Saudi Tourist Visa: Who Can Apply and How

Saudi Arabia's tourist visa has opened the Kingdom to millions of visitors who want to explore its cities, natural landscapes, and cultural sites, reconnect with family, or perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. If you are planning a trip, understanding who can apply, which channel to use, and how long you can stay will save you time and confusion. In this Saudi Living guide, we break down the essentials of the tourist visa in plain language.

What the tourist visa is for

The tourist visa is designed for three main purposes: leisure and tourism, visiting family and friends, and performing Umrah at any time of year except during the Hajj period. It is a completely separate category from work visas, residency (Iqama-linked) visas, and dedicated Hajj visas. If your goal is employment or long-term residence, the tourist visa is not the right route.

Who can apply

Eligibility depends largely on your nationality. Citizens of more than 60 countries — around 66 nationalities as of mid-2026 — qualify for the streamlined online tourist eVisa and, in many cases, for a visa on arrival at Saudi international airports.

• Eligible nationalities: Can apply quickly online through the official government tourism visa portal, or obtain a visa on arrival.
• Other nationalities: Generally need to apply through a Saudi diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) or an approved visa center, using a consular tourist/visit visa.

Because eligibility lists are updated over time, always confirm your nationality's status on the official Saudi tourism visa portal before booking travel.

The main official channels

There are three legitimate ways to obtain a tourist visa, and it is important to use the correct one for your situation:

• Online tourist eVisa: Applied for through the official Visit Saudi government tourism visa platform. This is the fastest and most common option for eligible travelers.
• Visa on arrival: Issued at international airports inside the Kingdom for eligible nationalities.
• Consular tourist/visit visa: Processed through Saudi embassies and consulates and their outsourced service centers (such as Etimad centers).

A common point of confusion: the initial tourist visa is not issued through أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, Balady, or توكلنا. Those platforms handle resident, labor, municipal, justice, and digital identity services — not first-time tourist visa issuance. Use only the official tourism visa portal or an accredited consular channel.

Validity and how long you can stay

The standard online tourist eVisa is generous compared with many countries:

• Validity: Typically 1 year (365 days) from the date of issue.
• Entry type: Multiple-entry, so you can come and go several times during the year.
• Stay per visit: Up to 90 days on each visit.
• Annual cap: Some descriptions note a maximum of around 180 days total

Certain consular setups also offer a single-entry tourist eVisa variant, usually with 90-day validity and a 90-day stay. However, the main online eVisa remains the 1-year multiple-entry version. Confirm the exact terms shown on your issued visa before you travel.

Fees to expect (2026)

The tourist eVisa involves a few separate charges rather than a single flat price. Based on the 2026 structure, the components include:

• Base government visa fee: 300 ريال سعودي.
• Mandatory medical/health insurance: approximately 180 ريال سعودي.
• VAT and platform/service charges: added on top of the above.

Because service charges and taxes can change, the final total displayed at checkout on the official portal is the figure to rely on. Always confirm current fees on the official Saudi tourism visa platform before paying.

Practical tips before you apply

• Check your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended entry date.
• Apply through the official tourism visa portal only, and avoid unofficial intermediaries promising "guaranteed" approvals.
• Keep a digital and printed copy of your visa when you travel.
• Remember that the tourist visa does not permit paid work in the Kingdom.
• If performing Umrah, make sure your travel dates fall outside the Hajj period.

With the right visa in hand, Saudi Arabia is easier than ever to explore — from historic districts and modern seasons to the Red Sea coast and beyond. Confirm your eligibility and the latest fees on the official portal, and you'll be ready to plan your trip with confidence.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving