Since 2019 Saudi Arabia has issued tourist visas online, and the process is now one of the simplest in the region. The official portal is visa.visitsaudi.com. Use that address, or the Visit Saudi app, rather than third-party sites that add their own service fee on top.
The tourist eVisa
- Who: citizens of the eligible countries listed on the portal, which in October 2026 names 68 countries, including the UK, Ireland, all EU and Schengen states, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Türkiye. The list changes from time to time, so check yours before you book.
- Validity: one year, multiple entries, with stays of up to 90 days in total.
- What you can do: tourism, events, visiting family and friends, and Umrah outside the Hajj season (booked through Nusuk). It does not allow work or study, and it is not valid for Hajj.
- Cost: around SAR 535 online (roughly US$140), which includes the visa fee, compulsory medical insurance and VAT. Fees change, so treat this as a guide.
- Processing: often minutes, occasionally up to a few days if your application is reviewed manually.
You need a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, a digital passport photo, an address in Saudi Arabia (your first hotel is fine) and a card to pay. The visa arrives by email as a PDF; keep it on your phone and print a copy.
Visa on arrival
Citizens of the same eligible countries can also get the tourist visa on arrival at Saudi international airports, at kiosks or counters before immigration. It has the same terms and is slightly cheaper (reported at around SAR 480) because there is no online platform fee, but you risk queues and uncertainty at the airport. Visa on arrival or a fast-track eVisa has also been offered to holders of a valid, previously used US, UK or Schengen visa, permanent residents of the UK, USA or EU, and residents of other GCC countries, whatever their nationality. Check the current conditions on the official portal.
The Stopover visa
If you fly with Saudia or flynas and connect through a Saudi airport to a third country, you can add a free Stopover visa when you book. It allows a single entry of up to 96 hours, and is valid for three months from issue. The visa itself is free, though small processing and insurance fees apply. You can use it for sightseeing in Riyadh or Jeddah, attending events or performing Umrah with a Nusuk permit. It cannot be extended, and a simple return ticket to Saudi Arabia does not qualify.
Other routes
- GCC citizens need no visa.
- Saudi Arabia has added newer electronic options, such as an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for some nationalities via ksavisa.sa and a Package Visa sold with travel packages. These do not always include health insurance. Check which applies to you.
- If your country is not eligible, apply through a Saudi embassy or consulate.
The visa's built-in insurance only covers emergency medical costs up to a limit, so read our guide to travel insurance. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the application form, see our eVisa guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Saudi tourist eVisa?
Around SAR 535 (about US$140) online, including compulsory medical insurance and VAT. Visa on arrival is a little cheaper at around SAR 480. Fees can change.
How long can I stay on a Saudi tourist visa?
The eVisa is valid for one year with multiple entries, and you can stay up to 90 days in total.
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes, outside the Hajj season, as long as you book an Umrah permit through Nusuk. The tourist visa is not valid for Hajj.
What is the Saudi Stopover visa?
A free visa for Saudia and flynas passengers connecting through Saudi Arabia, allowing a single stay of up to 96 hours. Small processing and insurance fees apply.
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