NOTE: This guide was last updated in January 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic and the official sources we provided on this page for the most up-to-date information.

Saudi Arabia Visa Guide

A country with a rich heritage and a deep spiritual atmosphere, Saudi Arabia has been one of the most visited places in the entire world. If you’re also planning to travel to this distinct country, this guide will help you learn about Saudi Arabia’s visa policy and all you might need for a Saudi visa.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Saudi Arabia?

As part of Saudi Arabia’s visa regime, nationals of all foreign countries must apply for entry visas depending on the nature of their visit. Nationals of the following countries have visa-waiver agreements with Saudi Arabia: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and United Arab Emirates. Accordingly, citizens of certain countries are eligible to apply for an electronic visa/visa on arrival, which is valid for up to 90 days. The countries whose passport holders are allowed to obtain a visa on arrival include all the EU member states: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Ukraine, Russia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Andorra, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. Nationals of these countries can submit their application online.

You can see whether you need a visa for Saudi Arabia by using the “Plan Your Trip” section on the official tourism website of the country.

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Saudi Arabia Visa Types

Saudi Arabia offers various types of visas, each issued for a different purpose of visit. The most commonly applied visas are tourist visa and hajj and umrah visa. Following is a list of different Saudi Arabia visa types:

• Government Visa
• Diplomatic & Official Visas
• Diplomatic Missions & Organizations
• Tourist Visa
• Business Visit Visa
• Employment Visa
• Residence Visa
• Premium Residency Visa
• Newborn Visa
• Extension of Exit/Re-Entry Visa
• Family Visit Visa
• Companion Visa
• Personal Visit Visa
• Hajj and Umrah Visa
• Student Visa

Type C (Short-term Stay) Visa

Short-term Saudi Arabia visas can be issued for predetermined periods, in line with the applicant’s nature of visit and for stays that are not exceeding up to 90 days.

Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa

Tourist visa for Saudi Arabia is issued to foreign nationals who wish to travel to the country for tourism and entertainment purposes. Tourist visa holders can remain in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days.

Nationals of eligible countries can use the e-visa service or visa-on-arrival for an effortless process. Other countries’ citizens, on the other hand, must apply through Saudi Arabia’s consulates or authorised visa offices.

Saudi Arabia Business Visit Visa

Business visa is granted to foreign nationals who are visiting Saudi Arabia for business trips. Holders of a business visa may attend a conference, meeting, fair, or engage in commercial activities. An invitation letter from a Saudi company may be required for the application process.

Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa

Third-country nationals who intend to visit their family, relatives, or friends can obtain a family visit visa. Proof of the relationship between the application and inviter is required during the application. Minors below the age of 18 who are travelling without their legal guardians must submit a notarised letter written by their parents.

Saudi Arabia Visa for Cultural, Sports Activities and Participation to Conferences

Foreign travellers are asked to obtain an entry visa to visit Saudi Arabia with the purpose of participating in cultural or sports-related events. Hajj visa is a special category of Saudi visa that is given to pilgrims. Applicants should process their hajj visa request within designated times, between the 15th day of Shawwal and the 25th day of Dhu’l-Qaeda. Muslim women are not allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia alone, unless they are 45 or over. Visitors on this visa must leave the country past the end of the hajj period, no longer than the 10th day of Muharram.

Saudi Arabia Visa for Short-term Education and Traineeship

Foreign travellers who would like to go to Saudi Arabia for short-term education or training purposes shall apply for a short-term student or work visa. Applicants should get a long-term visa and a work permit for stays exceeding 90 days. The prospective employer or education institution must provide the applicant with an official letter of admission.

Type D (Long-term Stay) Visa

Long-term visa enables its holder to enter Saudi Arabia for periods extending over 90 days. The most common types of this visa are work visa, student visa, and Premium Residency visa.

A work visa is issued for full-time work in Saudi Arabia, where the applicant is required to submit a contract of employment provided by the employer. Medical report or a certificate demonstrating the applicant’s qualifications may be asked during the application process.

