The Saudi eVisa (Saudi Arabia e-Visa) is an electronic tourist visa that lets travelers from 66 eligible countries visit Saudi Arabia entirely online – no embassy visits, no paper forms, no waiting in consulate lines. Launched as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to open the Kingdom to international tourism, the eVisa program has transformed how millions of visitors plan their trips to one of the Middle East’s most fascinating destinations.
Saudi eVisa at a Glance
| Feature | Saudi tourist eVisa |
|---|---|
| Who issues it | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (applications online at visa.visitsaudi.com) |
| Purpose | Tourism, Umrah (outside Hajj season), events, family and friends visits |
| Validity | 1 year from the date of issue |
| Entries | Multiple entries |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days in total during the validity year |
| Processing time | Usually minutes to 24 hours, occasionally up to 48 hours |
| Fee | Visa fee plus mandatory health insurance, paid online by card (see Saudi eVisa fees) |
| Not allowed | Work, formal study, Hajj |
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Saudi eVisa: who can apply, how the process works, what it costs, how long it takes, and what you can – and cannot – do once you arrive. Whether you are planning a vacation to the Red Sea coast, visiting family in Riyadh, or performing Umrah in Makkah, this resource will walk you through every step.
What Is the Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry electronic visa that allows tourists to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days total. Unlike traditional embassy visas, the entire application happens online through the official portal at visa.visitsaudi.com.
Key Features of the Saudi eVisa
- Validity: 1 year from the date of issuance
- Entry type: Multiple entry – you can leave and re-enter Saudi Arabia as many times as needed
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days total within the validity period
- Application method: 100% online through the official Saudi Tourism Authority portal
- Processing time: Typically minutes to 24 hours
- Eligible nationalities: 66 countries across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions
Who Needs a Saudi eVisa?
If you are a citizen of one of the 66 eligible countries, you need either an eVisa or an alternative visa type to enter Saudi Arabia. Some nationalities qualify for visa-free entry, while others may need to apply through a Saudi embassy. The eVisa is the fastest and most convenient option for eligible travelers.
To learn about the full list of requirements, see our detailed guide on Saudi eVisa requirements.
Saudi eVisa Eligibility Requirements
Before starting your application, confirm that you meet all eligibility criteria. The Saudi eVisa requirements are straightforward but must be fulfilled completely.
Eligible Countries (66 Nationalities)
The Saudi eVisa is available to citizens of the following regions:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada, Panama, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Europe | United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Luxembourg, Malta, Cyprus, Albania, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan |
| Other | Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles |
If your country is not listed, you may need to apply for a traditional visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate. Citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE) have separate entry arrangements.
Passport and Document Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date into Saudi Arabia. You will also need:
- A recent passport-style photograph (white background, clear face, no glasses)
- A valid email address for correspondence
- A credit or debit card for payment
For exact photo specifications, visit our Saudi eVisa photo requirements guide.
Age and Health Requirements
Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply independently. Minors can be included on a parent or guardian’s application. There are no specific health requirements for the eVisa itself, though Saudi Arabia may require certain vaccinations for travelers arriving from specific countries.
How to Apply for Saudi eVisa – Step by Step
The application process takes approximately 10-15 minutes and can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection. Here is exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Create an Account on the Official Portal
Visit visa.visitsaudi.com and click “Apply Now.” You will need to create an account with your email address and set a password. The portal supports multiple languages including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
The form asks for standard personal information: full name (as it appears on your passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact details. You will also provide your travel plans including intended arrival date and accommodation details.
Tip: Ensure all information matches your passport exactly. Even small discrepancies – like a middle name missing from the application – can cause delays.
Step 3: Upload Documents and Photo
Upload a clear scan or photo of your passport’s biographical page and a passport-style photograph. The photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), have a white background, and show your full face without glasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons).
Step 4: Pay the Fee and Submit
Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express). Once payment is confirmed, your application enters processing. You will receive email updates on your application status.
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our complete application guide.
Saudi eVisa Fees and Costs
Understanding the total cost of your Saudi eVisa is important for trip planning. The fee structure includes a base visa fee and mandatory travel insurance.
What the Saudi eVisa Fee Includes
| Component | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Government visa fee | Review of the application and issue of the electronic visa |
| Mandatory health insurance | Emergency medical treatment during your stay, issued by a Saudi-approved insurer |
Both parts are paid together in one online payment, so you do not buy the visa insurance separately. Our fee guide quotes SAR 395 (about USD 105) as the all-inclusive tourist eVisa price; the exact total, including any VAT, is always shown on the official portal before you pay, so check it there on the day you apply.
The included insurance does not cover trip cancellation or lost luggage. Read more in our Saudi Arabia travel insurance guide.
For a full breakdown of costs including currency conversions, visit our Saudi eVisa fees guide.
Saudi eVisa Processing Time
Standard Processing Timeline
Most Saudi eVisa applications are processed within minutes to 24 hours. The official portal states that approval can be nearly instant for straightforward applications with all documents correctly submitted.
