Saudi Arabia has become a major global travel destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. According to the World Tourism Organization, it is the second-largest tourist destination in the Middle East, welcoming over 30 million international arrivals in 2024 alone. With ambitious tourism goals, including Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s economy through tourism, KSA continues to make travel easier for international visitors.
To accommodate this increasing number of travelers, the country has introduced a streamlined electronic visa (eVisa) system that allows tourists to complete and track their visa application entirely online. The eVisa simplifies the process, reducing wait times and making travel to Saudi Arabia more accessible than ever.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the KSA eVisa application process, including eligibility criteria, required documents, step-by-step instructions, processing times, and common reasons for visa denials.
What is the KSA eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. The introduction of this system has made it significantly easier for tourists to obtain a visa compared to traditional embassy applications.
The KSA eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries into the country. Each stay can last up to 90 days per visit, making it ideal for tourists who plan on exploring the country or visiting family and friends. However, it’s important to note that this visa does not permit employment or business activities.
Types of Saudi Visas
While tourism visas are the only kind you are able to receive in eVisa form, there are other types of visas available through traditional applications for a variety of purposes. There are over 15 different visa types, but we’re going to cover the most common below.
Tourist Visa
Let’s start by taking a look at the most relevant visa to our article. A tourist eVisa allows you to visit for up to 90 days for a couple of different purposes. These include special events, leisure, visiting family and relatives, and Umrah (outside of Hajj). At the moment, the Saudi tourist visa application is the only available eVisa application.
Business Visa and Employment Visas
A Business Visa is intended for individuals who wish to enter Saudi Arabia for business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. Unlike a regular employment visa, it allows you to enter without a job from a Saudi employer to conduct short-term business activities. A KSA business visa application form will need to be completed.
An employment visa, on the other hand, requires you to have a sponsored position with an employer in KSA. This visa allows you to work and reside in Saudi Arabia for up to two years. The Saudi employment visa application form will also need to be completed.
Student Visa
A Student Visa is designed for individuals who wish to study in KSA at an educational institution. It allows students to reside in the country for the duration of their academic program, providing them with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and complete their studies. You are able to apply at the embassy, consulate, or an authorized visa office and are required to have an acceptance letter from the educational institution you plan to attend.
Eligibility for the Saudi eVisa
Before starting your KSA eVisa application, it’s crucial to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. One of the primary conditions is that you must be at least 18 years old. However, parents or legal guardians can submit applications on behalf of minors traveling with them.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a Saudi eVisa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality Citizens from eligible countries can apply for a KSA eVisa. These include the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, and Australia, among many others.
- Valid PassportYour passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia and should contain at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
- Permitted Purposes of Travel The KSA eVisa is available for tourism, family visits, leisure activities, and Umrah (excluding Hajj, which requires a separate visa).
- Substitute Visa Holders Travelers holding valid U.S., UK, or Schengen visas or residency, or GCC residency, may obtain a Saudi eVisa, provided they have used the other visa at least once to enter its issuing country. However, some nationalities are not eligible under this rule, like Chad, Ethiopia, Iran, Libya, Palestine, and Syria. Citizens of these countries should apply through an embassy/consulate or authorized visa offices.
Visa Exemptions
There are certain circumstances where travelers may be eligible for a visa exemption, including:
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Citizens: Citizens of GCC countries benefit from freedom of movement and do not need to apply for a KSA Visa.
Documents Required for the Saudi eVisa
Now that you’ve figured out whether or not you are eligible to apply for an eVisa, let’s take a look at the documents and information you will need for a Saudi Arabia visa application. The list below is what is required with your initial visa application, but it is important to note that you may be asked for additional information after you submit your application.
Valid Passport
One of the most important things to have for your application is a valid passport. The passport must have at least six months’ validity from the intended date of entry and at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
Recent Photograph
You will need a passport-sized photo that meets official specifications, including a white background, high resolution, and minimal shadows.
Information Required for the Saudi eVisa
In addition to the documents above, you will also be asked to provide some additional information in the KSA visa application form.
How to Apply for the KSA eVisa
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can proceed with the application process. The good news is that the Saudi eVisa application is entirely online and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Fill Out Personal details
The first step of the online Saudi visa application process is to fill out all of your personal details. This includes your legal first and last names, your nationality, your country and city of birth, your religion, your profession, and your marital status.
This is also where you will be requested to provide your contact information, including your phone number and email address. We recommend providing the number and email address that you have the easiest access to.
Complete passport and visit details
After all your personal details are filled out, you will need to enter your passport information, including the passport number, issuance and expiration dates, and the country of issuance. Additionally, you will be asked to specify the purpose of your visit and expected date of arrival to Saudi Arabia, this will help ensure you are receiving the proper visa and that you will have it before you arrive.
Fill Out the Residence Information in Saudi Arabia
You will also be asked to provide the residence or hotel you plan to stay at while you visit KSA. If you’re staying somewhere that is not a commercial hotel, you will be asked to provide the address and contact information of who you will be staying with.
Pay the Fee
Once you have provided all the requested information, all you need to do is pay the fee for processing. As of the time of writing, this fee is US$ 195, but since a number of factors can affect this number, it may fluctuate in the future.
Stay Updated
Once you submit your application, it is important to keep an eye on the email you provided so you can keep up to date on your KSA visa application status. You may be requested to provide additional supporting documents, so we recommend checking daily for updates.
Travel to Saudi Arabia
After your eVisa application finishes processing, you will receive your eVisa through email and will be ready to travel to KSA. It is important to note that even if you receive your visa electronically, you must print out your visa or have a digital copy with you before traveling.
Saudi eVisa Processing Time
Processing times for the KSA eVisa generally range between 24 to 72 hours, though delays can occur during peak travel seasons or if additional verification is required. Factors that may impact processing time include:
- The accuracy of the information provided.
- The completeness of the submitted documents.
- The applicant’s nationality.
- High application volumes, particularly during peak seasons.
To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are correctly submitted and apply well ahead of your intended travel dates.
Tips for a Smooth Saudi eVisa Application
Now that we’ve covered the basics of your KSA visit visa application, here are our top tips to ensure your application process is as smooth as possible.
- Double-check eligibilityEnsure you meet the nationality or visa criteria before applying.
- Obtain the correct visa making sure you’re applying for the correct type of visa for your purpose of visit will prevent any issues with applications getting returned and having to start over.
- Submit accurate information Errors in any of the information you submit can lead to rejection, so it is important to ensure everything is up-to-date and accurate.
- Upload clear documents Blurry or incorrect file formats may cause delays or requests for resubmission.
- Monitor your email Stay updated on your application status and any additional requirements.
- Apply in advance Avoid last-minute applications to prevent unnecessary stress. We recommend applying at least two weeks in advance of your arrival date.
Entry Requirements for Saudi Arabia with an eVisa
Once you have your eVisa in hand, there are a couple of items you will need in hand to enter Saudi Arabia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After applying for your Saudi eVisa, you can track your status and receive updates through the email address you provided in your application.
There is no limit to the number of times you can enter the country during your eVisa’s validity period, as long as you adhere to the 90-day per visit limit for staying in the country.
If your application is rejected for any reason, you can contact the embassy or consulate to obtain more information and reapply with the corrected information.
Yes, minors must have their own eVisa application submitted by a parent or guardian.
If you wish to extend your eVisa beyond the year validity period, you must exit Saudi Arabia and reapply for a new visa from outside the country.
We will assist you in every step
Apply for your KSA Visa today. Simply fill out the online form to get started.