How do I apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa?

Apply online at evisa.visa.gov.sa. You will need a valid passport (at least 6 months remaining validity), a passport-sized photo, payment by credit or debit card (approximately USD 135), and basic travel information. Approval typically comes within 24 hours. The eVisa is a digital document — you do not need a physical stamp, though printing a copy is advisable.

Which countries can get a Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa?

As of 2026, citizens of 49 countries can apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa online. These include most Western European countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others. The list has been expanding — check the official Saudi visa portal (evisa.visa.gov.sa) for the current country list, as it changes.

How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?

The Saudi tourist eVisa allows up to 90 days per visit, with multiple entry over a 12-month validity period. You can make multiple trips within the 12-month validity as long as each individual stay does not exceed 90 days.

Can I visit Mecca and Medina on a tourist visa?

Medina can be visited by Muslim tourists on a standard tourist eVisa. Mecca cannot be entered on a tourist visa — access requires an Umrah or Hajj visa, which is issued specifically for pilgrimage purposes. Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Medina under any visa type.

Saudi Arabia Visa Guide: Tourist eVisa, Hajj Visas and Entry Requirements

Saudi Arabia’s tourist visa programme launched in September 2019 and opened the country to international visitors for the first time in its modern history. The eVisa system is straightforward and efficient — most eligible nationalities receive approval within 24 hours.

The Tourist eVisa

Who can apply: Citizens of 49 countries can apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa online. The list includes the USA, UK, most EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and others. The list is updated periodically — check evisa.visa.gov.sa for the current eligible country list.

Cost: Approximately USD 135 (includes mandatory health insurance). Prices may vary slightly by nationality and are subject to change.

Validity: 12 months from issue date, multiple entry.

Duration of stay: Up to 90 days per visit.

How to apply:

Go to evisa.visa.gov.sa
Select your nationality and complete the application form
Upload a passport-sized photo and scan of your passport
Pay by credit or debit card
Receive your eVisa by email (usually within 24 hours)

Print or save the eVisa to your phone. Most airports will check it at check-in and arrival.

Visa on Arrival

Some nationalities (primarily GCC member state nationals) can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa or receive a visa on arrival. Citizens of the UK and selected other countries may qualify for visa on arrival in some circumstances — verify with the Saudi embassy or the official visa portal before travel.

Hajj and Umrah Visas

Hajj and Umrah visas are separate from the tourist eVisa and are issued specifically for Muslim pilgrims.

Umrah Visa: Available year-round (except during the Hajj season when some restrictions apply). Apply through authorised Umrah travel agents in your country, or via the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) — Saudi Arabia’s official pilgrimage portal. The Umrah visa permits travel to Mecca and Medina.

Hajj Visa: Issued only for the annual Hajj pilgrimage (Dhul Hijjah 8–13 in the Islamic calendar). Apply through your country’s Ministry of Hajj affairs or an authorised Hajj operator. A quota system limits the number of pilgrims from each country. Apply early — quotas fill months in advance.

See the Hajj guide and Umrah guide for pilgrimage-specific planning.

Entry Requirements

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Saudi Arabia.

Health insurance: The Saudi tourist eVisa includes mandatory basic health insurance in the application fee.

Israeli passport holders: Saudi Arabia does not admit holders of Israeli passports. This restriction has been the subject of diplomatic discussions but was still in place as of 2026.

Other restrictions: Check current Saudi regulations for any nationality-specific requirements.

Arrival and Border Formalities

Saudi Arabia uses biometric fingerprinting at immigration. Bring your printed or digital eVisa, your passport, and your accommodation confirmation. Immigration queues at King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) and King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh) can be long — allow 1–2 hours after landing.

For current visa information, always verify at the official Saudi visa portal or your country’s embassy website before booking travel. Visa regulations change. For tour bookings and guided experiences, see our Saudi Arabia tours page.