Saudi Arabia eVisa: Complete Guide

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is a 1-year, multiple-entry electronic tourist visa available to certain citizens. Travelers may apply for it online at visa.visitsaudi.com in 3 steps: fill in the form, pay the fee, and wait for approval. Processing takes up to 24 hours, and each stay enables up to 90 days in the Kingdom.

What Is the Saudi Arabia eVisa?

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is an electronic authorization issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) that allows international tourists to enter the Kingdom without visiting an embassy or consulate. It is not a physical sticker — it is linked electronically to the passport. Saudi Arabia launched the eVisa program in September 2019 as part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s initiative to diversify its economy and open its doors to international tourism. Before 2019, tourist visas were virtually unavailable to most nationalities. Key facts at a glance:
  • Type: Electronic tourist visa (eVisa)
  • Validity: 1 year from issue date
  • Entries: Multiple entries
  • Stay: Up to 90 days per visit
  • Eligible: Citizens of 66+ countries
  • Official portal: visa.visitsaudi.com
  • Processing: Instant to 24 hours
The Saudi Arabia eVisa covers tourism, Umrah (non-Hajj pilgrimage), business events, conferences, and family visits. It does not cover employment or long-term residency.

Who Is Eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa?

Citizens of selected countries are eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa online. GCC residents with a valid US, UK, or EU visa or residency permit may also qualify regardless of their nationality.

Eligible Countries

The following regions and countries are among those that may apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa:
  • Americas: Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, United States
  • Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
  • Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Azerbaijan, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan
  • Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa
Citizens of countries not on the eligible list must apply for a visa through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in their country. The list of countries is subject to change at any time without prior notice. Saudi authorities may update, add, or remove some nationalities based on their visa policies, diplomatic considerations, or security regulations.

GCC Residents — Special Rules

If you are not a citizen of an eligible country but hold a valid residency permit for the United States, United Kingdom, or European Union, you may still be eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa:
  • The residency permit must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
  • Apply through the same official portal: visa.visitsaudi.com.
  • The eVisa is issued based on your residency status, not your passport nationality.
GCC citizens (UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman) do not need an eVisa — they can enter Saudi Arabia with their national ID card.

Age, Passport & Other Requirements

  • Age: Must be 18 years or older to apply independently. Minors (under 18) must be included in a parent or guardian’s submission.
  • Passport validity: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the planned entry date into Saudi Arabia.
  • Blank pages: At least 1 blank page for the entry stamp.
  • Previous refusals: A previous Saudi visa refusal does not automatically disqualify you, but may require additional documentation.
  • Criminal record: Standard background checks apply; serious criminal convictions may result in rejection.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Types

Saudi Arabia offers 3 main eVisa types: tourist eVisa, business eVisa, and Hajj & Umrah eVisa.

Tourist eVisa

The tourist eVisa is the standard permit for most international visitors. It is the most flexible option:
  • Validity: 1 year from issue date
  • Entries: Multiple entries (enter and exit as many times as you like within 1 year)
  • Stay per visit: Up to 90 days
  • Processing: Instant to 24 hours
The tourist eVisa covers tourism, sightseeing, leisure, cultural events, and family visits.

Business Visa

The business visa is designed for international visitors attending business-related activities in Saudi Arabia:
  • Validity: 1 year from issue date
  • Entries: Multiple entries (enter and exit as many times as needed within 1 year)
  • Stay per visit: Up to 90 days
  • Processing: Instant to 24 hours
The business visa is ideal for professionals. It covers business meetings, corporate events, conferences, and official work-related visits.

Hajj & Umrah Visa

The Hajj & Umrah visa is specifically for pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for religious purposes:
  • Validity: As per the Hajj or Umrah season (usually a few weeks to months)
  • Entries: Single entry (for the duration of pilgrimage)
  • Stay per visit: Limited to the duration of the Hajj or Umrah program
  • Processing: Instant to a few days, depending on the season
The Hajj & Umrah visa provides pilgrims with a dedicated and regulated entry to perform religious rites safely and efficiently.

