Saudi Arabia eVisa: Complete Guide to Apply Online

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is a 1-year, multiple-entry electronic tourist permit that allows stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Citizens of selected countries apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com in under 10 minutes — no embassy visit required.

The fee is SAR 300–535 (~USD 80–142), including mandatory health insurance. Processing takes 24–72 hours.

What Is the Saudi Arabia eVisa?

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is a 1-year, multiple-entry electronic tourist visa introduced in September 2019 as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism initiative.

Before 2019, foreign tourists could not obtain a Saudi tourist visa at all — the country was closed to leisure travel. The eVisa changed that entirely.

The eVisa is issued electronically and linked to your passport. You do not receive a physical sticker.

Instead, you receive a PDF document by email that you present at the Saudi border alongside your passport.

eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival vs. Embassy Visa

Key point: The eVisa and visa on arrival are equivalent in validity and cost. The eVisa is faster and more convenient — you arrive with authorization already in hand.

Why Saudi Arabia Opened Tourism (Vision 2030 Context)

Saudi Arabia launched its tourist eVisa as part of Vision 2030 — Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to diversify the economy away from oil.

The goal is to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030. In 2023, Saudi Arabia received 100 million visitors.

The eVisa is the primary entry mechanism for this tourism expansion.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Eligibility — Who Can Apply?

Citizens of selected countries are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa.

If your country is on the list, you can get a visa online. If not, you must apply at a Saudi Embassy or Consulate.

Full List of Eligible Countries

The following nationalities can apply for the Saudi eVisa online:

Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas, Guyana, Suriname, Belize, Haiti, Cuba

Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan

Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia

Africa & Middle East: South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Israel

⚠️ Note: This list is updated periodically by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Always verify your eligibility at visa.visitsaudi.com before applying.

GCC Residents — Special Eligibility Rules

Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE — can apply for the Saudi eVisa regardless of their nationality.

This means an Indian national living in Dubai can apply for the Saudi eVisa as a GCC resident, even if India is not on the standard eligible countries list.

Requirements for GCC residents:

• Valid GCC residency permit (iqama) with at least 3 months remaining validity
• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Proof of GCC residency (residency card or iqama)

Special Cases: Women Traveling Alone, Under 18, Dual Nationality

Women traveling alone: Saudi Arabia removed the mahram (male guardian) requirement for women in 2019. Women of any age can now apply for and travel on a Saudi tourist eVisa independently, without a male guardian. This is a permanent policy change — not a temporary measure.

Travelers under 18: Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If traveling with only one parent, a notarized consent letter from the absent parent is recommended (not always required, but may be requested at the border).

Dual nationality holders: Apply using the passport of the eligible nationality. If you hold both a Saudi-eligible and a non-eligible passport, use the eligible one.

Previous visa refusals: A previous Saudi visa refusal does not automatically disqualify you. However, you must declare it honestly in the application form.

Who Is NOT Eligible for the Saudi eVisa?

• Citizens of countries not on the eligible list (must apply via embassy)
• Holders of Israeli passports (Israel is not on the eligible list)
• Travelers with a criminal record for serious offenses (case-by-case assessment)
• Travelers who have previously been deported from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia eVisa Requirements — Documents Checklist

You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a digital photo, travel/health insurance, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket.

The eVisa fee includes mandatory health insurance — you do not need to purchase separate insurance.

Passport Requirements

• Validity: Minimum 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia
• Condition: No significant damage, tears, or missing pages
• Blank pages: At least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps
• Type: Regular tourist passport (diplomatic passports use a different process)

Photo Requirements

• Format: Digital JPEG, minimum 200×200 pixels
• Background: White or light-colored background
• Face: Full face visible, no sunglasses, no head coverings (except for religious reasons)
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
• Size: The portal accepts standard passport photo dimensions

Travel Insurance (Mandatory — Included in Fee)

The Saudi eVisa fee includes mandatory health insurance covering your stay in Saudi Arabia.

You do not need to purchase separate travel insurance to meet the eVisa requirement.

