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Saudi Arabia's tourist eVisa, launched in 2019 as part of Vision 2030, allows citizens of 49+ countries to visit for tourism, Umrah, events, and business meetings. The visa is valid for 1 year with multiple entries and allows up to 90 days total stay. Apply online in minutes through the official Visit Saudi portal.
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Go to visa.visitsaudi.com (the only official website). Create an account with your email address. Avoid third-party visa agents who charge extra fees.
Enter your passport information, personal details, travel dates, and accommodation details. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.
Upload a recent passport-sized digital photograph with white background. The system will verify it meets requirements. If rejected, retake with proper lighting and background.
Pay 300 SAR (~$80 USD) using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. The fee includes mandatory medical insurance for your stay. Payment is non-refundable.
Your eVisa is usually approved instantly (5-30 minutes). You receive it by email as a PDF. Print it or save it on your phone. The visa is also electronically linked to your passport.
Present your passport and eVisa at Saudi immigration. Your passport is scanned and the electronic visa verified. No sticker or stamp required - it's all digital.
Good news: The Saudi tourist eVisa has minimal document requirements compared to most countries. No bank statements, employment letters, or embassy interviews required. Just your passport, photo, and payment.
Citizens of 49+ countries can apply online. Here are some of the eligible nationalities:
GCC Citizens: Citizens of UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar do not need any visa to enter Saudi Arabia. They can enter with just their national ID card.
Not on the list? Citizens of countries not eligible for eVisa can still visit Saudi Arabia by obtaining a visa through the Saudi embassy/consulate in their country, or through a Saudi sponsor (invitation visit visa).
Apply online through the official Visit Saudi portal (visa.visitsaudi.com). The process takes 5-30 minutes: create an account, fill in passport details, upload a photo, pay the fee (300 SAR), and receive your eVisa by email. You can also get a visa on arrival at Saudi airports if you hold an eligible passport. No embassy visit is required.
As of 2026, citizens of 49+ countries can apply for the Saudi eVisa online. This includes the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Russia, and others. Citizens of GCC countries (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) do not need a visa at all. Check the Visit Saudi website for the complete and current list of eligible nationalities.
The Saudi tourist eVisa costs 300 SAR (approximately $80 USD / £63 GBP / €74 EUR). This includes mandatory medical insurance coverage for the duration of your stay. There are no additional fees if you apply through the official portal. Visa-on-arrival has the same cost. Beware of third-party websites that charge additional 'service fees.'
Yes. Since September 2019, tourist visa holders can perform Umrah. You do not need a separate Umrah visa if you have a valid tourist eVisa. However, during Hajj season (specific dates in Dhul Hijjah), tourist visa holders cannot enter Mecca. For Hajj, you need a separate Hajj visa. Outside of Hajj season, you can freely visit Mecca, Medina, and perform Umrah.
No. The tourist visa does not permit employment, paid work, or business activities beyond meetings. If you are caught working on a tourist visa, you face fines (up to 100,000 SAR), deportation, and a potential ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia. For work, you need a proper work visa and Iqama. Business meetings and conferences are permitted on tourist visas.
Saudi Arabia has relaxed dress codes for tourists significantly. Men should wear long trousers and shirts (shorts are acceptable in tourist areas). Women do not need to wear an abaya (the traditional black robe) in most public places, but should dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees). In religious sites (mosques, Mecca, Medina), stricter dress codes apply. Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches.
The tourist eVisa allows a total of 90 days within its 1-year validity period across multiple visits. You cannot extend beyond 90 days total on a single visa. If you need to stay longer, you must exit and apply for a different visa type (e.g., work visa, visit visa through a Saudi sponsor). Overstaying incurs fines of 100 SAR per day and potential deportation.
Yes, Saudi Arabia is generally very safe for tourists. The country has low crime rates and heavy security presence in public areas. Tourist areas in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Neom, and other destinations are well-developed for visitors. Common-sense precautions apply as in any country. Emergency number is 911 (police), 997 (ambulance), and 998 (fire department).
Apply for your eVisa online in minutes. Explore ancient history at AlUla, relax on Red Sea beaches, experience modern Riyadh, or perform Umrah in Mecca.