Saudi Arabia eVisa: Complete Guide

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is an electronic permit issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) that allows international tourists to enter the Kingdom without visiting an embassy or consulate. It is not a physical sticker — it is linked electronically to your passport. Saudi Arabia launched the eVisa program in September 2019 as part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s initiative to diversify its economy and open its doors to international tourism. Before 2019, tourist visas were virtually unavailable to most nationalities.
Key facts at a glance:
Feature Details
Type Electronic tourist visa
Validity 1 year from the issue date
Entries Multiple entry
Stay per visit Up to 90 days
Official portal visa.visitsaudi.com
Processing time Instant to 24 hours
Extension Not available
Covers Tourism, Umrah, business events, family visits
The Saudi Arabia eVisa covers tourism, Umrah (non-Hajj pilgrimage), business events, conferences, and family visits. It does not allow employment or long-term residency.

Who Is Eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa?

Citizens of 66+ countries are eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa online. GCC residents with a valid US, UK, or EU visa or residency permit may also qualify regardless of their nationality.

Eligible Countries

The following regions and countries are among those eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa:
  • Americas: Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, United States
  • Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
  • Asia-Pacific: Azerbaijan, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, New Zealand, Australia
  • Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa
Note: Citizens of countries not on the eligible list must apply for a visa through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in their country.

GCC Residents and Citizens — Special Rules

Citizens of countries that are not on the eligible list but hold a valid residency permit for the United States, United Kingdom, or European Union may be able to get a Saudi Arabia eVisa. Requirements:
  • The residency permit needs to be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
  • The application should be done through the visa.visitsaudi.com.
  • The eVisa is processed based on your residency status, not your passport nationality.
GCC citizens (UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman) have a visa-free entry  — they can go to Saudi Arabia with their national ID card only.

Age, Passport & Other Conditions

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to complete the process, while children under 18 need to be included in a parent’s or legal guardian’s procedure. The passport used for the process should remain valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia and should contain at least one empty page for the entry stamp. Having a prior Saudi visa refusal does not automatically prevent approval, but some cases may require extra documents, and applicants with serious criminal records may be denied following standard security checks.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Types

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is a multiple-entry visa available to eligible travelers for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, and performing Umrah (excluding Hajj). It is valid for 365 days from the date of issue and allows multiple entries during this period. Visitors can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days in total, either in one visit or across several shorter trips.

How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa

Obtain the Saudi Arabia eVisa in 4 steps at visa.visitsaudi.com: create an account, fill form, pay the fee, and receive the eVisa by email. The entire process takes 10–15 minutes, and approval usually arrives within 24 hours.

Step 1 — Create an Account on visa.visitsaudi.com

  1. Go to visa.visitsaudi.com.
  2. Click “Register” or “Create Account”.
  3. Enter your email address and create a password.
  4. Verify your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox.
  5. Log in to your new account.

Step 2 — Fill the Application Form

Once logged in, begin a fresh application:
  1. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport (name, date of birth, nationality).
  2. Enter your passport details (number, issue date, expiry date).
  3. Enter your travel details (planned arrival date, accommodation in Saudi Arabia).
  4. Upload your passport photo (see photo requirements below).
  5. Upload a scan of your passport bio page (clear, no glare, all text readable).

Step 3 — Pay the Fee

  1. Review the details carefully before payment.
  2. Select your method of payment (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or PayPal).
  3. Complete payment — the fee is non-refundable.
  4. Download your payment confirmation.

Step 4 — Receive eVisa by Email

  1. Once the payment is completed, your application is automatically submitted for processing.
  2. In most cases, approval is granted immediately or within 24 hours.
  3. After approval, the eVisa is delivered as a PDF to your registered email address.
  4. Download the file and store it on your device, or print a copy for travel use.
  5. Show your eVisa during airline check-in and again at Saudi border control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or application rejection:
  • ❌ Passport photo not meeting requirements, such as incorrect size or background color.
  • ❌ Personal details do not match your passport exactly.
  • ❌ Applying too close to your travel date — apply at least 48 hours before departure.
  • ❌ Not checking spam or junk folders for the approval email.
  • ❌ Booking non-refundable flights before your eVisa is approved.

Refund Policy

The Saudi Arabia eVisa fee is non-refundable once payment is submitted, regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected:
  • If approved: No refund available.
  • If rejected: The visa fee is non-refundable; a partial refund of the service fee may be available in some cases.
  • Health insurance: Refund depends on the insurance provider’s terms.
Recommendation: Do not pay for non-refundable travel bookings (flights, hotels) until your eVisa is approved.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Necessary Documents

To get a Saudi Arabia eVisa, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, a recent face photo taken against a white background (at least 200×200 pixels), and health insurance.

Passport Requirements

  • ✅ Valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date
  • ✅ At least 1 blank page for the entry stamp
  • ✅ Clear scan of the bio page (the page with your photo and personal details)
  • ✅ No significant damage to the passport

Photo Requirements (Specs)

Your passport photo must meet these specifications:
Requirement Specification
Background White or off-white
Face Clearly visible, centered, no glasses
Expression Neutral, mouth closed
Minimum size 200 × 200 pixels
Maximum file size 5 MB
Format JPG or PNG
Recency Taken within the last 6 months
Head covering Only for religious reasons

Health Insurance

Health insurance is required for everyone applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa. Visitors may either add insurance directly through the official portal, where it is automatically included, or provide their own travel insurance if it satisfies Saudi requirements. In all cases, the policy must remain valid for the entire stay in the country, up to a maximum of 90 days per visit.

