Saudi Arabia: Entry Rules for VisitorsLast check:Last update:Data statusLast check:Last update:
Saudi Arabia:Visa Requirement Map
Explore which nationalities need a visa to enter this country and which can enter visa-free.
Saudi Arabia: Visa and entry documents and requirements
Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.
Visa-Free Entry Requirements
- Visa-free entry depends on the international agreement, reciprocal exemption arrangement, or special legal status under which the traveler falls. The traveler must present at border control a valid passport or travel document accepted under the relevant arrangement, proving their identity and right to visa-free entry.
- The accepted document type, minimum document validity, permitted travel purpose, number of entries, and maximum stay may vary according to the underlying arrangement.
- The right to visa-free entry does not constitute an unconditional guarantee of passage through border control. The traveler's purpose of entry must be compatible with the permitted stay duration and the relevant exemption conditions.
Electronic Travel Authorization Requirements
- The Electronic Travel Authorization application is made online through the KSA Visa system. A separate application is required for each traveler; children and other minor travelers are not automatically added to the adult's application.
- In the application, valid passport details, personal information, contact information, and travel information requested by the system must be entered completely and accurately. Incorrect or incomplete information may result in the application being rejected or the authorization being unusable.
- The Electronic Travel Authorization fee is 50 Saudi Arabian riyals and is non-refundable. The official processing time is indicated as one to three business days.
- The authorization is multiple-entry and valid for 730 days. The stay duration is indicated as 180 days on the KSA Visa page.
- The Electronic Travel Authorization can be used for tourism, business visit, education, and medical treatment purposes. For employment or other activities outside the scope of the authorization, an appropriate visa must be obtained.
- The personalized instructions shown during the application should be followed.
E-Visa Application Requirements
- The e-visa application is made online through the official Visit Saudi e-visa portal or KSA Visa. The applicant must create an account and enter the passport, identity, contact, and travel information in the application form correctly and completely.
- The passport used in the application must be valid for at least six more months on the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. The traveler must present at the border the same passport used in the e-visa application. The e-visa application process is conducted using ordinary or public passport information.
- One recent photograph must be uploaded with the application. The photo must be 200 × 200 pixels and the file size must be between 5 KB and 100 KB. The face and shoulders should appear in close-up, with the face covering approximately 70–80% of the photo area. The photo must be taken within the last six months, centered, front-facing, and without shadows. The background must be plain white. A headscarf worn for religious reasons is accepted; however, the entire face must be clearly visible.
- The applicant must have valid, approved health insurance in Saudi Arabia. Accommodation or address information in Saudi Arabia must be recorded in the application.
- The applicant must be able to cover their own expenses during the trip.
- The basic fee for a tourist visa as specified in the regulation is 300 Saudi Arabian riyals. Additional charges for digital service, VAT, insurance service, and the selected policy may be displayed separately at the payment stage. The exact total amount to be paid is generated during the application. Fees are non-refundable after the application is submitted.
- The e-visa is sent by email. The traveler must have a printed or accessible electronic copy of the e-visa with them on first entry. Biometric data collection is mandatory upon arrival.
- The e-visa is generally a one-year valid, multiple-entry visa with a total permitted stay of up to 90 days. The visa cannot be extended. If the issued e-visa bears a different period or condition, the information written on the visa prevails.
- The e-visa can be used for tourist trips, events, family and friend visits, leisure, and Umrah trips outside the Hajj period. It cannot be used for Hajj, paid employment, or education purposes.
- The person applying on their own behalf must be at least 18 years old. For a minor, the application must be made by a parent, legal representative, or authorized adult.
- The application system may request additional information or documents based on the applicant's circumstances.
- E-visa approval does not constitute a guarantee of entry into the country. The final entry decision rests with the authorized immigration officer at the border.
Visa on Arrival Requirements
- A tourist visa on arrival may be issued for travelers meeting the eligibility conditions through passport control units at border crossings or electronic service points at appropriate locations.
- The passport must be valid for at least six more months on the date of entry into the country. The application form and supporting information requested by the border authorities must be submitted; accommodation or address information in Saudi Arabia must be provided.
- The traveler must have valid, approved health insurance in Saudi Arabia. Biometric data may be collected during the application or upon entry into the country.
- If visa on arrival eligibility is based on a visit visa issued by another country, that visa must be valid and must have been used at least once to enter the issuing country. If eligibility is based on permanent residence status in a foreign country, a valid residence document must be presented.
- Tourists under the age of 18 must travel with a parent, legal representative, or a safe adult companion.
- The basic fee for a tourist visa is 300 Saudi Arabian riyals. Insurance, digital service, or other processing fees may be charged separately.
- The tourist visa on arrival can be used for tourism, visits, and Umrah purposes outside the Hajj period. It cannot be used for Hajj or paid employment purposes.
- The number of entries, validity, and maximum stay of the visa issued on arrival are shown on the visa document.
Consular Visa Application Requirements
- The application is initiated by selecting the appropriate visa type on the KSA Visa or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa services platform. The applicant must complete the form in full and follow the instructions of the Saudi Arabian embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center they will apply to.
- For a tourist visa application, a passport valid for at least six months, a completed application form, supporting documents, valid health insurance in Saudi Arabia, and address or accommodation information in the country are required. Biometric data may be collected during the application or upon arrival in the country.
- Tourists traveling by air may be asked for a return ticket and flight itinerary. The flight document requirement does not apply to those entering by land or sea. Accommodation reservation or other proof of accommodation must be provided.
- The applicant's personal information and address in the country of residence must be provided. Employed persons are requested to provide an employment or position certificate. Financial sufficiency may be proven by a bank statement or salary certificate.
- Tourists under the age of 18 must travel with a parent, legal representative, or a safe adult companion. In which cases a birth certificate, parental consent form, or custody document must be submitted may vary according to the checklist of the mission applied to and the selected visa type.
- For family visit, business visit, employment, education, or other special purpose visas, an invitation letter, sponsor documents, documents proving family ties, employment contract, company documents, or prior approval from the relevant Saudi authority may be required. Since the content and format of these documents are established according to the visa type, there is no single universal list applicable to all consular visas.
- The photo size and technical specifications, number of blank passport pages, passport pages to be copied, proof of legal residence in the application country, and requirements for translation, notarization, certification, legalization, or apostille of documents vary according to the relevant mission and visa type.
- The basic fee for a tourist visa is 300 Saudi Arabian riyals. Fees for other visa types, insurance cost, and service charges are displayed in the application flow. Payment is made through the platform after the form is completed and, if required, the insurance provider is selected. Accepted payment methods may vary by country or service center.
- The target processing time for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' mission visa service is three business days. The period may be extended if additional review, document request, or other exceptional processing is required.
- Whether the visa is single or multiple entry, its validity period, maximum stay, and the travel purpose for which it can be used depend on the selected visa type and the conditions on the issued visa.
Transit Visa Requirements
- Saudi Arabia offers transit visa options for transit travel by land, air, and sea. During the application, the type of transit to be used must be selected, and the passport, transportation, and onward travel information requested by the system must be entered.
- The electronic stopover visa allows entry into Saudi Arabia for a maximum stay of 96 hours. For a longer stay or a travel purpose other than transit, an appropriate visit visa must be obtained.
- The applicant may need to provide valid passport details, the transit route, and reservation information for the onward journey.
- In stopover applications, a fee may be charged for the application service and health insurance.
- The personalized instructions generated during the application for the individual and route should be followed.