However, additional travel insurance (covering trip cancellation, lost luggage, etc.) is recommended.

Proof of Accommodation & Return Ticket

• Accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from a Saudi host
• Return ticket: Confirmed return or onward flight booking
• Funds: Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statement) — may be requested at the border

Complete Documents Checklist

How to Apply for Saudi Arabia eVisa — Step-by-Step

Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com in 4 steps: create an account, fill the form, pay the fee, and receive your eVisa by email.

The entire process takes under 10 minutes. Processing takes 24–72 hours.

Step 1 — Create an Account on visa.visitsaudi.com

1. Go to visa.visitsaudi.com.
2. Click “Apply Now” or “Create Account”.
3. Enter your email address and create a password.
4. Verify your email address via the confirmation link sent to your inbox.
5. Log in to your new account.

✅ Official portal only: The only legitimate Saudi eVisa portal is *visa.visitsaudi.com.

Step 2 — Fill In the Application Form

1. Select “Tourist eVisa” as the visa type.
2. Enter your personal details: full name (exactly as on passport), date of birth, nationality, gender.
3. Enter your passport details: passport number, issue date, and expiry date.
4. Upload your passport photo (digital JPEG).
5. Enter your travel details: intended arrival date, accommodation address in Saudi Arabia.
6. Enter your return flight details.
7. Answer the eligibility questions: criminal record, previous deportation, and health conditions.
8. Review all information carefully before proceeding.

Step 3 — Pay the eVisa Fee

1. Select your payment method (credit or debit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
2. Enter your card details.
3. Confirm the payment of SAR 300–535 (amount varies by nationality).
4. Save the payment confirmation.

⚠️ No refund policy: The eVisa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Double-check all information before paying.

Step 4 — Receive & Download Your eVisa

1. Within 24–72 hours, you will receive an email with your eVisa PDF.
2. Download and save the PDF.
3. Print a copy or save it on your phone.
4. Present the eVisa alongside your passport at the Saudi border.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Cost & Fees

The Saudi tourist eVisa costs SAR 300–535 (approximately USD 80–142), depending on nationality.

The fee includes mandatory health insurance. Payment is by credit or debit card. No refund is issued if the application is rejected.

What’s Included in the Fee

• Mandatory health insurance covering your entire stay in Saudi Arabia
• eVisa processing and issuance
• Access to the official eVisa portal

Payment Methods

• Visa credit/debit card
• Mastercard credit/debit card
• American Express (accepted on the official portal)

Refund Policy

The Saudi eVisa fee is non-refundable in all cases:

• Application rejected: no refund
• Application withdrawn: no refund
• Travel plans canceled: no refund

Saudi Arabia eVisa Validity & Processing Time

The Saudi eVisa is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, with multiple entries allowed.

Each stay is limited to 90 days. Processing takes 24–72 hours. Extensions are not available — you must reapply for a new eVisa.

1-Year Validity & Multiple Entry Explained

• Validity period: 1 year from the date the eVisa is issued (not from your first entry)
• Entry type: Multiple entry — you can enter and exit Saudi Arabia as many times as you want within the 1-year validity period
• Stay per visit: Maximum 90 days per single stay
• Total stay: The 90-day limit applies per visit, not cumulatively — you can theoretically spend 90 days, leave, return, and spend another 90 days

Example: If your eVisa is issued on June 1, 2025, it is valid until May 31, 2026. You can enter Saudi Arabia multiple times during this period, staying up to 90 days on each visit.

90-Day Stay Limit — How It Works

• The 90-day clock starts on the day you enter Saudi Arabia
• It resets when you exit and re-enter (each new entry starts a fresh 90-day period)
• Overstaying beyond 90 days results in fines and potential deportation

Processing Time: Standard vs. Express

Practical advice: Apply at least 3–5 days before your travel date to allow buffer time for any issues.

Can You Extend or Renew the Saudi eVisa?

The Saudi tourist eVisa cannot be extended while you are in Saudi Arabia. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must exit the country and reapply for a new eVisa.

