Saudi eVisa: Your Online Tourist Visa
The Saudi eVisa is the Kingdom’s official electronic tourist visa, applied for online at visa.visitsaudi.com. It opens the door to leisure travel, visiting family, cultural events — and Umrah outside the Hajj season. This guide covers who’s eligible, the 2026 cost, how to apply, and the Umrah rules you must know.
What is the Saudi eVisa?
Launched in 2019 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism drive, the eVisa is a fully online tourist visa. You apply at the official portal, visa.visitsaudi.com, upload your documents, and pay — all before you travel, with no embassy visit required. Eligible travellers can also get a visa on arrival, though applying online avoids airport queues.
It is a general-purpose visa: it covers tourism, visiting family and friends, attending events, and performing Umrah outside the Hajj season. It cannot be used for Hajj, employment, or study — those require their own dedicated visas.
Who is eligible
Eligibility is based on nationality and residency. If you’re not eligible for the online eVisa, you can still visit — but through a different route.
66 eligible nationalities
Citizens of 66 countries — including the US, UK, and most of Europe — can apply online or get a visa on arrival.
GCC residents
Residents of GCC countries holding a residency valid for at least three months can also apply online.
Everyone else
Nationals not eligible for the online eVisa apply for a “sticker” visa at their nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
Passport rule
Whichever route applies, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
What the eVisa covers
- Leisure tourismExplore the Red Sea coast, deserts, AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah, and more.
- Umrah (outside Hajj season)Perform Umrah with a Nusuk permit — see the rules below.
- Family & friendsVisit relatives and friends living in the Kingdom.
- Events & entertainmentAttend cultural, sporting, and entertainment events.
- Business meetingsAttend meetings and conferences (not paid employment).
- Not Hajj, work, or studyThese each require their own dedicated visa.
How to apply for the Saudi eVisa
The whole process is online and usually takes minutes. Have your passport, a photo, an email address, and a payment card ready.
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Go to the official portal
Open visa.visitsaudi.com (or the Visit Saudi app). Use only the official site — unofficial services add fees.
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Create your account
Register with your email address and set up your applicant profile.
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Complete the application
Fill in your personal and passport details exactly as they appear in your passport.
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Upload your documents
Add a scan of your passport and a recent digital passport-style photo.
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Pay the fee
Pay around SAR 535 by debit or credit card — this includes the visa fee, mandatory medical insurance, and VAT.
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Receive your eVisa
Your eVisa arrives by email, usually within 5–30 minutes and occasionally up to a few days. Keep a copy on your phone.
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Travel to Saudi Arabia
Enter via any airport, seaport, or land border. Your visa is verified electronically against your passport.
Umrah on the tourist eVisa — and the Hajj-season blackout
You can perform Umrah on the eVisa, which is why many pilgrims choose it — it also lets you explore other cities. But two rules catch travellers out, so plan around them.
Saudi eVisa FAQ
How much does the Saudi eVisa cost in 2026?
The Saudi tourist eVisa costs around SAR 535 when applied for online, or about SAR 480 as a visa on arrival. The price includes the visa fee, mandatory medical insurance, and VAT. Applying online is recommended to avoid airport queues.
Who is eligible for the Saudi eVisa?
Citizens of 66 eligible countries can apply online, and GCC residents holding a residency valid for at least three months can also apply. Nationals who are not eligible online must obtain a sticker visa from a Saudi embassy.
How long is the Saudi eVisa valid?
The eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries, with a stay of up to 90 days per visit. It is usually approved online within 5 to 30 minutes.
Can I perform Umrah on the Saudi tourist eVisa?
Yes. The tourist eVisa allows you to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, provided you follow the Umrah-season rules and obtain your Umrah permit through the Nusuk app. The eVisa cannot be used for Hajj.
Are there dates when tourist-visa holders cannot enter Makkah?
Yes. As the Hajj season approaches, Makkah is cleared of visitors without a Hajj permit. In 2026, the mandatory departure deadline from Makkah for tourist-visa holders was 18 April, with normal Umrah and visa services resuming on 31 May. Always check the current dates before booking.
What can I use the Saudi eVisa for?
The eVisa covers leisure tourism, visiting family and friends, cultural and entertainment events, and Umrah outside the Hajj season. It cannot be used for Hajj, employment, or study.
What documents do I need to apply?
You need a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, a recent digital passport-style photo, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the fee.
Do I need to print the eVisa?
Your eVisa is issued electronically to your email and linked to your passport. It is a good idea to keep a copy on your phone and a printout, but entry is verified electronically at the border via your passport.
Related service pages
Independent information notice. NewHaj is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Visit Saudi, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, or the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visa fees, eligibility, and entry rules — including Hajj-season dates — change frequently. For official applications and the most current information, always use the official portal: visa.visitsaudi.com.
Author: NewHaj
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