Saudi Arabia
General visa requirements for travelling to Saudi Arabia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Tourist visa (GCC National ID Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Fee
- Free
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries enjoy freedom of movement in Saudi Arabia and may enter with either a national ID card or passport.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
GCC citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates
Eligible countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0
Tourist visa (Tourist eVisa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 24-48 hours
- Fee
- 300 SAR (base fee) + 535 SAR total (including insurance)
- Validity
- 1 year
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The eVisa is a one-year, multiple entry visa allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. Valid for tourism activities, including Umrah (excluding Hajj season), and visiting friends and family. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Citizens from 66 eligible countries including all EU member states, USA, Canada, UK, Japan, China, Australia, and others
Eligible countries: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America
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Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years old
Min age: 18
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete online application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unified visa platform
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Fee payment
Pay visa fee of SAR 535 (includes mandatory health insurance) using credit/debit card
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa on Arrival)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa on arrival
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- 420 SAR
- Validity
- 1 year for multiple entry option
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Available at designated airports (Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah, or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport). However, it is recommended to apply online for eVisa to avoid airport lines and delays.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Citizens from 66 eligible countries
Eligible countries: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document submission
Present passport and required documents
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of approximately 420 SAR
Tourist visa (Tourist eVisa for US/UK/Schengen Visa Holders)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- 300 SAR (base) + insurance fees
- Validity
- 1 year
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen business/tourist visas are eligible for Saudi eVisa, provided the visa has been used at least once to enter the issuing country/area. Also available to permanent residents of US, UK, or any EU country, and their first-degree relatives.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply through Ministry of Foreign Affairs unified visa platform
-
Document submission
Submit proof of valid US/UK/Schengen visa or permanent residency
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee (SAR 300 base fee plus mandatory health insurance)
Work / Immigration visa (Premium Residency (Permanent))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Fee
- 800,000 SAR (one-time)
- Validity
- Lifetime permanent residency
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Saudi Arabia's 'Golden Visa' provides permanent residency without sponsor (kafeel). One-time payment of SAR 800,000 for lifetime status. Under Vision 2030. Can own property, run businesses, hire staff, unrestricted travel. 2026 updates target Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals with $30M+ net worth and superyacht owners.
Eligibility
-
Financial
One-time payment of SAR 800,000 OR property ownership (residential) worth minimum SAR 4,000,000 with TAQEEM-accredited valuation
Minimum funds: 800000
-
Age
Minimum 21 years old
Min age: 21
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Online application
Submit application through Premium Residency Center portal
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Fee payment
Pay one-time fee of SAR 800,000
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa (Employment/Iqama))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- Variable - subject to Qiwa approval and quota availability
- Fee
- Variable (by employer)
- Validity
- 1-2 years depending on employment contract
- Entry
- Single entry
As of July 2025, Saudi Arabia implemented mandatory skill-based classification system for long-term expatriate work permits. Three-tier skill classification affects both employers and workers. Employers must meet Saudization (Nitaqat) quotas. Applications submitted via Qiwa (labour approvals) and Muqeem (residency/visa management). High-volume nationalities (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) often face longer timelines.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must have confirmed employment with Saudi employer who meets Nitaqat (Saudization) requirements
Required status: Confirmed employment with Nitaqat-compliant employer
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
Journalist visa (Journalist/Media Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Fee
- Variable
- Validity
- Duration of assignment
- Entry
- Single entry
All workers in media industry must obtain media-professional registration certificate from Saudi Media Regulatory Authority. For those already employed, deadline not yet set. New applicants must acquire certificate before applying for work visa.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Student visa (Student Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 2-6 weeks (varies by nationality and embassy)
- Fee
- Variable
- Validity
- Duration of studies
- Entry
- Single entry
Requires acceptance and enrollment in recognized Saudi educational institution. University acts as sponsor. Processing time varies significantly based on nationality, embassy, and time of year.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
How to apply
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Online application
Apply for student visa through Saudi Visa platform
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Fee payment
Pay required visa fees