Requirements for Minors (Under 18)

Children under 18 can’t complete the process independently. A parent or guardian must:
  1. Apply on behalf of the minor through their own account.
  2. Provide the minor’s passport details.
  3. Share the guardian’s passport information.
  4. Both the minor and the guardian must travel together.

Requirements for Dual Nationality Holders

If you have dual citizenship, you should submit your application using the passport that is eligible for the Saudi eVisa program. In cases where both passports qualify, you may choose either one, but you must travel with the same passport used during the process. After the visa to Saudi Arabia has been issued, switching to a different passport is not permitted. If only one of your nationalities is eligible, you must apply using that eligible passport.

Special Cases

  • Pregnant visitors: No specific restrictions for pregnant women. Standard eVisa requirements apply. Airlines may have their own policies on flying during late pregnancy.
  • Travelers with disabilities: No specific rules. Saudi Arabia’s major airports and tourist sites have accessibility facilities.
  • Visitors with criminal records: Serious criminal convictions (especially drug-related offenses) may result in eVisa rejection. Minor offenses do not automatically disqualify applicants. If in doubt, contact the Saudi Embassy.
  • Previous Saudi visa refusal: A previous refusal does not automatically bar you from reapplying. Address the reason for the previous refusal before submitting a new application.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Processing Time & Validity

The Saudi Arabia eVisa is typically approved instantly or within 24 hours. The eVisa is valid for 1 year from the issue date, allowing multiple entries with each stay up to 90 days. It cannot be extended. Processing time:
  • Standard: Instant to 24 hours (most applications)
  • Peak periods: Up to 48–72 hours (Ramadan, Hajj season, major events)
  • Recommendation: Apply at least 48 hours before your flight
Validity details:
  • Valid from: Date of issue (not date of first entry)
  • Valid for: 1 year from issue date
  • Entries: Unlimited multiple entries within the 1-year validity
  • Stay per visit: Maximum 90 days per entry
  • Extension: The Saudi Arabia eVisa cannot be extended — you must exit the country and re-enter (a new entry resets your 90-day clock)
Overstay consequences:
  • Financial fines (amount varies)
  • Deportation
  • Potential ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia
  • Always exit before your 90-day stay expires

How to Check, Download & Print Saudi Arabia eVisa

Once the application is approved, the Saudi Arabia eVisa will be delivered to you as a PDF via email. You can also access visa.visitsaudi.com to track your application, download the document again, or confirm its validity. Make sure to keep either a printed version or a digital copy with you when you travel.

Check eVisa Status

  1. Visit visa.visitsaudi.com.
  2. Log in to your account.
  3. Go to “My Applications”.
  4. The status will show as:
    • Pending — still being processed.
    • Approved — eVisa issued, download available.
    • Rejected — see rejection reason and reapply if eligible.

Download & Print eVisa

After approval, you can download your Saudi eVisa PDF either from your email or directly through the portal under “My Applications” by selecting the download option. It is recommended to print the document on A4 paper or keep a digital copy saved on your phone for easy access during travel. You will need to show your eVisa at airline check-in if requested and again upon arrival at Saudi immigration, where it will be verified electronically without any physical stamp being placed in your passport.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Not Received

If your Saudi eVisa has not arrived by email, there is usually a simple explanation, such as filtering or a processing delay. Before taking further steps, it is important to check both your email inbox and your application status on the official portal.
  • Check your spam or junk folder, as the approval email may have been filtered there.
  • Log in to the official portal and open “My Applications” to verify your status and download the eVisa directly.
If your application shows “Approved” but you still cannot find the email, allow some time for possible delivery delays. You should also confirm that your email address was entered correctly and contact official support via visa.visitsaudi.com if the issue continues.

FAQ — Saudi Arabia eVisa

  • How do I get an eVisa for Saudi Arabia? Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com. Create an account, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a photo and passport scan, pay the fee, and receive your eVisa by email within 24 hours.
  • How long does the Saudi eVisa take? Most Saudi Arabia eVisa are approved instantly or within 24 hours. During peak periods (Ramadan, Hajj season), processing may take up to 48–72 hours. Apply at least 48 hours before your flight.
  • Is the Saudi Arabia eVisa multiple-entry? The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year from the issue date. You can enter and exit Saudi Arabia as many times as you like within that year, with each stay up to 90 days.
  • Can I apply for a Saudi visit visa online? The Saudi Arabia eVisa is applied for entirely online at visa.visitsaudi.com. No embassy visit is required.
  • What is the last date to apply for the Umrah visa 2026? The Umrah eVisa is available year-round except during the Hajj season (typically June–July). There is no fixed “last date” — apply through visa.visitsaudi.com at any time outside the Hajj period.
  • Do I need a visa to transit through Saudi Arabia? If you remain airside (in the transit area) during your layover, no visa is required. If you want to exit the airport and explore Saudi Arabia during your layover, you need a free transit eVisa (valid for up to 96 hours), available via saudia.com or flynas.com.
  • Can I extend my Saudi Arabia eVisa? The Saudi Arabia eVisa cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must exit Saudi Arabia and re-enter (which resets your 90-day stay clock). The eVisa itself remains valid for 1 year from issue.
  • What happens if I overstay my Saudi Arabia eVisa? Overstaying your 90-day limit results in financial fines, possible deportation, and a potential ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia. Always exit before your 90-day stay expires. Track your entry date carefully.
  • Do I need a hotel booking to apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa? A hotel booking is not required to apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa. You do not need to provide proof of accommodation.