Citizens from 49 countries are eligible for a Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa by registering online. Here is how you can get yours
29 September 2019
| Last updated on 29 September 2019
Looking to make Saudi Arabia your next vacation? This is your KSA tourist visa guide...
Saudi Arabia is a place most expats didn't consider as a top choice for their tourism bucket list. That changed with the reintroduction of public cinemas in the kingdom, the launch of numerous music festivals, film events, arts and heritage centres, sports and recreational facilities, gradual independence of Saudi women, and more.
With its recent development as a growing media and holiday destination, Saudi Arabia has begun to pique the interest of global travellers. In line with the country's Vision 2030 to move the kingdom away from oil-dependency and open its doors to the world, the new Saudi Arabia tourist visa allows citizens from 49 countries to visit and enjoy the many sights - natural or man-made - that are guaranteed to marvel, relax, and entertain.
It was only recently that KSA announced that tourist visas will be available for international visitors, and this visa can be obtained online. This handy guide will walk through the eligibility requirements and step by step process on how to get a Saudi Arabia tourist visa.
Requirements for Saudi Arabia tourist visa
These are the requirements when applying for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa:
1. Check your country's eligibility
Citizens from the following 49 countries are eligible to apply for the Saudi tourist e-visas and visas on arrival:
North America
- Canada
- USA
Europe
- Switzerland
- Ireland
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Monaco
- Andorra
- Russia
- Malta
- Montenegro
- San Marino
- Ukraine
- United kingdom
- Portugal
- Poland
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech republic
- Spain
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Norway
- Luxembourg
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Slovenia
- Holland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
Asia
- Brunei
- Japan
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Kazakhstan
- China (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan)
- India (not online - must apply at a Saudi embassy or consulate)
- Pakistan (not online - must apply at a Saudi embassy or consulate)
Oceania
- Australia
- New Zealand
2. Required documents
When applying for the Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival, you will need the following documents:
- Passport, valid for more than 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia
- Home address
- Hard copy of the visa
- Passport, valid for more than 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia
- Proof of accommodation
- Return ticket
- Proof of employment
- Bank statement
- Home address
- Residence ID
- Travel itinerary
When applying for the Saudi tourist visa from a consulate:
3. Payment
The cost of a Saudi tourist e-visa or a visa on arrival is 440 riyals (estimated US $ 117) plus VAT.
4. Legal age
For applicants who wish to receive your visa from a Saudi Embassy or Consulate, you must be at least 18 years old. All underaged applicants must apply and travel with a parent or guardian.
How can you apply for the Saudi tourist visa?
For an electronic tourist visa, you can apply through the Visit Saudi page here.
Eligible applicants must fill out the e-visa application form and pay the SAR 440 (AED 43) visa fee.
Alternatively, you can apply through the nearest KSA embassy or consulate in your area.
You can also apply for an e-visa through the Saudi Tourism app, available on the App Store or Google Play.
How long is the visa processing time
The processing time for an e-visa only takes 5 to 30 minutes.
A consulate-approved tourist visa will usually take 1 to 2 business days.
Visa validity
Your Saudi tourist visa will have multiple entries and is valid for one year. The visa-holder can stay for a maximum of three months per entry. Overstaying your visa or entry will cost SAR 100 (around US $26.66 | AED 98) for each day.
If you opt for a single entry visa, you can stay for a maximum period of one month in the kingdom.
