Saudi Arabia Visa Guide: How to Enter the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia opened to international tourism with the launch of its eVisa program in 2019, and the system has matured into one of the most straightforward visa processes in the Middle East. Citizens of sixty-six countries can now obtain a tourist visa online or on arrival — a dramatic shift for a country that was effectively closed to leisure visitors for most of its history. The opening of the kingdom to tourism is central to Vision 2030’s economic diversification strategy, and the results speak for themselves: Saudi Arabia welcomed 122 million visitors in 2025 (a 5% increase year-over-year), surpassed its original 100 million visitor target six years ahead of schedule, and now ranks among the world’s top 10 most visited countries. The kingdom led G20 countries with a 69% growth rate in international tourist numbers versus 2019 levels and ranked first globally in tourism revenue growth for 2024.
eVisa Eligibility
Citizens of sixty-six countries are eligible for the Saudi eVisa. Eligible countries include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, all Schengen zone countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and others), Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and numerous others across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
eVisa Terms:
- Valid for 1 year from date of issue
- Multiple entry — enter and exit as many times as needed within the validity period
- Up to 90 days per visit (total stay across all visits cannot exceed 90 days within the validity year)
- Cost: Approximately $140 (SAR 535) including mandatory health insurance
- Standard processing: 24-48 hours (many applications are approved within minutes)
- Allows tourism, attendance at events and festivals, family visits, and Umrah pilgrimage without a separate Umrah visa
The eVisa transformed Saudi Arabia’s accessibility. Before 2019, tourist visas were not issued — visitors needed business sponsorship, Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage visas, or transit visas with strict limitations. The current system is designed to be as frictionless as possible, reflecting the kingdom’s ambition to attract 150 million annual tourists by 2030, including 70 million international visitors.
Additional Eligibility Pathways
Visa-holders from other countries: Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas (used at least once) are eligible for a Saudi eVisa upon arrival when traveling via Saudi airlines (Saudia, Flynas, Flyadeal). This pathway expands eligibility beyond the 66 directly-eligible countries, allowing nationals of countries not on the direct list to visit Saudi Arabia if they hold a qualifying visa from one of the three jurisdictions. The qualifying visa must have been used at least once — an unused visa does not qualify.
GCC residents: Residents of GCC countries (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) with a valid occupation listed on the approved occupations roster and three or more months of residency remaining can apply for the Saudi eVisa. This pathway serves the large expatriate populations in neighboring Gulf states.
Transit visas: Travelers transiting through Saudi airports may be eligible for a transit visa allowing a short stay. This is particularly relevant as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a global aviation hub, with King Khalid International Airport serving 28.5 million+ passengers annually and the future King Salman International Airport designed for 120 million passengers per year.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward and entirely online:
- Visit visa.visitsaudi.com — the official Saudi Tourism Authority visa portal
- Select your nationality and visa type (tourist eVisa)
- Complete the online application form with personal details and travel information
- Upload required documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from planned entry date
- Recent colour photograph (white background, 2x2 inches / 51x51 mm)
- Applicant must be 18 years or older to apply without a guardian
- Pay the fee (approximately $140 / SAR 535, including mandatory health insurance coverage)
- Receive visa confirmation via email (typically within 24-48 hours; many approved within minutes)
Application Tips:
- Apply at least one week before travel for peace of mind, even though most approvals are rapid
- Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your planned entry date — this is strictly enforced
- The photograph must meet specific requirements (white background, face centred, no shadows) — check the portal for exact specifications
- Save or print your visa confirmation — you may need it at airline check-in and upon arrival
- The mandatory health insurance included in the fee covers basic medical emergencies during your stay
Visa on Arrival
Nationals of all sixty-six eligible countries can also obtain the eVisa on arrival at Saudi airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The on-arrival process uses the same system — you apply at a kiosk or counter upon landing, pay the fee, and receive your visa. However, applying online in advance is recommended for several reasons:
- Avoid potential queues during busy arrival periods, particularly during Riyadh Season, Eid holidays, and major events like Soundstorm
- Ensure smooth entry without risk of technical issues at the airport
- Airlines may check visa status at boarding — having your eVisa confirmed in advance prevents check-in complications
- KKIA now features 20 e-passport gates and 22 e-gates that expedite the arrival process for passengers with pre-approved visas
GCC Unified Visa (Upcoming)
A transformative development for Gulf tourism is approaching: a Schengen-style unified visa enabling travel across all six GCC countries — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman — under a single permit. Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb confirmed the introduction timeline as “in 2026, maximum 2027.” This unified visa will allow tourists to plan multi-country Gulf itineraries without separate visa applications for each country, significantly simplifying travel planning and potentially increasing the average length of stay across the region.
For visitors planning trips to both Riyadh and Dubai, Doha, Muscat, or Kuwait City, the GCC unified visa will eliminate the current need for separate applications to each country. The system is modeled on Europe’s Schengen agreement and represents one of the most significant cooperation initiatives among GCC states.
