Saudi residents can apply for a Schengen visa to visit 29 European countries for up to 90 days per stay.
Here’s the 2026 guide to fees, documents and where to apply from Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam.
What Kind of Visa Will You Get?
The visa validity you receive depends on whether you’re a Saudi national or an expat resident, and on your passport validity.
5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa for Saudi Nationals
Since April 2024, the EU automatically issues 5-year multiple-entry Schengen visas to qualifying Saudi nationals, per the European Commission.
This applies even to first-time applicants. You don’t choose between a 5-year visa and a shorter one — it’s issued by default if you qualify.
When You’ll Get a Shorter Visa
You may receive a shorter visa than five years in these cases:
- Your passport is valid for less than 5 years (visa cannot exceed passport validity)
- The consulate exercises discretion based on your application
- You applied for a specific short trip and the consulate matched the visa to it
Visa Issued to Expat Residents in Saudi Arabia
Expat residents (Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, Bangladeshi nationals) are not covered by the cascade. First-time applicants typically receive a single-entry or short multi-entry visa matching the trip dates.
Repeat applicants with clean travel history may be granted longer multi-entry visas (1, 2 or 5 years) at the consulate’s discretion.
Visa Validity vs Length of Stay
A 5-year visa lets you enter Schengen multiple times over five years. It does not let you stay in Europe for five years straight. The 90/180-day rule still applies.
Documents You Need to Submit
The Schengen visa application has a standard checklist. Each consulate may add a few extras, so always check the destination country’s embassy website before booking.
Core Documents Checklist
- Visa application form, completed and signed
- Two recent passport-size photos on a white background, meeting EU photo standards
- Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond your return, with two blank pages
- Saudi residence permit (Iqama) or national ID, plus a copy
- Return flight itinerary showing entry and exit dates
- Hotel bookings or invitation letter for the full stay
- Proof of funds: 3 to 6 months of bank statements
- Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across Schengen
- Cover letter explaining the trip purpose and itinerary
- Visa fee payment receipt
Extra Documents for Expat Residents
If you’re an expat resident in Saudi Arabia, embassies expect proof of stable employment and legal residence in addition to the core checklist:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer on company letterhead, confirming your role, salary and approving your leave dates
- Iqama valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date (some consulates require 6 months)
- Salary certificate or last 3 payslips
- Employment contract copy
Extra Documents for Minors
Travellers under 18 also need a notarised parental consent letter, copies of both parents’ passports, and a birth certificate. Adoption, divorce or death certificates apply where relevant.
Travel Insurance Requirements
Your travel medical insurance must cover medical emergencies, hospitalisation and repatriation costs across all Schengen Member States, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Schengen Visa Fees in 2026
The Schengen visa fee was raised by the European Commission on 11 June 2024 and remains unchanged through 2026.
Current Visa Fees
| Applicant | Fee (EUR) | Approx. SAR |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | €90 | SAR 380 |
| Children aged 6 to under 12 | €45 | SAR 190 |
| Children under 6 | Free | Free |
The visa fee is non-refundable and separate from VFS, BLS or TLScontact service charges, which typically run an extra SAR 85 to 150 depending on the destination country.
Who Is Exempt From the Visa Fee
- Children under 6 years
- Family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens
- Diplomatic, service, or official passport holders
- Students and accompanying teachers on educational trips
- Researchers travelling for scientific purposes
- Reps under 26 attending non-profit seminars or sports events
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The process is the same whether you’re a Saudi national or expat resident, but the visa centre depends on your destination country.
Pick the Right Country to Apply Through
Apply at the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most days. If days are split equally across countries, apply through your first point of entry. Applying to the wrong country can lead to refusal.
Choose the Right Visa Type
The most common types are tourist, business, family visit, study, medical and transit visas. Each has its own document add-ons, so confirm the visa type before booking your appointment.
Book an Appointment
Most Schengen countries outsource appointments to VFS Global, BLS International or TLScontact. Slots open up to 6 months before travel and are first-come, first-served.
Submit Application and Biometrics
Attend the appointment in person to submit forms, pay the fee and give fingerprints. Biometrics are valid for 59 months, so repeat applicants within that window can sometimes skip this step.
