🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia visa requirements

Most Western passports get 90 days on arrival, no questions asked. That's the headline. But dig a bit deeper, and Saudi Arabia's visa situation is a bit more nuanced than the headlines suggest, especially for us remote workers.

Who Walks In Visa-Free?

Here's the breakdown for getting into Saudi Arabia. If you're from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most of the EU, or South Korea, you're golden. You get a 90-day, multiple-entry tourist visa on arrival. Just show up, pay the fee, and you're good for three entries within those 90 days. Easy peasy.

Then there are countries eligible for the eVisa. This means you apply online before you go. Countries like China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Africa fall into this category. It's a bit more paperwork upfront, but still straightforward. You'll get a visa valid for one year, allowing multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Everyone else? You'll likely need to apply for a traditional visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate before you travel. This usually involves more documentation and a longer processing time. Bottom line: Check your specific nationality's requirements well in advance.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

That 90-day visa sounds generous, right? It is. But there are things to watch out for. The visa is valid for multiple entries within a 90-day period. This means you can leave and come back, but your total stay across all entries cannot exceed 90 days. Some people report confusion at immigration if they've used multiple entries, so be clear about your plans.

Overstaying your visa is where things get nasty. While specific fines can vary, expect penalties. A common figure mentioned is SAR 100 (approx. $27 USD) per day for the first two weeks, then it ramps up significantly. For longer overstays, you could face deportation and a ban on re-entry for several years. Don't risk it. The system is becoming more digitized, so they’ll know.

What's New in the Kingdom?

Saudi Arabia has been rapidly modernizing its visa system. The big news was the expansion of the eVisa programme in late 2022 and early 2023. They added dozens of countries to the eligible list, making it much easier for many nationalities to visit for tourism. The fees for the eVisa are generally around SAR 300-400 (approx. $80-$107 USD), which includes mandatory travel insurance.

They've also been promoting tourism heavily, which means more flights and easier entry points. There haven't been any major suspensions or restrictions recently for tourist visas, unlike some other countries. The focus is clearly on opening up to international visitors. Keep an eye on the official Saudi eVisa portal for the most up-to-date list of eligible countries and current fees, as these can change.