The Saudi Arabia tourist visa is available as an electronic visa (eVisa) to citizens of over 66 countries. Launched in September 2019 as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, the Saudi tourist eVisa costs SAR 395 (approximately USD 105), is valid for one year with multiple entries, and allows up to 90 days of total stay. You can apply entirely online through the official portal or obtain it on arrival at Saudi airports.
What Is the Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa?
The Saudi Arabia tourist visa is a short-term entry permit that allows foreign nationals to visit the Kingdom for leisure travel, sightseeing, attending events, and exploring Saudi culture. Since September 2019, Saudi Arabia has offered this visa primarily through its electronic visa (eVisa) system, making it one of the most accessible tourist visas in the Middle East.
The eVisa replaced the previous system that required embassy visits and lengthy paperwork. Today, most eligible travelers can complete their application in 10-15 minutes and receive approval within 24-48 hours.
For a complete breakdown of fees and payment methods, see our Saudi eVisa fees guide.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Electronic Visa (eVisa) |
| Fee | SAR 395 (~USD 105) all-inclusive |
| Validity | 1 year from date of issuance |
| Entry Type | Multiple entry |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days total |
| Processing Time | Typically minutes to 24 hours |
| Application | Online via visa.visitsaudi.com |
| Insurance | Mandatory health insurance included in the fee |
Who Can Get a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa?
Citizens of over 66 countries are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa. The eligible nationalities span four main regions:
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada, Panama, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Europe | All EU member states, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Albania, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Russia |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan |
| Other Regions | Turkey, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles |
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates – do not need a visa at all. They enjoy freedom of movement in Saudi Arabia and can enter with a national ID card.
Since May 2026, Russian citizens can also enter Saudi Arabia visa-free for up to 90 days under a mutual visa exemption agreement, making Russia the first non-GCC country with full visa-free access.
If your nationality is not on the eligible list, you must apply for a traditional visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate.
For the full list of document requirements, see our Saudi eVisa requirements guide.
Saudi Tourist Visa vs Visa on Arrival
Eligible travelers have two options for obtaining a Saudi tourist visa:
| Method | Process | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa (Online) | Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com before travel | Travelers who want approval before departure |
| Visa on Arrival | Apply at immigration counters upon landing | Last-minute travelers or those who prefer in-person processing |
Both options cost the same (SAR 395) and provide the same visa validity and stay duration. However, the eVisa is recommended because it guarantees approval before you book flights and eliminates uncertainty at the airport.
Special Pathways: US, UK, and Schengen Visa Holders
Since January 2020, holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas can obtain a Saudi eVisa upon arrival, provided the supporting visa has been used at least once. This eligibility applies when traveling on Saudi-based airlines including Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal.
UK citizens have an additional option: an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that allows single-entry stays of up to 6 months for tourism, business, education, and medical purposes.
GCC residents (regardless of nationality) can also apply for a Saudi eVisa online through the standard portal.
Saudi Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa, you need:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from your planned entry date and at least 2 blank pages
- Passport-style photograph – digital format, white background, taken within the last 6 months, 4.3cm x 5.5cm
- Valid email address for correspondence and eVisa delivery
- Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) for payment
- Health insurance – automatically included in the eVisa fee (minimum SAR 100,000 coverage, approximately USD 26,600)
British citizens of the United Kingdom can also use the free ETA scheme. Russian citizens need no visa at all.
Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply independently. Minors can be included on a parent or guardian’s application.
How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa
The application process takes approximately 10-15 minutes:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal – Go to visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account with your email address. The portal supports English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form – Enter your full name (as it appears on your passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, contact details, intended arrival date, and accommodation information.
Step 3: Upload Documents – Submit a clear scan of your passport’s biographical page and a compliant passport photograph.
Step 4: Pay and Submit – Pay SAR 395 using a credit or debit card. The fee includes the government processing charge and mandatory health insurance.
Step 5: Receive Your eVisa – Approval typically arrives by email within minutes to 24 hours. Download and print your eVisa or save it on your phone for presentation at immigration.
For the step-by-step application walkthrough, see our complete Saudi eVisa guide.
