Saudi Arabia has opened its doors wider than ever to leisure travellers. The tourist eVisa now covers more than 60 nationalities, and a free 96-hour stopover visa has been introduced for travellers flying with Saudia or flynas.
Here is a current breakdown of how to apply, what it costs, and what you can do on it.
What Is a Saudi Tourist Visa?
The Saudi tourist visa, also called the Saudi eVisa, lets foreign nationals enter the Kingdom for leisure, events, and visiting family or friends. Key features at a glance:
- Valid for one year from the date of issue
- Multiple entries permitted
- Up to 90 days per visit, with a cumulative total of 180 days within the year
- Covers tourism, concerts, sporting events, and Umrah outside the Hajj season
- Does not cover work, study, or Hajj
You can reach Saudi Arabia via direct flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and other cities served by Saudia and flynas. Browse flights to Jeddah and flights to Riyadh on Wego.
Saudi Tourist Visa Types
Tourist eVisa
The eVisa is the fastest and most popular route. Applications are made entirely online through the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal. Eligible nationalities span more than 60 countries across five regions.
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Bahamas, Grenada |
| Europe | Andorra, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom |
| Asia | Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Turkey, Thailand |
| Africa | South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan were temporarily removed from the eVisa list in April 2025 but eVisa access was resumed for both countries later in 2025. Eligibility can change around the Hajj season, so always confirm current status on the official portal before applying.
Always cross-check the current eligibility list on the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal before applying.
Core Eligibility Rules
- Applicants must be 18 or older
- Children must be included in a parent’s application
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry
- A credit or debit card is required for the fee
- An address in Saudi Arabia is needed (no booking confirmation required)
- Return ticket and hard copy of the visa not required (a soft copy on your phone is advised)
Airlines run automatic visa pre-checks before boarding, so make sure the passport details on your application match exactly. Visa fees are non-refundable if the application is rejected.
GCC Residents
Residents of the GCC can also apply for the Saudi eVisa online, regardless of nationality, provided they meet the following conditions:
- GCC residency permit valid for at least 3 months
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Children under 18 included on a parent’s application
- Residency must match an eligible professional category listed on the portal
Visa on Arrival
A one-year multiple-entry tourist visa can also be picked up on arrival at major Saudi airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), King Khalid International Airport (RUH), King Fahd International Airport (DMM), and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED).
It is open to nationals of all eVisa-eligible countries as well as holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas or residence permits, subject to these conditions:
- The US, UK, or Schengen visa must be a tourist or business visa
- It must have been used at least once, with an entry stamp from the issuing country or region
- The passport must be valid for at least 6 months
The visa on arrival fee is the same as the eVisa, and Umrah can be performed on this visa too (outside Hajj season).
Stopover (Transit) Visa
Launched to make Saudi Arabia a stopover destination, the 96-hour transit visa is free for passengers flying on Saudia or flynas.
It is issued automatically during ticket booking on the airline’s website and lets you leave the airport, stay in a hotel, and explore nearby cities such as Jeddah, Riyadh, or Dammam.
Key features of the stopover visa:
- Valid for 90 days from the date of issue, with a single entry
- Maximum stay of 96 hours (four days) in Saudi Arabia
- Free of charge, with only a small mandatory insurance fee
- Umrah is permitted under this visa (outside Hajj season)
- Available only to passengers on Saudia or flynas; other carriers do not offer it
Umrah slots under the stopover visa must be booked through the Nusuk platform before you arrive in the Kingdom.
Visa Through an Embassy
If your country is not on the eVisa list, you will need to apply through the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
Applicants must be 18 or older, passports must be valid for 6 months, and fees are non-refundable. You do not need a Saudi sponsor for the tourist visa.
Documents typically required at the embassy:
- Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia
- Confirmed return flight itinerary
- Proof of employment or business ownership
- Recent bank statement showing financial solvency
- Completed application form with full personal details
Processing at embassies typically takes 1 to 2 business days, though timing depends on the specific mission. Airlines carry out the same visa pre-check before boarding.
Umrah on a Saudi Tourist Visa
The Saudi tourist visa is a valid route to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. You can:
- Visit Makkah and Madinah
- Enter Masjid al-Haram and book Rawdah and Umrah slots via the Nusuk app
- Explore the rest of the country, from AlUla and Diriyah to the Red Sea coast and NEOM
The tourist visa cannot be used to perform Hajj. For Hajj, a dedicated Hajj visa, arranged through an authorised operator in your country, is mandatory.
How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa
Step-by-Step Application Process
If you hold a passport from an eligible country, the eVisa is the simplest and fastest option. The full process is handled online through the official Visit Saudi eVisa portal.
