Saudi Tourist Visa: Who Can Apply & How

Saudi Arabia has made it easier than ever to visit for tourism, family visits, and Umrah (Hajj excluded). Whether you want to explore historic sites, attend seasonal events, or reconnect with family living in the Kingdom, the Saudi tourist e-visa and visa on arrival open the door to multiple entries and generous stay periods. This سعودي ليفنج guide walks you through who qualifies, how to apply, what it costs, and how long you can stay.

Who can apply?

The Saudi tourist visa is available to a wide range of travelers. You are likely eligible if you fall into one of these groups:

• Citizens of 60+ listed countries, including most EU member states, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several Latin American and Asian nations. The full, current list is published on the official Saudi visa platform.
• Holders of a valid Schengen, US, or UK visit visa.
• Permanent residents of the US, EU, or UK.
• Residents of GCC countries, who can also apply under the visit/tourist categories.

Because eligibility lists are updated periodically, always confirm your nationality and status on the official Saudi tourism visa portal before booking travel.

The two main ways to apply

There are two primary official channels for a tourist visa:

• Online e-visa: Apply through the official Saudi tourism visa portal, upload your details, pay by card, and receive your visa electronically before you travel. This is the most common route.
• Visa on arrival: Processed at Saudi international airports for eligible nationalities and qualifying travelers, such as those holding valid US, UK, or Schengen visas.

Note that for tourist visas, everyday government apps like أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, and توكلنا are not the application channel. The dedicated tourism visa portal and airport immigration desks handle these visas.

Fees to expect (2026)

Tourist visa costs are made up of several parts. As a general breakdown:

• Government visa fee: SAR 300.
• Mandatory medical insurance: typically SAR 180–235 depending on the policy and channel.
• Online platform/processing charge (e-visa only): around SAR 55.
• Total e-visa via the official portal: usually around SAR 535 (visa + insurance + platform charge + VAT on the visa fee).
• Typical visa on arrival total: around SAR 480 (visa + insurance, with no online platform fee).

Some listings show a base e-visa fee of SAR 395 that already includes one insurance option, but the practical checkout total for many applicants still lands around SAR 500+ once insurance and charges are added. Fees are paid in Saudi riyals by card and are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or your plans change. Confirm the exact amount at checkout on the official portal.

Validity and how long you can stay

The Saudi tourist e-visa is designed to be flexible:

• Validity: 1 year from issue.
• Entries: multiple entry, so you can come and go during that year.
• Length of stay: up to 90 days

This makes it ideal for repeat visitors, family members traveling back and forth, and those combining tourism with Umrah during the permitted seasons.

Tips for a smooth application

• Make sure your passport has ample validity remaining before you apply.
• Have a clear, recent digital photo and your passport scan ready to upload.
• Double-check spelling of your name exactly as it appears in your passport.
• Keep a copy of the visa confirmation on your phone and printed for immigration.
• If relying on visa on arrival, carry proof of your qualifying visa (Schengen, US, or UK) and return travel details.

The bottom line

For most travelers from eligible countries, getting into Saudi Arabia for tourism is now a straightforward, mostly online process. Apply through the official e-visa portal ahead of time, or use visa on arrival if you qualify, budget for the visa plus mandatory insurance, and enjoy up to 90 days Always verify the latest eligibility and fees on the official Saudi tourism visa portal before you travel.

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