How to Get a Tourist Visa for Saudi Arabia

Most visitors can get a Saudi tourist visa online through the official eVisa portal for $117, which takes 24-48 hours to process. Citizens of 49 countries can also get visa on arrival for the same fee. The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing stays up to 90 days per visit.

  1. Check if you need a visa. Citizens of GCC countries (UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar) don't need a visa. Citizens from 49 countries including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most EU nations can get visa on arrival or apply online. All other nationalities must apply online in advance.
  2. Gather required documents. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport photo, proof of accommodation (hotel booking), return flight ticket, and travel insurance covering Saudi Arabia. Women under 25 traveling alone need additional guardian approval documentation.
  3. Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com. Create an account, fill out the application form, upload documents, and pay $117 USD. Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. The system will ask for your entry point and planned duration of stay.
  4. Wait for processing. Tourist visas typically process within 24-48 hours. You'll receive an email with your eVisa PDF. Print this document and keep it with you throughout your trip - immigration officers will want to see it.
  5. Alternative: Get visa on arrival. If you're from an eligible country, you can skip the online process and apply at Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam airports. Bring the same documents and $117 cash or card. Processing takes 30-60 minutes but can be longer during peak times.
Can I extend my Saudi tourist visa?
No, tourist visas cannot be extended. You must leave the country before your 90-day limit and can return on the same visa if it's still valid (visas last one year from issue date).
What if my visa application is rejected?
Rejections are rare for tourist visas but usually happen due to incomplete documents or passport validity issues. You can reapply immediately after fixing the problem. The fee is non-refundable.
Do I need vaccinations for Saudi Arabia?
No routine vaccinations are required for tourists, but if you're coming from a yellow fever area, you'll need that vaccine. During Hajj season, meningitis vaccination may be required.
Can I visit religious sites as a non-Muslim?
Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Medina's holy areas, but you can visit most other mosques and cultural sites. The visa application doesn't ask about religion.