely online before you travel.

• Residents of GCC states — UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman — who hold a valid residence permit may also obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa, regardless of their original nationality.
• GCC citizens enter the Kingdom visa-free and do not need a tourist eVisa at all.
• If your nationality is not on the eligible list, you may still be able to enter through other visa categories, so always check the official portal for your specific situation.

What the tourist visa is for

The tourist eVisa is designed for leisure and personal travel, not employment. Permitted purposes include:

• Tourism and leisure travel across the Kingdom
• Visiting family and friends
• Performing Umrah — outside the Hajj season

It does not permit working in Saudi Arabia. If your visit is work-related, you will need a different visa type.

Validity, entries, and length of stay

The standard tourist eVisa offers generous flexibility:

• Validity: 1 year (365 days) from the date of issuance.
• Entries: multiple entry, so you can come and go during that year.
• Stay per visit: up to 90 days, with a total usable stay of around 90 days across the year.

This makes it a strong option for travellers who want to explore in stages or return for repeat visits.

Fees and mandatory insurance

Fees can vary slightly depending on how and where you apply, and mandatory medical insurance is always bundled into the tourist eVisa — there is no tourist eVisa without it.

• For non-GCC nationalities, the typical checkout total is around SAR 535, made up of a base government visa fee of roughly SAR 300 plus mandatory medical insurance and platform/processing charges (commonly landing in the SAR 480–550 range).
• For some non-GCC nationalities, a visa on arrival at Saudi airports is available at about SAR 480 total, slightly lower than the online eVisa due to lower platform charges.
• For GCC residents, some carriers and travel guidance list a tourist visa fee of around SAR 300.

Because fees are periodically updated, confirm the exact amount at checkout on the official portal before paying.

Recent changes and restrictions to know

A few important rules introduced in early 2025 remain in force into mid-2026:

• Multiple-entry visit-visa restrictions apply to 14 nationalities — Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen — limiting the availability of multiple-entry tourist/visit visas for these travellers.
• The overall eligibility list has continued to grow, reaching about 66 countries, with no announced reduction.
• Mandatory medical insurance remains a firm requirement bundled into every tourist eVisa.

How to apply, step by step

The process is straightforward and can usually be completed in minutes:

• Visit the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal and confirm your nationality is eligible.
• Create an account and fill in your personal and passport details.
• Upload the required documents, including a clear passport-style photo and a passport valid for at least six months.
• Pay the total fee, which automatically includes the mandatory medical insurance.
• Receive your eVisa by email, usually within a short processing window, and carry a copy when you travel.

Always apply only through official Saudi government channels and confirm the latest requirements before you book your trip. With a valid tourist eVisa in hand, the Kingdom's landmarks, seasons, and experiences are ready to welcome you.

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