What to Do If Your Application Is Delayed
If your application takes longer than 24 hours:
- Check your email (including spam/junk folders) for requests for additional documents
- Log into your account at visa.visitsaudi.com to check application status
- Verify your payment went through successfully
- Contact support through the portal if no update appears after 48 hours
Processing delays most commonly occur when documents are unclear, the photo does not meet specifications, or there is a discrepancy between the application and passport details.
For more details on processing scenarios, see our processing time guide.
Saudi eVisa Validity and Duration
Your Saudi eVisa is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued. During that year, you can enter Saudi Arabia multiple times – there is no limit on the number of entries.
However, the total time you spend in Saudi Arabia cannot exceed 90 days within the validity period. This means if you enter and stay for 30 days, leave, and return, you have 60 remaining days available.
Important: The 90-day limit is cumulative, not per-entry. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and future visa denials. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension through the Saudi authorities before your permitted stay expires.
To learn more about extensions and overstay consequences, visit our eVisa extension guide.
Allowed and Prohibited Activities on Saudi eVisa
Permitted Activities
With a Saudi eVisa, you can:
- Tourism: Explore Saudi Arabia’s cities, landscapes, and cultural sites
- Umrah: Perform the lesser pilgrimage at the Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah (excluding Hajj season)
- Events and entertainment: Attend concerts, sports events, festivals, and cultural activities
- Family visits: Visit relatives and friends residing in Saudi Arabia
- Leisure: Enjoy Saudi Arabia’s beaches, deserts, mountains, and modern attractions
What You Cannot Do on an eVisa
The eVisa does not permit:
- Employment or work of any kind
- Formal study or education
- Hajj pilgrimage (requires a separate Hajj visa)
- Business activities beyond casual meetings (requires a business visa)
- Residence beyond the permitted 90-day stay
If you need to perform Hajj, see our Saudi Umrah and Hajj visa guide. For business purposes, check our Saudi business visa guide.
Saudi eVisa by Nationality
While the eVisa process is the same for all 66 eligible countries, some nationalities have specific considerations worth noting.
US Citizens
American passport holders are fully eligible for the Saudi eVisa. The process is straightforward, and US citizens typically receive approval within minutes. The US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended arrival date.
For detailed guidance, see our Saudi visa for US citizens guide.
UK Citizens
British passport holders can apply for the eVisa with no additional requirements beyond the standard documentation. UK citizens have been eligible since the eVisa program launched in 2019.
See our Saudi visa for UK citizens guide for specific information.
Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders are eligible for the Saudi eVisa. The application process is identical to other nationalities, though Indian applicants should ensure their passport has sufficient validity and that the photo meets all specifications precisely.
For nationality-specific guidance, visit our Saudi visa for Indian citizens guide.
Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani passport holders can apply for the Saudi eVisa. Like all applicants, a valid passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, and payment are required. Pakistani travelers represent one of the largest groups visiting Saudi Arabia, particularly for Umrah.
For detailed information, see our Saudi visa for Pakistani citizens guide.
Common Saudi eVisa Rejection Reasons
While the Saudi eVisa approval rate is high, applications can be rejected. Understanding the common reasons helps you avoid mistakes.
Top Rejection Reasons
- Passport validity less than 6 months – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
- Photo does not meet specifications – Wrong background color, wearing glasses, unclear image, or outdated photo
- Information mismatch – Name, date of birth, or passport number differs between application and passport
- Previous overstay – If you overstayed on a previous Saudi visa, your application may be denied
- Incomplete application – Missing fields or documents
How to Avoid Rejection
- Double-check all information matches your passport exactly
- Use a recent photo with white background and no glasses
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity
- Complete all required fields in the application
- Pay the fee with a valid card that has sufficient funds
If your application is rejected, you can reapply after correcting the issue. There is no waiting period for reapplication.
For more on rejection scenarios, see our eVisa rejection guide.
Saudi eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival vs. Embassy Visa
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application method | Online (pre-travel) | At airport | At Saudi embassy/consulate |
| Processing time | Minutes to 24 hours | Immediate (at airport) | Days to weeks |
| Cost | Visa fee + mandatory insurance (one online payment) | Similar to eVisa | Varies by visa type |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entry | Limited (single entry) | Varies |
| Best for | Planned trips, repeat visits | Last-minute travel | Non-eligible nationalities |
| Risk | None (approved before travel) | Possible denial at airport | Longer processing |
The eVisa is the recommended option for eligible travelers because it eliminates uncertainty – you know your visa is approved before you board your flight. Visa on arrival is convenient for spontaneous trips but carries the risk of denial at the airport.
For a detailed comparison, see our eVisa vs. visa on arrival guide.
Travel Insurance for Saudi eVisa
What the Mandatory Insurance Covers
The mandatory travel insurance included in the Saudi eVisa fee covers:
- Emergency medical treatment in Saudi Arabia
- Hospitalization costs
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
The insurance is provided by Saudi-authorized insurance companies and is automatically activated when your eVisa is approved.
