[Saudi Arabia Travel Guide] 2026 Latest! Saudi e-Visa Application & Entry Requirements

But before you pack your bags, there's one thing to sort out first: your entry permit.

Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Since Saudi Arabia officially opened its tourist visa program in 2019, travelers from 66 countries and regions can apply online for a Saudi e-Visa, enjoying the convenience of multiple entries over a full year. The entire process is handled online — no consulate visits required — and once approved, you simply download your e-Visa page and present it upon arrival.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 2026 Saudi e-Visa application — from eligibility and required documents to the application process and entry tips, all in one place.

The Saudi e-Visa is an official electronic tourist visa issued by the government of Saudi Arabia. It covers tourism, family and relative visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) purposes. Valid for a full year with multiple entries, the entire process is handled online — no need to submit your physical passport to a consulate.

Eligible Countries & Regions (66 in total)

The Saudi e-Visa covers five global regions. Below are the key eligible countries and regions:

Important: Applicants with a previous Saudi visa refusal are not eligible for the e-Visa. If this applies to you, please consult our visa specialists for alternative solutions. Additionally, applicants aged 18 or below must apply together with at least one parent.

One-Year Medical Insurance Included

All travelers entering Saudi Arabia on an e-Visa will receive one-year medical insurance from a Saudi government-designated insurer, covering emergency medical services — included in the visa fee, no separate purchase required.

The document requirements for a Saudi e-Visa are relatively straightforward, but every item must meet the specifications to avoid delays:

Application Steps

Processing Times

Expedited Service Submission Timeline (UTC+8):

Important: During major Saudi public holidays (such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and National Day), visa processing will be suspended, and review times may be delayed. If your travel dates coincide with Saudi holidays, we recommend consulting a visa specialist in advance.

Visa Validity Note

The visa is generally valid from the date of issuance; however, in some cases, it may start from your intended entry date. We recommend providing your accurate intended entry date to ensure the visa validity aligns with your itinerary.

We recommend submitting your standard application at least 7 days before departure. If you're short on time, the expedited service is available.

Saudi Arabia's major international airports and ports of entry accept e-Visa holders. Below are the main international airports:

Before departure, we recommend consulting a visa specialist to confirm that your specific port of entry accepts the e-Visa.

1. Applicants Under 18 Must Apply with a Parent

Applicants under the age of 18 cannot apply for an e-Visa independently — they must apply together with at least one parent or legal guardian. This is one of the most common reminders we give to family travelers!

2. Previous Saudi Visa Refusal = Not Eligible

If your Saudi visa application has been refused in the past, you cannot reapply through the e-Visa channel. If this applies to you, please consult our visa specialists — we will help assess alternative visa options.

3. Religious Site Restrictions for Non-Muslim Travelers (Important!)

Non-Muslim e-Visa holders are strictly prohibited from entering the Grand Mosque in Mecca and its surrounding areas, as well as the Prophet's Mosque in Medina and its surrounding areas. Please pay special attention when planning your itinerary to avoid inadvertently entering restricted zones.

4. E-Visa Does Not Guarantee Entry

Obtaining an e-Visa does not guarantee entry into Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, border officials may request to see your passport and other relevant documents. The final entry decision rests with the immigration officer.

5. Do Not Book Flights or Hotels Before Visa Approval

Please do not pay for flights, hotels, or other non-refundable expenses before your visa is officially issued. Any losses incurred as a result will be borne by the applicant.

6. Watch for Consulate Requests for Additional Documents

During the processing period, the consulate may request supplementary documents based on your specific case. Please cooperate and submit them promptly to avoid processing delays.

Refund Rules:

Q1: Which passport holders can apply for a Saudi e-Visa?

The Saudi e-Visa is available to passport holders from 66 countries and regions across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, including China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and more. Applicants with a previous Saudi visa refusal are not eligible. If you're unsure whether your passport qualifies, feel free to consult our visa specialists.

Q2: Can I get a refund if my Saudi e-Visa application is refused?

No. All fees paid and submitted (including visa fees and related service fees) are non-refundable, even if the application is refused. The issuance or refusal of a visa is determined by the applicant's personal information and the visa officer's judgment.

Q3: Can I extend my e-Visa after the 90-day cumulative stay is used up? What happens after the visa expires?

No, the Saudi e-Visa cannot be extended. The visa is valid for one year, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within that period. Once the 90 days are exhausted, you must wait until the visa expires (after the one-year period) before you can reapply for a new e-Visa. For longer stays or plans to work or study in Saudi Arabia, consult a visa specialist about alternative visa categories.

From the ancient ruins of AlUla rising from the desert to the coral gardens beneath Jeddah's Red Sea, from the futuristic skyscrapers of Riyadh to the spice-and-coffee-scented alleyways of traditional souks — every side of Saudi Arabia is worth exploring without a single worry.

Don't let complicated visa procedures spoil the excitement of your trip. Leave the e-Visa process to the professionals — you focus on planning your journey, and we'll handle the rest.

Whether you need standard processing or expedited service, feel free to reach out to us anytime.