Saudi Arabia visit visa guide 2025, explained

Saudi Arabia welcomed around 116 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, marking a six per cent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism’s latest Annual Statistical Report. The growth highlights the Kingdom’s rising profile as a global travel destination, supported by its expanding hospitality sector, new attractions, and improved visa policies.

To accommodate this surge in visitors, Saudi Arabia offers several types of visit visas depending on nationality, residency, and purpose of travel.

Whether you are planning to perform Umrah, reunite with family, explore the country for tourism, or attend business meetings, here is a detailed guide to the visa options available.

Visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia

Travellers from eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Saudi Arabia’s airports and land or sea entry points. On arrival, you can either use self-service kiosks or apply directly at the passport control counter.

You may qualify for a visa on arrival if you:

• Hold a valid Schengen, US, or UK visit visa.
• Are a permanent resident in the US, EU, or UK.

Saudi Arabia eVisa

For most eligible nationalities, the Saudi eVisa is the most convenient option. Applications can be submitted online through the official eVisa platform.

• Validity: The eVisa is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year.
• Stay period: Up to 90 days per visit.
• Purpose: Tourism, visiting family, or performing Umrah (outside the Hajj season).
• Availability: Expats residing in GCC countries are also eligible. Both single-entry and multiple-entry options are offered.

The eVisa is issued electronically and delivered by email once approved.

Who can apply for a Saudi eVisa?

You may apply if you are:

• A citizen of an eligible country listed on the Saudi visa platform.
• A holder of a valid Schengen, US, or UK visit visa.
• A permanent resident in the US, EU, or UK.
• A resident in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
• How to check your visa eligibility
• To confirm whether you qualify for a Saudi eVisa or visa on arrival, visit ksavisa.sa. By selecting “visit” as your purpose of travel, entering your nationality, and indicating your residency (if applicable), the system will show the visa options available to you.
• Visit visa for non-eligible countries
• If you are not eligible for an eVisa or visa on arrival, you can still apply for a Saudi visit visa through embassies or authorised service centres. This option caters to tourism, family visits, Umrah, and business purposes.
• Family and Friends – For family visits, a Saudi resident or citizen must initiate the application by sending an invitation. The guest must have a family relationship with the inviter.
• Tourism – Visitors from non-eligible countries can apply through visa service centres (if available in their country) or directly through Saudi embassies. Applications are submitted via the KSA Visa platform and finalised at the relevant embassy.
• Umrah – Eligible travellers may perform Umrah using an eVisa, visa on arrival, or transit visa through Flynas and Saudia Airlines. If none of these options apply, an Umrah visa must be arranged through licensed Umrah agents, visa offices, or Saudi embassies.
• Business  – A business visit visa is issued for meetings, conferences, and commercial activities. Applicants require an invitation letter from a Saudi company, outlining the purpose of the visit. If no letter is available, details about the applicant’s business must be provided in the application.

·       Saudi transit visas

• Saudi Arabia also issues transit visas for travellers passing through the Kingdom by air, land, or sea.
• The stopover visa is a special option for passengers flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas. It allows travellers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours (four days) and can be used to perform Umrah or visit holy sites. The visa is free of charge, with only processing and mandatory medical insurance fees required.
• Important note – This information is intended as a general guide. Travellers should always verify the latest requirements through Saudi Arabia’s official visa platform at ksavisa.sa or contact the support centre at inside Saudi Arabia –  920011114 and outside Saudi Arabia: +966920011114

Story by Gulf News