Where to Purchase Additional Insurance
While the mandatory insurance covers medical emergencies, it does not cover trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight delays, or personal liability. For comprehensive coverage, consider purchasing additional travel insurance from providers like World Nomads, Allianz, or your home country’s insurance providers.
For more details, visit our eVisa insurance requirements guide.
Saudi Arabia Visa Types: Which One Do You Need?
The eVisa is only for tourism-type visits. Use the table below to find the right Saudi visa for the purpose of your trip.
| Purpose of trip | Visa to look at | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday, sightseeing, events, visiting family, Umrah | Tourist eVisa | Saudi tourist visa |
| Meetings, conferences, trade fairs | Business visit visa (sponsor invitation) | Saudi business visa |
| Employment with a Saudi employer | Work visa (employer-sponsored) | Saudi work visa |
| Studying at a Saudi university | Student visa | Saudi student visa |
| Connecting flight or stopover | Transit visa | Saudi transit visa |
| GCC citizens and other visa-exempt travellers | No visa needed | Saudi Arabia visa free |
Before you apply, check the document requirements, the step-by-step visa application guide and the current processing times. If you are already in the Kingdom and need more time, see Saudi visa extension.
Is There a Free Visa for Saudi Arabia?
There is no free tourist visa for most travellers: the eVisa is paid online together with the mandatory health insurance. Visa-free entry applies only to certain nationalities, mainly citizens of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE). The full list and the conditions are in our Saudi Arabia visa-free guide.
The phrase “free visa” is also used informally for work arrangements in which a worker sponsored by one employer works for others. This is not an official visa category; legal employment in Saudi Arabia requires a proper work visa from your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Saudi eVisa take to process?
Most applications are processed within minutes to 24 hours. In rare cases, processing may take up to 48 hours if additional verification is needed. You will receive email notifications about your application status.
How much does the Saudi eVisa cost in total?
You pay one online fee that combines the visa fee and the mandatory health insurance. Our Saudi eVisa fee guide lists SAR 395 (about USD 105); the official portal shows the exact final amount before payment.
Can I do Umrah with a Saudi eVisa?
Yes, the Saudi eVisa allows you to perform Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) at any time of year except during the Hajj season. For Hajj, you need a separate Hajj visa. See our Umrah visa guide for details.
How many times can I enter Saudi Arabia with an eVisa?
The eVisa is a multiple-entry visa. You can enter and leave Saudi Arabia as many times as you want during the 1-year validity period, as long as your total stay does not exceed 90 days.
What happens if I overstay my Saudi eVisa?
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a ban on future entry to Saudi Arabia. If you need to extend your stay, apply for an extension before your permitted time expires. Learn more in our eVisa extension guide.
Do I need to print my eVisa?
While it is recommended to have a digital or printed copy of your eVisa approval, Saudi immigration authorities can verify your visa electronically using your passport. However, carrying a copy provides a backup in case of system issues.
Can I work in Saudi Arabia with an eVisa?
No, the eVisa is strictly for tourism, Umrah, events, family visits, and leisure. Any form of employment or work requires a separate work visa. See our Saudi work visa guide for information.
How do I check my Saudi eVisa status?
Log into your account at visa.visitsaudi.com to check your application status. You can also use the status check feature with your application reference number. For instructions, see our eVisa status check guide.
Is the Saudi eVisa available year-round?
Yes, the Saudi eVisa can be applied for and used at any time of year. However, during Hajj season (dates vary annually based on the Islamic calendar), eVisa holders cannot perform Hajj – a separate Hajj visa is required.
What if my Saudi eVisa application is rejected?
You can reapply after addressing the reason for rejection. Common fixes include updating your photo, correcting passport information, or ensuring sufficient passport validity. There is no mandatory waiting period before reapplying.
Is travel insurance mandatory for the Saudi eVisa?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for eVisa holders and is included in the eVisa payment, so you do not need to buy a separate policy to get the visa. Extra cover for cancellation or luggage is optional. See our Saudi Arabia travel insurance guide.
Where do I apply for the Saudi eVisa?
The official application portal is visa.visitsaudi.com. You create an account, fill in the form, upload your passport and photo and pay online. Our application guide explains each step.
Can I use the Saudi eVisa for business or work?
No. The eVisa covers tourism, Umrah, events and family visits. Business trips need a business visa and employment needs a work visa.
Who can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa?
Citizens of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE) do not need a visa. Other visa-free arrangements are listed in our Saudi Arabia visa-free guide.
Final Checklist Before Applying
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
- Recent passport photo with white background (no glasses)
- Credit or debit card ready for payment (visa fee including insurance)
- Email address active for receiving notifications
- All personal information matches passport exactly
- Travel dates confirmed for the application
- Accommodation details ready (hotel name and address)
- Eligible nationality confirmed (66 countries)