You can apply for a new eVisa at any time — even before your current eVisa expires. There is no waiting period between eVisas.

Overstay consequences:

• Fine of SAR 10,000 (~USD 2,666) per day of overstay
• Potential deportation
• Possible ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia
• Potential impact on future visa applications

How to Check Your Saudi eVisa Status

Check your eVisa status at visa.visitsaudi.com using your application reference number.

Status options: Approved, Pending, Rejected. If approved, you will receive an email with the eVisa PDF. If pending after 72 hours, contact support.

Step-by-Step Status Check Guide

1. Go to visa.visitsaudi.com.
2. Log in to your account using your email and password.
3. Navigate to “My Applications” or “Check Status”.
4. Find your application by reference number or application date.
5. View the current status.

Alternatively, check your email inbox for status update notifications from the portal.

What Do the Status Codes Mean?

eVisa Not Received — What to Do

If you submitted your application and paid but have not received your eVisa after 72 hours:

1. Check your spam/junk email folder.
2. Log in to visa.visitsaudi.com and check your application status.
3. If the status shows “Approved” but no email has been received, download the PDF directly from your account.
4. If the status shows “Pending” after 72 hours, contact the official support at visa.visitsaudi.com.
5. Do not reapply without checking your status first — duplicate applications may cause issues.

Saudi Arabia Transit Visa — Free 96-Hour Stopover

Saudi Arabia offers a free 96-hour stopover transit eVisa for eligible passengers transiting through Saudi airports.

Apply via Saudia Airlines or flynas. A separate airport transit visa (A-type) is required for airside transit without leaving the terminal.

Free 96-Hour Stopover eVisa (Saudia / flynas)

Saudi Arabia’s free stopover transit eVisa allows eligible passengers to leave the airport and explore Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours (4 days) during a layover.

This is one of the most generous free transit programs in the world.

Key facts:

• Duration: Up to 96 hours (4 days)
• Cost: Free (small application processing fee of ~USD 10.50 may apply)
• Eligibility: Available to citizens of 60+ countries transiting on Saudia Airlines or flynas
• Where to apply: Via Saudia Airlines website (saudia.com) or flynas website (flynas.com)
• Processing: Immediate or within a few hours

Airport Transit Visa (Airside — No Entry)

If you are transiting through a Saudi airport without leaving the terminal (airside transit), you generally do not need a visa.

However, some nationalities require an Airport Transit Visa (A-type) even for airside transit.

Nationalities that typically require an airport transit visa for Saudi Arabia include citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and others. Check with your airline or the Saudi embassy before travel.

Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

Saudi Arabia Entry Requirements

To enter Saudi Arabia on an eVisa, you need a valid passport (6+ months), your eVisa printout or digital copy, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation.

Vaccination requirements vary — check current health advisories before travel.

Passport & Document Requirements at the Border

Present the following at Saudi immigration:

1. Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from entry date)
2. Saudi eVisa (printed PDF or digital copy on your phone)
3. Return/onward flight ticket (may be requested)
4. Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation)
5. Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)

Health & Vaccination Requirements (2026)

• COVID-19: No COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements as of 2026
• Yellow fever: Required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country
• Meningitis (ACWY): Required for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims
• Polio: Required for travelers from polio-endemic countries
• General: No mandatory vaccinations for standard tourist entry

⚠️ Always check current requirements at the Saudi Ministry of Health website before travel, as health requirements can change.

Umrah eVisa — Can You Visit Mecca on a Tourist eVisa?

Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has allowed tourists holding a standard tourist eVisa to perform Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca).

This was a significant policy change — previously, Umrah required a separate religious visa.

Key facts about Umrah on tourist eVisa:

• Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Medina — these cities are restricted to Muslims only.
• Muslim tourists can perform Umrah during their tourist eVisa stay.
• No separate Umrah visa is required for Muslims holding a tourist eVisa.
• Umrah is available year-round (except during Hajj season, when access is restricted).
• The tourist eVisa allows up to 90 days per stay — sufficient for Umrah.

