Saudi Tourist Visa 2026 — Requirements, Steps, and Fees

If you’re planning to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, Umrah, or even just a stopover (transit) at King Khalid or King Abdulaziz Airport, you’re in the right place. This article explains everything about the Saudi tourist visa: requirements, application steps, fees, eligible countries, and even the stopover visa.

Saudi Arabia has become one of the top tourist destinations in the region — from the green mountains of Abha and Jeddah’s beaches to Riyadh events, historical sites, and religious destinations in Makkah and Madinah. The Kingdom has opened its doors to tourists from around the world. Let’s dive into the details.

📊 Quick Overview

InfoDetails
Who is it for?Citizens of eligible countries + some GCC residents
Where to apply?visa.visitsaudi.com
How much does it cost?Approx. 480–535 SAR including insurance
Processing time?Usually within minutes to 24 hours
Visa validity1 year — multiple entry
Stay durationUp to 90 days per stay depending on visa type

What is the Saudi Tourist Visa?

The Saudi tourist visa (e-visa) is a permit that allows foreigners from eligible countries to enter the Kingdom for tourism, attending events, or performing Umrah outside of Hajj season.

You can apply entirely online without visiting an embassy or office, and it’s usually sent to your email shortly after approval.

  • Fully online application
  • Fast processing — usually within hours
  • Health insurance included in the fees
  • Multiple entries during validity period
  • Ability to perform Umrah outside Hajj season

⚠️ Note: This visa does not permit work or study inside Saudi Arabia. If your goal is work or study, you need a different visa type.

✅ Visa Requirements

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Recent personal photo with white background
  • Valid email address
  • Online payment of fees
  • No prior entry ban to the Kingdom
  • Data entry matching the passport exactly

⚠️ Note: Any mistake in the name or passport number can cause delays or rejection, so double-check your details before paying.

🌍 Eligible Countries for the E-Visa

The e-visa is available to citizens of many countries around the world.

Europe

🇬🇧 UK • 🇫🇷 France • 🇩🇪 Germany • 🇪🇸 Spain • 🇮🇹 Italy • 🇳🇱 Netherlands • 🇸🇪 Sweden • 🇳🇴 Norway • 🇨🇭 Switzerland and more

Asia

🇯🇵 Japan • 🇨🇳 China • 🇸🇬 Singapore • 🇰🇷 South Korea • 🇹🇷 Turkey • 🇹🇭 Thailand and more

North America

🇺🇸 United States • 🇨🇦 Canada

Oceania

🇦🇺 Australia • 🇳🇿 New Zealand

Africa

🇿🇦 South Africa • 🇲🇺 Mauritius • 🇸🇨 Seychelles

GCC Residents

If you are a resident of a GCC country with a valid residency, you may be eligible to apply depending on your nationality and registered profession.

⚠️ Note: The list of eligible countries changes from time to time, so always check the official website before applying.

📋 Step-by-Step Application

👣 Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to: visa.visitsaudi.com and make sure you’re using the official site only.

👣 Step 2: Choose Visa Type

Select: Tourist Visa

👣 Step 3: Fill in Your Details

  • Name as it appears on your passport
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Email address

👣 Step 4: Upload Your Photo

Upload a clear photo with a white background, ensuring your face is fully visible.

👣 Step 5: Pay the Fees

Fees are typically between 480 to 535 SAR and include health insurance.

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Some local and GCC cards

⚠️ Note: Fees are non-refundable after payment, even if the application is rejected.

👣 Step 6: Receive Your Visa

After approval, the visa will be sent to you as a PDF to your email. Keep a copy on your phone and a printed copy as backup.

✈️ Stopover Visa

If you’re traveling with Saudia Airlines or Flynas and have a transit stop in Saudi Arabia, you can get a stopover visa of up to 96 hours.

What does it include?

  • Enter Saudi Arabia during your layover
  • Ability to perform Umrah outside Hajj season
  • Visit cities and tourist attractions
  • Sometimes hotel offers tied to the booking

How to get it?

  1. Go to the Saudia or Flynas website
  2. Book a flight with a stopover in Saudi Arabia
  3. Complete your passport details during booking

⚠️ Important: Fees or taxes may vary depending on the airline and booking.

🗺️ Top Tourist Destinations in Saudi Arabia

CityFamous Landmarks
RiyadhDiriyah, Boulevard World, Kingdom Tower
JeddahCorniche, Historic Jeddah, King Fahd’s Fountain
MakkahOpen to Muslims only — includes the Grand Mosque and Cave of Hira
MadinahAl-Masjid an-Nabawi, Quba, Mount Uhud
AbhaMount Soudah, Asir National Park
Al Khobar & DammamAl Khobar Corniche, Coral Island

Saudi Arabia combines nature, desert, modern cities, and historical and religious sites. Domestic travel has become easier than ever thanks to domestic flights and highways.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the tourist visa for Umrah?

Yes, you can perform Umrah outside of Hajj season using the tourist visa, with a permit booked through the Nusuk app.

How long is the visa valid?

It’s usually valid for one full year, multiple entry.

Can I extend the visa?

It generally cannot be extended normally, but exceptional cases are reviewed by passport authorities.

Are the fees refundable if my application is rejected?

No, fees are non-refundable after submission.

Is health insurance included?

Yes, health insurance is included in the visa fees.

Are there fines for overstaying?

Yes, there are financial penalties for overstaying the visa duration.

💡 Travel Tips

  • Keep a copy of your passport and visa
  • Use the Nusuk app for Umrah bookings
  • Download ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem
  • Check baggage and liquid regulations before traveling
  • Plan your trip early, especially during seasons and holidays

🔗 Important Official Links

📝 Summary: The Saudi tourist visa has become easy and fast — fully online. It opens the door for you to visit Saudi cities, perform Umrah outside Hajj season, or take advantage of the stopover visa during your international trip.

📎 Original article (Arabic): toly.today/saudi-tourist-visa-2026/