Saudi Arabia visa guide 2025: Which Saudi visa do you need for your trip?

Visiting Saudi Arabia promises an unforgettable experience. However, before you board your flight, understanding the Saudi Arabia visa requirements is essential.

This guide covers everything you need to know, from available visa types and application steps to important travel tips, ensuring a smooth journey.

Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists and business travelers from around the world. Depending on your nationality, residence, or travel purpose, the visa process may differ.

Generally, you must provide a valid passport, photos, and supporting documents. The most common visa categories include:

• Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa
• Saudi Arabia electronic visa waiver (EVW)
• Umrah visa
• Visa on arrival
• Transit visa
• Embassy visa (paper visa)

For citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE, entry is visa-free with only an ID card required.

Which visa do I need to visit Saudi Arabia?

Here’s an overview of the main visa options, their requirements, and validity:

If you’re unsure which visa you need as a tourist, business traveler, or religious visitor, use the tool below:

How can I apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa?

The tourist eVisa is the most popular option for tourism and light business, such as attending conferences and networking, thanks to its speed and convenience. Here’s how the process works:

1. Visit the official Saudi tourism eVisa website, or apply through the iVisa platform or mobile app.
2. Click “Apply now” and complete the application questions.
3. Pay the required fee and upload your documents.

Wait for processing, then print your approved eVisa to present at immigration upon arrival.

⚠️ Many travelers report frequent bugs, crashes, and payment issues on the official website. One recent applicant shared:

“The official Saudi visa portal is infuriating — it’s like they made the eVisa process as user-unfriendly as possible.”

Embassies can be hard to reach, with inboxes full and phone lines unresponsive. To avoid delays and stress, many travelers choose services like iVisa, which handle the entire application and offer 24/7 customer support.

Am I eligible for the Saudi electronic visa waiver?

As of September 2025, the EVW is not available for most nationalities. It is restricted to UK passport holders only. However, this may change in the future, so check back for updates if you are planning future trips.

Can I perform Umrah with the Saudi tourist eVisa?

Yes, you can perform Umrah with the Saudi tourist eVisa, but there are important conditions to keep in mind:

✅ What the Saudi tourist eVisa covers

• The eVisa permits entry for tourism, family visits, and networking or attending events for business
• It also allows Umrah, but only outside of Hajj season
• The visa is valid for one year (single or multiple entry, depending on approval) and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit

⚠️ Important limitations to the tourist eVisa

• The tourist eVisa cannot be used for Hajj, if you wish to perform Hajj, you must apply for a special Hajj visa issued through official channels
• The tourist eVisa does not cover work or study purposes
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry

🕌 Alternative: Umrah visa

While you can perform Umrah with a tourist eVisa, some travelers prefer a dedicated Umrah visa, which:

• Is a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days.
• Only allows travel to Mecca, Medina, and nearby regions.
• Can be obtained through iVisa.

This option is often chosen by those focused exclusively on Umrah, but the tourist eVisa is more flexible if you want to explore other Saudi destinations as well.

What should I keep in mind when traveling to Saudi Arabia?

Once you’ve secured your visa, it’s time to prepare for the cultural experience ahead. Saudi Arabia is a deeply traditional country, and respecting local customs ensures a safe and enjoyable trip.

Safety and awareness

Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are vibrant but crowded. Stay vigilant, especially during events and religious gatherings.

Dress code

Saudi Arabia has a conservative dress culture:

• Women: Loose, modest clothing covering arms and legs - a headscarf is not mandatory for non-Muslim women, but carrying one shows respect
• Men: Avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts and dress modestly in public

Cultural norms

• No public displays of affection
• Avoid criticism of the royal family or Islam
• Respect gender segregation rules
• During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours

Photography

Do not photograph government or military sites. Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially women.

Safe travels! If you want a simple and reliable visa process, consider applying with iVisa’s trusted services. If you have any questions, reach out via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.