The Ultimate Guide to Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Apply today for a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa with us!

Last updated: May 2023

Saudi Arabia is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture that attracts a diverse range of travelers. You will need a Saudi Arabia tourism visa to embark on your journey to this remarkable country.

Whether a visitor is a history enthusiast exploring ancient ruins, a nature lover discovering the beauty of the Red Sea coast, or a business traveler attending conferences and meetings, Saudi Arabia offers an array of experiences for everyone.

At iVisa, we understand the importance of a hassle-free travel experience. That's why we provide a streamlined process to get your Saudi Arabia tourist evisa, making travel preparations more effortless and convenient.

What is the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa?

Saudi Arabia has introduced an electronic visa system for tourists known as the Saudi e-Visa or Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa. It aims to streamline the visa application process and promote tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers from eligible countries can get an electronic visa for tourism purposes. This allows them to explore the country's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern cities.

What can you do with the Saudi Arabia eVisa?

With the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa, you can:

• Explore the ancient ruins and archaeological sites, such as Madain Saleh.

• Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Saudi Arabia.

• Visit iconic landmarks like the Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh or the Jeddah Corniche.

• Enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Red Sea coast and the Empty Quarter desert.

• Attend cultural festivals and events, such as the Janadriyah Festival.

• Shop at traditional markets (souks) and modern shopping malls.

• Indulge in the local cuisine and try traditional Saudi Arabian dishes.

• Engage in outdoor activities like diving, snorkeling, and hiking.

• Visit religious sites, such as the Holy City of Mecca (Muslim visa holders only) and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.

• Perform Umrah (Muslim visa holders only)

What can you not do with the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa?

With the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa, there are certain activities that you are not allowed to engage in. These include:

• Perform Hajj

• Undertaking any form of work or employment.

• Pursuing academic studies or enrolling in educational institutions.

• Engaging in business activities or establishing a business.

• Participating in political rallies or demonstrations.

• Preaching or promoting any religion other than Islam.

• Violating any Saudi Arabian laws or customs.

• Overstaying the permitted duration of your visa.

• Undertaking any form of journalism or media-related activities without proper authorization.

• Engaging in activities that may be deemed disrespectful or offensive to the local culture and customs.

Who can apply for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa?

To apply for a Saudi Arabia e-Visa, individuals from various countries can apply. The eligibility criteria and requirements may vary based on nationality and the purpose of travel.

Here are some general guidelines for who can apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa:

• Individuals from visa-required countries: Citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia can apply for a tourist evisa. They need to submit the necessary documentation and meet the specific requirements of the Saudi Arabian authorities.

• Non-GCC residents: Non-residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), can apply for a tourist evisa to visit Saudi Arabia.

• Business or leisure travelers: The Saudi Arabia tourist evisa is available for individuals traveling for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending conferences or events, or engaging in business activities. The specific activities allowed under the tourist evisa may be subject to restrictions and regulations.

• Meeting the online visa requirements: Applicants must fulfill the specific visa requirements set by the Saudi Arabian authorities. These include providing a valid passport, completing the visa application form accurately, providing proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia, showing sufficient financial means to support the trip, and providing additional supporting documents.

Who is eligible for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa?

The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa is available for citizens of more than 100 countries, including:

United States

United Kingdom Canada Australia Germany South Korea Japan Iceland Ireland

This is just a small selection of the many eligible countries. If you don’t see your country listed here, use our Visa Checker Tool to check if you qualify for this visa.

Visa exempt: Who doesn't need a Saudi eVisa?

Saudi Arabia does not have a general visa exemption policy for tourists. Most travelers visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes must obtain a visa in advance. However, there are some exceptions and exceptional cases that allow visa-free entry. Here are a few examples:

1. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can travel to Saudi Arabia without a visa.

2. Diplomatic and official passport holders: Holders of diplomatic or official passports from certain countries may be eligible for visa-free travel to Saudi Arabia.

3. Transit passengers: Travelers who are transiting through Saudi Arabia and have valid onward tickets within 18 hours may be eligible for a transit visa exemption.

It is important to note that these exemptions are subject to change, and verifying the visa requirements based on your nationality and purpose of travel is always recommended.

Do minors need a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa?

Minors require their own Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa to enter the country. When applying for a visa for a minor, legal guardians or parents must provide additional documents such as a copy of the minor's birth certificate, consent letter from both parents or legal guardians, and proof of the minor's relationship to the accompanying adult.

How long is the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa valid?

There are two types of eVisas with different durations:

• Single-entry: It is valid for three months from the date of issuance and allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

• Multiple-entry: It is valid for 1 year after issued and allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days in Total.

Currently, we only offer the multiple-entry visa.

Can I extend my Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa?

No, as Saudi Arabia does not offer tourist eVisa extensions. You must leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires. If travelers encounter problems returning to their country within the granted dates, they must contact the local authorities before their current eVisa expires.

Otherwise, you must leave the country as stated and apply for another visa to re-enter the country.

Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa requirements

Before applying for a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa, an applicant must know the required documents, financial requirements, and entry criteria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Required documents

To apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa, you will typically need the following documents:

• Valid passport: Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months beyond your planned departure date from Saudi Arabia. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.

• Completed application form: You must fill out an application form accurately and completely.

• Two passport-size photographs: Provide recent passport-size photographs as per the specifications set by the Saudi Arabian authorities. You can conveniently take professional-quality passport photos using our passport photo service.

• Proof of accommodation: Submit proof of your accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from your host if you will be staying with a resident.

