Saudi Arabia’s electronic visa system has transformed the Kingdom from one of the world’s hardest countries to enter into one of the easiest. Since the e-Visa launched in September 2019, citizens of 66 countries can now apply online and receive approval in minutes — no embassy visit, no invitation letter, no sponsor. This guide walks you through every step of the application on the official visa.visitsaudi.com portal, from creating your account to printing your approved visa. It is a companion to our full Saudi Arabia Visa Guide, which covers every visa type including work permits, Hajj visas, and the stopover programme. If you are planning a broader trip, our Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 covers itineraries, budgets, and practical advice for first-time visitors.

What Is the Saudi Arabia e-Visa?

The Saudi Arabia e-Visa is a multiple-entry tourist visa valid for one year from the date of issue. It allows holders to stay in the Kingdom for up to 90 days per entry, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within the one-year validity period. The visa is entirely electronic — it is linked to your passport number and delivered to your email as a PDF. There is no sticker or stamp placed in your passport before travel; immigration officers at Saudi airports verify your visa digitally upon arrival.

The e-Visa permits tourism, visiting family and friends, attending events, and performing Umrah (the minor Islamic pilgrimage). It does not cover employment, study, or Hajj. For those visa types, see our complete Saudi Arabia Visa Guide.

Key e-Visa Features

Who Is Eligible for the Saudi e-Visa?

Citizens of 66 countries can apply for the e-Visa online or obtain it on arrival at any Saudi international airport. The list has expanded significantly since the initial launch with 49 countries in September 2019. Eligibility is based on your passport nationality, not your country of residence.

Full List of Eligible Countries

Europe (39 countries): Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Asia-Pacific (17 countries): Australia, Azerbaijan, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan

Americas (7 countries): Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, United States

Africa (3 countries): Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa

Not on the list? If your nationality is not among the 66 eligible countries, you may still qualify under the valid visa holder route. Holders of a valid, previously used US visa, UK visa, or Schengen visa can obtain a Saudi e-visa on arrival when flying with Saudi-based airlines (Saudia, Flynas, or Flyadeal). Residents of GCC countries with a valid residency permit (iqama) valid for at least three months can also apply online. See our full visa guide for details on these alternative pathways.

What You Need Before You Apply

Gather the following before starting your application. Having everything ready ensures you can complete the process in under 10 minutes.

Required Documents

• Valid passport — Must have at least six months of validity remaining from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia. The passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
• Digital photograph — A recent colour passport photo against a white background. Dimensions: 200 x 200 pixels. File size: 5 KB to 100 KB. Your face must occupy 70–80% of the frame. No eyeglasses. No headwear, except for religious reasons (in which case the full face must still be visible from chin to forehead). The photo must be less than six months old.
• Payment method — A valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex) for the online fee payment.
• Email address — Your approved e-Visa will be delivered as a PDF to this address.
• Travel details — Your accommodation address in Saudi Arabia and approximate travel dates (these are not binding — you can enter the Kingdom on any date within the visa validity).

Photo tip: The most common reason for application delays is an incorrectly formatted photograph. Use a plain white wall as your background, natural lighting, and take the photo with your smartphone at arm’s length. Crop to a perfect square (200 x 200 pixels) using any free photo editor. Ensure the file is under 100 KB — JPEG at medium compression usually achieves this.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The official and only portal for applying is visa.visitsaudi.com. Do not use third-party websites, many of which charge double or triple the official fee for the same visa. The process has three stages: filling in the form, paying the fee, and receiving your visa.

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to visa.visitsaudi.com in your web browser. The site is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish. Select your language and click “Apply Now” or “Start Application”.

Step 2: Select Your Visa Type

Choose “Individual” for a personal tourist visa. There is also a group option for travel agencies processing multiple applications, but individual travellers should always select the single-applicant path.

Step 3: Enter Your Nationality

Select your passport nationality from the dropdown menu. The system will immediately confirm whether you are eligible for the e-Visa. If your country is not on the list, the portal will redirect you to information about applying through your nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

Step 4: Create an Account or Log In

First-time applicants must create an account using an email address and password. If you have applied before, log in with your existing credentials. A verification code will be sent to your email.

Step 5: Fill in Personal Details

Enter the following information exactly as it appears in your passport:

• Full name (first name, middle name if applicable, last name)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Nationality
• Place of birth
• Marital status
• Religion (optional but may be asked)
• Contact information (phone number, email)

Important: Your name must match your passport exactly. If your passport reads “MOHAMMED” do not type “Muhammad” or “Mohamed.” Any discrepancy between your application and your passport can cause problems at immigration.

