Saudi Tourist Visa: Who Can Apply and How

Oct 22, 2026•3 min read

Saudi Arabia has made visiting easier than ever through its online tourist eVisa, letting travelers plan a trip for leisure, family visits, events, or Umrah with a straightforward digital application. If you are considering a visit—whether to explore historic sites, attend a season, or reconnect with relatives—this guide walks you through who qualifies, what the visa allows, how long you can stay, and the exact steps to apply. Because eligibility lists and pricing can change, always confirm the latest details on the official Saudi tourist eVisa portal before you pay.

Who Can Apply

Citizens of 68 eligible countries can apply online for the Saudi tourist eVisa. To qualify, you must hold a passport issued by one of these eligible countries, and that passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. You are also required to enter Saudi Arabia using the same passport you applied with.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to use the online eVisa service.
A parent or legal guardian applies on behalf of minors.
Passport details must match exactly what you enter in the application.

If your nationality is not on the eligible list, you can still apply through the nearest Saudi embassy or the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform.

What the Tourist Visa Allows

The tourist visa covers a broad range of purposes, making it flexible for most short visits:

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

Two purposes are not permitted under the tourist visa: studying in the Kingdom and performing Hajj. Those require separate, dedicated visa types.

Validity and Maximum Stay

The standard eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issuance and normally permits multiple entries, so you can come and go during that period. However, there are two important limits to keep in mind:

You may stay for a total of up to 90 days within the visa's validity period.
The tourist visa cannot be extended, so plan your trip length carefully.

If you expect to need more time than the visa allows, consider the timing of your entries and exits so you stay within the 90-day total.

How to Apply: Step by Step

The online process is designed to be completed in a single sitting:

Create an account on the official Saudi tourist eVisa portal.
Complete the application form with your personal and travel information.
Upload your passport details and required personal information, making sure everything matches your passport exactly.
Pay the displayed fee at checkout.
Receive your electronic visa by email once it is issued.

Keep a copy of the eVisa—digital or printed—ready to show on arrival.

Fees and What They Cover

The official portal displays the exact amount payable at the point of payment. This total typically includes applicable VAT and mandatory medical-insurance charges bundled into the visa cost. Because the final payable amount can be amended over time, the portal is the only reliable place to see the current figure before you confirm your payment.

Official Channels and Recent Changes

Use only official channels to apply and avoid errors or unnecessary costs:

The Saudi tourist eVisa portal for eligible nationalities.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform.
Saudi embassies for applicants whose nationalities are not eligible for the eVisa.

Finally, remember that both the list of eligible countries and the visa pricing can be updated. Always verify the current eligible-country list and the payable amount while completing your application, so there are no surprises at payment or on arrival.

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