Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia? Before you pack your bags and book your flights, it’s vital to understand the country’s visa requirements. Keep reading to find out all of the critical information you need to guarantee a smooth and hassle-free visa application process. We’ll cover important information like the different visa options available, eligibility criteria, application process and fees.
Saudi Arabia is becoming more open to tourism - the tourist visa makes it possible for many nationalities to experience the greatness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian tourist visa was first introduced in 2019. Only ten days after it was first implemented, around 24,000 foreign visitors entered Saudi Arabia, most of which were from China, the UK and the US.
As of 2024, citizens of 63 countries are eligible to apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa, either online or on arrival at select airports. Before you apply, you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your intended stay.
The Saudi Arabian tourist visa has many advantages for leisure seekers and culture enthusiasts. The ‘Single Entry’ tourist visa allows one entry into Saudi Arabia with stays for up to 30 days, but there’s also the ‘Multiple Entry’ tourist visa, granting tourists multiple entries into the Kingdom within a year and each stay not exceeding 90 days. It’s a simple process to apply for a tourist visa - you can do it quickly and conveniently online!
To apply for a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia, the quickest option is to do it online. You can do this by visiting the official Saudi eVisa website.
If you’re unable to apply for a Saudi eVisa online, you may be able to apply once arriving at designated airports in Saudi Arabia - this option is only eligible for certain nationalities.
Before 2019, business travel to Saudi Arabia largely relied on sponsorship visas that had limited accessibility and flexibility. The introduction of the business visa is a move that aligns with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic diversification plan.
Saudi Arabia’s booming economy and unique business opportunities make it an attractive destination for international companies and entrepreneurs. However, securing the correct visa is essential for a successful business visit. Anyone travelling to Saudi Arabia for business purposes, such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts or participating in conferences, requires a business visa - this can include company representatives, consultants and independent contractors.
Before you apply for a Saudi Arabian business visa, you need to identify which visa type is most appropriate for your business trip to Saudi Arabia. Carefully evaluate your business needs and activities to choose the most suitable visa. After this, you can follow the steps below:
The Saudi Arabia business visa is cheaper than a standard single-entry or multiple-entry visa - it’s roughly SAR 330 (USD $88).
The Umrah pilgrimage is a sacred journey for Muslims around the world, allowing them to perform specific rituals in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. To take part in this spiritual journey, you'll need a special visa called the Umrah Visa.
Almost all nationalities require an Umrah Visa to enter Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage purposes, however, there are some exceptions. Citizens of certain countries, like those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival for Umrah.
To be eligible for an Umrah visa, you’ll first need a valid passport with at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Saudi Arabia. You’ll also need a clean criminal record with no convictions for serious offences, proof of vaccination against Meningitis and other mandatory vaccines and comprehensive travel insurance that is valid for your stay. It’s also important to join an authorised Umrah package provider - this is mandatory.
If you’re flying to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, it’s important to fly into designated Umrah arrival airports like Jeddah or Medina. For a stress-free Umrah experience, we recommend applying for your Umrah visa well in advance, especially during peak Umrah seasons.
Millions of Muslims worldwide dream of performing the Hajj pilgrimage, a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. But to be able to fulfil this spiritual obligation, you’ll need to secure a Hajj visa.
There are two types of Hajj visas - the individual Hajj visa and the group Hajj visa. The individual Hajj visa is ideal for pilgrims travelling independently or through private travel agencies. The group Hajj visa is suitable for pilgrims travelling with authorised Hajj groups or tour operators.
If you're looking for flights to Hajj, you can book your flights right here at Alternative Airlines.
The tourist visa, business visa, and Umrah and Hajj visas, are the most popular visa types for people travelling to Saudi Arabia. However, there are several other types of visas you can apply for that cover unique situations:
So, whether you're planning to visit Saudi Arabia for leisure, business or spiritual fulfilment, there's a visa waiting to welcome you into the Kingdom. Remember, choosing the right visa is key, and applying early means you can have a smooth journey without any hiccups.
Start to explore your visa options, prepare essential documents and get ready to experience the trip of a lifetime to Saudi Arabia.
If you're thinking about booking flights to Saudi Arabia, take a look at our other helpful guides:
Is there a Saudi Arabia visa for US citizens?
Yes, US citizens are eligible to apply for a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. There are several visas to choose from - tourist, business, Hajj and Umrah, employment and residency visas are available. It's important to apply for the correct visa that is most suitable for your reason to visit Saudi Arabia. For example, if you are a US citizen who wishes to explore Saudi Arabia as a tourist, you need to apply for a tourist visa.
Can I get a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival?
Yes, you can receive a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia if you meet certain requirements. You must be a citizen of one of the countries listed on the official 'visa on arrival' list (which includes the United States), you must hold a valid passport, you must have a return ticket or proof of onward travel and you must have sufficient funds for your stay in Saudi Arabia.
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