Getting ready for Saudi: Your tourist e-visa essentials
There’s never been a better time to visit Saudi Arabia – and thanks to the Kingdom’s e-visa program it’s never been easier to do so either. You don’t need to visit a Saudi embassy, you don’t need masses of documents, and you don’t need to stress. Just follow the simple steps in this guide, book your flight and pack your bags. You’ll be on your way to exploring the Kingdom of opportunities.
First, let’s deal with some terminology. There are essentially three kinds of visas for Saudi Arabia – tourist visas, pilgrimage visas, and work visas. While each is straightforward to obtain, make sure you apply for the right one to avoid disappointment. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on the tourism e-visa.
Let’s begin…
Where do I start?
By reading this guide! First and foremost, Saudi Arabia’s official Visit Saudi website contains all the information you need – whatever your nationality – and also directs you to the official Saudi e-visa application site here.
Please remember: These are the only official sites for Saudi visas, beware of other sites which may demand unnecessary fees (or worse) – there’s no need to take that risk when these official sites can provide you with accurate up-to-date information.
What do I need?
If you’ve traveled internationally before, you likely have everything you need to complete the Saudi e-visa process: Your passport, a digital photo of yourself, and where you plan to stay when you arrive in the Kingdom.
Your visa checklist:
- Ensure your nationality makes you eligible for an e-visa. Although most nationalities are eligible, you can double check on the official list here.
- A valid passport. Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the Kingdom.
- A digital passport-style photo headshot of yourself ready to upload, this must be under 500kbs in size.
- Name of arrival accommodation (e.g. hotel name) – You do not need a completed booking at this stage.
What do I do?
At the Visit Saudi application site, you can begin the application process by clicking on the APPLY NOW link.
You’ll be asked to setup an account. Make sure you use an email account and/or mobile number you have ready access to as all visa confirmations will be sent there!
It’s a quick process, usually taking less than five minutes, and once done you’ll be able to complete the entire visa application through the platform. What’s more, with the account setup you’ll be able to extend your visa up to seven days before its expiry and apply for more visas in the future.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a Saudi e-visa is SAR395, including mandatory health insurance as of 2024. That works out to around:
- US$ 105.00
- EUR €97.00
- GBP £83.00
What’s this about health insurance?
As part of the visa application process, you’ll be asked to purchase health insurance covering the duration of your stay. This is simple emergency medical care cover and is provided by attested Saudi and international health insurance providers. You can see exactly what is covered in the policy here and see the suppliers here.
How long does this process take?
Once your application is complete, your Saudi e-visa will usually be processed within 72 hours – sometimes even quicker.
So, with the process completed in only about 10 minutes, that leaves you plenty of time to decide what you want to see and do when you arrive. That said, we recommend applying at least five days before you plan to travel to the Kingdom.
What does my visa allow me to do?
The Saudi e-visa is a multiple entry visa – So, you’re all set to enter the Kingdom as many times as you like for one year from the date of issue. Each time you can stay up to 90 days, enabling you to experience the Kingdom’s culture, activities, landscapes, hospitality, and more to your heart’s desire.
As well as all the leisure and tourism activities you could wish for. However, those planning to undertake Hajj will need a specific visa – more information and the application process is available through the official pilgrimage website, Nusuk.
Working or studying also require specific visas – more information on which can be found through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affair’s visas website.
Bon voyage!
So, whether you’re flying in for a match, planning on kicking back, or travelling the country to take in the sights, the introduction of tourist e-visas has made traveling to Saudi Arabia faster, easier, and more affordable than ever before. What’s stopping you? Start the application process today and get ready to experience Saudi Arabia.
