This guide explains the main Saudi tourist eVisa requirements, eligible nationalities, fees, passport rules, application process, and the difference between a tourist visa and a Saudi transit visa.
What Is the Saudi Tourist eVisa?
The Saudi tourist eVisa is an electronic visa that allows eligible foreign visitors to travel to Saudi Arabia without applying through a traditional embassy process. Applications are submitted online, and an approved visa is delivered electronically.
The official Visit Saudi eVisa system currently lists eligible nationalities and explains that the tourist visa can be used for tourism-related activities, family and relative visits, events, leisure, and Umrah, excluding Hajj.
The standard tourist eVisa is generally a one-year multiple-entry visa. The maximum permitted stay is up to 90 days, subject to the conditions attached to the issued visa.
Travelers should always check the official visa portal before applying because eligibility, visa products, fees, and entry conditions can change.
Who Can Apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
The official Saudi eVisa portal currently lists a large group of eligible nationalities from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Eligible nationalities include countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, India-related travel routes under specific programs, and many European countries.
The official list should be checked directly before submitting an application because nationality eligibility is determined by the Saudi authorities.
If your passport country is not included in the standard eVisa list, other visa routes may still be available depending on your circumstances. The Saudi visa system also provides routes through service centers and Saudi diplomatic missions.
Saudi Tourist Visa for GCC Residents
GCC residency can provide an additional route to obtaining a Saudi tourist visa. The official KSA Visa platform states that residents of GCC countries can qualify for a tourism eVisa route, subject to the applicable requirements.
This is particularly relevant for residents of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and other GCC countries who want to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism.
GCC residents should check their current residency documentation and eligibility directly through the official KSA Visa platform before booking travel. Residency status does not necessarily mean that every applicant will receive automatic approval.
If you are traveling from the UAE, you may also want to review our dedicated guide to the Saudi visit visa for UAE residents.
Saudi Tourist eVisa Requirements in 2026
The exact requirements depend on the visa route and applicant’s nationality or residency status, but several requirements are particularly important for the standard Saudi eVisa.
Valid Passport
Applicants using the standard Saudi eVisa system must have a passport from an eligible country. The official eVisa terms state that the passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
Accurate Personal Information
Passport details, personal information, and application data should match the travel document exactly. Incorrect or misleading information can result in rejection or problems at the border.
Email Address
An active email address is required because the electronic visa is issued and communicated digitally.
Medical Insurance
Insurance can form part of the Saudi visa process. The amount and provider-related cost can vary depending on the visa application and selected insurance coverage, so applicants should check the amount displayed during the official application process.
Ability to Meet Entry Conditions
Having an approved eVisa does not automatically guarantee admission into Saudi Arabia. Entry remains subject to meeting the applicable conditions at the border and the decision of immigration authorities.
How Much Does a Saudi Tourist eVisa Cost?
Saudi visa pricing can change, and applicants should rely on the amount shown by the official KSA Visa platform during the application process.
The current KSA Visa tourism service information lists an $80 visa fee, plus a $10.50 digital services fee and a $10.50 insurance digital services fee, with insurance charges varying according to the selected provider.
This means the final amount payable can be higher than the basic visa fee. Applicants should review the complete payment breakdown before submitting the application.
For UAE residents planning Umrah, our guide to the Saudi Umrah visa for UAE residents covers the separate considerations involved in Umrah travel.
How Long Is the Saudi Tourist eVisa Valid?
The standard Saudi tourist eVisa is generally valid for one year from the date of issuance and permits multiple entries unless the specific visa states otherwise.
The maximum stay under the standard eVisa is up to 90 days. The visa itself may remain valid for a year while individual visits are subject to the permitted stay conditions.
Travelers should check the dates and conditions printed on their approved electronic visa rather than relying only on general visa information.
What Can You Do With a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
A Saudi tourist eVisa is intended for tourism-related activities rather than employment.
