Stepwise Guide to Apply for a Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opens its doors to global tourists to a culturally rich landscape with astonishing modern architectural development. Apply through its eVisa system and get a tourist visa to travel the country and explore its diverse landscapes.

The Kingdom has opened up avenues for international travelers to apply for a KSA tourist visa. If you are someone who gets very busy most of the time and does not have time to visit the consulate to apply for a tourist visa, eVisa is a way out for you.

However, you have to be from the list of the eligible countries to be able to apply for the eVisa. An eVisa is easy to apply for and easier to receive at your official email address. Here, we will see how an international traveler can get a Saudi Tourist visa.

Who Can Get a Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia?

Anyone can apply for a KSA tourist visa. However, if you are looking to apply for a tourist eVisa, then you would have to be from the list of the eligible countries. The United States, Canada, Panama, the United Kingdom, Greece, Italy and many other countries are eligible to apply for a tourist e-visa to Saudi Arabia.

But there are other options if you are not from one of the eligible nations. A Visa on Arrival at a KSA port of entry is applicable if you have a UK, US, or Schengen passport. Alternatively, you can apply through Saudi embassies and consulates.

Types of Saudi Tourist Visas

For international tourists to have easier access to the KSA tourist visa, the government of the country has designed different types of visas. Let’s take a quick look at them.

eVisa (Electronic Visa)

An e-Visa is available for international travelers who plan to stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days. But Saudi Arabia allows only certain eligible nations to get the eVisa to KSA on security and political grounds. 

If you qualify, you are good to go; otherwise, you will have to look into the next option. 

Table 1: Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa

Remember that you can enter the country multiple times with a tourist eVisa as long as it is valid. 

Consulate Visa

What if you are not from the UK, US, or one of the Schengen nations? Then you can apply for a KSA tourist visa through Saudi Arabia’s consulate. Upon providing valid reasons for your entry to the country and all the valid documents, you can get an entry to the country.

Documents Required

You need a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity (For US citizens, no minimum validity is required)

• A passport-size photo
• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from date of departure from the KSA)

However, if you are applying for a consulate visa, you will need a few more documents.

• A passport with six months of validity
• Proof of residence of the country where you reside
• Return ticket from KSA
• Bank statement for financial strength to sustain in the country
• Flight itinerary
• Address proof of where you are staying in Saudi Arabia

Step-by-Step Application Process 

eVisa

Step 1

You can get the visa application process done by clicking here. Keep your passport and scanned photo with you while applying for the visa.

Step 2

Provide your name, residential address, and email in the form. After filling the form, double check it.

Step 3:

Once you fill out the form, make the payment and wait for the eVisa to be delivered to your provided email address.

Consulate visa

People who want to visit KSA but are not from the list of eligible countries can go for a Consulate visa.

Step 1:

In each country, KSA have their representatives who can accept a visa application for you. Go to the official website of KSA government and select your country to find the authorised agent for visa application.

Step 2:

Upon submitting your required documents to the authorised agent, wait for its approval. 

Step 3:

Once the visa gets approved, you can collect your visa from these authorised agents.

After the visa is delivered to you, get a few copies printed out. Keep one of them in your handbag, so that you can show it to the authorities at the airport when you arrive in the country.

Visa Validity and Duration of Stay

With an eVisa, you can stay there up to 90 days with multiple entry opportunities. 

On the other hand, if you are applying for a tourist visa through the consulate of Saudi Arabia, the validity and entry options depend on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

But remember that your tourist visa can only be used to travel around the country. You cannot use it for any other purpose, such as business or pilgrims.

Important Rules for Families, Women & Solo Travelers

A guardian must accompany you to Saudi Arabia if you’re below 18 years of age. Men and women should dress conservatively keeping in mind the Saudi Arabian culture. Avoid wearing anything form-defining, and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited, so do not carry those inside. 

You should also remember that minor children also need separate visas. So, apply for their visas before you arrive in the country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you are applying for the eVisa to Saudi Arabia, remember to keep all the necessary documents with you. Before you submit the application, re-check it to see if you have entered every detail correctly. If there is any mismatch of information between the personal details in the visa and passport, you might not enter the country.

Make sure that you have a working payment method (ex., credit card). At the final stage of the application, you need to make the payment, so a working payment method is necessary.

Do not bring alcoholic beverages with you when you arrive at the port of entry of KSA. If you get caught with it, you might be fined, jailed or deported to your country and never granted a visa to the country.

Ready to Travel to KSA? Get an eVisa Now!

Applying for the KSA tourist Visa online is the best option to travel to Saudi Arabia hassle-free. Avoid standing in the queue when you arrive at the port of entry of KSA to get a visa on arrival. Keep all the necessary documents with you and travel the country with a valid tourist visa.