Saudi Arabia’s Tourist eVisa

Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international tourism in 2019 with the launch of the tourist eVisa. The eVisa is a multiple-entry electronic visa that allows citizens of eligible countries to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes.

Key Facts

  • Type: Multiple-entry, one-year validity
  • Stay: Up to 90 days per visit
  • Cost: Approximately 80 USD (includes visa fee and mandatory health insurance)
  • Processing: Usually instant or within a few hours
  • Format: Electronic — received by email, no stamp needed in passport

Who Is Eligible?

Citizens of approximately 50 countries can apply for the eVisa, including:

  • United States, United Kingdom, Canada
  • European Union member states
  • Australia, New Zealand
  • Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia
  • And several others

The full and current list of eligible countries is available on the official Saudi eVisa portal. Citizens of GCC countries do not need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward:

  1. Visit the official portal: Go to visa.visitsaudi.com
  2. Create an account: Register with your email address
  3. Fill in the application: Provide personal details, passport information, and travel plans
  4. Upload documents: You will need a passport photo and a copy of your passport
  5. Pay the fee: Payment is by credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
  6. Receive the visa: The eVisa is sent to your email, usually within minutes

Important Rules

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
  • Health insurance: The eVisa includes mandatory health insurance covering your stay.
  • Respect local laws: Saudi Arabia follows Islamic law. Alcohol is prohibited, dress should be modest, and public behavior should be respectful.
  • Photography: Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and people without permission (especially women).
  • Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is not allowed for non-Muslims.

What the eVisa Allows

The tourist eVisa allows you to:

  • Visit all major tourist destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea coast
  • Participate in tourist activities, tours, and cultural events
  • Travel freely within the country

It does NOT allow:

  • Employment or work
  • Studies at Saudi institutions
  • Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage (these require specific pilgrimage visas)

Transit eVisa

Saudi Arabia also offers a transit eVisa for passengers transiting through Saudi airports. This allows a stopover of up to 96 hours. Check the official portal for details.

Before You Travel

Visa policies can change. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Saudi eVisa portal before planning your trip.

For travel inspiration, see our AlUla travel guide and Riyadh first-timer’s guide.