Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded its e-visa program to cover 60+ countries in 2026, making it easier than ever to visit the kingdom for tourism, business, and Umrah. This expansion is a cornerstone of Vision 2030’s goal to attract 100 million tourists annually — and with Riyadh Season, AlUla heritage sites, Red Sea resorts, and the 2034 World Cup preparations, there’s never been more reason to visit Saudi Arabia.
This is the complete, updated guide to the Saudi e-visa: who’s eligible, how to apply, costs, processing time, and everything you need to know before your trip.
E-Visa Basics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | SAR 535 (~$142 USD) |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entry |
| Max stay per visit | 90 days |
| Max stay per year | 90 days total |
| Processing time | 5-30 minutes (online) |
| Application | visa.visitsaudi.com (online only) |
| Includes | Visa + health insurance |
| Countries eligible | 60+ |
Eligible Countries (Full List)
Europe (All EU + UK + others)
All 27 EU member states, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City.
Americas
United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
Asia-Pacific
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, China (mainland), Hong Kong, Macau, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan.
Other
Turkey, Russia, South Africa, and approximately 15 additional countries added in 2026.
NOT Eligible for E-Visa (Separate Process)
Egypt, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria — these countries require separate visa applications through embassies or authorized agents.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit visa.visitsaudi.com
- Click ‘Apply Now’
- Select your nationality
- Fill in personal information: name, passport number, date of birth, travel dates
- Upload passport photo (digital, white background)
- Pay SAR 535 by credit/debit card
- Receive e-visa via email (usually 5-30 minutes)
- Print or save to phone — show at Saudi immigration on arrival
What You Can Do in Saudi Arabia
Tourism Highlights 2026
- Riyadh: Kingdom Tower, Diriyah, KAFD, Riyadh Season events
- Jeddah: Old Town (UNESCO), Red Sea coast, coral reefs
- AlUla: Ancient Nabataean ruins (like Petra but less crowded), desert landscapes
- Red Sea Project: Luxury eco-tourism, world-class diving
- Mecca: Umrah pilgrimage (covered by e-visa)
- Medina: Prophet’s Mosque, Islamic history
- Abha: Mountain city, cooler temperatures, green landscapes
- NEOM: Sindalah Island luxury resort (if open)
Events Calendar 2026
- Riyadh Season: Entertainment festivals year-round
- Jeddah Season: Summer events and concerts
- Saudi Pro League: Watch Ronaldo play at Al Nassr
- Formula 1 Saudi Grand Prix: Jeddah street circuit
- MDL Beast: Electronic music festival
- AlUla cultural events: Heritage and arts festivals
Costs Beyond the Visa
Budget Guide
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel (per night) | SAR 200-400 | SAR 500-1,000 | SAR 1,500-5,000 |
| Meals (per day) | SAR 50-100 | SAR 150-300 | SAR 400-1,000 |
| Transport (per day) | SAR 30-80 | SAR 100-200 | SAR 300-500 |
| Activities | SAR 50-150 | SAR 200-500 | SAR 500-2,000 |
| Daily total | SAR 330-730 | SAR 950-2,000 | SAR 2,700-8,500 |
| In USD | $88-195 | $253-533 | $720-2,267 |
For Egyptian Travelers
How Egyptians Can Visit Saudi Arabia
Egyptians are NOT eligible for the standard e-visa but have several options:
- Saudi Tourist Visa: Applied through authorized Egyptian travel agencies. Cost: SAR 535 + agency fee (typically EGP 3,000-5,000 total). Processing: 5-10 business days.
- Umrah Visa: For religious pilgrimage to Mecca. Applied through licensed Umrah agencies. Available year-round except during Hajj season.
- Business Visa: Sponsored by a Saudi company or organization. Requires letter of invitation.
- Transit Visa: Free or low-cost for travelers passing through Saudi airports.
Egyptian-Specific Tips
- Apply through ONLY authorized agencies (check Saudi embassy website for list)
- Allow 2-3 weeks before travel for visa processing
- Keep all documentation (hotel bookings, return tickets) ready for the application
- Flights from Cairo to Riyadh: approximately EGP 9,000-12,000 round trip
- Flights from Cairo to Jeddah: approximately EGP 7,000-10,000 round trip
Important Rules for Visitors
Do’s
- Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees for both genders in public)
- Respect prayer times (some businesses close during prayers)
- Try local cuisine — Saudi food is excellent
- Visit the historical sites — AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah Old Town
- Download the ‘Visit Saudi’ app for tourist information
Don’ts
- Don’t bring alcohol (strictly prohibited)
- Don’t photograph people without permission
- Don’t display excessive public affection
- Don’t disrespect religious sites or customs
- Don’t overstay your visa (penalties are severe)
The Iran War Impact on Saudi Tourism
The Iran war and naval blockade have affected Saudi tourism, but the impact is less severe than in other Gulf states because:
- Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline means it’s less dependent on Hormuz
- Saudi airports (Riyadh, Jeddah) are far from the conflict zone
- The kingdom’s defense systems have prevented any attacks on Saudi soil
- Vision 2030 tourism infrastructure continues to develop
However, some flight disruptions have occurred, and travel insurance premiums are elevated. Check flight status before booking and ensure your insurance covers regional conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries get Saudi e-visa?
60+ countries including all EU, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, China, Australia.
How much does it cost?
SAR 535 (~$142 USD) including health insurance.
How long to process?
5-30 minutes online. No embassy visit needed.
Can Egyptians get e-visa?
No — separate tourist visa through authorized agents (5-10 days processing).
What can you do with the visa?
Tourism, Umrah, business meetings, events. Cannot work or study.
Related Articles
For more, see Visit Saudi Official, Arabian Business, and The National.
Last Updated: April 14, 2026