Saudi Tourist Visa Cost Breakdown
The SAR 395 fee is a flat rate for all eligible nationalities with no variation by country of origin:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Processing Fee | Covers application review, background checks, and eVisa issuance |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory emergency medical coverage for the duration of your stay |
There are no hidden costs, no additional insurance payments, and no nationality-based surcharges. The insurance is activated automatically when your eVisa is approved.
For a detailed comparison of all Saudi visa types and their costs, visit our Saudi eVisa fees page.
What Can You Do With a Saudi Tourist Visa?
The Saudi Arabia tourist visa allows you to:
- Explore major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah
- Visit the Red Sea coast for diving and beach tourism
- Attend sporting events, concerts, and cultural festivals
- Perform Umrah outside the Hajj season (Muslims only)
- Visit historical sites such as Madain Saleh (Al-Ula), At-Turaif District, and Hegra
- Travel along the AlUla heritage trail and explore ancient Nabataean tombs
Important restrictions:
– Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the holy cities of Mecca and Medina
– The tourist eVisa does not authorize Hajj pilgrimage (a separate Hajj visa is required)
– Having an Israeli stamp in your passport does not disqualify you from visiting Saudi Arabia
– Saudi nationals must be 18+ to check into hotels independently; foreign visitors do not face this restriction
– Foreign men and women may share hotel rooms without proving a family relationship
Saudi Tourist Visa vs Other Saudi Visa Types
Not sure if the tourist visa is the right option? Here is how it compares to other Saudi visa types:
| Visa Type | Fee | Validity | Max Stay | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | SAR 395 (~USD 105) | 1 year, multiple entry | 90 days | Tourism, sightseeing, Umrah |
| Visa on Arrival | SAR 395 (~USD 105) | 1 year, multiple entry | 90 days | Last-minute travel |
| Embassy Tourist Visa | USD 145-250+ | Varies | 30-90 days | Non-eligible nationalities |
| Business Visa | Varies | Varies | Varies | Meetings, conferences |
| Umrah eVisa | SAR 395 (~USD 105) | 1 year | 90 days | Religious pilgrimage (Umrah) |
| Hajj Visa | Varies by package | Hajj season only | Duration of Hajj | Pilgrimage (Hajj only) |
| Transit Visa | SAR 100-200 | 48-96 hours | 48-96 hours | Short layovers |
For travelers interested in religious pilgrimage, see our Saudi Umrah and Hajj visa guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
How long does it take to get a Saudi tourist visa?
Most eVisa applications are approved within minutes to 24 hours. Embassy visa applications may take 5-15 business days depending on the diplomatic mission and your nationality.
Can I get a Saudi tourist visa on arrival?
Yes. Citizens of all 66+ eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Saudi Arabian international airports. The process, cost (SAR 395), and validity are identical to the online eVisa. However, applying online before travel is recommended to guarantee approval.
How much does a Saudi Arabia tourist visa cost?
The Saudi tourist eVisa costs SAR 395 (approximately USD 105). This flat fee applies to all eligible nationalities and includes government processing and mandatory health insurance. There are no additional charges or hidden costs.
How many countries are eligible for a Saudi tourist visa?
As of 2026, citizens of over 66 countries can apply for the Saudi eVisa, including all EU member states, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others. GCC citizens and Russian nationals do not need a visa at all.
Can I perform Umrah with a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes. The Saudi tourist eVisa allows Umrah outside the Hajj season. However, it does not authorize Hajj pilgrimage, which requires a separate Hajj visa obtained through licensed travel agents.
Is the Saudi tourist visa the same as the Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi tourist visa and the Saudi eVisa are essentially the same thing for eligible nationalities. The eVisa is the electronic mechanism through which the tourist visa is issued. The terms are often used interchangeably.
Do I need travel insurance for a Saudi tourist visa?
Health insurance is mandatory and is automatically included in the eVisa fee at no additional cost. The insurance provides a minimum of SAR 100,000 (approximately USD 26,600) in coverage for emergency medical treatment during your stay. Additional travel insurance for trip cancellation or luggage loss is optional but recommended.
Can I work in Saudi Arabia with a tourist visa?
No. The Saudi tourist visa does not authorize employment. You must obtain a work visa and sponsorship from a Saudi employer to work legally in the Kingdom. Violating visa terms can result in fines, detention, and deportation.
