Saudi Arabia Visa Waiver 2026: Eligible Countries & How to Apply

Saudi Arabia's visa waiver program represents a significant shift in the Kingdom's approach to tourism, allowing citizens of many countries to visit without obtaining a prior visa. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and establish the country as a major global tourism destination. For eligible travelers, the visa waiver provides convenient access to experience ancient archaeological wonders, vibrant modern cities, stunning natural landscapes, and the rich cultural heritage of this historically significant nation.

The visa waiver program has been progressively expanded since Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international tourists in 2019. Today, citizens of over 60 countries can enter the Kingdom visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, making it significantly easier than ever before to explore amazing destinations like Riyadh, Jeddah, the ancient city of Al-Ula, and the Red Sea coast. This transformation has positioned Saudi Arabia as an emerging hotspot for travelers seeking unique experiences in the Middle East.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabia visa waiver program in 2026, including which nationalities qualify for visa-free entry, entry requirements, stay duration limits, and practical tips for making the most of your visit to the Kingdom. Whether you're planning a cultural exploration, business trip, or adventure holiday, understanding your visa options is the first step toward experiencing the new face of Saudi tourism.

The Saudi Arabia visa waiver is a program that allows citizens of eligible countries to enter the Kingdom without obtaining a visa in advance. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to enter completely visa-free or receive a visa stamped in your passport upon arrival at Saudi airports or land borders. This simplified entry process eliminates the need for prior visa applications and makes travel to Saudi Arabia more accessible than ever before.

The visa waiver program covers tourism, business visits, and transit purposes. Travelers entering under the waiver typically receive permission to stay for up to 90 days per entry, with a maximum of 180 days per year. This very generous allowance provides you with ample time to explore the Kingdom's diverse regions, from the historic sites of Diriyah to the futuristic cityscape of Riyadh, and from the beaches of the Red Sea to the mountain landscapes of Asir.

It's important to understand that the visa waiver does not replace other visa types. Travelers planning to work, study, perform religious pilgrimages (Hajj/Umrah), or stay long-term still need appropriate visas through the regular application channels. The waiver is specifically designed for short-term visits for tourism and business purposes.

Saudi Arabia has established visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements with numerous countries across different regions. The list of eligible nationalities continues to expand as the Kingdom develops more bilateral agreements and tourism partnerships.

Additionally, residents of the United States holding valid US visas, and residents of the UK or EU/Schengen area holding valid residence permits, may also be eligible for the visa waiver regardless of their nationality. This provision extends the program's reach to a broader range of international travelers who have established status in these regions.

Eligibility can change, and new countries may be added to the visa waiver program over time as Saudi Arabia expands its tourism initiatives. We strongly recommend checking the latest requirements before travel to confirm your eligibility status and ensure smooth entry into the Kingdom. Some nationalities that don't qualify for the waiver can still obtain tourist e-Visas through the online application system.

Even under the visa waiver program, travelers must meet certain requirements to enter Saudi Arabia successfully. Here's what you need to prepare for a smooth and hassle-free arrival at any Saudi port of entry:

Arriving in Saudi Arabia under the visa waiver program is straightforward. Most international visitors typically arrive at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, or other major airports. Here's the typical arrival process:

Immigration processing is typically efficient, with most travelers cleared within 15-30 minutes. Officers may ask about your travel purpose, accommodation, and length of stay. Answer honestly and have relevant documentation accessible. The immigration halls at major airports are modern and well-organized, reflecting Saudi Arabia's substantial investment in tourism infrastructure as part of Vision 2030.

For visa-on-arrival nationalities, there is no fee for the tourist visa stamp at the airport. The process is the same as visa-free entry - simply present your passport and supporting documents. Your passport will be stamped with entry permission for up to 90 days. Immigration staff are generally professional and accustomed to processing tourists since the country opened to international tourism.

Transportation from Saudi airports is convenient. Uber and Careem (the regional ride-sharing service) operate throughout the Kingdom and are widely used. Traditional taxis are available but ride-sharing offers transparent pricing. Major car rental companies have desks at airports for those planning to drive. Saudi Arabia has excellent road infrastructure, and driving is straightforward in most areas. The high-speed Haramain train connects Jeddah and Makkah, while domestic flights link major cities efficiently.

Mobile connectivity is excellent throughout Saudi Arabia. Local SIM cards are readily available at airports and can be purchased with your passport. Most international phone plans also work well with roaming. Download useful apps before arrival including Google Maps, Uber, Careem, and the official Visit Saudi app which provides tourism information and attractions.

Saudi Arabia offers an incredible variety of experiences for visitors, ranging from ancient historical sites to ultra-modern entertainment complexes. The Kingdom is rapidly developing its tourism infrastructure with world-class hotels, restaurants, and attractions opening regularly. Here are some must-visit attractions and experiences that showcase the diversity of what Saudi Arabia has to offer travelers: