Overview
Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has run a self-service tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com, open to citizens of around 57–66 eligible countries (the exact number is periodically expanded), permanent residents of the US, UK and EU, and holders of a used US, UK or Schengen visa. You complete the form, pay online, and receive your eVisa by email — usually within a day or two. The same eVisa also covers Umrah trips outside the Hajj period.
Visa categories
| eVisa — single entry | Valid 3 months from issue, 30-day stay. |
|---|---|
| eVisa — multiple entry | Valid 1 year from issue, 90-day stay per visit. |
| Visa on arrival | Available to the same eligible nationalities at the airport, paid by card only. |
| Consulate ("sticker") visa | For nationalities not covered by the eVisa or visa-on-arrival lists — applied for at a Saudi embassy abroad. |
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Recent digital photo, white background
- Credit or debit card for the fee
- For "Group B" eligibility: a valid or previously-used US, UK or Schengen visa, or GCC residency in an eligible profession
- Applicants must be 18+; minors need a guardian to apply and travel with them
Step-by-step application process
1. Check your eligibility category
Confirm whether your nationality qualifies directly, or whether you need a used Western visa or GCC residency to qualify.
2. Go to visa.visitsaudi.com
Avoid the many commercial lookalike sites that charge extra for the same form.
3. Complete the online application
Fill in your passport and travel details, and upload your photo.
4. Pay the fee
Pay securely by card.
5. Receive your eVisa by email
Approval is typically issued within 24–72 hours; print or save a copy for travel.
Fees & processing time
| Processing time | 24–72 hours typically |
|---|---|
| Stay length | 30 days (single entry) or 90 days per visit (multiple entry, 1-year validity) |
| Fee | Varies — confirm the current government fee directly on visa.visitsaudi.com, since third-party sites often add $50–150+ in markup |
Sources reviewed: visa.visitsaudi.com (official Saudi eVisa portal, Saudi Tourism Authority), my.gov.sa (Saudi national government portal), Gulf News reporting on eligibility expansions. Eligible-country lists and fees change — always confirm on the official portal before applying.