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

Saudi Arabia has made it easier than ever for visitors to explore the Kingdom, whether you're coming for tourism, an event, to see family, or to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. The tourist eVisa is quick to apply for online, and for many nationalities it can be approved within minutes. This Saudi Living guide walks you through who is eligible, how to apply step by step, what it costs, how long it lasts, and what you can (and cannot) do with it.

Who can apply

The Saudi tourist eVisa is open to a broad range of travelers. You may be eligible if you fall into any of these categories:

• Citizens of the 66 countries eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa.
• Holders of a valid visit visa for the United States, United Kingdom, or the Schengen Area.
• Permanent residents of the United States, United Kingdom, or the European Union.
• Residents of GCC countries.

If your nationality is not on the eVisa list, you can still apply through the official KSA Visa platform and complete processing via a Saudi embassy or an authorized visa center.

Passport and document requirements

Before you start, make sure your paperwork is in order:

• A regular passport with at least 6 months' validity remaining on your intended date of entry.
• Personal and passport details entered exactly as they appear in your passport.
• Medical insurance, which you select and pay for during the application.

Double-check spellings, passport numbers, and dates before submitting, as errors can cause delays.

How to apply, step by step

Applications are made online through the Visit Saudi eVisa portal or the KSA Visa platform. The process is straightforward:

• Create an account or start a new application.
• Enter your passport and personal details exactly as shown in your passport.
• Upload the required information and select your medical insurance.
• Pay the visa and service charges electronically.
• Receive your approved electronic visa by email.

Processing typically takes anywhere from 1 minute to 3 business days, depending on your application.

Fees

The published fee components for the standard tourist eVisa are:

• Visa fee: US$80.
• Digital-service fee: US$10.50.
• Insurance digital-service fee: US$10.50.
• Plus the cost of medical insurance.

The Saudi riyal equivalent is calculated automatically by the payment portal at checkout, so the final total in ريال سعودي may vary. Always confirm the exact amount on the official portal before paying.

Validity, entries, and length of stay

The standard tourist eVisa is generous:

• Valid for 1 year from issuance, normally with multiple entries.
• Allows a stay of up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia.
• A single-entry tourist visa is also available, valid for 90 days with a stay of up to 90 days.

Note that the standard eVisa cannot be extended, so plan your trip within the permitted stay.

What you can and cannot do

The tourist eVisa covers a wide range of purposes:

• Tourism and leisure.
• Attending events.
• Visiting family and relatives.
• Performing Umrah outside the Hajj season.

It does not authorize employment, study, or Hajj. If you plan to work or study, you'll need the appropriate visa category.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The official KSA Visa platform also lists a UK Electronic Travel Authorization. This is a separate ETA category, not the standard tourist eVisa. Its published terms are:

• Validity of 2 years.
• Multiple entries.
• Stays of up to 180 days.
• A non-refundable fee of SAR 50.

If you're eligible for this ETA, review its terms carefully, as they differ from the standard eVisa in validity, length of stay, and cost.

Final tips

Apply only through the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal or the KSA Visa platform, enter your details carefully to avoid delays, and keep a digital and printed copy of your approved visa for entry. For the most current fees, eligibility, and processing details, always confirm on the relevant official Saudi government portal before you travel.

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