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6 ways to enter

Saudi Arabia visas

Saudi Arabia tourist visa

Your passport determines which tourist entry options you can use. Some visitors do not need a visa. Others can get an online permit, an online visa or a visa on arrival.

Ways to get a Saudi Arabia tourist visa

  2. Visa-free entry for Russian citizens

    No visa needed

    Russian citizens with ordinary passports.

    Stay
    90 days within a calendar year.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  3. ETA (an online travel permit)

    eTA needed

    Citizens of the United Kingdom.

    Stay
    Up to 6 months.
    Entries
    Single entry.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  4. Tourist e-Visa (an online visa)

    eVisa

    Passport holders from all European Union member states and the other listed countries and territories.

    Valid for
    90 days.
    Fee
    A fee applies. The 2019 programme price was 440 Saudi riyals, including health insurance.
    1. Check that your passport qualifies for the online visa.
    2. Apply online before arrival and pay the visa fee.

  5. Tourist visa on arrival

    Visa on arrival

    Passport holders eligible for the tourist online visa can also obtain a visa on arrival. A separate route covers holders of qualifying US, UK or Schengen visas.

    Valid for
    90 days for the passport-based tourist visa route.
    Fee
    A fee applies. The 2019 programme price was 440 Saudi riyals, including health insurance.
    1. Check that your passport or existing visa qualifies.
    2. Obtain the visa on arrival and pay the visa fee.

  6. Visa through a Saudi embassy

    Visa needed

    Visitors who need a visa and cannot use a visa exemption, visa on arrival or online visa must obtain one through a Saudi diplomatic mission.

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or an online travel permit need a visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have freedom of movement. Russian ordinary passport holders can visit without a visa for 90 days within a calendar year.

What to bring

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival.

Good to know

  • Follow the visitor rules published on Saudi Arabia's travel website.
  • Non-Muslims are not allowed to travel to Mecca and Medina.
  • The 2019 programme details describe a one-month stay for single-entry visas and up to three months for multiple-entry visas.
  • The 2019 price was 440 Saudi riyals, including health insurance. No newer price is given.
  • Foreign men and women may share a hotel room without proving they are related. Women may book and stay alone with ID at check-in.
  • An Israeli passport stamp does not disqualify a visitor. Israeli citizens are generally refused entry and transit.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or an online travel permit need a visa. Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have freedom of movement. Russian ordinary passport holders can visit without a visa for 90 days within a calendar year.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

There are 6 options: Freedom of movement for Gulf citizens (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for Russian citizens (no visa at all); ETA (an online travel permit) (an online travel permit); Tourist e-Visa (an online visa) (an online visa); Tourist visa on arrival (a visa at the border); Visa through a Saudi embassy (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to Saudi Arabia without a tourist visa?

Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Russian citizens with ordinary passports.

Can I apply online for Saudi Arabia?

Yes: ETA (an online travel permit) and Tourist e-Visa (an online visa). Citizens of the United Kingdom.

How long is a Saudi Arabia tourist visa valid?

The tourist online visa and visa on arrival are described as valid for 90 days.

What documents do I need for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa?

Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival..

What rules do I have to follow on a Saudi Arabia tourist visa?

Follow the visitor rules published on Saudi Arabia's travel website. Non-Muslims are not allowed to travel to Mecca and Medina.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Saudi Arabia visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Saudi Arabia tourist visa rules?

On Saudi Arabia's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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