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

Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia has become far simpler in recent years thanks to the tourist eVisa, which lets many travelers apply entirely online in minutes. Whether you're coming for leisure, to explore historic sites, attend an event, or perform Umrah, the tourist visa opens the door to visiting the Kingdom without the complexity of work or residence systems. This سعودي ليفنج guide walks you through who can apply, how the process works, what it costs, and the key rules to know before you travel.

Who can apply

The Saudi tourist eVisa is available to a wide range of travelers. You can generally apply if you fall into one of these categories:

• Citizens of countries eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa.
• Residents of GCC countries.
• Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa.
• Permanent residents of the US, the EU, or the UK.

If you're unsure whether your nationality or residency qualifies, the eligibility list is published on the official Saudi eVisa portal, so it's best to confirm your status there before starting an application.

How to apply

The application is designed to be quick and fully digital. The main steps are:

• Open the official Saudi eVisa portal and start a new tourist visa application.
• Enter your passport details and travel information.
• Upload a recent passport-style photo.
• Review your details and pay the fee online by card.

Once approved, your eVisa is issued electronically. Eligible travelers may also obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points, though applying online in advance gives you more certainty before you fly.

Fees

For non-GCC applicants, the current tourist eVisa total is SAR 535. On the portal this is broken down as a visa fee of USD 80, plus a USD 10.5 digital services fee and a USD 10.5 insurance digital services fee. For GCC residents, the tourist visa cost is SAR 300.

A note on accuracy: published fee figures for visa on arrival have appeared inconsistently across different web pages — some list it at SAR 535 and others at SAR 480. Because these numbers can change and differ by source, always confirm the exact amount on the official Saudi eVisa portal at the time you apply.

Validity and entries

The tourist eVisa is generous in scope:

• It is issued as a multiple-entry visa.
• It is valid for 1 year from issue.
• Each visit can be up to 90 days.

This makes it convenient for travelers who plan to return more than once during the year, whether for tourism, family visits, or events.

Passport and document requirements

Before you apply, make sure you have the basics ready:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
• A recent passport-style photo.
• Your passport details and travel details.
• A payment card for the online fee.

Keeping these details accurate helps avoid delays, so double-check names and passport numbers against your travel document before submitting.

What the tourist visa is not

It's important to understand that the tourist visa is completely separate from the Kingdom's work and residence systems. Platforms such as أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, and توكلنا, along with services like Balady and Etimad, relate to residency, employment, and government services for residents — they are not the route for a standard tourist visit. If your goal is simply to travel and explore, the tourist eVisa portal is the channel you need.

Quick tips before you travel

• Apply a little ahead of your trip to allow time for processing.
• Confirm the latest fees and eligibility directly on the official portal.
• Keep a digital and printed copy of your approved visa when you fly.
• Note your 90-day per-visit limit and plan your stay accordingly.

With a straightforward online process and a one-year multiple-entry validity, the tourist eVisa makes it easier than ever to experience Saudi Arabia — from its historic old towns and desert landscapes to its modern cities and seasonal events.

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