Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa 2026: Requirements, Cost & Online Application

The Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa, available as an electronic visa (e-Visa), has transformed travel to the Kingdom, making it accessible to millions of international visitors for the first time in history. Launched in September 2019 as part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, the tourist visa program has opened the doors to one of the world's most fascinating yet previously inaccessible destinations. From the ancient Nabatean tombs of Hegra to the futuristic skyline of Riyadh, and from pristine Red Sea beaches to dramatic mountain landscapes, Saudi Arabia offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth.

The Saudi e-Visa system allows eligible travelers to apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate, receiving their visa approval electronically within minutes to hours. This streamlined process reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a major global tourism destination, with ambitious targets to welcome 100 million visitors annually by 2030. The Kingdom has invested billions in tourism infrastructure, including mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya entertainment city, creating world-class experiences for international visitors.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining your Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa in 2026, including detailed eligibility requirements, the complete application process, visa costs and fees, processing times, and extensive practical information for planning your visit to this rapidly transforming nation. Whether you're drawn by ancient history, modern architecture, adventure activities, or cultural experiences, this guide will help you navigate the visa process and prepare for an unforgettable Saudi Arabian adventure.

The Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa is a multiple-entry electronic visa that allows visitors to explore the Kingdom for tourism, leisure, visiting friends and family, and attending events. The visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance and permits stays of up to 90 days per entry, with a maximum cumulative stay of 180 days per year. This generous validity provides flexibility for planning multiple trips or extended explorations of the Kingdom.

The e-Visa replaced the previous cumbersome process that required applying through embassies with invitation letters and sponsors. Today, eligible travelers can complete the entire application online in approximately 10-15 minutes and receive their visa electronically. The visa is linked to your passport electronically, though it's recommended to carry a printed copy when traveling.

It's important to note that the tourist visa is strictly for leisure purposes. It does not permit employment, studying, or performing Hajj/Umrah pilgrimages - these require separate visa categories. Business activities are limited to attending meetings and conferences; any commercial work requires a business visa. The tourist visa has opened Saudi Arabia to the world while maintaining appropriate controls for different types of visits.

The Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa is available to citizens of 49 eligible countries. Additionally, holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas/residence permits may qualify regardless of their nationality. This broad eligibility makes Saudi Arabia accessible to a significant portion of international travelers.

Eligible countries include most European nations, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and China. The full list continues to expand as Saudi Arabia develops new bilateral tourism agreements.

If your nationality is not on the eligible list and you don't hold a qualifying US/UK/Schengen visa, you may still be able to visit Saudi Arabia by applying through a Saudi embassy or consulate in your country. The process is longer but available for most nationalities for legitimate tourism purposes. Additionally, GCC residents may qualify for simplified entry procedures.

Age and health requirements are minimal - there's no upper or lower age limit, and no specific health requirements beyond those needed for any international travel. However, all visitors must respect Saudi laws and customs during their stay.

Applying for a Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa requires the following documents and information. Gathering these before starting your application will ensure a smooth and quick process:

Unlike some visa systems, the Saudi tourist e-Visa does not require proof of specific hotel bookings - a general travel itinerary is acceptable. You also don't need to provide bank statements or employment letters for the standard tourist visa. The application process is designed to be straightforward for legitimate tourists.

For travelers using the US/UK/Schengen visa pathway, you'll need to provide details of your valid visa or residence permit, which will be verified during the application process. Ensure your qualifying visa remains valid throughout your intended Saudi Arabia visit.

The Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa has a comprehensive fee structure that includes the visa fee, mandatory health insurance, and processing charges. Understanding these costs helps you budget for your trip:

The total cost of approximately $160 USD covers your multiple-entry visa valid for one year, plus mandatory travel health insurance. This represents good value considering the visa allows multiple entries and a cumulative stay of up to 180 days annually. The health insurance provides basic coverage for medical emergencies during your stay.

Payment is made online during the application process. Major credit and debit cards are accepted including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. The transaction is processed in Saudi Riyals (SAR) but will be converted to your local currency by your bank. Some third-party visa services may charge additional fees for assistance with the application.

Note that the visa fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected. However, rejection rates are very low for eligible applicants who provide accurate information and proper documentation. Always double-check your details before submission.

The Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa application is completed entirely online through the official Visit Saudi portal or through authorized visa service providers. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

One of the great advantages of the Saudi e-Visa system is its speed. Most applications are processed and approved within minutes to a few hours. Here's what to expect:

The system is designed for efficiency, and the vast majority of applications from eligible countries are approved very quickly. However, we recommend applying at least one week before your travel date to allow buffer time for any unexpected issues. During peak travel seasons or major events in Saudi Arabia, processing may occasionally take longer.

Once approved, you'll receive your e-Visa via email in PDF format. The visa is electronically linked to your passport, so immigration officers can verify it digitally. However, it's strongly recommended to carry a printed copy as backup when traveling.

With your e-Visa approved, you're ready to travel to Saudi Arabia. Most international visitors arrive at one of the Kingdom's major airports - King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah. Here's what to expect upon arrival:

Immigration processing is generally efficient at Saudi airports, typically taking 15-30 minutes. The terminals are modern and well-organized, with clear signage in Arabic and English. Staff are accustomed to processing international tourists and can assist with any questions.

Transportation from airports is convenient. Uber and Careem operate throughout Saudi Arabia and provide reliable service with transparent pricing. Traditional taxis are available at designated stands. Many hotels offer airport transfer services, and car rental companies have desks in all major airports. The Kingdom has excellent road infrastructure, making driving a viable option for exploring.

Saudi Arabia offers an extraordinary range of experiences for visitors, from ancient archaeological wonders to futuristic megaprojects. Here are the must-visit destinations and experiences that make the Kingdom such a compelling destination:

Beyond these headline destinations, Saudi Arabia offers unique cultural experiences including traditional souks, Bedouin desert camps, world-class restaurants, international concerts and festivals (Riyadh Season, Jeddah Season), sporting events, and authentic Arabian hospitality. The country is actively developing its tourism infrastructure with new hotels, attractions, and experiences opening regularly.

For adventure seekers, activities include dune bashing, camel trekking, rock climbing at Tuwaiq escarpment, scuba diving in the Red Sea, hiking in national parks, and exploring ancient trade routes. The diverse geography allows for remarkably varied experiences within a single country.