Step 6: Enter Passport Details

Input the following from your passport’s data page:

• Passport number — double-check every character; do not confuse the number zero (0) with the letter O
• Passport issue date
• Passport expiry date (must be at least six months after your intended entry date)
• Issuing authority/country

Step 7: Upload Your Photo

Upload your digital passport photograph meeting the specifications above (200 x 200 pixels, white background, 5–100 KB, JPEG format). The system will run an automatic check and reject photos that do not meet the requirements. If rejected, adjust and re-upload immediately.

Step 8: Enter Travel Information

Provide your accommodation address in Saudi Arabia (hotel name and city is sufficient) and your approximate travel dates. These are for informational purposes — you are not locked into specific dates. The e-Visa is valid for one year with flexible entry.

Step 9: Review Your Application

The system will display a summary of all entered information. Review every field carefully. Once you submit, corrections may be difficult or impossible. Pay particular attention to:

• Spelling of your name
• Passport number (every digit and letter)
• Passport expiry date
• Date of birth

Step 10: Pay the Fee

The total fee for the online e-Visa is SAR 535 (approximately $142 USD / 130 EUR / 113 GBP). This is a single payment that includes:

Component	Amount (SAR)	Approx. USD
Visa application fee	300	$80
Mandatory medical insurance	180	$48
Processing/service fee	55	$14
Total	535	~$142

Payment is made via secure online gateway using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. The charge will appear on your statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a related government entity.

Warning: The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is rejected or you choose not to travel. Make sure all your information is correct before paying. If your application is rejected, you lose the full SAR 535.

Step 11: Receive Your e-Visa

Most applications are approved within 5 to 30 minutes. In some cases, processing may take up to 24 hours. Your approved e-Visa will be sent as a PDF to the email address you provided. The PDF contains:

• Your visa reference number
• A QR code for scanning at immigration
• Your personal and passport details
• Visa validity dates
• Medical insurance policy details

Print a copy of the PDF and keep a digital version on your phone. While immigration officers in Saudi Arabia verify your visa electronically using your passport number, having the PDF available is useful as a backup and may be requested by your airline during check-in.



Visa on Arrival: The Alternative

Citizens of all 66 e-Visa-eligible countries can also obtain their visa on arrival at any Saudi international airport, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah.

How Visa on Arrival Works

1. Arrive at a Saudi international airport
2. Proceed to the e-Visa kiosks or immigration counters in the arrivals hall
3. Present your passport (must be valid for at least six months)
4. Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph taken at the kiosk)
5. Pay SAR 480 (~$128 USD) by debit or credit card — cash is not accepted
6. Receive your visa approval — the visa is linked to your passport digitally

The visa on arrival costs SAR 480, which is SAR 55 less than the online application. However, applying online in advance is strongly recommended because:

• You avoid potentially long queues at immigration kiosks
• Any issues with eligibility or documentation are identified before you board your flight
• Airlines may deny boarding if you cannot demonstrate valid visa arrangements
• The kiosk process requires a stable internet connection and functioning biometric scanners, which occasionally experience technical issues



The Free Stopover Visa (Saudia and Flynas Passengers)

If you are transiting through Saudi Arabia on Saudia (SV) or Flynas (XY), you may be eligible for a free 96-hour stopover visa. This programme is designed to encourage transit passengers to explore the Kingdom during their layover.

Stopover Visa Details

• Cost: Free (no visa fee; a small insurance/processing fee may apply)
• Duration: Up to 96 hours (4 days)
• Validity: 3 months from issue
• Eligibility: Passengers with a confirmed connecting flight on Saudia or Flynas, with a layover of at least 4 hours and no more than 96 hours
• Bonus: Saudia passengers may receive a complimentary one-night hotel stay, subject to availability

The stopover visa is issued automatically once you book your connecting flights. It is emailed to you alongside your booking confirmation. This is an excellent option if you want a taste of Saudi Arabia without committing to a full trip — use a 96-hour layover to explore Riyadh or Jeddah before continuing to your final destination.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Applications

The Saudi e-Visa system is largely automated, which means errors in your application can result in instant rejection with no refund. Avoid these frequent mistakes:

1. Name Mismatch

Your name on the application must be character-for-character identical to your passport. Transliteration variations (Mohammed vs. Muhammad vs. Mohamed) are the most common cause of problems. Copy your name exactly as printed in the machine-readable zone of your passport.

