Saudi Tourist Visa: Who Can Apply and How

Oct 30, 2026•4 min read

If you're planning a trip to Saudi Arabia — whether to explore its landscapes, attend one of its seasons and events, visit family, or perform Umrah outside the Hajj season — the tourist eVisa is the simplest route for most travelers. In this guide, we at سعودي ليفنج break down exactly who can apply, what the visa allows, how long it lasts, and the steps to get it issued before you fly.

Who can apply for a Saudi tourist visa

Eligibility depends mainly on your nationality. The official Saudi eVisa portal maintains a list of eligible countries — currently 68 — whose citizens can apply online for a tourist eVisa.

Even if your nationality isn't on that list, you may still qualify under another route:

Holders of a valid visa from the United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen Area may be eligible for a visa on arrival, subject to the applicable conditions.
Travelers who don't qualify for the eVisa at all can apply through a Saudi embassy or consulate using the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa services.

Basic requirements before you apply

A few conditions apply to everyone using the eVisa service:

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Saudi Arabia.
Age: You must be 18 or older to apply for yourself. Minors are added under an accompanying adult's application.
Personal details and photo: You'll need accurate passport information and a personal photo ready to upload.

What the tourist visa lets you do — and what it doesn't

The tourist eVisa covers a wide range of visit purposes, including:

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

Just as important is what the visa does not allow. It cannot be used for study or employment, and it does not authorize Hajj. If your goal is to work, enroll in a program, or perform Hajj, you'll need the correct dedicated visa instead.

Validity, entries, and maximum stay

Understanding the timing rules helps you plan multiple trips:

Validity: The standard eVisa is valid for one year from issuance.
Entries: It's generally a multiple-entry visa, unless your issued visa states otherwise.
Maximum stay: You can stay up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia on the eVisa.
Extension: The eVisa cannot be extended. Plan your dates accordingly.
If it expires before entry: You'll need to submit a brand-new application and pay the fee again.

How to apply step by step

The eVisa process is designed to be completed online before travel:

Open the official Saudi eVisa portal and start a new application.
Complete the online form with your personal and travel details.
Upload the required passport information and personal photo.
Pay the fee electronically.
Download your issued eVisa once it's approved, and keep a copy for your journey.

If you're applying through an embassy or consulate instead, follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa services process for your location.

How much does it cost?

The official terms do not publish a fixed amount in ريال سعودي. The price you'll pay — including any applicable VAT — is shown at checkout and may change over time. Always review the total on the official portal before confirming payment, since that's the only figure you should rely on.

Practical tips before you travel

Double-check your passport's expiry date against your planned entry date — six months of validity is the minimum.
Confirm your nationality or existing visa status qualifies you before paying anything.
Save a digital and printed copy of your eVisa.
If you plan to perform Umrah, make sure your travel falls outside the Hajj season.
Verify current fees, eligibility, and conditions on the official Saudi government portals, as rules can be updated.

With a little planning, the tourist eVisa makes visiting Saudi Arabia straightforward. Confirm the latest details on the official portal, keep your documents in order, and you'll be ready to explore.

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