- Create an account on the Visit Saudi eVisa portal
- Complete the application form with your passport and travel details
- Upload a clear passport-style photo
- Pay the visa fee and insurance premium by credit or debit card
- Receive the eVisa by email, usually within minutes and always within 24 hours
Save a soft copy of the visa to your phone and keep a printed copy as a backup.
If your country is not on the eligible list, contact the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate. Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas can apply for a visa on arrival instead.
Cost
The Saudi tourist visa fee is standardised across the eVisa, visa on arrival, and consulate routes. The total includes the visa fee itself and mandatory medical insurance covering the applicant during the stay.
| Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | SAR 300 |
| Mandatory medical insurance | SAR 180 |
| VAT (15%) on visa fee | SAR 45 |
| Total | Approximately SAR 535 |
Fees are charged in Saudi Riyals and converted by your bank at the current exchange rate.
The medical insurance automatically covers the applicant for medical emergencies up to SAR 100,000 during the stay. Fees are non-refundable if the application is rejected, so double-check every detail before paying.
Validity and Duration of Stay
Stay limits depend on the visa type you hold:
- Multiple-entry eVisa: valid for 1 year, up to 90 days per visit, 180 days total within the year
- Single-entry visa (some embassies): stay of up to 90 days for one entry only
- Stopover visa: valid for 90 days from issue, single entry, maximum stay of 96 hours
Umrah visas issued separately follow their own rules and are not covered under this article.
Visa Extension
The standard tourist eVisa is generally not extendable. If you wish to stay longer, you must leave Saudi Arabia before expiry and apply for a new visa. The Absher-based visit visa extension largely applies to family visit visas and similar categories, subject to conditions such as:
- The visa must have one week or less of remaining validity
- The visitor must be physically inside Saudi Arabia at the time of the request
- No outstanding traffic violations
- A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Payment of the SAR 100 extension fee
Eligible extensions are processed through the Absher platform, typically by the host or sponsor. Tourist visa holders who cannot depart on time should contact the nearest Jawazat office or their embassy for guidance rather than assuming an extension will be granted.
Overstay Penalties
Saudi authorities apply overstay penalties on a tiered structure, and enforcement has tightened in the last year. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and travel bans that affect entry to other GCC countries too.
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First overstay | Fine of up to SAR 15,000 and possible deportation |
| Second overstay | Fine of up to SAR 25,000 and a temporary re-entry ban |
| Repeated or long-term overstay | Fine of up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment, and permanent ban |
| Host or sponsor failing to report an overstay | Fine of up to SAR 50,000 and up to 6 months in jail |
Do not let the visa expire without leaving Saudi Arabia. If you cannot depart on time, apply for an extension through Absher before the expiry date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Most eVisa applications are approved within minutes. In rare cases, it can take up to 24 hours. Airlines run a visa pre-check before boarding, so apply at least a few days before travel to avoid last-minute issues.
How much does the Saudi tourist visa cost in 2026?
The total is approximately SAR 535, which covers the visa fee (SAR 300), mandatory medical insurance (SAR 180), and VAT on the visa fee. Fees are paid online by credit or debit card and are non-refundable.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes. The tourist visa allows you to perform Umrah at any time of the year except during the Hajj season. Rawdah and Umrah slots must be booked through the Nusuk app.
Can I perform Hajj on a Saudi tourist visa?
No. Hajj requires a dedicated Hajj visa arranged through an authorised operator in your country of residence. Attempting Hajj on a tourist visa is not permitted and carries heavy fines.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?
The multiple-entry eVisa allows up to 90 days per visit, with a cumulative total of 180 days within the one-year validity. The stopover visa allows a maximum stay of 96 hours.
Do I need a return ticket or hotel booking to apply for the eVisa?
No. Only an address for your stay is required, not a confirmed booking. Return tickets and proof of accommodation may be requested at embassies when applying in person.
Can Indian passport holders get a Saudi tourist visa?
Indian nationals are not directly eligible for the standard eVisa based on nationality alone, but they qualify if they hold a valid and previously used US, UK, or Schengen tourist or business visa, or permanent residency in those countries. Otherwise, applications must be made through a Saudi embassy.
Can the Saudi tourist visa be extended?
Generally, no. The standard tourist eVisa is not extendable, and travellers who wish to stay longer must leave Saudi Arabia before expiry and apply for a new visa. Absher-based visit visa extensions mostly apply to family visit visas and similar categories, processed by the host or sponsor for a SAR 100 fee.
Sources
- Visit Saudi Official eVisa Portal
- Visit Saudi – Tourist Visa Requirements
- Visit Saudi – Stopover Transit Visa
- Nusuk – Transit/Stopover Visa
- Saudia – Transit Visa Guide
- flynas – Stopover Visa
- Absher Platform
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Saudi Ministry of Interior
- Saudi Press Agency – Overstay Penalties
- Saudi Gazette – Public Security Overstay Warning
- Saudi National Portal – Visa & Tourism
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.
