The Saudi Arabia eVisa is the fastest and simplest way for most international travellers to enter the Kingdom. Launched in September 2019 as part of Vision 2030, the electronic visa has transformed Saudi Arabia from one of the hardest countries in the world to visit into one of the most accessible in the Middle East.
This guide covers everything you need to know: who is eligible, how much it costs, what documents you need, and a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process. All information is verified against the official Saudi eVisa portal.
Key fact: The Saudi eVisa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit (maximum 180 days total). It costs SAR 535 (~USD 142) and is approved in minutes.
As of April 2026, citizens of 63 countries can apply for the Saudi eVisa online. The full list includes:
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | UK, all EU/Schengen states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City |
| Americas | USA, Canada |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Kazakhstan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau) |
| Other | Russia, South Africa, Panama, plus holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas from any nationality |
Important: If your nationality is not on the eVisa list, you may still be eligible through the visa-on-arrival programme (available to holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas). See our visa-on-arrival guide.
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee | SAR 440 (~USD 117) |
| Medical insurance (mandatory) | SAR 95 (~USD 25) |
| Total | SAR 535 (~USD 142 / EUR 130 / GBP 113) |
Payment is by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex). The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied.
Visit visa.visitsaudi.com. This is the only legitimate site for Saudi eVisa applications. Do not use third-party visa agencies — they charge unnecessary fees and are not officially authorised.
Register with your email address and create a password. You will need to verify your email before proceeding.
Enter your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, and issue/expiry dates. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date.
Upload a recent passport-style photo. White background, face clearly visible, no glasses. The system is strict — use a plain white/off-white background and ensure good lighting.
Pay SAR 535 by credit or debit card. The total includes mandatory medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
Most applications are approved within 5–30 minutes. The visa is emailed to you as a PDF. Print a copy or save it to your phone. You will also need to show your passport at immigration.
You cannot: Work, study, or engage in long-term employment on a tourist eVisa. For work purposes, you need a separate work visa sponsored by a Saudi employer.
Most applications are approved within 5–30 minutes. In rare cases, processing may take up to 24 hours. The visa is delivered electronically — no embassy visit required.
Yes. Since 2024, holders of the Saudi tourist eVisa can perform Umrah and visit Makkah and Madinah. This was a major policy change — previously, Umrah required a separate visa.
Medical insurance is included in the eVisa fee. However, it provides basic coverage only. We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance separately, especially if you plan to do adventure activities like diving or hiking.
The eVisa is valid for 1 year with multiple entries. Each stay can be up to 90 days, with a maximum of 180 days total in the year. If your visa expires, you must apply for a new one.
If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you may be eligible for visa-on-arrival regardless of your nationality. Otherwise, you must apply through a Saudi embassy in your country. See our complete visa guide.