First-Timer's Guide to the Saudi eVisa (2026)
Short answer
The Saudi tourist eVisa costs about SAR 535 (US$142) including mandatory insurance, is valid one year for multiple entries with stays up to 90 days each, and is open to citizens of around 66 countries. It covers tourism, family visits and Umrah outside the Hajj season. Apply only at the official visa.visitsaudi.com portal.
Key takeaways
- ✓SAR 535 all-in (about US$142), including mandatory Tawuniya medical insurance.
- ✓Valid 1 year, multiple entries, up to 90 days per stay.
- ✓~66 nationalities eligible; used US/UK/Schengen visa holders may also qualify.
- ✓Covers Umrah outside Hajj season — but check current Nusuk requirements first.
- ✓Apply only on the official visa.visitsaudi.com portal.
More than anything else, the tourist eVisa is what opened Saudi Arabia up to ordinary travellers. What used to be a slow, sponsor-based process is now an online form that most eligible visitors finish in about fifteen minutes. This post takes a first-timer through all of it: the cost, who qualifies, how long you can stay, whether you can perform Umrah on it, and the steps to apply. Every figure was checked against the official Visit Saudi portal in July 2026.
What the tourist eVisa actually is
The eVisa is an electronic multiple-entry tourist visa linked to your passport. You apply online, receive a PDF by email, and present it (with your passport) on arrival. It is separate from the older sponsored visit visa and from the dedicated Umrah permit issued through the Nusuk platform — although, importantly, the tourist visa itself now lets you perform Umrah outside Hajj season (more on that below).
How much does it cost in 2026?
The all-in price through the official portal is SAR 535 (roughly US$142). That figure already includes a mandatory health-insurance policy underwritten by Tawuniya covering medical costs up to about SAR 100,000. If you are eligible for a visa on arrival at major airports, the equivalent counter price is around SAR 480.
| Item | Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa processing fee | Yes | Part of the SAR 535 |
| Mandatory medical insurance | Yes | Tawuniya, ~SAR 100,000 cover |
| Multiple entries for 12 months | Yes | Re-enter as often as you like |
| Airport transfer / hotels | No | Booked separately |
Prices verified on the official portal in July 2026. Fees and the exchange rate change — always confirm the live total before you pay.
Who is eligible?
Citizens of around 66 countries can apply online, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, all EU and Schengen states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia and many more. If your nationality is not on the eligible list, you may still qualify if you hold a valid, previously-used US, UK or Schengen visa, or permanent residence in one of those regions. When in doubt, the portal tells you within the first step whether your passport qualifies.
How long can you stay?
Each entry allows up to 90 days, and the visa stays valid for one year from the date of issue with unlimited entries in that window. That flexibility makes it ideal for a multi-city trip — for example flying into Jeddah for Umrah, then continuing to AlUla and Riyadh, then returning months later without reapplying.
Can I perform Umrah on the tourist eVisa?
Yes — the tourist visa permits Umrah outside the Hajj season. That said, the Kingdom now runs Umrah logistics through the Nusuk platform, and for the 1448 AH season there is a "no booking, no visa"-style requirement to have your accommodation and transport arranged. If Umrah is your main purpose, read our dedicated explainer on the new Nusuk rules and plan your Umrah package before you travel.
How to apply, step by step
The whole process is designed to be self-service:
1. Start on the official portal
Go to visa.visitsaudi.com — the only official source — and choose the tourist visa. Beware of lookalike sites that add a markup.
2. Create an account and select your nationality
The system immediately confirms whether you're eligible for the eVisa or a visa on arrival.
3. Fill in passport and travel details
You'll need a passport valid for at least six months, a clear passport-style photo, and a contactable email.
4. Pay the SAR 535 fee
Payment is by card. The insurance is bundled automatically.
5. Receive and save your eVisa
Approval is often quick, but apply at least a couple of weeks ahead to be safe. Keep both a printed copy and a phone copy.
What to prepare before you land
- Onward plan: know your first-night stay and airport transfer. Pre-booking a Jeddah Airport transfer or private car removes the most common arrival stress.
- Digital copies: visa PDF, passport, hotel confirmation and insurance details, saved offline.
- Modest clothing and, for the holy cities, an understanding of ihram requirements if performing Umrah.
- A local eSIM or plan so you can reach your driver and use maps on arrival.
Common first-timer mistakes to avoid
- Applying through an unofficial third-party site and overpaying.
- Leaving the application to the last day — approval is usually fast but not guaranteed instant.
- Assuming the visa covers Hajj — it does not; Hajj has a separate permit system.
- Forgetting that the 90-day clock is per entry, not per year.
Once your visa is sorted, the rest of the trip is logistics — and that's where planning ahead pays off. Browse stays, lock in your airport transfer or intercity car, and read our Saudi travel guides for city-by-city advice.
Planning a Saudi trip?
Pre-book a private car, find a stay, or ask us anything on WhatsApp.
Last updated: 24 July 2026·Sources reviewed by the Wadana Go editorial team.
