Saudi Tourist Visa 2026: Types, Fees & How to Apply

Saudi Arabia Is Open for Tourism — Here’s How to Get In

Not long ago, visiting Saudi Arabia for leisure was nearly impossible. That changed in 2019 with the launch of the tourist eVisa, and by 2026 the Kingdom has become one of the Gulf’s most exciting destinations — from the ancient tombs of AlUla to the Red Sea coastline and the futuristic ambitions of Riyadh. Whether you’re a UAE resident planning a weekend in Jeddah or a traveller adding Saudi Arabia to a wider Gulf itinerary, this guide covers every visa route, the real costs, and how to apply.

The Main Visa Routes at a Glance

Saudi Arabia offers several paths for tourists. Which one you take depends on your passport and how you travel:

• Tourist eVisa (online): Available to citizens of around 67–68 eligible countries. Apply online before you fly through the official portal.
• Visa on arrival: Same visa, issued at Saudi airports for eligible nationalities.
• GCC nationals: Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE need no visa at all — a national ID card is enough for stays up to 90 days.
• US, UK or Schengen visa holders: If you hold a valid, previously used US, UK or Schengen visa (or residence permit), or a valid GCC residence visa, you can apply for the eVisa online or get a visa on arrival — even if your own passport isn’t on the eligible list.
• Transit / stopover visa: Flying Saudia or flynas with a connection in the Kingdom? You can get a free 96-hour stopover visa.
• Embassy visa: Everyone else applies through a Saudi embassy or an authorised visa centre (such as Tasheer centres in Pakistan).

How Much Does a Saudi Tourist Visa Cost?

Fees are charged in Saudi riyals and always include mandatory medical insurance:

• eVisa (online): Around SAR 535 total — roughly SAR 300 visa fee plus SAR 235 for health insurance (about USD 142).
• Visa on arrival: Around SAR 480 total (SAR 300 + SAR 180 insurance, about USD 128).
• Stopover / transit visa: Free, plus a small insurance/processing charge.
• Embassy applications: Vary by country, typically USD 200+ once agency and service fees are included.

Payment is by credit or debit card at the end of the online application. Always double-check the final amount on the official portal before paying, as third-party sites often quote inflated prices that include their own service fees.

What the Tourist Visa Lets You Do

The standard tourist eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. It covers tourism, leisure, visiting friends and family — and, importantly, Umrah outside the Hajj season (book your slot through the Nusuk app). It does not cover Hajj, which requires a separate quota-based visa, nor does it allow employment.

Note: some nationalities have more restricted terms. For example, Pakistani passport holders were recently issued single-entry visas valid for 30 days, with the one-year multiple-entry option suspended. Rules change — verify the terms shown for your passport on the official portal before booking flights.

Eligibility & Requirements

To apply for the tourist eVisa you generally need:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date (US passports exempt from this rule)
• At least two blank passport pages
• A recent digital passport-style photo
• A valid email address and a credit/debit card
• Confirmed accommodation details for at least the first nights
• Minimum age 18 (minors apply under a parent or guardian)

Women can travel independently — Saudi Arabia removed the requirement for a male guardian for tourists years ago. There is no strict dress code for foreign visitors, though modest dress is expected in public, especially at religious sites.

How to Apply: Step by Step

1. Check eligibility: Go to the official portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) and enter your nationality to see your options.
2. Fill in the application: Personal details, passport information and travel plans. The form takes about 15–20 minutes.
3. Upload your photo: A clear, recent photo meeting standard passport-photo specs.
4. Pay the fee: By card, in one transaction (visa fee + insurance).
5. Receive your eVisa: Approval typically arrives by email within 24–72 hours. Print a copy to carry with your passport.

Visa on Arrival: What to Expect at the Airport

If you’re eligible, you can skip the online application and get the visa at the airport — either at a self-service kiosk or at passport control. The cost is around SAR 480 including insurance, payable by card. Keep your passport, return ticket and hotel booking handy. Queues can be long during peak seasons (Ramadan, school holidays), so the eVisa in advance is usually the calmer option.

The 96-Hour Stopover Visa

One of the best deals in Gulf travel: book a Saudia or flynas ticket with a layover in Jeddah or Riyadh, and you can add a free 96-hour transit visa during booking. It’s a legitimate way to sample the Kingdom — a day in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district or a quick Riyadh food tour — on your way somewhere else. Apply at least a few days before departure through the airline’s booking flow.

Umrah on a Tourist Visa

Tourist visa holders can perform Umrah at any time except during the Hajj season. Book your Umrah slot through the official Nusuk app before travelling, and note that Makkah has specific entry rules — non-Muslims may not enter the holy city, and this is strictly enforced. Madinah is open to all visitors, though non-Muslims cannot enter the Prophet’s Mosque itself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using unofficial visa websites: They charge markups of USD 50–100+. Use the official portal only.
• Applying too late: The eVisa is fast, but embassy routes can take 7–14 working days. Apply at least three weeks ahead.
• Assuming the 90-day rule is per year: It’s 90 days per visit on the multiple-entry visa — but don’t game the system with back-to-back border runs.
• Forgetting insurance: It’s mandatory and bundled into the fee — but check what it covers (emergency treatment up to SAR 100,000) and consider top-up travel insurance.
• Overstaying: Fines are steep and can include deportation and future bans. Track your 90 days carefully.

Is Saudi Arabia Worth the Trip in 2026?

Absolutely — and the visa is the easiest part. Pair this guide with our Gulf travel coverage, including our Riyadh travel guide, to plan the trip itself. From AlUla’s Nabataean tombs to Jeddah’s corniche and the Edge of the World near Riyadh, the Kingdom rewards travellers who arrive prepared — starting with the right visa.