Track and Collect
You’ll get an SMS or email when your passport is ready. Track the status online via your VFS, BLS or TLScontact account using the reference number on your receipt.
Top Destinations: Service Provider and Realistic Processing Time
Official processing is 15 calendar days, but real timelines vary by country and season. Here’s what to expect for the most-applied destinations from Saudi Arabia.
| Country | Service Provider | Cities | Realistic Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | VFS Global | Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar | 15 to 25 days off-peak; 4 to 8 weeks in summer |
| Germany | TLScontact | Riyadh, Al Khobar | 10 to 15 days; longer in summer |
| Italy | Consortium for Italian Visa Services (Almaviva + VFS) | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam | 15 to 25 days off-peak; 4 to 8 weeks in summer |
| Spain | BLS International | Riyadh, Jeddah | 14 to 21 working days |
| Netherlands | VFS Global | Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Dhahran | 5 to 15 days, often among the faster missions |
| Greece | VFS Global | Riyadh, Al Khobar | 10 to 15 working days |
| Switzerland | VFS Global | Riyadh, Jeddah | 10 to 15 working days |
| Czech Republic | VFS Global | Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar | 10 to 15 working days |
| Denmark, Norway, Sweden | VFS Global | Riyadh, Jeddah | 10 to 20 working days |
| Austria, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal | Embassy or honorary consulate | Riyadh, Jeddah | 15 to 30 days, varies by mission |
Always confirm the latest service provider and timing on the destination country’s embassy website before booking, as outsourcing arrangements and queues can change.
Tips to Avoid Schengen Visa Rejection
Most Saudi-based rejections come from preventable mistakes. Here’s how to strengthen your application.
Show Strong Ties to Saudi Arabia
Consulates want proof you’ll return after your trip. A long-term Iqama, employment contract, property ownership or family in the Kingdom all help build a strong file.
Match Your Funds to Your Trip
There’s no fixed minimum, but most consulates expect roughly €60 to €120 per day of stay reflected in your bank statements. Avoid sudden large deposits in the weeks before applying.
Get the Main Destination Right
Applying to a country you won’t actually spend the most time in is a common refusal reason. If unsure, apply to your first port of entry.
Submit Genuine Bookings
Use real flight reservations and hotel bookings that match your application dates. Mismatched or dummy bookings often trigger rejection.
Apply Early
Last-minute applications increase rejection risk because consulates have less time to review supporting documents. Aim for 6 to 8 weeks before travel.
Booking Your Flights and Stay
You’ll need confirmed flights and accommodation to apply. Browse flights to Paris, flights to Rome or flights to Barcelona on Wego.
For accommodation, browse hotels in Paris, hotels in Rome or hotels in Barcelona.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I apply for a Schengen visa from Saudi Arabia?
You can apply up to 6 months before your travel date. EU rules require applying at least 15 days before departure, but 4 to 6 weeks ahead is safer in peak seasons.
Do Saudi residents need ETIAS in 2026?
No. ETIAS only applies to visa-exempt travellers. Saudi residents who currently need a Schengen visa will continue to apply for one — ETIAS does not replace it. ETIAS is set to start operations in the last quarter of 2026, followed by a transitional period before it becomes mandatory.
Can my Schengen visa be rejected, and what do I do?
Yes, applications can be rejected for incomplete documents, weak ties to Saudi Arabia or insufficient funds. You have the right to appeal within the timeframe stated in your refusal letter.
Does the 5-year visa apply to expat residents in Saudi Arabia?
No. The 5-year multiple-entry rule announced in April 2024 applies only to Saudi nationals applying from Saudi Arabia. Expats follow the standard cascade based on their travel history.
Can I travel to all 29 Schengen countries on one visa?
Yes, a uniform Schengen visa lets you travel to all 29 countries within the validity period, subject to the 90/180-day rule.
Sources
- European Commission, Schengen Visa Policy
- European Commission, Schengen Visa Fee Increase
- European Commission, Visa Cascade for Saudi Arabia
- European Commission, Bulgaria and Romania Join Schengen
- VFS Global Saudi Arabia
- BLS International Spain Visa Saudi Arabia
- TLScontact Germany Visa Saudi Arabia
- France-Visas Saudi Arabia Portal
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.
