Saudi Tourist Visa: Who Can Apply & How to Get It

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to leisure travelers, and the tourist eVisa is the fastest way for many visitors to explore the Kingdom — from Al-Ula and the Red Sea coast to Riyadh Season events and family visits. This Saudi Living guide walks you through exactly who can apply, what the visa allows, how to complete the online application, and the important rules to keep in mind before you travel.

Who can apply

The Saudi tourist eVisa is available to citizens of 66 eligible countries. Exact eligibility always depends on your nationality and the entry rules in place at the time of your trip, so it is worth confirming your status before you start.

• eVisa nationalities: Citizens of the eligible countries can apply directly online.
• Visa on arrival route: Holders of a valid United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen visa may qualify for a Saudi visa on arrival, provided the qualifying visa has already been used to enter its issuing region and other conditions are met.
• Everyone else: Travelers who do not fit either category apply through a Saudi diplomatic mission or the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform, where available.

Passport and validity requirements

Before applying, make sure your passport meets the basic requirement: it must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date into Saudi Arabia.

The standard tourist eVisa is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance and is normally a multiple-entry visa. This means you can enter the Kingdom more than once within that year, with a maximum total stay of up to 90 days during the visa's validity period.

What the tourist visa allows

The eVisa is designed for visitors, not workers or students. Permitted activities include:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Attending events and entertainment
• Visiting family and relatives
• Performing Umrah — but only outside the Hajj season

The tourist visa does not authorize employment or study. If you plan to work or enroll in a program, you will need the appropriate work or student visa instead.

How to apply step by step

The official channel for the tourist eVisa is the Visit Saudi eVisa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com. The process is fully online:

• Create an account and open a new application.
• Enter your passport and personal details accurately.
• Upload the required photograph and supporting information.
• Pay the displayed charges, which include the visa fee, mandatory medical insurance, and applicable VAT.
• Receive your approved eVisa electronically.

On fees: the total shown at checkout combines the visa charge, the mandatory medical insurance, and VAT. Because these amounts can change, always confirm the exact total on the official payment page rather than relying on figures quoted elsewhere.

Extensions and important restrictions

A few rules can catch travelers off guard, so plan ahead:

• No extension: The standard tourist eVisa cannot be extended. Plan your stay within the allowed limits.
• Hajj restriction: Tourist and visit-visa holders are not permitted to enter or stay in Makkah during the designated annual Hajj restriction period.
• Umrah timing: Umrah on a tourist visa is only allowed outside the Hajj season.

The transit (stopover) alternative

If you are only passing through the Kingdom, an airline-issued Saudi stopover visa may suit you better. It is generally a single-entry visa, valid for 3 months, and permits a stay of up to 96 hours. The visa itself is free, with a small application charge of around SAR 39.50 plus medical insurance from about SAR 13. This is ideal for a short stopover rather than a full holiday.

Quick tips before you travel

• Double-check your nationality's eligibility and current entry rules close to your travel date.
• Ensure your passport comfortably meets the 6-month validity rule.
• Keep a digital and printed copy of your approved eVisa.
• Confirm the final fee on the official payment page during checkout.

With a clear plan and the right visa, exploring Saudi Arabia is straightforward. Take a few minutes to confirm your eligibility, prepare your documents, and complete the application on the official portal before you book your trip.

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