- Explore Saudi cities and destinations
- Visit cultural and heritage attractions
- Attend permitted tourism and entertainment events
- Visit family and relatives
- Enjoy leisure and tourism experiences
- Perform Umrah when permitted under the applicable rules
The tourist eVisa is not a work visa, and travelers should not undertake paid employment while visiting Saudi Arabia under a tourist visa.
What Is the Saudi Transit or Stopover Visa?
The Saudi transit visa, also described by Visit Saudi as a stopover visa, is designed for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia who want to leave the airport and spend a short period in the Kingdom.
The official Visit Saudi stopover program currently allows eligible travelers to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours.
This can make the stopover route useful for travelers who have a longer connection in Saudi Arabia and want to experience destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, or other permitted attractions during their journey.
Who Can Get the Saudi 96-Hour Stopover Visa?
The current official stopover program is linked to flights booked with participating airlines, including Saudia and flynas.
According to the official Visit Saudi information, travelers booking eligible flights with these airlines can apply for the stopover visa during the booking process. The visa is generated electronically and sent to the traveler after approval.
The stopover visa is different from the standard one-year tourist eVisa. It is a short-duration, single-entry travel authorization intended specifically for transit or stopover journeys.
Saudi Stopover Visa Fees in 2026
The current Visit Saudi stopover information states that the visa itself is free for eligible Saudia and flynas bookings. Travelers may still pay an application fee of approximately US$10.50 and medical insurance starting at approximately US$3.45.
Because fees and airline arrangements can change, travelers should confirm the final amount shown during their flight booking.
How Long Can You Stay on a Saudi Transit Visa?
The Saudi stopover visa allows a stay of up to 96 hours, or four days.
This is considerably shorter than the standard tourist eVisa. If you are planning a longer holiday, a standard tourist visa may be more appropriate where you qualify.
For a short stopover, however, the 96-hour option can allow enough time to explore selected Saudi attractions without applying for a longer tourist visa.
Saudi Tourist eVisa vs. Transit Visa
The two visa options serve different travel purposes.
- Tourist eVisa: Designed for tourism and related permitted activities, generally valid for one year with multiple entries.
- Stopover visa: Designed for travelers transiting through Saudi Arabia on eligible airline bookings.
- Tourist eVisa stay: Up to 90 days under the standard eVisa conditions.
- Stopover visa stay: Up to 96 hours.
- Tourist eVisa entry: Multiple entry under the standard visa conditions.
- Stopover visa entry: Single entry.
The right application route therefore depends mainly on your nationality, residency status, itinerary, airline booking, and intended length of stay.
How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa
The standard tourist eVisa application is completed online through the official Saudi visa system.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Start by checking whether your nationality or residency status qualifies for an electronic tourist visa.
Step 2: Prepare Your Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry where that requirement applies.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Enter your personal and passport information carefully. The information should match your travel document.
Step 4: Review Insurance and Fees
Review the visa charge, digital service charges, and applicable medical insurance costs before payment.
Step 5: Submit the Application
After completing payment and submitting the required information, the application is processed through the relevant Saudi visa system.
Step 6: Receive the Electronic Visa
If approved, the electronic visa is delivered digitally. Keep a copy available when traveling and use the same passport that was used for the application.
Applications can be made through the official Saudi tourist eVisa portal or the official KSA Visa platform, depending on the applicable visa route.
How to Apply for a Saudi Stopover Visa
The process is different for the airline-linked stopover visa.
- Book an eligible flight with Saudia or flynas.
- Select the applicable stopover visa option during the booking process.
- Provide the required passenger information.
- Complete the applicable payment for services and insurance.
- Receive the electronic visa after approval.
The official Visit Saudi stopover program states that the application can be completed during flight booking and that the approved visa is sent electronically.
Can You Perform Umrah With a Saudi Tourist Visa?
The Saudi tourist eVisa permits Umrah under the applicable rules, but it does not permit Hajj.
