e-Visa

Saudi Arabia's rich history, spectacular scenery and vibrant culture attract a wide variety of travelers. To explore this remarkable country, a tourist visa is required.

Whether you're a history buff discovering ancient relics, a nature lover admiring the beauty of the Red Sea shores, or a business traveler attending conferences and meetings, Saudi Arabia offers a multitude of experiences to suit all tastes.

At e-Visa, we understand the importance of worry-free travel. That's why we've simplified the process of obtaining your tourist visa for Saudi Arabia, making travel arrangements easier and more convenient.

What is the electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

 This is a system set up by Saudi Arabia for tourists, called Saudi e-Visa or Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa. The system is designed to simplify the visa application procedure and encourage tourism in Saudi Arabia. Travelers from eligible countries can obtain this electronic visa for tourism purposes. It enables them to discover the country's natural wonders, rich cultural heritage and modern cities.

What are the possibilities offered by the electronic visa for Saudi Arabia?

1. Explore ancient remains and remarkable archaeological sites, such as Madain Saleh, to delve into the country's ancient history.
2. Immerse yourself in Saudi Arabia's vibrant culture and dynamic traditions, discovering its festivals, customs and art.
3. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh or the Corniche in Jeddah, for panoramic views of the country's dynamic cities.
4. Marvel at breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Red Sea coast and the vast desert expanses of the Empty Quarter.
5. Attend lively festivals and cultural events, such as the Janadriyah Festival, for a total immersion in Saudi culture.
6. Browse traditional markets (souks) and modern shopping malls for a unique shopping experience, from local products to international brands.
7. Sample local cuisine and savor traditional Saudi dishes, offering a palette of exquisite flavors to discover.
8. Enjoy exciting outdoor activities such as diving, snorkeling and hiking, to explore the country's natural wonders.
9. Visit iconic religious sites such as the Holy City of Mecca (for Muslim visa holders only) and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.
10. Perform the Umrah (for Muslim visa holders only), an important spiritual experience for believers.

In short, an e-visa for Saudi Arabia opens the door to a multitude of enriching experiences, from cultural discovery to outdoor adventure to spirituality.

What are the restrictions imposed by the electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

1. Performing the Hajj, which requires a specific visa and separate formalities.
2. Engage in any form of work or employment, as the tourist visa is strictly reserved for tourist activities.
3. Enrolling in educational establishments or pursuing university studies, as the tourist visa does not cover educational activities.
4. Starting up a business, as this requires specific visas and authorizations.
5. Participate in political rallies or demonstrations, as the tourist visa does not allow involvement in political activities.
6. Propagating or promoting a religion other than Islam, given the religious context of Saudi Arabia.
7. Breaking local laws or customs, as this may entail legal consequences.
8. Exceed the authorized duration of your visa, as this may lead to sanctions and legal problems.
9. Engage in any form of journalism or media-related activities without proper authorization, as these require specific visas and permits.
10. Participating in activities that could be considered disrespectful or offensive to local culture and customs, as this could lead to social or legal repercussions.

In summary, the e-tourist visa for Saudi Arabia includes restrictions designed to control visitors' activities and respect the country's laws and cultural norms.

Entry and exit requirements for Saudi Arabia with a valid tourist visa

When entering Saudi Arabia with a valid tourist visa, travelers must comply with the following steps:

1. Complete arrival forms: Complete the required arrival forms, usually provided during the flight or on arrival at the port of entry.
2. Submit to immigration control: Present your valid passport and visa to the immigration authorities and comply with the required immigration control procedures.
3. Provide biometric data: Depending on the guidelines of the immigration authorities, it may be necessary to provide biometric data such as fingerprints.

Comply with customs regulations: Declare any items or goods subject to customs regulations and restrictions when entering the country.

Who can apply for an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

The electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia is open to individuals of various nationalities. However, eligibility criteria and requirements may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and reason for travel.

