The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as a premier tourist destination, drawing travelers to its pristine Red Sea beaches, vast deserts, and majestic mountain landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, Saudi Arabia is renowned for its religious significance, welcoming millions of pilgrims each year. The country's modern cities, cutting-edge infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage further enhance its global appeal.
To support its vision of becoming a world-class tourism hub, Saudi Arabia has introduced the Saudi e-Visa. This convenient online visa system is available to citizens of 68 eligible countries and qualified GCC residents, allowing them to apply electronically for a tourist e-Visa.
The Saudi e-Visa permits entry into the Kingdom for short-term tourism, including Umrah, but excludes Hajj season and any long-term purposes such as employment or education.
Foreign nationals who are not eligible for the online Saudi e-Visa must apply for a traditional sticker visa through their nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
Eligibility
Foreign nationals from 68 countries are eligible to apply online for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa. GCC residents, who have a residency visa valid for at least 3 months, can also apply online for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa. Foreign nationals eligible to obtain a Saudi visa-on-arrival are always recommended to apply online for the Saudi tourist e-Visa, in order to avoid airport lines and possible delays.
Validity
Any tourist visa Saudi Arabia issues is normally valid for 1 year and allow for a maximum 90-day stay in Saudi Arabia, unless otherwise stated. Saudi Arabia tourist visas are processed on a case-by-case basis and may be issued with a 3-month validity period, allowing its holder only a 1-month stay in Saudi Arabia. It is advised to check the Saudi Arabia visa that you have been issued, in order to avoid overstays in Saudi Arabia.
Processing Time
Applying for a Saudi Arabia electronic visa is a very fast process. Once approved, applicants can receive their Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa within 24 hours.
Categories
The Saudi e-Visa is issued as one of two possible entry categories, either as a single-entry or as a multiple-entry electronic visa:
Single-entry
30 Days
valid for 3 monthsMultiple-entry
90 Days
valid for 12 monthsForeign nationals eligible to apply for the Saudi e-Visa will be issued a multiple entry Saudi e-Visa, while GCC residents may be issued a single or multiple-entry Saudi e-Visa, depending on their individual case.
Saudi e-Visa requirements
Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa
GCC Foreign nationals from 68 countries are eligible to apply online for a Saudi Arabia electronic visa, if they fulfill the following Saudi tourist visa requirements:
Passport
Applicant must have a passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia or that meets the rules of reciprocity.
Personal photos
Applicant must submit one recent color photo; against a white background; 2x2 inches; 5 to 100 KB natural facial expressions; 80% face; no eyeglasses; no head wear, except for religious reasons.
Application
Apply for your Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa by filling out an online Saudi visa application form, complete with your personal data, passport details, and other requested information.
Please note that visa applicants must be over 18 years old to apply without a parent or legal guardian.
Additional requirements for GCC residents
GCC residents, who hold a valid GCC residency visa, Saudi tourist visa if they meet the following Saudi e-Visa requirements, in addition to those listed above:
Residency visa
Applicant must hold a GCC residency visa that is valid for at least three months.
Occupation
Applicants no longer need to hold an eligible occupation.
Please note that visa applicants must be over 18 years old to apply without a parent or legal guardian.
Additional requirements for GCC residents
GCC residents, who hold a valid GCC residency visa, Saudi tourist visa if they meet the following Saudi e-Visa requirements, in addition to those listed above:
Residency visa
Applicant must hold a GCC residency visa that is valid for at least three months.
Occupation
Applicants no longer need to hold an eligible occupation.
Please note that visa applicants must be over 18 years old to apply without a parent or legal guardian.
Application steps
We have made it easy to apply for a Saudi electronic visa. The simple online process requires you simply submit a completed Saudi e-Visa application, provide your passport details, and pay the Saudi visa application fees. Once approved, you will receive your Saudi e-Visa directly to the email you provided.
The 3-step Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa application process is as follows:
Complete application form
Fill out the electronic Saudi visa application form, complete with your personal data, passport details, and other requested information.
Pay e-Visa fees
Pay the Saudi tourist visa cost securely online, using a valid credit or debit card.
Receive approved e-Visa
If approved, your Saudi e-Visa will be directly sent to the email you provided. Check that all visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport. Is your application for a Saudi tourist visa rejected? No worries, you can reapply for a new Saudi e-Visa.
If you are a GCC resident applying for a Saudi e-Visa, remember that you are required to hold a GCC residency that is valid for at least 3 months.
Visa extension
Saudi Arabia electronic visas cannot be extended. If you wish to extend your stay while in Saudi Arabia, you cannot. You should leave Saudi Arabia and reapply for a new Saudi tourist e-Visa. If you do not travel to Saudi Arabia within your Saudi tourist e-Visa’s validity period, then you should also reapply for a new Saudi tourist e-Visa.
Saudi visa FAQ
frequently Ask Questions
Saudi tourist e-Visas are normally issued as multiple entry visas valid for 1 year, allowing for a maximum 90-day stay, unless otherwise stated. Saudi e-Visa applications are processed on an individual basis, and accordingly, they may be issued as a single-entry visa valid for 3 months, allowing only a 1-month stay. In all cases, no traveler can stay in Saudi Arabia for more than 90 days.
Saudi Arabia has one of the fastest visa application turn-around times, issuing approved Saudi e-Visas within 24 hours.
A Saudi visa-on-arrival is available to foreign nationals from the 65 eligible countries.
A tourist visa is intended for travel for tourism purposes, while a visit visa indicates one of several visa types of temporary visit, including personal visit, business visa visit, family visits, and other activities.