Saudi Arabia eVisa for GCC Residents

Last updated: May 26, 2026

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What Saudi eVisa and Who’s Eligible?

The Saudi tourist eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry permit that lets you enter and exit Saudi Arabia as many times as you like, with each stay capped at 90 days.

GCC citizens (nationals of UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman) are visa-free for Saudi Arabia and do not need this visa at all.

The eVisa is also designed for the millions of expatriates holding a valid residence permit in any of the six GCC countries.

Since March 2023, all GCC residents qualify regardless of profession.

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following:

Hold a valid GCC residence permit with at least 3 months remaining
Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia
Be at least 18 years old to apply on your own; minors under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian apply on their behalf, and each minor requires their own separate eVisa
Be a national of one of the 66 eligible nationalities on the Visit Saudi approved list

Note: If you are a national of a country not on the Visit Saudi 66-country eligibility list (which includes most African and parts of Asia), you must apply for a regular visa via a Saudi embassy, consulate, or authorised visa centre. Check with your nearest Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs consulate for current guidance.

Your family members can also apply under your sponsorship. First-degree relatives (spouse, parents, children) and domestic workers accompanying a GCC-resident sponsor are eligible for the same eVisa.

More on how to apply online in our dedicated article.

Saudi e-Visa 2026: Eligible Countries, Fees & How to Apply Online

Performing Umrah with Saudi eVisa in 2026

The Saudi eVisa normally can be used to perform Umrah. However, Saudi government temporarily restricted entry to Makkah ahead of Hajj 1447 AH (25–30 May 2026).

Pilgrims and tourists holding the eVisa can enter Saudi for Umrah from 1 June 2026 onwards.

Umrah After Hajj: When Will Saudi Arabia Resume Issuing Umrah Visas in 2026?

Plan Your Trip: Flights and Accommodation

With the visa door now open and summer approaching, booking early gives you the best fares to the Kingdom.

Flights to Jeddah are the most popular gateway from the Gulf; it’s the closest major city to Makkah and Madinah and the entry point for most Umrah travellers.

Search for flights from your home city:

Dubai (DXB) to Jeddah (JED) — approx. 2 hours
Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Riyadh (RUH) — approx. 1.5 hours
Kuwait (KWI) to Jeddah — approx. 2 hours
Doha (DOH) to Jeddah — approx. 1.5 hours
Bahrain (BAH) to Jeddah — approx. 1.5 hours
Muscat (MCT) to Jeddah — approx. 2.5 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the Saudi eVisa if my UAE residence visa expires in 2 months?

No — your GCC residence permit must have at least 3 months of validity remaining at the time of application. If your permit is close to renewal, renew it first, then apply for the Saudi eVisa.

Does the tourist eVisa allow me to perform Umrah?

Yes, but you still need a separate Nusuk permit to enter the holy sites in Makkah. The eVisa lets you enter Saudi Arabia; the Nusuk app lets you access the Grand Mosque. Both are required for Umrah.

Can my family travel with me on the same eVisa?

Each family member needs their own eVisa, but first-degree relatives and domestic workers can apply under your GCC residency sponsorship. Your spouse, children, and parents are all eligible to apply through the same Visit Saudi portal.

How quickly is the Saudi eVisa approved?

Most applications are approved within 24–48 hours, and many come through in minutes. During peak travel periods like post-Hajj summer, applying at least a week in advance is recommended to avoid any queue delays.

Can I apply on arrival instead of online?

Yes — a visa on arrival is available at Saudi airports for SAR 480, which is SAR 55 less than the online fee. However, applying online before you travel means you board the flight with confirmed approval rather than relying on airport processing time.