Saudi Arabia eVisa Guide 2026: Tourism, Umrah, and Business Made Easy
A decade ago, visiting Saudi Arabia as a tourist was almost impossible. Today, under the Vision 2030 plan, the Kingdom is pouring billions into mega-projects like NEOM, AlUla, and the Red Sea, and tourism is booming. The Saudi eVisa is the main door in — and it is surprisingly easy to get.
What Is the Saudi eVisa?
The eVisa is a multiple-entry tourist visa valid for one year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit and 180 days total per year. It covers tourism, events, and Umrah. It is applied for entirely online and delivered electronically to your email, with no embassy visits needed.
Who Can Apply for the eVisa?
Citizens of about 66 eligible countries qualify, including the USA, Canada, UK, most of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Africa. Travelers from non-eligible countries must apply for a visa at a Saudi consulate.
Purposes Covered
- Tourism — leisure travel, events, cruises
- Umrah (performed outside Hajj season)
- Visiting friends and family
- Attending cultural and sporting events
Business trips and conferences require a separate business eVisa with an invitation letter.
How to Apply for the Saudi eVisa
Apply on the official Visit Saudi platform or via the eVisa portal. The process takes minutes and approval is usually issued within 24 hours — often faster. You will need:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Recent color photo
- Mandatory travel insurance (often bundled with the eVisa purchase)
- Credit/debit card for payment
Cost and Validity
The eVisa costs approximately SAR 535 (~$142), which includes the mandatory travel insurance. It is valid for 365 days from issuance, multiple entries, 90 days per stay, 180 days per year total.
Rules and Etiquette for Visitors
Saudi Arabia has greatly relaxed social rules since 2019 — women can travel independently, dress codes are looser (no abaya required in public, though modest dress is expected), and entertainment is widespread. However:
- Alcohol remains strictly prohibited
- Drug offenses carry severe penalties
- Respect mosque etiquette (Mecca and Medina are still restricted to Muslims)
- Public displays of affection are discouraged
Umrah and Religious Travel
The tourist eVisa now permits Umrah year-round (except during Hajj). Pilgrims can combine Umrah with sightseeing in Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla without needing a separate Umrah visa.
Common Pitfalls
The biggest mistake is not realizing the eVisa requires the bundled insurance — some travelers try to apply without it and get rejected. Also, dates must match your travel plans precisely. Use VisaCompass to verify your eligibility, see real-time fees, and get a pre-flight document checklist.