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

Saudi Arabia has made tourism far more accessible in recent years, and getting a tourist visa is now straightforward for many travelers. Whether you want to explore Al-Ula's ancient sites, walk through historic Al-Balad in Jeddah, or attend Riyadh Season, the first step is choosing the right visa route. This Saudi Living guide explains who can apply, the different visa types, how long you can stay, and how to complete your application with confidence.

The main tourist visa types

There are three practical ways to enter the Kingdom as a tourist, and which one applies to you depends mainly on your nationality and any other valid visas you hold:

• Tourist e-visa (online): Applied for through the official Visit Saudi / Saudi eVisa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com). This is the fastest and most common route for eligible travelers.
• Visa on arrival: Issued at Saudi airports for eligible nationalities and for certain holders of US, UK or Schengen visas.
• Sticker / consulate visa: Processed through visa centers and Saudi missions abroad for nationalities not covered by the e-visa list.

Who can apply for the e-visa

The tourist e-visa is open to citizens of roughly 66 countries designated as eligible. This list includes most EU and Schengen states, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, South Africa and many others.

You may also qualify through the online platform even if your nationality is not on the list, if you fall into one of these categories:

• Residents of GCC states.
• Holders of a valid US, UK or Schengen visit visa.
• Permanent residents of the US, EU or UK.

Who is not eligible by nationality alone

Nationals of some countries — including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, the Philippines, Nigeria and others — are not on the e-visa eligibility list. If you hold one of these passports, you generally need to apply through a Saudi consulate or visa center for a sticker visa. However, you may still qualify for the online route if you hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa, or if you are a resident of a GCC country. Always confirm your specific situation on the official Visit Saudi portal before booking travel.

Visa on arrival: who qualifies

Two groups can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Saudi airports:

• Citizens of the same 66 e-visa-eligible countries.
• Holders of a valid US, UK or Schengen visit visa that has already been used at least once to enter the issuing country — even if their nationality is not on the e-visa list.

While visa on arrival is convenient, applying online in advance gives you extra peace of mind and avoids surprises at the airport.

GCC residents

If you live in a GCC country, you can apply online for a Saudi tourist visa. Depending on your residence permit and occupation, you may also have facilitated visa-on-arrival options. Because rules can vary by profession, it is best to check the current requirements on the official portal before you travel.

Validity and length of stay

Both the e-visa and the visa on arrival currently offer generous terms:

• Tourist e-visa: generally valid for 1 year, multiple entry, with up to 90 days
• Visa on arrival: typically 1-year multiple entry, also with 90 days

This means one approved visa can cover several trips over the year, which is ideal if you plan to return for different seasons or events.

How to apply, step by step

• Confirm your eligibility (nationality, GCC residence, or a valid US/UK/Schengen visa).
• Visit the official Visit Saudi / Saudi eVisa portal and create an account.
• Complete the application form and upload a clear passport photo and your passport details.
• Pay the applicable fees online. Fees can change, so rely on the amount displayed at checkout on the official portal rather than older figures.
• Wait for approval, then download and print your e-visa to present on arrival.

Keep your passport valid for at least six months, and make sure your travel dates fall within your visa's validity. For the latest fees, eligibility updates and processing details, always confirm on the official Saudi government portal before you book.

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