2. Passport Number Errors

Confusing the number zero (0) with the letter O is surprisingly common. Double-check every character. Some passport numbers include only numbers; others include letters. Refer to the machine-readable zone at the bottom of your passport’s data page for the definitive format.

3. Insufficient Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter Saudi Arabia. If your passport expires in five months and 29 days, your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first if it is close to the six-month threshold.

4. Non-Compliant Photo

The photo must be exactly 200 x 200 pixels, between 5 and 100 KB, on a white background, with your face occupying 70–80% of the frame. The system automatically scans the photo and rejects non-compliant uploads. No glasses, no hats (religious exceptions permitted), no filters, no cropped group photos.

5. Using Third-Party Websites

Dozens of unofficial websites rank highly in search results for “Saudi visa.” Many charge $200–$300 for the same visa that costs SAR 535 (~$142) on the official portal. Some are outright scams. The only official application portal is visa.visitsaudi.com. Check the URL carefully before entering any personal information or payment details.

6. Previous Visa Violations

If you have previously overstayed a visa in Saudi Arabia or been deported from the Kingdom, your application is likely to be rejected. Past visa violations in other countries may also be flagged.

What the Mandatory Medical Insurance Covers

The SAR 180 insurance fee included in your e-Visa payment provides mandatory medical coverage for the duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. The policy is automatically assigned to you by a Saudi insurance provider (typically Tawuniya or MedGulf) and includes:

• Emergency medical treatment up to SAR 100,000 (approximately $27,000 USD)
• Hospital admission for emergencies
• Diagnostic services and medications related to emergency treatment
• Coverage for COVID-19-related treatment

This is basic emergency coverage, not comprehensive travel insurance. It does not cover trip cancellation, lost luggage, dental emergencies, pre-existing conditions, or medical evacuation. If you want fuller protection, purchase a separate travel insurance policy before your trip. Visitors who need medical attention should check our health and vaccinations guide for information about hospitals and healthcare facilities across the Kingdom.

After You Arrive: Immigration Process

Once your flight lands at a Saudi airport, the immigration process for e-Visa holders is straightforward:

1. Proceed to immigration — Follow signs to passport control. Most major airports have dedicated lanes for e-Visa holders, separate from the visa-on-arrival kiosks.
2. Present your passport — The immigration officer will scan your passport. Your e-Visa is linked electronically to your passport number, so the officer can see it in the system. Having your printed e-Visa PDF ready is helpful but not always required.
3. Biometric capture — You will have your fingerprints and photograph taken at the immigration counter.
4. Entry stamp — The officer stamps your passport with your date of entry. Your 90-day stay counter begins from this date.
5. Collect luggage and clear customs — Proceed to baggage claim, then through customs. Saudi customs prohibits alcohol, pork products, and narcotics. For details on what you can and cannot bring, see our Saudi Arabia packing list.

The entire immigration process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on queue length and time of day. Flights arriving late at night or during off-peak hours generally experience shorter waits. If you are arriving at one of Saudi Arabia’s major airports, our individual terminal guides cover the layout, facilities and transport options from the arrivals hall: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah.

Extending Your Stay

The e-Visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. If you wish to stay longer, you must exit Saudi Arabia and re-enter on a new entry within the visa’s one-year validity. There is no formal extension mechanism for the tourist e-Visa.

Overstaying your visa is a serious offence in Saudi Arabia. Penalties include fines of SAR 15,000 or more, detention, deportation, and a ban on future entry. Always track your entry date and plan your departure within the 90-day window.

Using the e-Visa for Umrah

The tourist e-Visa permits you to perform Umrah (the minor pilgrimage to Mecca) at any time of year, except during the designated Hajj period. You do not need a separate Umrah visa if you hold a valid tourist e-Visa. This has made Umrah significantly more accessible since 2019, eliminating the need for a travel agent or separate application through the Ministry of Hajj.

The e-Visa does not permit you to perform Hajj. The annual Hajj pilgrimage requires a separate visa issued through the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa), with specific quotas, registration periods, and requirements. For complete Hajj planning information, see our Hajj 2026 Guide.



Where Can the e-Visa Take You?

