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

Saudi Arabia has made visiting the Kingdom simpler than ever, letting travellers from many countries apply for a tourist visa entirely online. Whether you want to explore historic sites, attend an event, visit family, or perform Umrah outside the Hajj period, the electronic tourist visa (eVisa) is often the fastest route in. This guide from سعودي ليفنج walks you through who qualifies, what the visa allows, and exactly how to apply.

Who can apply

The tourist eVisa is open to citizens of eligible countries, and the official portal currently lists 66 eligible nationalities. Eligibility is tied to your passport nationality, so the first step is always to check whether your country appears on the current list.

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
• Applicants using the eVisa service must be 18 or older.
• Minors can travel, but an adult must submit the application on their behalf and may need to provide additional consent documentation.

If your nationality is not on the eVisa list, you are not out of options — see the alternative channels section below.

What the visa allows

The tourist visa is designed for leisure and personal travel. Permitted purposes include:

• Tourism, sightseeing, and leisure
• Attending events and entertainment
• Visiting family and relatives
• Performing Umrah outside the Hajj season

Just as important is what it does not allow. The tourist visa does not authorize employment, study, or performing Hajj. If your goal is work or study, you will need the relevant visa category instead.

Validity and length of stay

The standard tourist eVisa is normally valid for 1 year from issuance and allows multiple entries, which is convenient if you plan to visit more than once during the year.

• Maximum stay is up to 90 days under the standard multiple-entry eVisa.
• The visa cannot be extended, so plan your trip within the permitted period.

How to apply online, step by step

The whole process is handled through the official Saudi eVisa portal. In general terms:

• Open the official Saudi eVisa portal.
• Create an account and enter your passport and personal information.
• Upload the required personal photograph and passport details.
• Pay the displayed charges (visa fee, mandatory medical insurance, VAT, and any processing charge).
• Receive your approved electronic visa by email, and carry a copy with you when you travel.

For the photograph, the portal specifies a recent image on a white background measuring 200 × 200 pixels, with a file size between 5 KB and 100 KB. Preparing this in advance saves time during the application.

Fees and insurance

The official portal displays the final amount during payment. The total combines the visa charge, mandatory medical insurance, VAT, and any processing charge. A single fixed universal amount is not published in advance, so always confirm the exact total shown at the payment stage on the official portal before you pay.

Transit and stopover option

If you are passing through the Kingdom, a free transit or stopover visa may be available for qualifying bookings with الخطوط السعودية. In this case the application charge is approximately USD 10.50, and medical insurance starts at around USD 3.45. Eligibility and the length of stay depend on your specific itinerary, so check the conditions when booking.

If you are not eligible for the eVisa

Travellers whose nationality is not on the eVisa list can still apply through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform, or through an authorized Saudi diplomatic mission or approved travel agent. The exact requirements depend on the visa category that applies to your case.

Important seasonal restriction

Keep in mind that tourist and other visit-visa holders were barred from entering or remaining in Makkah from April 18, 2026 through June 1, 2026, during the Hajj season. Remember that a tourist visa never authorizes Hajj. If your trip overlaps with the Hajj period, plan your route and dates carefully and confirm the current rules on the relevant official Saudi government portal before travelling.

With a valid passport, an eligible nationality, and a few minutes online, most visitors can secure their tourist visa well ahead of departure. Always rely on the official portal for the latest fees, eligibility, and conditions.

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