How to Obtain a Saudi Arabia eVisa

Apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa in a few steps at visa.visitsaudi.com. The entire process takes 10–15 minutes, and approval arrives within 24 hours.

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

  1. Go to visa.visitsaudi.com.
  2. Click “Apply Now”.
  3. Enter passport type.
  4. Select the country of nationality.
  5. Fill in the CAPTCHA code.
  6. Provide the necessary details, such as name, email, etc.
  7. Log in to the new account.

Step 2 — Fill the Form

Once logged in, start a new application:
  1. Select the visa type.
  2. Enter the personal details exactly as they appear in the passport (name, date of birth, nationality).
  3. Provide your passport details (passport number, issue date, expiry date).
  4. Fill in your travel details (planned arrival date, accommodation in Saudi Arabia).
  5. Upload the passport photo.
  6. Upload a scan of your passport bio page and any other documents if needed.

Step 3 — Pay the Fee

  1. Review the application details carefully before payment.
  2. Select the payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.).
  3. The total amount may include: visa fee + service fee + mandatory health insurance.
  4. Complete process — note: the fee is non-refundable.
  5. Save your payment confirmation.

Step 4 — Receive eVisa by Email

  1. After payment, an application is submitted for processing.
  2. Most eVisas are approved instantly or within 24 hours.
  3. The Saudi eVisa is sent to the registered email as a PDF document.
  4. Download and save the PDF — print it or keep it on your phone.
  5. Present your eVisa at check-in and at Saudi immigration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the frequent errors that cause delays or rejections:
  • ❌ Passport photo not meeting specs — wrong background color or size causes rejection.
  • ❌ Name mismatch — enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport.
  • ❌ Applying too close to travel date — start the process at least 48 hours before departure.
  • ❌ Not checking spam folder — eVisa emails often land in spam.
  • ❌ Booking non-refundable flights before eVisa approval — wait for approval first.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Requirements — Documents Checklist

To apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa, you need: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a face photo, and supporting documentation, such as proof of accommodation or a return ticket (if necessary).

Passport Rules

  • ✅ Valid for at least 6 months from the planned entry date
  • ✅ At least 1 blank page for the entry stamp
  • ✅ Clear scan of the bio page (the page with your photo and personal details)
  • ✅ No significant damage to the passport

Photo Conditions

Your passport photo must meet these specifications:
Requirement Specification
Background White or off-white
Face Clearly visible, centered, no glasses
Expression Neutral, mouth closed
Minimum size 200 × 200 pixels
Maximum file size 5 MB
Format JPG
Recency Taken within the last 6 months
Head covering Only for religious reasons
Common photo rejection reasons: colored background, sunglasses, hat (non-religious), blurry image, face not centered.

Health Insurance Requirement

Health insurance is mandatory for all Saudi Arabia eVisa applicants. You can:
  • Purchase through the official portal during the eVisa procedure (easiest option — insurance is added automatically).
  • Use existing travel insurance if it meets Saudi Arabia’s requirements.
The insurance must cover the duration of your stay (up to 90 days per visit).

Information for Minors (Under 18)

Children under 18 cannot apply independently. What is more, both the minor and the guardian must travel together. A parent or guardian needs to complete the process on behalf of the minor through their own account and provide the minor’s passport details.

Requirements for Dual Nationality Holders

If you hold 2 passports, you should apply using one of the eligible countries that qualify for the Saudi eVisa. If both nationalities are eligible, use whichever passport you prefer to travel with. Once the eVisa is issued, you cannot switch passports — you must enter Saudi Arabia with the same document used in the visa process.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Processing Time & Validity

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is typically approved instantly or within 24 hours. The eVisa is valid for 1 year from the issue date, allowing multiple entries with each stay up to 90 days. It cannot be extended. Processing time:
  • Standard: Instant to 24 hours (most applications)
  • Peak periods: Up to 48–72 hours (Ramadan, Hajj season, major events)
  • Recommendation: Apply at least 48 hours before your flight
Validity details:
  • Valid from: Date of issue (not date of first entry)
  • Valid for: 1 year from issue date
  • Entries: Unlimited multiple entries within the 1-year validity
  • Stay per visit: Maximum 90 days per entry
  • Extension: The Saudi Arabia eVisa cannot be extended — you must exit the country and re-enter (a new entry resets your 90-day clock)
Overstay consequences:
  • Financial fines (amount varies)
  • Deportation
  • Potential ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia

How to Check & Download Saudi eVisa

After approval, your Saudi Arabia eVisa is sent by email as a PDF. Log in to visa.visitsaudi.com to check status, re-download, or verify authenticity. Always carry a printed or digital copy when traveling.

