List of Eligible Countries for saudi-arabia Visa
Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country that covers most of the Arabian Peninsula, with coastlines along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. It borders Jordan to the northwest, Iraq and Kuwait to the northeast, Yemen to the south, the UAE to the southeast, and Bahrain and Qatar to the east.
Tourism is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan. The kingdom aims to attract 100 million tourists annually by 2030 and grow tourism to contribute 10% of its GDP. Entry is allowed only for eligible travelers; otherwise, entry is considered illegal. Below is information on countries eligible to enter Saudi Arabia.
Countries Eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa
Saudi Arabia offers e-visa related to tourism. The e-Visa for tourists is valid for one year. It can be used for multiple entries the entire year or a single entry depending on the country you are applying from. The e-Visa stay validity per visit is up to 90 days and it is not applicable for studying or working in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Visa Exempt Countries
Applicants from the countries mentioned below can enter Saudi Arabia without needing a visa. The list of countries exempt from the requirement of obtaining a visa to enter Saudi Arabia is as follows:
- Kuwait
- Oman
- United Arab Emirates
Nationalities that require a Regular Visa for Saudi Arabia/Countries not Eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa
Citizens of these countries cannot apply for Saudi Arabia visas online. As they don't qualify for the Saudi Arabia eVisa, a traditional visa must be obtained through a diplomatic mission.
- Abkhazia
- Aland Islands
- Algeria
- American Samoa
- Angola
- Anguilla
- Antarctica
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bonaire
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Bouvet Island
- Brazil
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- British Virgin Islands
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Chile
- Christmas Island
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Cote d'Ivoire
- Curacao
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ethiopia
- Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
- Faroe Islands
- Fiji
- French Guiana
- French Polynesia
- French Southern Territories
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Greenland
Key Points Related to the Saudi Arabia eVisa
- The purpose of Saudi Arabia tourist visa is leisure, events, visiting family and relatives, and performing Umrah
- E-visa is a multiple-entry visa, with a validity of 1 year and a stay duration of 90 days per visit.
- Make sure that your passport is valid for up to 6 months from the date of your arrival in Saudi Arabia, and it has sufficient blank pages for an entry stamp.
- The permitted duration of stay cannot be extended.
- Tourists should arrive holding the same passport they used when applying for the e-visa.
- Always provide accurate and authentic information in your e-visa application. Applications containing misleading and false info will be rejected.
- Any invitations, hotel booking receipts or any other documents that confirm the motive of your trip to Saudi Arabia may be required for an e-visa.
- The Saudi Arabia e-visa is valid for entering via all seaports and airports.
- You will receive the approved e-visa in the form of an email attachment, usually a PDF file.
- It is suggested that you apply for your Saudi Arabia eVisa at least four days before intending to receive the visa.
- All tourists will be subject to local laws after arriving in KSA.
- Candidates must be 18 years old at least to apply for an e-visa. Minors would require an adult to apply on their behalf as they cannot apply on their own. Those applying on behalf of a minor must have legal authority to do so otherwise the application will be rejected. Note: Every child must have their own approved evisa and passport to travel to KSA.
- If you already have a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, you don’t need to separately apply for an eVisa to visit Saudi Arabia tourist place.
- Foreign citizens will have the right to freedom of movement within the area of the region near the point of entry. However, to visit certain organizations, territories, and facilities, you will need special permission as per the laws of the Saudi Arabia Federation.
- Foreign nationals should enter and leave Saudi Arabia only through the permitted air/naval/automobile/railroad checkpoints of their permitted eVisa region at the national border of the Russian Federation.
- An approved Saudi e-visa doesn’t guarantee entry into KSA.
Types of Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia attracts two types of tourists—those seeking recreation and those visiting for religious purposes. The country hosts both recreational and religious tourism. With the launch of the tourist e-visa, Saudi Arabia has opened its borders and seen major changes in its travel and tourism sectors.
As the birthplace of Islam and one of the oldest trade hubs, the kingdom’s deep cultural roots and heritage draw tourists from around the world. Society has modernized, and many strict rules have eased. Beyond pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia is now a top destination for recreational travel.
Saudi Arabia E-Visa validity and Stay duration
As already discussed, the Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa is a multiple-entry visa with a validity of one year and a stay duration of 90 days per visit. The visa's validity starts on the date it was issued. The validity period is mentioned in the approved e-visa.
Can I extend my Saudi Arabia eVisa validity?
You cannot extend your Saudi Arabia e-visa. In case it gets expired before you enter the kingdom, you will need to re-apply for it and pay the visa fees again.
Frequently Asked Questions
While Saudi Arabia has become more open, modest attire respecting local customs is advisable in public places. Guidelines for both men and women are often provided by tourism authorities.
Options include taxis, ride-sharing apps, and public transportation in larger cities. For longer distances, domestic flights and intercity buses are available. Car rentals are also an option for independent travel.
If your eVisa application is denied, you will typically receive a notification. You may be able to reapply after addressing any potential issues, but it's advisable to carefully review the requirements before submitting a new application.
Yes, any person applying for the Saudi Arabia eVisa can get support and guidance from the Saudi Arabia Customer Support Team.