Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia? In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa, from eligibility rules and required documents to special provisions for Umrah pilgrims and GCC residents. I’ve also included up-to-date health requirements, timing tips and insider advice to make sure your application goes smoothly.

Types of Saudi Visas and When to Use Them

Saudi Arabia now offers two main tourist entry options:

• Tourist e-Visa
  Apply online through the official Tourist e-Visa portal, valid for one year, multiple entries, up to 90 days per visit.
• Visa on Arrival
  Available at select airports for eligible nationalities; single entry, up to 90 days—see requirements on the IATA Travel Centre Visa on Arrival page.

Special Religious Visas: Umrah vs. Hajj

Saudi Arabia differentiates between pilgrimage visas:

• The Tourist e-Visa permits Umrah visits outside the official Hajj season, allowing pilgrims to visit holy sites with minimal scheduling constraints.
• For Hajj, you must secure a dedicated Hajj visa through an approved tour operator during the designated dates, as coordinated by the Ministry of Hajj.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

Saudi Arabia’s tourist visa program is more generous than you might think.

1. Citizens of 49 countries are eligible for the e-Visa (see the Visa policy of Saudi Arabia for the full list).
2. GCC residents (with at least three months’ valid residency) can also apply under special provisions outlined in a Gulf News report on GCC nationals.
3. Applicants must be 18 or older; minors need to travel with an adult, as noted by the U.S. Department of State’s Saudi visa guidelines.

Statistic: Citizens of 49 countries can apply for Saudi’s tourist e-Visa (as confirmed by the Visa policy of Saudi Arabia).

“Tourism is a major focus of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to raise its share of GDP from 3% to 10% by 2030,” according to official statements on the Saudi Vision 2030 website.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps on the Unified National Visa Platform:

1. Create an account on the Unified National Visa Platform overview to register your details securely.
2. Complete the online form and upload documents (see the next section for specifics).
3. Pay the visa fee with a credit or debit card.
4. Receive approval via email—print your e-Visa to present on arrival.

If you prefer in-person support, VFS Global centers can handle submissions and track your application, offering local-language assistance.

Essential Documents Checklist

Before you start, gather:

• A passport valid at least six months from the entry date, with one blank page (as recommended by IATA’s passport validity guidelines).
• A hotel reservation or proof of accommodation.
• A return or onward ticket, which airlines often verify during check-in (IATA travel advice).
• Travel medical insurance covering COVID-19 hospitalization and other emergencies, in line with WHO recommendations for international travel insurance.
• Online immunization registration through the Saudi Ministry of Health portal—exceptions apply for diplomats, airline crew and government-issued visas (Ministry of Health immunization instructions).

Visa Validity, Duration and Extensions

• Validity: Typically one year from the date of issue.
• Stay duration: Up to 90 days each visit.
• Multiple entries: Allowed throughout the visa’s validity period.
• Extension: To extend beyond 90 days, apply via Saudi’s Absher platform or visit the local immigration office as outlined in the Absher user guide.

Health and Safety Entry Requirements

Saudi Arabia has relaxed its COVID-19 rules for 2025:

• No pre-departure PCR test or vaccination certificate is required, per the latest CDC travel health notice.
• Immunization information must be registered online unless you are exempt under diplomatic or airline crew categories, as detailed by the Saudi Ministry of Health.
• Carry travel medical insurance covering at least COVID-19 treatment to ensure full medical coverage during your stay.

Timing Your Application

Processing times can vary. To avoid delays:

• Apply at least 30 days in advance, especially if you plan to visit during Ramadan, Hajj or Umrah seasons when demand peaks.
• Check real-time updates on the e-Visa portal or consult VFS Global’s status tracker.

Insider Tips Before You Fly

• Save a PDF copy of your e-Visa in your email inbox for quick access.
• Keep hotel booking confirmations handy at immigration checkpoints.
• Register your travel insurance policy number for easy claims processing.
• Download the Tawakkalna app to receive local health guidelines and emergency alerts once you arrive (Tawakkalna official download page).

Ready for Takeoff

With your eligibility confirmed, documents in order and timing on point, you’re set to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, stunning deserts and modern cities. Apply through the unified portal, pack your essentials—and get ready for an unforgettable journey.