The Saudi tourist eVisa is the standard way to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, events or Umrah. You apply online, pay once, and receive the visa by email, usually within minutes. There are two official portals, and which one you use depends on your passport or the visa you already hold.
Saudi eVisa eligibility: who can apply online
| You are | Where to apply | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A citizen of one of the 72 eligible countries | Visit Saudi portal, visa.visitsaudi.com | Run by the Ministry of Tourism |
| A holder of a valid US, UK or Schengen visit visa | KSA Visa platform, ksavisa.sa | Any nationality |
| A permanent resident of the US, UK or an EU country | KSA Visa platform | Any nationality |
| A resident of a GCC country | KSA Visa platform | Residence permit details needed |
| A UK citizen | Either portal | The Electronic Travel Authorization is another option since 1 July 2026 |
The eligible-country list covers most of Europe, the US, Canada, Mexico and several Caribbean states, Guyana, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mauritius, Seychelles and South Africa. Kosovo and Guyana were added on 4 October 2026, and Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia on 5 November 2026. Check the live list on the portal, which this guide last read on 15 November 2026.
For the US, UK or Schengen route, the Ministry of Tourism set two conditions when it opened in June 2023: the visa must be a tourist or business visa, and it must have been used at least once to enter the issuing country, with an entry stamp. Close family members of eligible holders could apply too.
If you are not in any of these groups, apply for a visit visa through a visa service centre or a Saudi embassy via KSA Visa. Some of the same travellers can also get a Saudi visa on arrival instead.
How to apply for the Saudi eVisa, step by step
- Open the correct official portal for your situation (see the table) and create an account with a working email address. All messages about your visa go there.
- Prepare your documents: a passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry, a recent headshot photo, and, if applicable, your US, UK or Schengen visa, residence card or GCC residence permit.
- Fill in the form exactly as your passport reads. KSA Visa warns that errors slow processing; a wrong name or passport number can make the visa unusable.
- Choose the insurance provider if asked, and pay by card. Visit Saudi issues an invoice, and VAT is added to the fee.
- Track your application on the portal with your application number.
- Receive the eVisa by email as an attachment. Check every detail against your passport before you travel.
Each traveller needs their own eVisa. The Visit Saudi terms say only adults may use the service, and a parent or guardian applies on behalf of a child.
Saudi eVisa fee, processing time and insurance
The portals show the exact total before you pay. On 15 November 2026 the KSA Visa tourism page listed:
- Visa fee: USD 80
- Visa digital services fee: USD 10.50 (non-refundable)
- Insurance digital services fee: USD 10.50 (non-refundable)
- Insurance premium: depends on the provider you select
Travel websites quote other totals, often in riyals and for the Visit Saudi portal. Rely on the figure the official portal shows at checkout. The Visit Saudi terms say fees are not refunded once an application is submitted, even if it is refused.
Processing takes 1 minute to 3 business days, according to KSA Visa. Medical insurance is mandatory and bought with the visa, so you do not need to arrange a separate policy to qualify.
Saudi eVisa validity: one year, multiple entry, 90 days
- Valid for one year from the date of issue, for multiple entries unless the visa states otherwise.
- Stay of up to 90 days. The Visit Saudi terms phrase this as a maximum stay of three months.
- No extension. If the visa expires before you use it, you apply and pay again.
- Same passport. You must arrive with the passport you used to apply. If you renew your passport, check with the portal before travelling.
- Ports of entry: the terms say the eVisa is valid at all airports and seaports.
- On arrival: carry a copy of the eVisa on your first entry. Immigration takes your fingerprints and photo, and entry is at the officer’s discretion.
Good to know: KSA Visa also lists a single-entry tourist visa, valid for 90 days with a 90-day stay. Read the entry type printed on your visa, not just the general rules.
What you can do on a Saudi tourist eVisa, and what you cannot
Allowed: tourism, leisure, events, visiting family and friends, and Umrah outside the Hajj season. For Umrah you need a permit booked on the Nusuk platform before going to Makkah. Pilgrims landing at Jeddah airport can take the Haramain train from the airport towards Makkah or Madinah, and Madinah airport serves visits to the Prophet’s Mosque.
Not allowed: paid work, study and Hajj. Each year visit-visa holders are barred from entering or staying in Makkah during the Hajj season; in 2026 that restriction began in April. Dates for 2027 had not been announced on 15 November 2026.
The eVisa terms also note that non-Muslims may not enter the Holy Mosque in Makkah or the Prophet’s Mosque and its premises in Madinah. The city of Makkah is open only to Muslims.
Saudi eVisa scams and unofficial websites
Many sites with “Saudi”, “visa” or “evisa” in their name are private agencies that add their own service fee on top of the official one. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs tells applicants to avoid unauthorised individuals and companies. To stay safe:
- Use only the two official addresses below, typed into your browser rather than reached through an advert.
- KSA Visa displays a banner saying it is an official website of the Government of Saudi Arabia, with a link explaining how to verify it.
- Never pay a “visa approval” or “fast-track” fee to an intermediary. The official portals charge one set of fees.
Where to apply for the Saudi eVisa officially
- Visit Saudi eVisa portal: for citizens of the 72 eligible countries, with the current country list.
- KSA Visa platform: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ unified visa platform, for US, UK and Schengen visa holders, permanent residents and GCC residents.
If you are only changing planes, see our Saudi transit visa guide. Once your visa is sorted, browse our places to visit for ideas near each airport.
Questions travellers ask
How long does the Saudi eVisa take?
The KSA Visa platform gives a processing time of 1 minute to 3 business days, and most approvals arrive by email within minutes. Apply at least a few days before your flight in case your file is held for checks.
How much is the Saudi eVisa?
On 15 November 2026 the KSA Visa tourism page listed a visa fee of USD 80, a visa digital services fee of USD 10.50, an insurance digital services fee of USD 10.50 and an insurance premium that depends on the provider. The Visit Saudi portal shows its total, including VAT, before you pay.
Can I do Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Yes. The tourist eVisa allows Umrah outside the Hajj season. Book an Umrah permit on the Nusuk platform before going to Makkah. The eVisa cannot be used for Hajj.
Can I extend my Saudi eVisa?
No. The Visit Saudi terms state that an eVisa cannot be extended. If it expires before you enter Saudi Arabia, you must apply and pay again.
Do I need to print my Saudi eVisa?
The eVisa terms require you to carry a copy of the eVisa when you first arrive. A printed copy is the safest choice, with a PDF on your phone as a backup.
Can GCC residents apply for a Saudi eVisa?
Yes. The KSA Visa platform lists residents of GCC countries as eligible for the tourist eVisa. Apply on ksavisa.sa with your residence permit details; GCC residency does not appear on the visa-on-arrival list.
What happens if my Saudi eVisa is rejected?
You are told by email, often without a detailed reason. The KSA Visa platform says you can reapply at any time. The Visit Saudi terms say fees are not refunded for unsuccessful applications.
