The new tourist visa for Saudi Arabia opens up its doors to the world. With the fast and easy online application process, international visitors from 49 eligible countries can receive an eVisa and experience the warmth of Saudi people as well as their rich heritage, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, which range from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea to the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter.
Applicants can apply for a visa online and get it issued within minutes through Saudi Arabia's eVisa platform, which was introduced a few years ago.
It is possible for tourists from the 49 countries listed below to apply for a tourist visa online before they travel. They can also apply at airport visa offices upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia. This visa allows tourists to visit friends and family, explore Saudi Arabia, and perform Umrah, although it does not allow them to perform Hajj.
Tourist visas with multiple entry are issued for a year and allow 90 days of stay.
Who is Eligible for a Saudi eVisa and a Visa on Arrival:
eVisas online and visa on arrival are available for visitors in the following categories, according to Visit Saudi Website:
1. Tourists from 49 eligible countries are listed below.
2. Permanent residency visa holders of the US, UK and European Union (EU).
3. Those with tourist or business visas from the UK, the US, or the Schengen area. In order to be eligible, the visa must have been used at least once and have an entry stamp from the issuing country.
It is necessary for the applicant to be 18 years old. To apply for an eVisa, underage applicants must be accompanied by a guardian.
Furthermore, a Saudi tourist visa requires you to have six-month passport validity.
Saudi eVisa Eligible Countries Include:
North America:
1. Canada
2. USA
Europe:
3. Andorra
4. Austria
5. Belgium
6. Bulgaria
7. Croatia
8. Cyprus
9. Czech Republic
10. Denmark
11. Estonia
12. Finland
13. France
14. Germany
15. Greece
16. Holland
17. Hungary
18. Iceland
19. Ireland
20. Italy
21. Latvia
22. Liechtenstein
23. Lithuania
24. Luxembourg
25. Malta
26. Monaco
27. Montenegro
28. Norway
29. Poland
30. Portugal
31. Romania
32. Russia
33. San Marino
34. Slovakia
35. Slovenia
36. Spain
37. Sweden
38. Switzerland
39. Ukraine
40. United Kingdom
Asia:
41. Brunei
42. China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
43. Japan
44. Kazakhstan
45. Malaysia
46. Singapore
47. South Korea
Oceania:
48. Australia
49. New Zealand
How to Apply for Saudi eVisa
Individuals eligible for an eVisa or visa on arrival can apply in two ways:
1. Apply for an eVisa before traveling: Through the Online eVisa platform of Visit Saudi
2. Apply for an eVisa Upon Arrival: Saudi Arabia grants visas upon entry through the Saudi Immigration Department's visa offices.
Saudi eVisas are issued within five to thirty minutes.
Duration and Validity of Saudi eVisa
eVisas will be one-year, multiple-entry visas that allow tourists to stay in the country for up to 90 days. You can use the tourist visa to participate in tourism-related activities such as events, family and relative visits, leisure, and Umrah (except Hajj) but not other activities such as studying.
Multiple or single-entry visa options will be decided on a case-by-case basis by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for permanent residents of the UK, US and EU.
The Cost of an eVisa and Visa on Arrival for Saudi Arabia
A tourist eVisa costs SAR 525, and a processing fee of SAR 10 is charged for all applicants. The visa fee includes full health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
Saudi tourist visas on arrival cost SR480.
Saudi Visa for GCC Residents
It was announced in September 2022 that residents of GCC countries will be able to apply online for a tourist eVisa.
Residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council must apply for a visa through the eVisa system operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Saudi Arabia.
For more information on the same visit: (How UAE Expats Can Apply Online For Saudi E-visas)
Also read: Plan Your Entire Umrah Journey Online With Saudi Arabia's New Nusuk Platform
