As of 23 October 2026, Australia, New Zealand and Germany advise against all travel to Saudi Arabia, and the UK, Canada, Ireland and France advise against non-essential travel. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport reopened on 18 October only to flights with prior permission from the civil aviation authority, and many foreign airlines have suspended Saudi flights. For airport status, airline schedules and official advice, each with its date and source, see Saudi Arabia Travel Status.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Fees and rules on this page were checked against the official eVisa portal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform and UK government advice. Check our Saudi Arabia travel status page for airport closures and government travel advice before you book.
The Saudi Arabia tourist visa is one of the most straightforward travel visas in the Middle East, but its fee structure can still catch visitors off guard. The total cost depends on whether you apply online or collect the visa on arrival at a Saudi airport. This guide, part of our comprehensive Saudi Arabia Visa Guide 2026, explains what the tourist visa fee covers so you know what you are paying for before you begin the application process. Whether you are planning a first trip to Riyadh, a beach holiday on the Red Sea in Jeddah, or a pilgrimage via the Umrah route, understanding these costs upfront will help you budget accurately.
Online eVisa Fee: SAR 535, as listed by Visit Saudi, including health insurance
Visa on Arrival Fee: SAR 480, as listed by Visit Saudi, including health insurance
Insurance: Mandatory emergency medical insurance, up to SAR 100,000 of cover, included in the visa fee
Validity: 1 year, multiple entry, 90 days in total during that year
Processing Time: Often quick, but some applications need extra checks; apply well before you fly
Apply Via: Official eVisa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) or on arrival at any Saudi airport
Overstay Penalty: Fine of up to SAR 50,000, up to six months in prison and deportation (Ministry of Interior, April 2025)
The Tourist Visa Fee — Full Breakdown
Saudi Arabia charges a set fee for its tourist visa. The amount differs depending on whether you apply online through the official eVisa portal or apply on arrival at a Saudi international airport. Both options produce the same visa: a one-year, multiple-entry permit allowing 90 days in total in the country, according to UK government advice. The portal’s terms say the fee may be amended at any time, so the amount shown at the payment step is the one that applies.
Online eVisa: SAR 535 (Visit Saudi listing)
Visit Saudi has listed the tourist eVisa applied for through the official portal at visa.visitsaudi.com at SAR 535, including health insurance for your stay. The portal’s terms say VAT is charged as part of the fee.
The fee is charged in Saudi riyals, and your bank converts it at its own rate (the riyal is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.75 riyals per dollar). Payment is by card on the portal.
Visa on Arrival: SAR 480 (Visit Saudi listing)
If you prefer to skip the online application, citizens of eVisa-eligible countries can apply for the e-visa when they arrive at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports, according to the UK government. Visit Saudi has listed the fee on arrival at SAR 480, including health insurance.
Payment is by card. Have a card ready rather than relying on cash.
What the Two Fees Cover
| Route | Total listed (SAR) | Includes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online eVisa | 535 | Visa and mandatory health insurance; VAT charged as part of the fee | Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com before you travel |
| eVisa on arrival | 480 | Visa and mandatory health insurance | Apply at a Saudi international airport |
These are the totals listed by Visit Saudi. Earlier versions of this guide split them into a visa fee, an insurance charge and a processing charge; we could not confirm an official breakdown, so we no longer show one. Beware of third-party websites that add their own “service fees” or “processing fees” on top. The only official portal is visa.visitsaudi.com. For a full comparison of every visa type available for Saudi Arabia, see our complete visa guide.
What Is Included in the Visa Fee
Unlike many countries where the visa fee covers only the entry permit and everything else must be arranged separately, the Saudi tourist visa fee bundles several components into one payment:
- Entry permit: A one-year, multiple-entry tourist visa. The UK government describes the limit as 90 days in total across the 365-day validity; the portal’s terms give a maximum stay of three months and say the eVisa cannot be extended.
- Mandatory medical insurance: Health cover of up to SAR 100,000 for your visit, according to the UK government, from an insurer approved in Saudi Arabia.
- Biometric registration: Not a separate charge; the portal’s terms say your biometric details will be captured by immigration on arrival.
You do not need to buy a separate policy to get the tourist visa, because the visa-linked policy is included. However, the included cover is limited, which we explain in the next section.
Mandatory Travel Insurance — What It Covers and What It Does Not
The insurance included in your visa fee is an emergency medical policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ KSA Visa platform says visa medical insurance covers only emergency cases and that all the insurers are approved and certified in Saudi Arabia. The insurer is assigned during the visa application.