Religious travel also remains subject to seasonal and operational requirements. Travelers planning Umrah should check the latest official instructions before traveling, particularly around the Hajj season.
If you are traveling specifically for Umrah from the UAE, see our detailed guide to the Saudi Umrah visa for UAE residents.
Can You Use a Saudi Tourist Visa for Work?
No. A Saudi tourist eVisa is intended for tourism and other specifically permitted visitor activities. It should not be used to take up paid employment in Saudi Arabia.
Anyone traveling to Saudi Arabia for employment should use the appropriate work or employment-related visa route instead of a tourist visa.
What Should You Carry When Entering Saudi Arabia?
Even after receiving an electronic visa, travelers should prepare the documents and information they may need at the border.
- Valid passport used for the visa application
- Copy of the approved electronic visa
- Flight and accommodation details where applicable
- Evidence of onward or return travel when relevant
- Travel insurance information where applicable
- Contact information for accommodation or local arrangements
Immigration authorities may assess whether a traveler meets the applicable entry requirements on arrival.
Saudi Tourist Visa and Your Saudi Travel Plans
Once your visa is arranged, you can build an itinerary around the type of experience you want from Saudi Arabia.
First-time visitors may combine modern city experiences in Riyadh with heritage destinations such as Diriyah and AlUla. Travelers interested in coastal experiences can explore the Red Sea region, while visitors looking for urban heritage and food can spend time in Jeddah.
If you plan to use public transport in the capital, our Riyadh Metro complete guide can help you understand the city’s developing public transportation network.
For visitors heading to AlUla, our AlUla heritage and Living Museum guide provides additional background for planning a cultural visit.
Common Saudi Tourist eVisa Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding basic application mistakes can make the visa process smoother.
- Entering passport details incorrectly
- Applying with a passport that does not meet the required validity period
- Assuming every nationality has the same visa route
- Confusing a tourist eVisa with a transit visa
- Assuming an approved visa guarantees entry
- Using a tourist visa for employment
- Ignoring seasonal restrictions affecting religious travel
- Relying on outdated visa fees or eligibility lists
Visa rules can change, so travelers should verify important details immediately before applying and again before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saudi Tourist & Transit eVisas
How long is the Saudi tourist eVisa valid?
The standard Saudi tourist eVisa is generally valid for one year and allows multiple entries, with stays of up to 90 days under the applicable conditions.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia with a tourist eVisa?
The standard eVisa permits a maximum stay of up to 90 days, subject to the conditions of the visa issued to you.
How long is the Saudi transit visa?
The official stopover visa allows eligible travelers to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours.
Is the Saudi transit visa free?
The visa itself is currently listed as free for eligible Saudia and flynas stopover bookings, although application and medical insurance charges can still apply.
Can I use the Saudi tourist eVisa for Umrah?
Yes, Umrah is permitted under the tourist eVisa subject to the applicable Saudi rules. Hajj is not permitted on a tourist visa.
Can I work in Saudi Arabia on a tourist eVisa?
No. A tourist eVisa is not a work visa and cannot be used to undertake paid employment.
Do I need six months of passport validity?
The official tourist eVisa terms require the passport to have at least six months remaining from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
Does an approved Saudi eVisa guarantee entry?
No. Approval of an eVisa does not itself guarantee admission. Travelers must still meet the applicable entry conditions when they arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi tourist eVisa and Saudi stopover visa are designed for different types of visitors. The standard tourist eVisa is suited to travelers planning a longer Saudi holiday and, for eligible applicants, generally provides one year of validity with multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days.
The airline-linked stopover visa is a shorter option for eligible passengers traveling through Saudi Arabia, with stays of up to 96 hours.
Before applying, check your nationality or GCC residency eligibility, passport validity, current fees, insurance requirements, and the specific conditions attached to your visa. Because Saudi visa regulations and travel procedures can change, always confirm the latest information through the official Saudi visa platforms before making final travel arrangements.