Here is a general overview of who is eligible to apply for an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia:

1. Nationals of visa-required countries:Citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter Saudi Arabia may apply for a tourist visa. They must comply with the specific requirements of the Saudi authorities by providing the required documents.
2. Non-GCC residents : Residents of non-member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), can also apply for a tourist visa to visit Saudi Arabia.
3. Business and leisure travelers : Tourist visas are available for those traveling for tourism purposes, to visit family or friends, to attend events or conferences, or for authorized business activities. However, some specific activities may be subject to restrictions and regulations.
4. Meeting online visa requirements :Applicants must meet specific requirements set by the Saudi authorities to obtain an online visa. These generally include presentation of a valid passport, accurate submission of the visa application form, proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia, demonstration of adequate financial resources to cover travel expenses, and provision of additional supporting documents if required.

Who can benefit from the electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

The electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia is available to citizens of over 50 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Iceland, Ireland and Turkey.

This list is only a small selection of the many eligible countries. If your country is not on this list, you can use our visa checker to determine whether you meet the criteria for this visa.

Who is exempt from the Saudi electronic visa?

Saudi Arabia does not have a general visa exemption policy for tourists, which means that most travelers to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes must obtain a visa in advance. However, there are exceptions and special cases that allow visa-free entry. Here are a few examples:

1. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries : Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can travel to Saudi Arabia without a visa.
2. Holders of diplomatic and official passports:  Holders of diplomatic or official passports from certain countries may benefit from visa-free travel to Saudi Arabia.
3. Transit passengers: Travelers in transit through Saudi Arabia, with an onward ticket valid within 18 hours, may benefit from a transit visa exemption.

It is important to note that these exemptions are subject to change and it is always advisable to check visa requirements according to your nationality and the purpose of your trip.

Do minors need an electronic tourist visa to visit Saudi Arabia?

Minors must obtain their own electronic tourist visa to travel to Saudi Arabia. When applying for a visa for a minor, legal guardians or parents must submit additional documents, including a copy of the minor's birth certificate, a letter of consent signed by both parents or legal guardians, and proof of the relationship between the minor and the accompanying adult.

What is the validity period of the electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

There are two types of e-visas, each with a different validity period:

1. Single-entry visa : Valid for three months from the date of issue, this visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days in the country.
2. Multiple-entry visa: This visa is valid for one year from the date of issue, authorizing a total stay of 90 days over this period.

At present, only the multiple-entry visa is available.

Is it possible to extend my electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

No, Saudi Arabia does not allow the extension of electronic tourist visas. Visitors must leave the country before their visa expires. In the event of difficulties in returning to their country within the allotted time, it is advisable to contact the local authorities before the current e-visa expires.

Otherwise, it is imperative to leave the country in accordance with the guidelines and, if necessary, apply for a new visa to be able to return at a later date.

Requirements for an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia

Before starting the process of applying for an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia, it is essential that the applicant find out about the documents required, the financial obligations and the admission criteria specific to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Documents required for an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia

To apply for an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia, you will generally need the following documents:

1. Passeport valide : Make sure your passport remains valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Saudi Arabia. It must also include at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
2. Completed application form : Fill in the application form accurately and completely.
3. Two passport photos : Provide recent passport photos that meet the standards set by the Saudi authorities. You can obtain professional passport photos through our dedicated service.
4. Proof of accommodation :Present a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host if you are staying with a resident.
5. Flight itinerary :  Submit a copy of your confirmed round-trip air ticket, indicating your dates of entry and exit from Saudi Arabia.
6. Financial proof : Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses in Saudi Arabia, either through bank statements, credit card statements or a letter of sponsorship if your trip is being financed by a third party.
7. Travel insurance: Although not compulsory, it is strongly recommended that you take out medical insurance to cover medical expenses and emergencies during your stay in Saudi Arabia.

If you are applying for the Electronic Tourist Visa from a country other than your country of citizenship, you will also need to provide proof of your legal residency status in that country.

Please note that the Saudi authorities reserve the right to request additional documents or information during the visa application process, if necessary.

Financial requirements for the electronic tourist visa in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian government has not established specific financial requirements for the electronic tourist visa to Saudi Arabia.

Nevertheless, it is generally expected that travelers have adequate financial resources to support themselves during their stay, including accommodation, transportation, meals and other living expenses.

How do I apply online for a Saudi Arabia electronic tourist visa?