Transit visa (Transit Visa (Stopover))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 4 days
- Processing time
- Maximum 4 hours
- Fee
- 35-45 USD (includes mandatory insurance)
- Entry
- Single entry
Available to travelers from all countries with layover between 12 and 96 hours. If layover is under 12 hours at Dammam (DMM), Jeddah (JED), or Riyadh (RUH), transit visa may not be needed. Cannot be extended beyond 96 hours. Overstay fine: SAR 100 per day.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Layover between 12 and 96 hours. Under 12 hours may not require visa if remaining in terminal.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photograph
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply for transit visa electronically
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of 35-45 USD including mandatory medical insurance
Medical visa (Medical Treatment Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Fee
- Variable
- Validity
- Duration of treatment
- Entry
- Single entry
Issued to patients with confirmed medical appointment requiring official medical invitation from Saudi hospital. For treatment requiring specialized care unavailable in home country. Can include accompanying family members.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Confirmed medical appointment for specialized treatment unavailable in home country
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete online application on MOFA portal
-
Document submission
Submit all required documents to Saudi embassy/consulate
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Fee payment
Pay visa fee
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Free
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Issued to holders of diplomatic or official passports traveling for diplomatic/official purposes. Some countries have diplomatic passport holders exempt from visa requirements for 90 days.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Traveling for official diplomatic or governmental purposes
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Two passport sized photos, recently taken with white background
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Visa invitation letter from Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministry, obtained by inviting embassy in Saudi Arabia
Tourist visa (Umrah Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- Within 24 hours
- Fee
- 300-350 SAR
- Validity
- 90 days from issuance
- Entry
- Single entry
For Umrah 2026, Nusuk is mandatory for all pilgrims. Without confirmed Nusuk-linked bookings, Umrah permits will not be issued. Must enter within 30 days of visa issuance. Last date to apply: March 19, 2026. Last entry date: April 2, 2026. Mandatory departure: April 18, 2026.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Valid for Umrah pilgrimage outside of Hajj season only
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete Nusuk registration and obtain confirmed bookings with BRN
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of 300-350 SAR
Tourist visa (Hajj Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Fee
- Variable (through authorized agents)
- Entry
- Single entry
All foreign citizens must apply through travel agents authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah. US citizens must obtain Hajj permit and visa through Nusuk platform. All pilgrims required to leave Saudi Arabia after Hajj, no later than the 10th day of Muharram.
Eligibility
-
Age
Children under 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian
Max age: 18
-
Purpose of visit
Valid for Hajj pilgrimage during Hajj season only
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document submission
Submit required documents including passport, photos, and health certificates to authorized agent
Business visa (Business Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 2-3 working days
- Fee
- Variable
- Validity
- 3-12 months to 2-5 years depending on type
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Every business visitor must be hosted by a locally registered Saudi entity. Foreign companies can sponsor employees only if they have registered branch/subsidiary with valid Commercial Registration (CR). MOFA's 2026 AI-driven vetting system cross-references visitor's professional title with sponsor's registered business activities.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Business meetings, conferences, negotiations, and commercial activities
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Passport photographs taken within last 6 months, white background, 200x200 pixels, 5-100 KB
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Electronic invitation letter from Saudi company and employment verification letter confirming business purpose
Work / Immigration visa (Temporary Work Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Fee
- Variable
- Validity
- 12 months (multiple entries)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Suitable for short-term projects, consultants, specialists, and project managers working on specific assignments. Allows project-based sponsorship. Multiple entries within 12-month validity.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Consultants, specialists, and project managers on short-term assignments
Required status: Project-based assignment
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
How to apply
-
Document submission
Submit project assignment letter, contract, and passport
Work / Immigration visa (Premium Residency (Renewable))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Fee
- 100,000 SAR per year
- Validity
- 1 year (renewable annually)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Renewable alternative to permanent Premium Residency. Not tied to sponsor, can work in private sector and switch jobs freely, own real estate. Annual renewal required.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Annual payment of SAR 100,000
Minimum funds: 100000
-
Age
Minimum 21 years old
Min age: 21
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply through Premium Residency Center portal
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Document submission
Submit passport, financial proof, criminal record, medical report, insurance
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Fee payment
Pay annual fee of SAR 100,000