Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Saudi Arabia's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Saudi Arabia need tourist evisa, with an official government fee of SAR 535 (includes mandatory insurance).
Saudi Arabia visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Tourist eVisa |
| Government fee | SAR 535 (includes mandatory insurance) |
| Processing time | Instant to minutes (usually) |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entry |
| Permitted stay | 90 days |
| Where to apply | https://visa.visitsaudi.com |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Tourist eVisa: Indian nationals holding a valid US, UK or Schengen visa/residence (used or valid); Singapore and ~60 other eligible nationalities apply directly
Tourist Sticker Visa (VFS Tasheel): Indian passport holders who do NOT hold a US/UK/Schengen visa
Visa on Arrival: Eligible travellers holding a valid US/UK/Schengen visa or residence (including qualifying Indians)
Saudi Arabia visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | SAR 535 (includes mandatory insurance) | 90 days | Instant to minutes (usually) | https://visa.visitsaudi.com |
| Tourist Sticker Visa (VFS Tasheel) | Approx SAR 300 consular + VFS service fee + insurance | 90 days | Several working days | https://visa.visitsaudi.com |
| Visa on Arrival | SAR 480 approx | 90 days | On arrival | https://visa.visitsaudi.com |
Documents required
For the Tourist eVisa:
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Digital photo
- Valid US/UK/Schengen visa or residence (for eligibility category)
- Email address for e-visa delivery
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Tourist eVisa: https://visa.visitsaudi.com — allow Instant to minutes (usually).
- Tourist Sticker Visa (VFS Tasheel): https://visa.visitsaudi.com — allow Several working days.
- Visa on Arrival: https://visa.visitsaudi.com — allow On arrival.
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Saudi Arabia visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Saudi Arabia visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Saudi Arabia.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Saudi Arabia application.
- Processing: allow Instant to minutes (usually). Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Saudi Arabia
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Insurance is bundled. Non-eligible nationals (e.g. India without qualifying visa) apply via Saudi embassy / Etimad.
Saudi Arabia visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Saudi Arabia visa?
Tourist eVisa: SAR 535 (includes mandatory insurance). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Tourist eVisa: Instant to minutes (usually).
Things to do once your Saudi Arabia visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Saudi Arabia you can book on HolidaySG:
- Saudi Arabia - Unlimited 4G/5G Data eSIM — from USD 18
- {INSTANT} eSIM Saudi Arabia Big Data | Travel SIM Arab Umroh Haji Kuota Besar Global Komunika — from IDR 118,150
- {INSTANT} eSIM Saudi Arabia Unlimited | Travel SIM Arab Umroh Haji Global Komunika — from IDR 151,368
Official sources
- Visit Saudi (Ministry of Tourism) — verified 19 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.