To apply for a Saudi Arabia e-Tourist visa online, follow these simple steps:

Step 1 : Fill in our simplified online visa application form with your travel details and pay the visa processing fee.

Step 2: Go to the embassy or application center with the required documents.

Step 3:  Wait for the embassy's reply, receive your visa and get ready to travel.

Our team will carefully check all your information and documents to ensure their accuracy. If there are any problems, we will contact you by e-mail before processing your application. When you go to the embassy, consulate or processing center, you'll need to pay the visa fee and submit the necessary documents.

What are the fees and processing times for an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

We offer three processing options depending on your urgent needs for verification and submission of your documents to government authorities. Please note that these times do not include the time required for the government authorities to process your application and issue the visa.

Our Saudi Arabia tourist visa processing fees vary according to your nationality and the processing option you choose. They also include a government tax of approximately 131 USD. Here are the available options:

1. Standard processing : This processing takes 6 days and is the most economical option.
2. Rapid treatment: Although slightly more expensive, this treatment takes only 3 days.
3. Urgent treatment : This is the most expensive option, but guarantees treatment within 2 days.

Do I need an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia if I'm in transit?

Whether you need a Saudi Arabia electronic tourist visa when in transit depends on various factors, such as your nationality and the duration of the transit.

If you are making a stopover in Saudi Arabia and plan to stay in the transit zone of the airport, you will generally not need a Saudi Arabia electronic tourist visa. However, it is imperative to check the visa requirements according to your nationality and the specific transit rules established by the Saudi authorities. Some nationals may benefit from a transit visa exemption, allowing them to stay at the airport for a set period without a visa.

On the other hand, if you have a long stopover planned, or if you plan to leave the airport to explore the country while in transit, it is likely that you will need to obtain an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia. In this case, it is advisable to apply for an electronic tourist visa in advance to ensure a smooth transit and to comply with current immigration regulations.

Advantages of applying for an electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia through our online service

Why choose our platform for your online visa application? In addition to the ease of the process, you'll enjoy the following benefits:

Full compliance with government requirements : Our team of experts at e-Visa will thoroughly review all information provided to ensure full compliance with government requirements.

Simplified form: Visa applications can be complex and time-consuming. At e-Visa, we've simplified the process by asking only the relevant questions, making the application form up to 50% shorter than normal! It's the equivalent of filling in a short questionnaire.

Fill in the form at your own pace: You have the freedom to save your progress, make changes and come back later when you need a break. This way, you can complete your application at your own pace, without rushing.

Differences between the electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia and the visa for Umrah in Saudi Arabia

Electronic tourist visa for Saudi Arabia:

The Electronic Tourist Visa is an online travel authorization available to nationals of 100 eligible countries.

It is valid for one year and allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days for each entry.

This visa authorizes tourist activities such as family visits, leisure and Umrah, but excludes certain activities such as study.

Saudi Arabia Umrah visa:

For Muslims from all over the world making the religious pilgrimage of Umrah.

Generally issued for a period of 30 days, this visa enables pilgrims to perform the religious rites and leave the country on time.

Umrah pilgrims are generally required to stay in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, where they have access to specific religious sites and must perform the necessary rituals.

The process of applying for an Umrah visa can be complex, and often has to be carried out through approved travel agents or tour operators.

However, we offer a convenient alternative with our electronic tourist visa specifically designed for people intending to perform Umrah.

Documents required to apply for a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia

Pour soumettre une demande de visa touristique pour l'Arabie saoudite, les documents suivants sont nécessaires :

1. A recent photo of the applicant.
2. The main page of the applicant's passport.

Important information to bear in mind:

1. The tourist visa for Saudi Arabia allows applicants to make multiple entries into the country and stay for up to 90 days in total.
2. To be eligible for this visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and must have at least one page available for the entry stamp.
3. This visa is intended for travelers whose main purpose is tourism.
4. If you are traveling with children under 18, they must be included in your visa application. Otherwise, they will not be able to submit their own application.

It is important to note that possession of a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia does not automatically guarantee entry into the country. The immigration officer at the point of entry may refuse entry to any person if he or she considers that the traveler does not meet the immigration requirements or that his or her presence in Saudi Arabia could compromise national interests or security.