Entry Requirements and Customs
Documentation
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. This is non-negotiable — airlines and immigration will deny boarding or entry to travelers with insufficient passport validity.
- Visa confirmation: Digital or printed copy of your eVisa approval
- Health insurance: Mandatory, included in the eVisa fee. Covers basic medical emergencies during your stay.
- Return or onward ticket: Not always checked, but having proof of onward travel is advisable.
Customs Regulations
- Alcohol: Saudi Arabia strictly prohibits the import and consumption of alcohol. Do not attempt to bring any into the country — luggage is scanned and alcohol will be confiscated, with potential legal consequences.
- Drugs: Saudi Arabia has severe penalties for drug possession and trafficking. Do not carry any controlled substances.
- Medications: Some medications legal in other countries are controlled or banned in Saudi Arabia. Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Check the Saudi Food and Drug Authority guidelines before traveling if you take any regular medication.
- Currency: No limit on foreign currency brought into the country, but amounts exceeding SAR 60,000 (approximately $16,000) must be declared.
- Tobacco: Standard international duty-free allowances apply.
Dress Code at Entry
Saudi Arabia does not enforce a specific dress code at immigration, but modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected throughout the kingdom. Women are not required to wear an abaya, and headscarves are not required for non-Muslim women. These reforms were formalized as part of the 2019 tourism visa program. See our Dress Code Guide for detailed advice by setting.
Arriving at King Khalid International Airport
Saudi immigration at KKIA is efficient and well-organized. The airport’s February 2026 terminal restructuring — the largest reallocation in its history — reorganized passenger flow:
- Terminals 1 and 2: International flights by Saudi carriers (Flyadeal/Flynas at T1, Saudia/Riyadh Air at T2)
- Terminals 3 and 4: Domestic routes
- Terminal 5: International flights by foreign airlines
The airport features 43 immigration counters, 20 e-passport gates (for biometric passport holders), and 22 e-gates. Processing is typically swift — most visitors clear immigration within 15-30 minutes. During peak periods (Eid holidays, Riyadh Season launch weeks), allow additional time.
From immigration, proceed to the Riyadh Metro Line 4 (Yellow) for a SAR 4 journey to central Riyadh, or use Uber/Careem ride-hailing from the arrivals hall. See our Getting Around Riyadh guide for complete airport-to-city transportation options.
Extending Your Stay
The standard eVisa allows up to 90 days per visit within a one-year validity period. For stays beyond 90 days (work, study, or longer-term residency), different visa categories apply:
- Work visa: Requires employer sponsorship. Consult the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country.
- Student visa: For enrolled students at Saudi educational institutions.
- Residency permit (Iqama): Long-term residency for employees and their dependents.
- Premium residency: Saudi Arabia offers a premium residency program for high-net-worth individuals and professionals, providing long-term residence without employer sponsorship.
For long-term accommodation options in Riyadh, see our Long-Stay Apartments Guide.
Practical Tips
- Apply online at least one week before travel for peace of mind, even though most approvals come within minutes
- Screenshot and print your visa confirmation — you may need it at airline check-in, and having a physical backup prevents issues with phone battery or connectivity
- Saudi immigration is efficient at KKIA — the new e-passport gates and e-gates speed processing significantly
- The eVisa allows Umrah (pilgrimage to Mecca) without a separate Umrah visa — a significant benefit for Muslim travelers who want to combine tourism with religious observance
- Keep your passport with you at all times in Saudi Arabia — it is required for hotel check-in and may be requested at some attractions
- Check your passport validity well before booking — six months from entry date is the strict minimum. If your passport expires within seven months of your travel date, consider renewal before applying
- Multiple entries: The one-year validity with multiple entries means you can visit Saudi Arabia several times. Visitors who come for Riyadh Season in October-March sometimes return for Soundstorm in December or events later in the season on the same visa
Tourism Context
Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation provides important context for visa planning. Tourism spending reached SR300 billion ($81 billion) in 2025, contributing approximately 5% of the kingdom’s GDP (up from 3% in 2019), with a target of 10% by 2030. The sector now supports over 1 million jobs. The kingdom’s tourism infrastructure is expanding rapidly — 5,622 licensed hospitality facilities operated in Q3 2025, up 40.6% year-over-year, with more than 25 new hotels and resorts expected to open in 2026. Hotel room supply is projected to jump 29% from approximately 159,790 to 205,500 rooms by 2026. Upcoming mega events — Expo 2030, FIFA World Cup 2034, and the annual Esports World Cup — will drive continued growth in visitor numbers and infrastructure investment.
For transportation from the airport, see our Getting Around Riyadh guide. For accommodation, see our Hotels section and Best Areas to Stay guide. For trip planning, see our First-Time Visitor Guide.
Detailed Eligibility List
The sixty-six countries eligible for the Saudi eVisa span multiple regions. Eligible nationalities include citizens of: the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, all Schengen zone countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and several additional countries. The list is periodically expanded as Saudi Arabia broadens its tourism reach under Vision 2030.