The tourist e-Visa grants access to the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the exception of restricted military zones. Some of the most popular destinations for e-visa holders include:

• Riyadh — The capital city, home to the Kingdom Centre Tower, Diriyah (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the National Museum. See our day trips from Riyadh guide.
• Jeddah — Gateway to the Red Sea, with the UNESCO-listed Al-Balad historic district, the Corniche waterfront, and proximity to world-class diving and snorkelling sites.
• AlUla — Home to Hegra (Mada’in Salih), Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Nabataean tombs dating back 2,000 years. A hot air balloon flight over the sandstone formations is unforgettable.
• The Red Sea coast — Pristine coral reefs, whale sharks, and some of the most unspoiled diving in the world.
• Asir and Abha — Cooler mountain highlands in the south, with terraced villages, misty peaks, and the Abha cable car.
• The Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) — The world’s largest continuous sand desert, accessible for desert camping and 4×4 excursions.

Practical Tips for e-Visa Holders

Getting Around

Saudi Arabia is a large country (roughly the size of Western Europe) and domestic flights are the most practical way to move between regions. Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal operate frequent domestic routes. Self-drive road trips are also popular — see our driving guide for international licence rules, road conditions, and fuel costs. Within cities, Uber and Careem operate widely.

Money and Payments

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US dollar at approximately SAR 3.75 = $1 USD. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops. ATMs are widely available — see our ATM and banking guide for tips on avoiding fees.

What to Wear

Saudi Arabia has a dress code, though it has relaxed considerably for tourists in recent years. Men should avoid shorts above the knee in public. Women no longer need to wear an abaya, but modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected. For detailed guidance, see our dress code guides for men and women.

Local Customs

First-time visitors should familiarise themselves with local customs and laws. Saudi Arabia prohibits alcohol, and public behaviour norms differ from Western countries. Our customs and etiquette guide covers what to know before you go.

Health Preparation

No specific vaccinations are required for the tourist e-Visa (unlike Hajj, which mandates meningitis and certain other vaccinations). However, routine vaccinations should be up to date, and travellers should check our health and vaccinations guide for the latest recommendations.

Connectivity

Pick up a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data and calls during your stay. Our phone and SIM card guide compares the main providers — STC, Mobily, and Zain — and explains the registration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the e-Visa take to process?

Most applications are approved within 5 to 30 minutes. In rare cases, processing may take up to 24 hours. Apply at least 48 hours before your flight as a precaution.

Can I apply for the e-Visa on my phone?

Yes. The visa.visitsaudi.com portal is mobile-responsive and works on smartphones and tablets. You can complete the entire application from your phone.

What if my e-Visa is rejected?

You will receive an email explaining the reason for rejection. Common reasons include passport validity issues, non-compliant photos, or inaccurate information. You can submit a new application, but the rejected application’s fee is non-refundable.

Can I enter Saudi Arabia by land with an e-Visa?

Yes. The e-Visa is valid at all Saudi ports of entry, including land borders with Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain (via the King Fahd Causeway), Oman, Kuwait, and Iraq. However, the visa-on-arrival option at land borders may have different procedures. Applying online in advance is recommended.

Do children need their own e-Visa?

Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, requires their own e-Visa. Children must have their own passport — those included on a parent’s passport cannot use the e-Visa system.

Can I work in Saudi Arabia with a tourist e-Visa?

No. The tourist e-Visa strictly prohibits employment. Working on a tourist visa carries severe penalties including fines, deportation, and entry bans.

Is Saudi Arabia safe for tourists?

Saudi Arabia has low crime rates and is generally very safe for tourists. For a detailed assessment, see our safety guide for tourists.

Do I need to book accommodation before applying?

You need to provide an accommodation address on the application form, but you are not required to provide a confirmed booking receipt. A hotel name and city is sufficient. Your travel plans can change after the visa is issued.

e-Visa vs. Embassy Visa: Which Do You Need?

If you hold a passport from one of the 66 eligible countries, the e-Visa is almost always the right choice for tourism. The only situations where you might need an embassy visa instead are:

Scenario	Visa Type Needed
Tourism from an eligible country	e-Visa (online or on arrival)
Tourism from a non-eligible country	Embassy/consulate tourist visa
Hajj pilgrimage	Hajj visa via Nusuk platform
Employment	Work visa (employer-sponsored)
Study	Student visa
Business meetings or conferences	e-Visa (permitted) or business visa
Transit/stopover (Saudia/Flynas)	Free stopover visa (96 hours)

Explore More Saudi Arabia Travel Guides

• Saudi Arabia Visa Guide 2026 — Every visa type explained, from tourist to work permits and Hajj
• King Khalid International Airport Riyadh — Terminal guide for the capital’s main airport
• King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah — Arrivals, terminals and tips for Saudi Arabia’s western gateway
• Health and Vaccinations for Saudi Arabia — Required and recommended vaccinations for travellers
• Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Tourists? — Honest security assessment for first-time visitors
• Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom