The Saudi e-Visa lets travellers from 66 countries apply online for a one-year, multiple-entry tourist visa to Saudi Arabia.
This 2026 guide covers eligibility, fees, application steps, and the latest updates from the official Visit Saudi portal.
What Is the Saudi e-Visa?
The Saudi e-Visa is an electronic tourist visa issued through the official Visit Saudi portal. It allows multiple entries, a one-year validity, and stays of up to 90 days per visit.
According to the Saudi Tourism Authority, the visa covers tourism, family visits, events, and Umrah outside the Hajj season. It does not permit work or long-term residency.
Types of Saudi e-Visa
Saudi Arabia offers several electronic visa categories depending on your nationality and travel purpose.
- Tourist e-Visa: For citizens of 66 eligible countries. Valid for tourism, family visits, and Umrah (excluding Hajj).
- Saudi instant visa: For holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa or permanent residency. Issued instantly online.
- Umrah e-Visa: Multiple-entry visa for Umrah pilgrims, valid one year with stays up to 90 days.
- Stopover (transit) visa: Free 96-hour visa for transit passengers flying with Saudia or flynas.
Holders of a tourist e-Visa, instant visa, or stopover visa can also perform Umrah outside the Hajj season without applying for a separate Umrah visa, provided they book permits through the Nusuk platform.
For more on related visa types, see our guides on the Saudi instant visa and the Umrah e-Visa.
Who Is Eligible for the Saudi e-Visa?
Citizens of 66 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania can apply online. GCC residents and holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas are also eligible under separate rules.
Eligible Countries by Region
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Europe | Andorra, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom |
| Asia | Azerbaijan, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan |
| Africa | Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
Other Eligible Travellers
GCC residents: Expatriates living in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, or Qatar can apply for the Saudi e-Visa, subject to additional requirements like a valid GCC residency permit.
Saudi instant visa holders: Travellers holding valid US, UK, or Schengen visas (or permanent residency in those regions) qualify for the Saudi instant visa, regardless of nationality.
How to Apply for the Saudi e-Visa
The application is fully online through the official Visit Saudi e-Visa portal. Most applications are processed within minutes to a few hours.
For Citizens of Eligible Countries
- Visit and register on the Visit Saudi e-Visa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com.
- Fill out the application form accurately with your passport and personal details.
- Upload a recent passport-style photograph.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Receive the e-Visa via email, usually within minutes.
For GCC Residents
- Visit the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal and log in or register.
- Complete the visa and personal information sections.
- Enter your GCC residency details, including your residency permit number.
- Select travel insurance and pay the application fee.
- Wait for approval, then download your e-Visa from the portal or email.
Saudi e-Visa Requirements and Documents
Saudi Arabia keeps the e-Visa requirements straightforward. Most applicants only need a passport, photo, and payment method to apply.
General Requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years to apply independently. Each child under 18 requires their own individual e-Visa, with a parent or legal guardian completing the application on their behalf.
- Passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- A clear digital passport-style photo.
- Valid email address and online payment method.
Additional Requirements for GCC Residents
- A GCC residency permit valid for at least three months.
- The applicant must enter Saudi Arabia together with any accompanying family members.
- Separate applications are required for each family member.
Documents to Carry on Arrival
- Printed or digital copy of your e-Visa.
- Passport valid for six months.
- Confirmed return ticket.
- Hotel booking address (booking confirmation not always required).
If you plan to stay in Jeddah, Riyadh, or other Saudi cities, you can browse hotels in Saudi Arabia on Wego.
Saudi e-Visa Fees and Validity
The Saudi e-Visa fee is a single online payment that covers the visa, mandatory health insurance, and processing charges. There are no extra fees on arrival.
Fee Breakdown
| Applicant Type | Fee (SAR) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens of eligible countries | SAR 535 | USD 142 |
| GCC residents | SAR 300 | USD 79 |
The fee includes mandatory medical insurance covering emergency treatment up to SAR 100,000 during your stay, per the Saudi Tourism Authority. The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Validity and Length of Stay
- Validity: One year from the date of issue.
- Entries: Multiple entries permitted.
- Stay duration: Up to 90 days per visit, with a maximum of 180 days total within the visa year.
Overstaying can result in fines of up to SAR 50,000 or jail terms of up to six months, according to the Saudi General Directorate of Public Security. Hosts who fail to report a visitor’s departure may face the same penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Saudi e-Visa take to process?
Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours. In rare cases, processing may take up to 24-48 hours if additional verification is required.
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist e-Visa?
Yes. Tourist e-Visa holders can perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. You must book your Umrah permit through the Nusuk platform before visiting the holy sites.
Can I extend my Saudi e-Visa beyond 90 days?
No. The 90-day stay per visit cannot be extended. You must exit and re-enter Saudi Arabia, provided your visa is still within its one-year validity.
Is health insurance included in the Saudi e-Visa fee?
Yes. The fee includes mandatory medical insurance covering up to SAR 100,000 in emergency treatment during your stay, assigned automatically through providers like Tawuniya or MedGulf.
What happens if my e-Visa application is rejected?
The visa fee is non-refundable. You may reapply after correcting the issue, but the system does not provide detailed reasons for rejection.
Sources
- Saudi eVisa Official Portal
- Visit Saudi – Visa Regulations
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Visa Portal
- Saudi Tourism Authority – e-Visa Expansion
- Nusuk Platform
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