For nationalities not on the eVisa list, traditional visa applications through Saudi embassies and consulates remain available. Processing times and requirements vary by country. Business visas, work visas, student visas, and family visit visas follow separate application tracks.
The GCC Unified Visa: A Game Changer
The forthcoming GCC unified visa — a Schengen-style travel permit enabling movement across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman under a single document — represents the most significant development in Gulf travel accessibility since Saudi Arabia’s eVisa launch in 2019. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb confirmed the introduction timeline as “in 2026, maximum 2027.”
This unified visa will eliminate the need for separate visa applications for each Gulf state, transforming multi-country Gulf itineraries from bureaucratic challenges into seamless travel experiences. For travelers planning combined trips — such as Riyadh paired with Dubai, Doha, or Muscat — the unified visa will reduce paperwork, cost, and planning complexity. Combined with the approximately one-hour flight times between Gulf capitals, the unified visa positions the entire GCC as a single travel destination with diverse experiences across its member states.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Transformation Context
Understanding why Saudi Arabia’s visa system has become so visitor-friendly requires context. The kingdom has undergone a historic tourism transformation under Vision 2030:
- Visitor growth: From approximately 5 million international visitors in 2019 (when the eVisa launched) to over 30 million international visitors, with 122 million total visitors (including domestic) in 2025
- Revenue: Tourism spending reached SR300 billion ($81 billion) in 2025, up 6% from 2024
- GDP contribution: Tourism now represents 5% of Saudi GDP, up from 3% in 2019, targeting 10% by 2030
- Global ranking: Saudi Arabia ranks among the world’s top ten most visited countries and led G20 nations with 69% growth in international tourist arrivals versus 2019 levels
- Infrastructure: Over 1,015 hotels in Riyadh alone, national room supply projected to reach 205,500 by 2026
The eVisa program is the front door to this transformation. Its speed, affordability, and broad eligibility are intentional — designed to make Saudi Arabia as accessible as possible to international leisure travelers. The kingdom’s ambitious targets — 150 million annual tourists by 2030, including 70 million international visitors — depend on continued visa accessibility and the planned GCC unified visa.
King Khalid International Airport Entry
Upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) — ranked third globally as best airport in 2025 and first as the world’s most punctual airport three consecutive times — the entry process is efficient. The airport serves 28.5 million-plus passengers annually across five terminals with connections to 105-plus destinations through fifty-one airlines.
Terminal assignment (as of February 2026): The airport underwent its largest terminal reallocation in history. Terminals 1 and 2 handle international flights by Saudi carriers (Flyadeal/Flynas at T1, Saudia/Riyadh Air at T2). Terminals 3 and 4 serve domestic routes. Terminal 5 handles international flights by foreign airlines. Verify your airline’s terminal before departure.
Immigration: The airport features 114 check-in counters, 43 immigration counters, 20 e-passport gates, 75 arrival counters, and 22 e-gates. E-passport gates speed processing significantly for travelers with biometric passports from eligible countries. Present your printed or digital eVisa confirmation, biometric passport, and prepare for a brief interview if requested.
Metro connection: The Riyadh Metro Line 4 (Yellow) serves the airport directly from three dedicated stations: Terminal 1 and 2 at station 20, Terminal 3 and 4 at station 19, and Terminal 5 at station 18. A SAR 4 two-hour pass takes you from the airport to central Riyadh, eliminating the need for an SAR 40-80 taxi ride. See our Getting Around Riyadh guide.
Riyadh Air: Saudi Arabia’s new national airline is targeting 100 destinations by the end of the decade as part of the national aviation strategy to triple passenger traffic to 330 million nationally and expand connectivity to 250-plus destinations by 2030. The future King Salman International Airport expansion will grow the facility to 57 square kilometres with 3-4 large passenger terminals and 6 runways, accommodating 120 million passengers annually by 2030 and 185 million by 2050.
Common Visa Questions
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days? The standard eVisa allows up to 90 days per visit within a one-year validity period. Multiple entries are permitted. For stays beyond 90 days, different visa categories apply. Overstaying carries penalties.
Can I work on a tourist eVisa? No. The eVisa is strictly for tourism, events, family visits, and Umrah. Work requires a separate work visa and employment sponsorship.
Can I perform Umrah with a tourist eVisa? Yes. The Saudi eVisa allows Umrah (pilgrimage to Mecca) without a separate Umrah visa. This is a significant benefit that was not available before the eVisa program.
What if my visa application is denied? Denials are uncommon for eligible nationalities with clean travel histories. If denied, the reason is typically related to incomplete documentation, passport validity issues, or security screening. You can reapply after addressing the issue.
Do children need separate visas? Yes. Each traveler, regardless of age, requires their own eVisa. Children under 18 must have a guardian apply on their behalf.
For official visa information, visit visa.visitsaudi.com. Contact info@discoverriyadh.ai for questions.
Sources: Visit Saudi, Saudi Tourism Authority, Saudi Press Agency, UNWTO.