What the visa-linked insurance is for
- Emergency medical treatment, up to SAR 100,000 according to the UK government
- Treatment and hospital care needed because of an emergency
What not to expect from it (check the policy document you receive)
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Baggage loss or delay
- Adventure sports or high-risk activities
- Medical evacuation beyond basic ambulance transport
- Dental treatment (non-emergency)
- Pre-existing conditions
- Expenses exceeding the SAR 100,000 cap
- Repatriation of remains
The UK government says medical treatment in Saudi Arabia can be expensive and suggests extra travel insurance to cover costs beyond SAR 100,000. If you are planning adventure activities in AlUla or the Asir highlands, or if you want comprehensive trip protection, purchasing additional travel insurance from an international provider before departure is strongly recommended. Your existing travel credit card insurance may also provide supplementary coverage.
How to Apply for the Saudi Tourist eVisa Online
The online application is short, and many applications are decided quickly, but some need extra checks. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Visit the official portal: Go to visa.visitsaudi.com. This is the only official Saudi eVisa website.
- Create an account: Register with an active email address. You must be 18 or over to apply; a parent or guardian applies for a child.
- Enter your details: Fill in your personal information, passport details, and travel dates exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Upload your photo: A digital passport-style photograph is required. The system will guide you on specifications.
- Pay the fee: Pay the fee shown, by card. The insurer is assigned during this stage. The fee is not refunded once you submit, even if the application is unsuccessful.
- Receive your eVisa: If accepted, the eVisa is sent to you by email as an attachment. The portal’s terms say you must carry a copy of the eVisa when you first arrive, so print it or keep it on your phone, and arrive with the same passport you used to apply.
Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your planned entry date. The eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issue, with multiple entries permitted and 90 days in total in the country.
Visa on Arrival — The Airport Process
If you hold a passport from an eligible country, you can skip the online application and apply for the e-visa when you arrive at a Saudi international airport. The main entry points are King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
The process usually runs as follows:
- Proceed to the eVisa kiosks in the arrivals hall (clearly signposted).
- Scan your passport bio page on the kiosk reader.
- Enter your hotel details — you will be asked to type the name of your accommodation.
- Provide biometrics — fingerprints and a photograph are captured.
- Pay the fee by card.
- Present your visa confirmation and passport to the immigration officer.
The visa issued on arrival is the same one-year, multiple-entry visa as the online eVisa. On Visit Saudi’s listing, the on-arrival fee (SAR 480) is lower than the online fee (SAR 535), but applying online lets you sort out any problem before you fly.
Who Is Eligible: The eVisa Countries
Citizens of the following countries can apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa online or on arrival. When we checked on 23 October 2026, the official portal at visa.visitsaudi.com said citizens of 68 eligible countries can apply.
The portal’s list includes the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, every EU member state, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Panama and Saint Kitts and Nevis. See our visa guide for the full list by region, and check the portal before you apply.
British citizens also have the option of an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), launched on 1 July 2026, or an electronic visa waiver; neither includes health insurance, according to the UK government.
Additional eligibility via valid US, UK, or Schengen visas
Even if your country is not on the eVisa list, you may still be eligible for a Saudi visit visa if you hold a valid and previously used US, UK, or Schengen visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ KSA Visa platform lists a valid tourist or business visa from the US, the UK or the Schengen area that has been used to travel at least once as a qualifying condition. Citizens of countries such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria and the Philippines should check how this route works for them on ksavisa.sa before booking.
GCC citizens — visa-free
Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates do not need any visa to enter Saudi Arabia. GCC citizens can enter with a national ID card.
Validity, Duration, and Extension
The Saudi tourist visa is valid for one year from the date of issue, with multiple entries permitted. The UK government says the total time spent in the Kingdom during the visa’s 365-day validity cannot exceed 90 days.
The eVisa cannot be extended, according to the portal’s terms and conditions. If you need to stay longer, you need a different visa category. If the eVisa expires before you enter, you must apply and pay again. For trips involving both tourism and religious pilgrimage, consult our Hajj 2026 Guide and Umrah guide for first-timers for separate visa requirements.
Overstay Penalties — What Happens If You Stay Too Long
Saudi Arabia takes visa overstays seriously, and the penalties are steep. If you exceed your permitted stay or remain after your visa expires:
| Source | Fine | Additional consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Interior, via the Saudi Press Agency (22 April 2025) | Up to SAR 50,000 for expatriates who do not leave after their entry visa expires | Imprisonment for up to six months and deportation |
| UK government travel advice (checked 23 October 2026) | Large fines | Detention, deportation and a possible ban on returning to Saudi Arabia |
The Ministry of Interior’s warning was published by the Saudi Press Agency on 22 April 2025. Entry and exit are recorded electronically, so assume any overstay will be noticed when you leave.
