Saudi Tourist Visa 2026: Who Can Apply & How

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors wider than ever to visitors, and getting a tourist visa is now far simpler than most people expect. The Saudi tourist eVisa lets eligible travelers come for tourism, family visits, attending events and festivals, and even performing Umrah outside the Hajj season — all through a straightforward online application or a visa collected on arrival at major airports. In this guide, سعودي ليفنج walks you through exactly who can apply, the official channels to use, the current 2026 fees, and how the process works.

Who can apply for a Saudi tourist visa

Eligibility depends mainly on your nationality. Broadly, travelers fall into three groups:

• Citizens of around 66 listed countries — mainly across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia and Oceania — can apply online for an eVisa or obtain a visa on arrival at major Saudi airports.
• Certain GCC residents of other nationalities have access to a simplified online tourist visa option, usually at a lower fee than the standard eVisa.
• Nationals of countries not on the eligible list generally need a consulate-issued visit or tourist visa processed through the unified national visa platform.

If you are unsure which category applies to you, check your nationality against the eligible list before booking any travel.

The official channels — and what not to use

Using the correct portal saves you time and protects you from unofficial middlemen:

• Visit Saudi visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) — the official channel for the tourist eVisa for eligible nationalities.
• Unified National Visa Platform (visa.mofa.gov.sa) — used for other visit visas and invitation-based applications, handled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa services.

Important: the tourist eVisa and visa on arrival are not processed through أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, or توكلنا. Those platforms serve other government services and are not part of the standard tourist visa flow.

Current 2026 fees

Fees vary slightly depending on whether you apply online or collect your visa at the airport. The most recent detailed breakdowns for 2026 show the following:

• Online tourist eVisa total: about SAR 535 (roughly 142 USD) for eligible nationalities.
• Visa on arrival total: typically around SAR 480 (roughly 128 USD) at major airports for the same eligible nationalities — the main difference is the online platform/service fee.
• GCC-resident simplified eVisa: often around SAR 300 total, lower than the standard eVisa.

The eVisa total is commonly described as a visa fee of around SAR 300, mandatory medical insurance of roughly SAR 180–235 depending on the channel, and a VAT/service charge of about SAR 55. You may still see older figures quoting SAR 300 including insurance, but the prevailing 2026 amounts are SAR 535 online and around SAR 480 on arrival. Because fees can change, always confirm the exact amount on the official Visit Saudi visa portal before you pay.

How to apply for the eVisa

The online process is designed to be quick and can usually be completed in one sitting:

• Open an account on the Visit Saudi visa portal and confirm your nationality is eligible.
• Fill in your personal and passport details exactly as they appear on your passport.
• Upload a clear passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page if requested.
• Pay the total fee by card; mandatory medical insurance is bundled into the payment.
• Receive your eVisa by email — save a printed and digital copy to show on arrival.

Make sure your passport has enough remaining validity and blank pages before you apply.

Visa on arrival at Saudi airports

Eligible nationalities who prefer not to apply in advance can obtain a visa on arrival at major Saudi airports. You complete the details at a self-service kiosk or counter, pay the fee (typically around SAR 480), and receive your visa before passing through immigration. To avoid queues and any risk of processing issues, many travelers still prefer to secure the eVisa online before departure.

Practical tips before you travel

• Apply through official portals only — never pay unverified agents claiming faster approval.
• Double-check that your name and passport number match your booking exactly.
• Keep both digital and printed copies of your visa and insurance confirmation.
• Confirm the latest fees and eligibility on the official portal, as these are updated periodically.

With the right visa in hand, you're set to explore everything the Kingdom offers — from historic sites to modern festivals and beyond.

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