Umrah visa (separate): A dedicated Umrah visa exists for pilgrims who want to travel specifically for Umrah. It is issued through authorized Umrah travel agencies and is separate from the tourist eVisa.

Hajj Visa — Separate Process

The Hajj visa is a completely separate visa from the tourist eVisa. It is issued only during the Hajj season (Dhul Hijjah) through authorized Hajj travel agencies in your country.

You cannot perform Hajj on a tourist eVisa. The Hajj visa quota for 2026 is approximately 1.8 million pilgrims worldwide.

Saudi Arabia eVisa by Nationality

The Saudi eVisa application process is identical for all eligible nationalities. Fees, processing times, and specific requirements may vary slightly. Below are guides for the most common nationalities.

Saudi eVisa for Indians

India is one of the largest sources of Saudi Arabian tourists and workers. Indian nationals are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa.

Common questions for Indians:

• Can Indians get a Saudi eVisa? Yes — India is on the eligible countries list.
• Fee in INR: Approximately ₹6,700–₹11,900 depending on exchange rate.
• GCC residents: Indian nationals living in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, or Oman can apply as GCC residents.

Saudi eVisa for Pakistanis

Pakistani nationals are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa. Pakistan has a large diaspora in Saudi Arabia, and many Pakistanis travel for tourism, Umrah, and family visits.

Saudi eVisa for Filipinos

Filipino nationals are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa. The Philippines has one of the largest overseas worker communities in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi eVisa for UK Citizens

UK citizens are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa. The UK government (gov.uk) provides travel advice for Saudi Arabia and ranks in Saudi Arabia entry requirement SERPs — indicating significant UK traveler interest.

UK-specific notes:

• UK citizens must obtain an e-visa or electronic visa waiver before travel or on arrival at Saudi international airports.
• The UK government advises checking entry requirements before travel.
• UK citizens with dual nationality should use the UK passport if it is on the eligible list.

Saudi eVisa for US Citizens

US citizens are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa. The United States is a major source of Saudi Arabia tourists, particularly for business travel and religious tourism.

Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents

GCC residents (regardless of nationality) can apply for the Saudi eVisa using their GCC residency permit. This covers residents of the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Saudi Arabia eVisa — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an eVisa for Saudi Arabia?
Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com. Create an account, fill the application form, pay SAR 300–535 by card, and receive your eVisa by email within 24–72 hours.

How long does the Saudi eVisa take?
Standard processing takes 24–72 hours. Most applications are approved within 24 hours. Apply at least 3–5 days before your travel date to allow buffer time.

How much does the Saudi Arabia eVisa cost?
SAR 300–535 (~USD 80–142), depending on nationality. The fee includes mandatory health insurance. Payment by credit or debit card. No refund if rejected.

Is the Saudi eVisa multiple-entry?
The Saudi tourist eVisa is a 1-year, multiple-entry visa. Each stay is limited to 90 days. You can enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times within the 1-year validity.

Can women travel to Saudi Arabia alone?
Saudi Arabia removed the mahram (male guardian) requirement for women in 2019. Women of any age can apply for and travel on a Saudi tourist eVisa independently, without a male guardian.

Is the Saudi eVisa open now?
The Saudi tourist eVisa is fully operational. Saudi Arabia is actively promoting tourism as part of Vision 2030.

Can I perform Umrah on a tourist eVisa?
Since 2021, Muslim tourists holding a standard tourist eVisa can perform Umrah. Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Medina regardless of visa type.

What is the last date to apply for the Umrah visa 2026?
There is no fixed deadline for the tourist eVisa (which allows Umrah). The dedicated Umrah visa for the 2026 season is typically available from Muharram through Ramadan. Check with authorized Umrah travel agencies for current season dates.

Can I extend my Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi tourist eVisa cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must exit Saudi Arabia and reapply for a new eVisa.

What happens if I overstay my Saudi eVisa?
Overstaying results in a fine of SAR 10,000 (~USD 2,666) per day, potential deportation, and possible re-entry ban. Always exit before your 90-day stay limit expires.