Saudi eVisa: Who is eligible and how to apply
Citizens of 57 countries, certain visa holders can get eVisa as well as visa on arrival.
Dubai: Yesterday (August 6), the Saudi Tourism Authority announced that Saudi Arabia has expanded the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for a Saudi eVisa or a visa on arrival.
Now, nationals from 57 countries can apply for an eVisa ahead of their trip. However, they are also eligible to receive a visa on arrival.
The multiple-entry tourist visa is issued for a year, and allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
Through the visa, tourists can explore Saudi Arabia, visit friends and family, or perform Umrah (this visa excludes Hajj).
New countries added to the list
1. Albania 2. Azerbaijan 3. Georgia 4. Kyrgyzstan 5. Maldives 6. South Africa 7. Tajikistan 8. Uzbekistan
Who is eligible for Saudi eVisa and visa on arrival?
According to visitsaudi.com, these are the three categories of visitors that can apply for an eVisa online or get a visa on arrival:
1. Tourists from 57 eligible countries listed below.
2. Permanent residents of the United States, United Kingdom and European Union (EU).
3. Holders of tourist or business visas from the UK, US or Schengen Area. However, this visa must have been used at least once, and should have an entry stamp from the issuing country for the holder to be eligible.
The applicant must be 18 years old. Underage applicants will need a guardian to apply for an eVisa and accompany them.
You must also keep in mind that your passport must be valid for six months to be eligible for a Saudi tourist visa.
Eligible countries for the Saudi eVisa:
North America: 1. Canada 2. United States Europe: 3. Andorra 4. Austria 5. Belgium 6. Bulgaria 7. Croatia 8. Cyprus 9. Czech Republic 10. Denmark 11. Estonia 12. Finland 13. France 14. Germany 15. Greece 16. Holland 17. Hungary 18. Iceland 19. Ireland 20. Italy 21. Latvia 22. Liechtenstein 23. Lithuania 24. Luxembourg 25. Malta 26. Monaco 27. Montenegro 28. Norway 29. Poland 30. Portugal 31. Romania 32. Russia 33. San Marino 34. Slovakia 35. Slovenia 36. Spain 37. Sweden 38. Switzerland 39. Ukraine 40. United Kingdom Asia: 41. Brunei 42. China 43. Japan 44. Kazakhstan 45. Malaysia 46. Singapore 47. South Korea Oceania: 48. Australia 49. New Zealand
How do I apply?
According to Visit Saudi, there are two ways individuals eligible for the eVisa and visa on arrival can apply:
1. Before travelling – through Online eVisa platform - visa.visitsaudi.com
2. Upon Arrival - Visa on arrival is granted upon entering Saudi Arabia through the visa offices at the Immigration Department.
It takes approximately five to 30 minutes for the eVisa to be issued.
Saudi eVisa validity and duration
As per visitsaudi.com - the eVisa will be a one-year, multiple-entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. For permanent residents of the UK, US and EU, the multiple or single-entry visa option is going to depend on the decision of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), which issues it on a case-by-case basis.
Cost for Saudi eVisa and Visa on Arrival
eVisa cost (inclusive of visa fees and medical insurace): SR535 (Dh523.83)
- Visa on Arrival Price: SR300 (Dh293).
- Medical Insurance Fees: SR180 (Dh176.24).
Total: SR480 (Dh469).
eVisa for GCC Residents
In September 2022, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism announced that residents in GCC countries are allowed to apply for a tourist eVisa and can apply for it online.
GCC residents will have to apply for the visa through the eVisa platform operated by Saudi Arabia's MOFA - visa.mofa.gov.sa
For an in-depth guide on how GCC expats can apply for a Saudi visa, click here
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