Grace periods: The Saudi government has at times announced grace periods allowing holders of expired visit visas to leave without penalty. They are discretionary and should not be relied upon. Always plan to leave well before your permitted stay ends.
Tips for Saving Money on the Visa Process
The visa fee itself is set by the Saudi authorities and is not negotiable. However, there are several ways to avoid overpaying:
- Consider applying on arrival: If you are comfortable completing the process at the airport, Visit Saudi lists the on-arrival fee at SAR 480 against SAR 535 online. The visa produced is the same, but you will not know the outcome until you land.
- Only use the official portal: Third-party visa agencies often add their own “service fees” on top of the official fee. The official site is visa.visitsaudi.com — bookmark it and ignore sponsored search results that lead to commercial intermediaries.
- Do not buy a duplicate basic policy just for the visa: The visa fee already includes emergency medical cover up to SAR 100,000. Buy additional insurance for trip protection, adventure activities or higher medical limits; the UK government suggests cover for costs beyond SAR 100,000.
- Use your multi-entry visa: The visa is valid for a full year with multiple entries, within the 90-day total. If you plan to visit Saudi Arabia more than once in 12 months — for example, combining a leisure trip with an Umrah pilgrimage or a return visit to explore AlUla — you pay the visa fee only once.
- Avoid overstay penalties: Fines can reach SAR 50,000. Keep count of your days in the country and set a reminder for your departure date.
- Pay in local currency: If your card offers the option, choosing to pay in SAR rather than your home currency avoids the dynamic currency conversion markup that card terminals often apply.
Children and Family Applications
Each traveller, regardless of age, requires their own visa. Children included on a parent’s passport still need an individual eVisa application. The portal’s terms say applicants must be 18 or over, so a parent or guardian applies on a child’s behalf. Check the fee for each applicant at the payment step.
When applying as a family, you can submit multiple applications through the same online account on the Visit Saudi portal. Each applicant will need a valid passport and a digital photograph.
Transit Visa — A Cheaper Alternative for Short Stops
The UK government says you may need a transit visa if you pass through immigration control, leave Saudi Arabia on a separate ticket from the one you arrived on, or have more than 12 hours between connecting flights; check with your airline. If you want a short stay between flights, Saudia and flynas sell a stopover visa with the ticket; we could not confirm its current fee and length of stay on the airlines’ pages on 23 October 2026, so check them when you book.
For most visitors planning to actually experience Saudi Arabia — whether exploring the historic districts of Jeddah’s Al-Balad, the modern dining scene in Riyadh, or the ancient Nabataean tombs at Hegra in AlUla — the full tourist visa is the usual choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Saudi tourist visa fee refundable?
No. The portal’s terms say that once you submit an application you cannot cancel it or get a refund, and that unsuccessful applicants are not refunded. If the eVisa expires before you use it, you must apply and pay again.
Do I pay VAT on top of the visa fee?
The portal’s terms say VAT is charged at the applicable rate as part of the fees. The total shown at the payment step is what you pay.
Can I pay in US dollars or euros?
The fee is charged in Saudi riyals. Your card issuer converts it at its own rate. The riyal is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.75 riyals per dollar.
What if my visa application is rejected?
If rejected, the fee is not refunded, according to the portal’s terms. Common reasons for rejection include a passport with less than six months of validity, incorrect or incomplete information, or a travel ban. Approval is at the discretion of the authorities, and holding an eVisa does not guarantee entry.
Is the visa fee the same for all nationalities?
Visit Saudi’s listing gives one online fee and one on-arrival fee, without a breakdown by nationality. The portal shows the fee for your application before you pay.
How do I check if my visa is still valid?
Sign in to your account on the eVisa portal to see your application and visa. Entries and exits are recorded electronically, so keep your own count of days in the country as well.
Planning the Rest of Your Trip
Once your visa is sorted, the real planning begins. Saudi Arabia has transformed into one of the Middle East’s most exciting travel destinations, with new attractions, world-class dining, and ancient heritage sites opening to international visitors at a rapid pace. Our Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 covers everything you need to know about getting around, what to wear, where to stay, and what to expect on the ground.
Explore More Saudi Arabia Travel Guides
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide 2026 — Every entry requirement explained, from e-visa to business visas
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Riyadh Travel Guide — The capital’s best neighbourhoods, restaurants, and things to do
- Jeddah Travel Guide — The Red Sea gateway: Old Town, F1, food, beaches
- AlUla Travel Guide — Hegra, Elephant Rock and the desert of wonders
- Hajj 2026 Guide — Dates, registration, costs and what to expect