Saudi Arabia now welcomes tourists from 63+ countries with an electronic visa approved in minutes. This hub covers every visa type, eligibility rules, costs, and the step-by-step application process.
The Saudi eVisa is a multiple-entry electronic visa valid for one year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit (180 days maximum per year). It was launched in September 2019 as part of Vision 2030 and has since transformed Saudi Arabia from one of the world's most restricted countries into a remarkably accessible travel destination.
The total cost is SAR 535 (~USD 142), which includes mandatory medical insurance. Most applications are approved within 5-30 minutes — no embassy visit required.
Citizens of 63 countries can apply online, including all EU/Schengen states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and China. Nationals of other countries holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may be eligible for visa-on-arrival.
| Visa Type | Cost | Processing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (Online) | SAR 535 | 5-30 minutes | 63 eligible nationalities |
| Visa on Arrival | SAR 535 | At airport | Holders of US/UK/Schengen visa |
| Stopover Visa | SAR 93 | 96 hours max | SAUDIA transit passengers |
| GCC Residents | Free / SAR 100 | Instant | Residents of UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar |
Yes. Since 2024, tourist eVisa holders can perform Umrah and visit both Makkah and Madinah without a separate Umrah visa. This was one of the most significant policy changes in Saudi tourism history. You do not need a registered travel agent or a dedicated Umrah package — you can simply travel independently with your eVisa.
You need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date, a recent passport-style photograph (white background), and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. No hotel booking confirmation or flight itinerary is required at the time of application.
Most eVisa applications are approved within 5-30 minutes. The visa is emailed as a PDF — print it or save it to your phone. In rare cases, processing may take up to 24 hours.
No. The SAR 535 fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. However, denial rates for eligible nationalities are extremely low.
No. The tourist eVisa permits tourism, Umrah, events, and short business meetings only. Employment requires a separate work visa sponsored by a Saudi employer.
If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you may qualify for visa-on-arrival regardless of nationality. Otherwise, apply through a Saudi embassy in your country.
As of 2026, there is no general saudi travel ban for tourists from eligible countries. Saudi travel restrictions are minimal — the main entry requirement is a valid eVisa or visa-on-arrival. Some saudi travel ban countries (such as Yemen and Israel) may face additional scrutiny, but most Western, Asian, and GCC nationals can enter freely with standard documentation.
The latest saudi travel update confirms that tourist eVisa holders can now perform Umrah without a separate visa. Processing times have improved to under 30 minutes for most nationalities, and GCC residents enjoy streamlined entry procedures.