Planning
Saudi Arabia tourist visa, explained
For most Western passports the eVisa is quick and online. Here is who qualifies, what it covers and what it does not.
Updated · by Daniel
The eVisa at a glance
- Eligible
- UK, US, EU, Schengen, Canada, Australia, Japan and more
- Apply
- Online at the official Visit Saudi visa portal
- Validity
- One year, multiple entry
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days in total
- Includes
- Mandatory basic medical insurance
- Processing
- Often minutes; allow a few days
How to apply
- Apply only through the official portal, visa.visitsaudi.com. Third-party sites charge extra for the same form.
- Upload a passport valid for at least six months and a recent photo on a plain background.
- Pay by card. The fee includes the mandatory medical insurance.
- Save the PDF approval to your phone. Airlines check it at boarding.
Eligible nationalities can usually also get a visa on arrival at major airports, but applying ahead is faster at the border and avoids surprises at check-in.
What the visa does not allow
- Makkah. Non-Muslims may not enter Makkah, and the tourist visa does not cover Hajj.
- Work. Paid work, including freelancing on location, needs a different visa.
- Full travel cover. The included insurance is basic medical. It does not cover cancellation, lost bags, delays or most adventure activities.
Top up the visa’s insurance
Add cancellation, baggage and activity cover for desert driving, dune bashing and diving.
What it costs
- eVisa fee
- SAR 535 (≈ $143) on the official portal — SAR 395 (≈ $105) visa fee plus about SAR 140 (≈ $37) mandatory medical insurance (checked September 2026). The portal shows the live price at payment
- Payment
- Visa, Mastercard and most major cards
- Refunds
- Generally not refundable once issued
Mistakes that delay applications
- Using a lookalike site. Only the official portal issues the eVisa; others add fees.
- A passport with under six months left from your arrival date.
- A poor photo: shadows, glasses or a busy background.
- Name mismatch between the visa and your flight booking. Use your name exactly as printed in the passport.
- Applying the night before. Most visas come through fast, but not all.
Photo rejected, payment failed or application stuck? Every eVisa problem and its fix →
After the visa, sort these
Travel insurance
The visa's built-in cover is medical only. Cover cancellations, delays and activities.
Data eSIM
Install before you fly. Maps, ride apps and tickets all need data on arrival.
Questions travellers ask
How long does the Saudi eVisa take?
Many applications are approved within minutes, but some take a few days. Apply at least a week before you fly.
Can women travel to Saudi Arabia alone?
Yes. Women over 18 can get the tourist visa and travel independently, check into hotels and hire cars.
Can unmarried couples share a hotel room?
Yes. Foreign couples are not asked for a marriage certificate to share a room.
Do I need a visa if I have a transit stopover?
Saudia and flynas offer a free stopover visa of up to 96 hours when you book an eligible ticket through them. It is a good way to add a short stop in Riyadh or Jeddah.
Can I extend the Saudi tourist visa?
The eVisa allows up to 90 days in total within its one-year validity. Extensions are limited, so plan within that window.