• Flight itinerary: Provide a copy of your confirmed round-trip flight itinerary. It should demonstrate your entry and exit dates from Saudi Arabia.

• Financial proof: Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Saudi Arabia. This may include bank statements, credit card statements, or a sponsorship letter if someone else funds your trip.

• Travel health insurance: It is recommended to have a medical insurance policy that covers medical expenses and emergencies during your time in Saudi Arabia. While not mandatory, it is highly advisable.

• If you apply for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa in a different country of your citizenship, you must present proof of legal residency status.

Don’t worry, when you apply with us, we provide you with the guidance of an expert and a manual guide to help you make an error-free application and achieve success.

Please note that the Saudi Arabian authorities may request additional documents or information if deemed necessary during the visa application process.

Financial Requirements

There are no specific financial requirements stated by the Saudi Arabian government for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa.

However, it is generally expected that travelers have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and other daily expenses.

How do I apply for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa online?

To apply for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa, you will need the following:

• Step 1: Fill out our simplified online visa application form with your travel details and pay the visa processing fees.

• Step 2: Attend the embassy or application center with the required documents.

• Step 3: Wait for the embassy's response, receive your visa, and get ready to travel.

One of our agents will carefully check all your information and supporting documents to ensure no inconsistencies. If there is a problem, we will reach out to you via email before processing your request. When you visit the embassy, consulate, or application center, you will pay the visa fee to drop off the documents.

Get your Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa with us!

What are the costs and processing times of the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa?

As this is a guided visa, we offer *standard processing which takes 5 days**. This does not include the time the government may take to process your application and issue the visa.

Our processing fee for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa varies depending on your nationality and includes a government fee of approximately USD $144.00.

During the application process on our site, you can add services such as an iVisa Plus subscription, Premium Concierge Service, Embassy Registration, or Premium Photo Services.

We also offer iVisa Fee Protection, which allows us to process a new application for no additional processing fee if you are unable to make your trip, as well as the option to get a flight reservation or itinerary that is valid for two weeks and can be used to apply for a visa, as proof of return to show to immigration officers while traveling, for car rental purposes, etc.

All these additional services carry varying costs. Begin your application to check the total cost based on your circumstances.

Do I need a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa if I’m transiting through Saudi Arabia?

If you are transiting through Saudi Arabia, whether you need a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa depends on your specific circumstances, including your nationality and the transit duration.

If you have a layover in Saudi Arabia and plan to stay in the airport transit area, you generally do not need a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa. However, checking the visa requirements based on your nationality and the specific transit regulations set by the Saudi Arabian authorities is essential. Some nationalities may be eligible for visa-free transit, allowing them to stay in the airport for a particular duration without a visa.

On the other hand, if you have a long layover or plan to exit the airport and explore the country during your transit, you will likely need a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa. In such cases, applying for a tourist eVisa in advance is recommended to ensure a smooth transit experience and compliance with immigration regulations.

Can I use the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa to perform Hajj?

No, you can’t perform Hajj using a tourist eVisa. To complete a Hajj pilgrimage, you need a Hajj Visa.

Benefits of getting your Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa with us

Why should you apply online through us? Beyond an easy application, you also gain the following benefits:

• 100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review all information and ensure it’s 100% compliant with government requirements.

• Unlimited access to a team ofiVisa Experts: You’ll be guided by our iVisa Experts through the application process.

• Simplified form: Visa applications can be confusing and tedious. At iVisa, we’ll only include relevant questions, making the application up to 50% shorter than usual! It’s like filling out a short survey.

• Fill out at your own pace: Save your progress, make changes, and come back to it later whenever you need a break.

• Step-by-step guide: Apply with us and receive a PDF manual with all the tips to answer difficult sections and a step-by-step guide to get your document without problems.

Entry & exit requirements

Upon entry into Saudi Arabia with a valid tourist visa, travelers are required to:

• Complete arrival forms: Fill out the necessary arrival forms, typically provided during your flight or at the port of entry.

• Clear immigration check: Present your valid passport and visa to the immigration authorities and undergo the required immigration checks.

• Biometric data collection: Provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, at the discretion of the immigration authorities.

• Comply with customs regulations: Declare any items or goods subject to customs regulations and restrictions upon entry.

It's important to note that entry requirements and procedures may vary, and it is advisable to check the latest information from official sources.

Differences between the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa and the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa

The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa and the Saudi Arabia Umrah-specific Visa are two different types of visas that allow individuals to visit Saudi Arabia for different purposes.

Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa:

• The eVisa is an online visa for Saudi Arabia available to 100 eligible countries.

• It is valid for 1 year after issued and allows Multiple Entry, each lasting up to 90 days in Total.

• It permits tourism-related activities like events, family & relatives visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) but excludes other activities such as studying​​.

Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa:

• Only available to Muslims worldwide who want to perform the religious pilgrimage known as Umrah.

• Usually issued for 30 days. This allows pilgrims to perform religious rituals and leave the country within the designated time.

• Umrah pilgrims are generally required to stay within the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during their stay. They are granted access to specific religious sites and are expected to perform the necessary rituals of Umrah.

• Facilitated through authorized travel agents or tour operators, and can be a long and tedious application process.

Getting an Umrah-specific visa can be a long and tedious process. However, we have a solution. We offer a Tourist eVisa explicitly tailored to those who intend to perform Umrah with it.

If you want to learn more about using an eVisa for Umrah and how to apply for this type of eVisa with us, read our Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa guide.

Where can I learn more about Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisas?

If you have more questions about the Saudi Arabia Visa, contact our customer support team at any time via online chat or email at [email protected].