Saudi Tourist Visa: How to Apply (2026)

For most of its history, Saudi Arabia was open only to pilgrims and business travellers. That changed in 2019, when the Kingdom introduced a tourist visa as part of its Vision 2030 opening to the world. Today, citizens of dozens of countries can apply online in minutes for a visa that unlocks almost the entire country. Here is how the Saudi tourist visa works in 2026, and how to apply.

What the tourist visa lets you do

The Saudi tourist e-visa is designed for short-term visits: tourism and sightseeing, attending events and concerts, and visiting family and friends. Importantly, it also permits you to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. It is not a work or study visa, and it cannot be used for paid employment. If your visit centres on Madinah — its history, its people and its everyday life — it is all you need for our Madinah journeys.

Who is eligible

Eligibility depends on your nationality. Citizens of more than sixty countries — including the UK, the United States, Canada, the EU and Schengen states, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and many others — can apply online for the e-visa using only their passport. Citizens of the GCC states do not need a visa at all and may enter with their national ID. GCC residents holding a valid residency of at least three months can generally apply online as well. Travellers from countries outside the eligible list must apply for a visa at a Saudi embassy or representation office. Because the eligible list is updated from time to time, check your status before making plans.

What you need to apply

The requirements are straightforward. You will need a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry, to be at least 18 years old (minors are included on a guardian’s application), a recent passport-style photograph, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee online. The visa fee typically includes mandatory medical insurance for your stay. Have your travel details and an address in Saudi Arabia ready when you apply.

How to apply, step by step

Applying is quick and entirely online. First, go to the official Saudi eVisa portal and create an account. Second, complete the application form with your personal and passport details. Third, upload your photograph and any required documents. Fourth, pay the visa fee and insurance online. Finally, submit your application — approvals are typically issued within 24 to 48 hours, and your e-visa arrives by email to print or save. Always apply through the official government portal rather than unofficial intermediaries.

Visa on arrival

Citizens of some eligible countries can also obtain a visa on arrival at major Saudi airports. Even so, applying online in advance is usually recommended: it removes any uncertainty and avoids queues at the airport after a long flight.

Validity and length of stay

The tourist e-visa is a multiple-entry visa, valid for one year from the date of issue, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. This makes it generous and flexible — you can enter and leave the Kingdom several times within the year, which suits travellers combining Saudi Arabia with neighbouring destinations.

Health requirements for entry

Beyond the visa, Saudi Arabia has certain health requirements. A meningitis (MenACWY) vaccination is required for many travellers, and additional vaccinations such as polio may apply depending on your country of origin, particularly for those intending to perform Umrah. Requirements can change, so confirm the current rules through official channels before you travel.

Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?

Yes — the tourist visa permits Umrah outside the Hajj season. Note, however, that performing Umrah also involves booking permits through the official Nusuk platform, which is separate from the visa itself. Our guide to Umrah visas and Nusuk permits explains how that works, and if you are planning a pilgrimage, our step-by-step guide to planning a private Umrah takes you through the whole process.

Important things to know

A few points are worth remembering. Makkah and the central sacred precinct of Madinah are open only to Muslims, and this is enforced; the rest of the country, however, is open to all travellers. Alcohol is prohibited nationwide. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours should be avoided. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites. None of this need be daunting — it is simply the courtesy of travelling in a country that is still, in the best sense, itself. Our guide for non-Muslim travellers covers this in more detail.

How much does it cost?

The tourist visa carries a government fee, which is paid online during the application and generally includes mandatory medical insurance for the duration of your stay. Because fees are set by the authorities and can change, we do not quote a fixed figure here; the exact amount is shown on the official portal at the point of payment. Budget also for the health requirements, such as any vaccinations you need before travel.

Common reasons applications are delayed

Most applications are approved within a day or two, but a few avoidable mistakes cause delays: a passport with less than six months’ validity, a photograph that does not meet the requirements, or details that do not match your passport exactly. Check everything carefully before you submit, and apply a few weeks ahead of travel rather than at the last minute, so there is time to resolve anything unexpected.

Travelling with family

Families can travel on the tourist visa together, with children included on a guardian’s application. Saudi Arabia is a notably family-oriented destination, and the flexibility of a one-year, multiple-entry visa makes it easy to plan a trip around school holidays or to return more than once within the year.

A note on accuracy

Visa rules, fees and eligible-country lists are updated periodically by the Saudi authorities. The information here is a general guide for 2026; always confirm the latest requirements on the official Saudi eVisa portal before applying or booking travel.

How Rihlah can help

Sorting a visa is only the first step of a journey. Once yours is in hand, Rihlah can shape the rest — a private, unhurried journey through Madinah, its historic sites and everyday life, or a pilgrimage arranged with care. When you are ready, plan your journey and we will build it around you.