Foreign students who wish to take part in Saudi Arabian education institutions are requested to get a student visa. The visa is issued for a maximum of one year but applying for a residence permit is obligatory for long-term stays. An admission letter along with proof of adequate financial funds are among the key documents to submit during the application for a student visa.

Saudi Arabia Premium Residency is granted to qualified foreign citizens upon proof of a valid passport and sufficient financial funds. Accordingly, certain benefits are ensured, such as recruitment, business, and property ownership, with equal rights as Saudi citizens.

General Requirements to Apply for Saudi Arabia Visa

You can find below a detailed overview of Saudi Arabia tourist visa requirements. Please be aware of the fact that the required documents may differ depending on the term and purpose of your stay, hence the category of your visa. The Consulate reserves its right to ask for additional documents.

Saudi Arabia Visa Applications

1. A passport or travel document with at least two blank pages, valid for at least six months and for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page, including personal data and previous visas if obtained.
2. Completed and signed visa application form along with two biometric photos that are not older than 6 months.
3. Proof of travel with confirmed both-way tickets.
4. Bank account details proving that the passenger can sufficiently fund his/her travel.
5. Evidence of occupation in the form of certified documents through employer letter, student certificate, document of registration, or demonstration of pension funds.
6. Accommodation details through an invitation letter or proof of your hotel reservation throughout your stay.
7. Documentation of travel health insurance, which will be valid in Saudi Arabia throughout the entire period of stay.

Additional specific documents may be asked to enclose your application depending on your employment status:

• Employed applicants:
  • Employment contract (original certificate of employment indicating the position in the company and the salary),
  • Bank account statement of the past 6 months,
  • Approval letter of leave from employer,
  • Income Tax Return (ITR).
• Self-employed applicants:
  • Proof of business license (company registration),
  • Company’s bank account statement of the past 6 months,
  • Income Tax Return (ITR).
• Students:
  • Documentation of University enrollment,
  • No-objection certificate from school management.
• Retired applicants:
  • Pension statement documenting the past 6 months.
• Unemployed applicants:
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources,
  • If the person is not able to finance his/her own expenses, proof of a sponsor is mandatory.

What is Visa Sponsorship for Saudi Arabia?

Students or unemployed/retired people who are not able to cover their own travel expenses will need to demonstrate support from a sponsor who will fund the trip. The sponsor is entitled to certain requirements. Hence, only first grade relatives can fulfil this position. You can check our website for all the relevant details.

Saudi Arabia Visa Rules

• Citizens of Israel are also not admitted to Saudi Arabia, neither for transit purposes.
• Travellers who stay in Saudi Arabia after their visa expires may face overstay fees of up to SAR 50,000 and a maximum jail term of six months.
• Muslim tourists can perform Umrah on a tourist visa; however, a separate visa is required for Hajj.
• Female pilgrims cannot travel alone. Those who are younger than the age of 45 are requested to be accompanied by a male family member, while the ones who are above 45 can travel with an authorised travel agency.
• Applicants submitting requests for work or residence permits are asked to get an official medical report or physical examination for contagious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
• Please keep in mind that the entry requirements may change based on decisions of the authorities and it is strongly advised to have solid information from the local diplomatic missions in your country of residence prior to your departure.

Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements

In addition to above mentioned application documents, general requirements for certain nationalities include:

Saudi Arabia Visa for European countries

Nationals of the EU member states need entry visas to travel to Saudi Arabia. However, they can take advantage of the e-visa or visa on arrival schemes.

Saudi Arabia Visa requirement for US, UK, and Canadian citizens

Citizens of the UK, Canada and the US are also eligible to apply for e-visa/visa on arrival.

Saudi Arabia Visa Fees

The visa fee may change depending on the type of visa applied to visit Saudi Arabia. The visa fee comprises of the processing costs, unless stated otherwise. Also, beware that the fee is non-refundable, which means that the rejection of your application will not be reimbursed. You can find different visa types and the range of their fees below: