Saudi eVisa: A First-Timer's Guide

The Saudi eVisa is the online tourist visa that opened the Kingdom to leisure travel in 2019 — and, crucially for pilgrims, it can be used to perform Umrah. This guide explains what it covers, what it costs, how to apply, and the honest caveats. Fees and eligibility change, so treat the figures here as verified in July 2026 and confirm the current amount on the official portal before you pay.

What the Saudi eVisa covers

The Saudi tourist eVisa is an electronic visitor visa for tourism, events, family visits and Umrah, issued online without an embassy appointment. It is a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows stays of up to 90 days per visit (90 days total across the validity), and it is available to nationals of around 66 eligible countries. It does not cover paid work or Hajj.

Who is eligible

Citizens of roughly 66 countries — across Europe, North America, much of East and Southeast Asia, Australia and more — can apply online, with a uniform fee. Residents of the US, UK and Schengen area who hold a valid visa or residence from those regions may also qualify under a separate route. Nationalities outside the eligible list generally apply through a sponsor or a dedicated Umrah visa instead. Check your nationality on the official Saudi eVisa portal.

Cost breakdown (verified July 2026)

The insurance is compulsory and included in the price — you cannot opt out. Beware third-party “visa agency” sites that add service charges on top; the official portal is the cheapest route. Figures verified July 2026 — confirm the current fee on the official portal, as it can change.

How to apply, step by step

1. Go to the official portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) or the Saudi eVisa app and create an account.
2. Complete the application: passport details, a photo, address and travel dates.
3. Confirm the bundled medical insurance and pay the fee online by card.
4. Wait for approval — often within hours, occasionally up to a few days.
5. Receive the eVisa by email; print it or keep it on your phone for immigration.

Processing time and what delays it

Most eVisas are approved within a few hours to a day, but allow up to a few days in case of extra checks — apply at least a week before travel, not the night before. Delays usually come from a blurry passport scan, a name that doesn't match the passport exactly, or a payment that fails. Apply early and double-check your details.

Umrah on an eVisa: what's allowed

Yes — you can perform Umrah on the tourist eVisa, outside the Hajj season, and visit Madinah on the same visa. You still book your Rawdah permit and any required services through Nusuk. If you fall outside the eVisa-eligible countries, you use a dedicated Umrah visa instead. For the difference in detail, see the Umrah guide; and note Umrah is paused around the Hajj window.

eVisa vs visa on arrival vs embassy visa

For eligible nationalities the eVisa is the simplest — apply online, get approved fast. A visa on arrival is offered to some travellers at major airports (around SAR 480) but means queueing after a long flight. An embassy/sticker visa is the route for nationalities not covered by the eVisa, or for visa types the eVisa doesn't offer. When in doubt, the official portal tells you which route applies to your passport.

Common rejection reasons

• Passport with under six months' validity, or no blank page.
• Photo or passport scan that is unclear or doesn't match.
• Name, date of birth or passport number entered differently from the passport.
• Applying for the wrong visa for your purpose (e.g. work).

Once your visa is sorted, compare flights and pre-book your airport transfer. All fees and rules above were verified in July 2026 against the official portal and reputable trackers — always confirm the current figure before you pay.

Official sources

The tourist eVisa is issued only through the Saudi government's own portal — never a third-party agent. These are the authoritative platforms — our figures were verified July 2026, but prices, times and rules can change, so confirm the current details directly before you travel:

• Saudi eVisa portal — the official government site to apply for the tourist eVisa.
• Visit Saudi — visa regulations — official, up-to-date eligibility and rules.