Check eVisa Status

To check the status of your Saudi eVisa, follow these steps:
  1. Go to visa.visitsaudi.com.
  2. Log in to your account.
  3. Navigate to “My Applications.”
  4. Your application status will show as:
  • Pending — still being processed
  • Approved — eVisa issued, download available
  • Rejected — see rejection reason and reapply if eligible
Regularly checking your application status ensures you stay informed and can take timely action if any issues arise.

Download & Print eVisa

Once your Saudi eVisa is approved, you can access and use it as follows:
  1. Download the PDF eVisa from the email or from the portal (My Applications → Download).
  2. Print it on A4 paper or save a digital copy on your phone.
  3. Present your eVisa at:
    • Check-in at the airport (the airline may ask to see it)
    • Saudi immigration on arrival.
  4. No physical stamp is required — the eVisa is verified electronically.
Keeping a printed or digital copy of your eVisa enables smooth travel and entry, as it allows airline staff and immigration officers to verify your authorization quickly.

eVisa Not Received — Troubleshooting

If you haven’t received your Saudi Arabia eVisa by email after 24 hours:
  1. Check the spam/junk folder — eVisa emails frequently land in spam.
  2. Log in to the portal → My Applications → Download (the PDF is always available there).
  3. Verify your email address — check that you registered with the correct email.
  4. Wait 48 hours during peak periods (Ramadan, Hajj season).
  5. Contact support: Email support@visitsaudi.com or use the portal’s live chat.
  6. If rejected: The rejection reason is shown in your portal account — address the issue and reapply.
Always check if your contact details are accurate and monitor the portal regularly. Being proactive helps avoid delays and allows you to resolve the issues quickly if your eVisa is not received.

FAQ — Saudi Arabia eVisa

  • How do I get an eVisa for Saudi Arabia? Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com. Create an account, fill in the personal and passport details, upload a photo and passport scan, and pay the fee.
  • How long does the Saudi eVisa take? Most Saudi Arabia eVisa applications are approved instantly or within 24 hours. During peak periods (Ramadan, Hajj season), processing may take longer.
  • Is the Saudi Arabia eVisa multiple-entry? The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year from the issue date. You can enter and exit Saudi Arabia as many times as you like within that year, with each stay up to 90 days.
  • Who is eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa? Citizens of 66+ countries are eligible, including the US, UK, EU countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others. GCC residents with valid US, UK, or EU residency permits may also qualify.
  • What is the last date to apply for the Umrah visa 2026? The Umrah eVisa is available year-round except during the Hajj season. There is no fixed “last date” — apply through visa.visitsaudi.com at any time outside the Hajj period.
  • Do I need a visa to transit through Saudi Arabia? If you remain airside (in the transit area) during your layover, no visa is required. If you want to exit the airport and explore Saudi Arabia during your layover, you need a visa.
  • Can I extend my Saudi Arabia eVisa? The Saudi Arabia eVisa cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must exit Saudi Arabia and re-enter (which resets your 90-day stay clock). The eVisa itself remains valid for 1 year from issue.
  • What happens if I overstay my Saudi Arabia eVisa? Overstaying the 90-day limit results in financial fines, possible deportation, and a potential ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia. Always exit before your 90-day stay expires.

Summary — Saudi Arabia eVisa

Feature Details
Type Electronic tourist visa
Validity 1 year from the issue date
Entries Multiple
Stay per visit Up to 90 days
Eligible countries 66+
Official portal visa.visitsaudi.com
Processing time Instant to 24 hours (usually)
Extension Not available
Covers Tourism, Umrah, business events, family visits