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

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to tourists from around the world, making it easier than ever to visit for leisure, events, family visits, or Umrah outside the Hajj season. Whether you are planning a short holiday or thinking of exploring the Kingdom before a longer stay, understanding the tourist visa system will save you time and hassle. In this guide, سعودي ليفنج walks you through who can apply, how to apply, how long you can stay, and what it costs.

Who can apply for a Saudi tourist visa

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

• Citizens of roughly 60 to 66 eligible countries who can apply directly online.
• Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, or permanent residents of those regions.
• Many residents of GCC countries.

If your nationality is not on the eligible list, you can still apply for a tourist visa through a Saudi embassy, consulate, or an authorized visa center, usually as a sticker visa placed in your passport.

What the tourist visa lets you do

The tourist visa is designed for visiting, not for working or settling. Permitted activities include:

• Tourism, leisure, and general entertainment.
• Attending events, festivals, and seasons across the Kingdom.
• Visiting family and relatives.
• Performing Umrah outside the Hajj season.

Important limits to keep in mind: the tourist visa does not allow you to perform Hajj, take up formal employment, or enroll in long-term study. Those require separate, dedicated permits and visas.

How to apply: the main channels

There are three practical routes depending on your nationality and situation:

• Online e-visa portal: The official Visit Saudi platform lets eligible individuals apply directly for the tourist e-visa. This is the fastest and most popular option.
• Visa on arrival: Eligible nationalities, and many holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas or permanent residents of those countries, can obtain a tourist visa at Saudi airports on arrival.
• Embassies, consulates, and visa centers: Nationals of non-eligible countries, or anyone who needs a sticker tourist visa, apply through Saudi diplomatic missions or authorized outsourced visa centers.

A quick clarification for newcomers: domestic Saudi platforms such as أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, and توكلنا are not used by foreign tourists to apply for an initial tourist visa. Those services are for residents, citizens, and businesses handling employment, municipal, or justice matters after arrival.

Validity, entries, and how long you can stay

The standard tourist e-visa is generous in its terms:

• Validity: 1 year (365 days) from the date of issue.
• Entry type: Multiple entry, so you can come and go during the year.
• Maximum stay: Up to 90 days with a total of around 180 days across the full year.

For the visa on arrival, eligible travelers typically receive a 1-year multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days

How much does it cost

For the standard tourist e-visa applied for online, the costs break down roughly as follows:

• Government visa fee: about 300 ريال سعودي.
• Mandatory health and travel insurance: about 180 to 235 ريال سعودي.
• With VAT and minor charges, the total comes to roughly 535 ريال سعودي and the same amount applies to adults and children.

For a visa on arrival, expect a base visa fee of about 300 ريال سعودي plus insurance and applicable charges. Because fees can be updated, always confirm the current amounts on the official Visit Saudi portal before you pay.

Tips for a smooth application

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
• Use a clear passport-style photo and a working email address, as your visa is usually delivered electronically.
• Double-check your eligibility route before applying to avoid paying for the wrong channel.
• Keep a digital and printed copy of your visa when you travel.

With flexible entry options and a year-long validity, the Saudi tourist visa makes it simple to explore the Kingdom's cities, events, and heritage. Always verify the latest requirements and fees on the official Saudi government portal before booking your trip.

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