Who needs a Saudi tourist visa?

Almost every international traveller needs a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism. If you hold a passport from one of the 66 eligible countries, the tourist eVisa is your fastest route. you apply online and skip the embassy entirely. Travellers from other countries usually apply through a Saudi diplomatic mission, though if you live in Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain or Oman you may qualify through your residency instead. Our guide explains how the GCC residency route works.

The tourist eVisa covers leisure trips, visiting friends and family, and for eligible travellers performing Umrah outside the Hajj season. It does not cover paid work, Hajj, study, or long-term residence. Those need their own visa categories.

Saudi tourist eVisa at a glance

Which countries are eligible for the Saudi eVisa?

Citizens of 66 countries can apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa online, spanning Europe (40), Asia (14), North America (7), Africa (3) and Oceania (2). If your nationality is not eligible, you may still qualify through a valid US, UK or Schengen visa, or through Gulf residency.
👉 See the complete breakdown: countries eligible for the Saudi eVisa

What documents do you need?

You only need three things to complete a tourist eVisa application, and none of them require a trip to an office. Get them ready before you start and you can finish the whole form in one sitting.

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and a clear scan of the photo (bio-data) page.
• A recent passport-style photo, on a white background, 2×2 inches, with your full face clearly visible.
• A debit or credit card to pay the visa fee online.

What is an eVisa? An electronic visa is linked to your passport number and delivered as a PDF by email and WhatsApp. There’s no sticker or stamp to collect border officers verify it electronically when you arrive.

What are the passport requirements?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date in Saudi Arabia. In our experience helping travellers apply, one detail trips up more applicants than any other: the name and passport number on your application must match your passport exactly. A single typo can delay or cost you the visa.

Before you submit, read your details back against your passport, character by character. It takes a minute and saves days.

How do you apply for the eVisa?

The online process has three simple steps, and most travellers finish in one sitting:

1. Choose your visa and enter your travel and passport details.
2. Upload your photo and passport scan, then pay securely online.
3. Receive your eVisa by email, usually within about five working days.

How long does it take, and what does it cost?

Standard processing takes about five working days, though it can be quicker or slower depending on your nationality and current demand. Your approved eVisa arrives as a PDF in your email inbox. Print a copy or keep it on your phone to show on arrival. While you wait, you can track your application status online.

The total you pay includes the government visa fee, mandatory medical insurance where applicable, and the service fee. You’ll see the full amount before you confirm, with no hidden charges. Because timing can vary, apply at least one to two weeks before you travel rather than the night before.

Can you perform Umrah on the tourist eVisa?

Yes. Eligible tourist eVisa holders can perform Umrah but not during the Hajj season. Outside those dates, the tourist visa lets you combine a pilgrimage with the rest of your trip. As Hajj dates shift each year on the lunar calendar, confirm the current season before you plan your travel.

What the tourist eVisa does not allow

The tourist eVisa is generous, but it has limits. It does not permit:

• Paid work or employment that requires a work visa.
• Hajj the visa allows Umrah only, and only outside the Hajj season.
• Study or long-term residence.

Do children need their own visa?

Yes every traveller needs their own eVisa, including infants and children. Each person applies with their own passport and photo. If you’re travelling as a family, allow a little extra time to complete a separate application for each member.

Is the visa fee refundable?

If your application is rejected, the government visa fee is refundable. The service fee, however, is non-refundable, because it covers the assistance already provided in preparing and submitting your application. This is exactly why the photo and passport checks matter so much getting the details right the first time is the surest way to avoid a rejection altogether.