Skip to content
2 ways to enter

Saudi Arabia visas

Saudi Arabia visa on arrival

Eligible passport holders can get a tourist visa on arrival. Travellers with certain previously used visas may also qualify.

Ways to get a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival

  1. Visa on arrival based on your passport

    Visa on arrival

    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.
    2. Obtain the visa on arrival and pay the visa fee.

  2. Visa on arrival using an existing foreign visa

    Visa on arrival

    Holders of a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has been used at least once to visit the country or area that issued it.

    1. Check that your qualifying visa is still valid and has already been used.
    2. Travel on a Saudi-based airline, such as Saudia, Flynas or Flyadeal.
    3. Obtain the Saudi visa on arrival.

Who needs it

Travellers using this route must qualify through their passport or a valid, previously used US, UK or Schengen visa.

Who doesn't

Gulf citizens have freedom of movement. Russian ordinary passport holders have a separate visa exemption.

How to apply

  1. Check whether your passport or existing visa qualifies.
  2. Obtain the visa on arrival.

What to bring

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
  • If qualifying through another visa: a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has already been used to enter the country or area that issued it.

Good to know

  • The route based on an existing foreign visa requires travel on a Saudi-based airline.

Questions

Do I need a visa on arrival for Saudi Arabia?

Travellers using this route must qualify through their passport or a valid, previously used US, UK or Schengen visa. Gulf citizens have freedom of movement. Russian ordinary passport holders have a separate visa exemption.

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

There are 2 options: Visa on arrival based on your passport (a visa at the border); Visa on arrival using an existing foreign visa (a visa at the border).

How much does a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival cost?

A fee applies. The 2019 programme price was 440 Saudi riyals, including health insurance.

How long is a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival valid?

90 days for the passport-based tourist visa route.

What documents do I need for a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival?

Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival.; If qualifying through another visa: a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has already been used to enter the country or area that issued it..

How do I apply for a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival?

1. 1. Check whether your passport or existing visa qualifies. 2. 2. Obtain the visa on arrival.

Does my passport change whether I need a visa on arrival 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 visa on arrival 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 visa on arrival rules?

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

Can I change my visa on arrival once I am in Saudi Arabia?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

Reviewed by