Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has steadily opened its doors to international visitors. One of the significant steps in this direction was introducing the electronic visa (Evisa) system in 2018. The Evisa has made it easier for tourists to visit the country without the tedious process of obtaining a visa at an embassy or consulate. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through how to apply for a Saudi Arabia Evisa and share some tips to ensure a smooth application experience.
The Saudi Arabia Evisa is an online tourist visa allowing eligible visitors to enter the country for leisure. It is a single-entry visa with a validity of one year from the date of issuance. Once you have your Evisa, you can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days. The great thing about Evisa is that it eliminates the need for physical documents and in-person appointments. You only need a stable internet connection, a valid passport, and essential documents to complete your application.
Before diving into the step-by-step process of applying for the Saudi Arabia Evisa, it is crucial to understand the requirements and eligibility criteria. This will help you avoid any pitfalls and ensure a hassle-free application process.
Check if your country supports Saudi Arabia Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | visa required |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahamas | visa required |
| Bahrain | visa free |
| Belize | visa required |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | e-visa |
| Gabon | visa on arrival |
| Gambia | visa required |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Grenada | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| India | e-visa |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa free |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | visa on arrival |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | e-visa |
| Namibia | visa required |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | visa on arrival |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Lucia | visa required |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa on arrival |
| Singapore | e-visa |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa free |
| Taiwan | e-visa |
| Tajikistan | visa on arrival |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Turkey | e-visa |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| United Arab Emirates | visa free |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa on arrival |
| Zambia | e-visa |
| Zimbabwe | e-visa |
Understanding the Saudi Arabia Evisa Requirements
To apply for a Saudi Arabia Evisa, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. The Evisa is available to nationals of 49 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and most European Union countries. You can find the complete list of eligible countries on the official Saudi Arabia Evisa website.
Next, you must gather the necessary documents and information for the application. These include:
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Passport-sized photo: A recent, coloured photograph taken within the last six months with a white background. The picture must be in JPEG format and not exceed 200 KB in size.
- Travel itinerary: Details of your planned travel, including your arrival and departure dates and accommodation information.
- Proof of sufficient funds: You may be asked to prove that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Saudi Arabia.
- Health insurance: All visitors to Saudi Arabia must have valid health insurance covering medical expenses in the country.
Once you have all the necessary documents and information, you can proceed with the online application process.
How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Evisa: Step-by-Step Guide
The process of applying for a Saudi Arabia Evisa is relatively straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your Saudi Arabia Evisa:
- Visit the official Saudi Arabia Evisa website: Go to the official website and create an account using your email address and a secure password.
- Complete the online application form: Fill in the required fields with accurate information, such as your details, passport information, travel itinerary, and contact information.
- Upload the necessary documents: Upload a scanned copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and any other required documents.
- Choose your visa type: Select the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose and duration of stay.
- Please review your application: Double-check all the information you have provided to ensure its accuracy, as any errors may lead to delays or rejection of your application.
- Pay the Evisa fee: Complete the payment using a credit or debit card. Ensure you have a valid card with sufficient funds to cover the Evisa cost.
- Please submit your application: Once you have reviewed and paid for it, submit it and await the approval email.
Saudi Arabia Evisa Duration and Validity
The Saudi Arabia Evisa is valid for one year from the date of issuance. During this period, you can enter the country for a stay of up to 90 days. It is essential to note that Evisa is a single-entry visa, which means you can only enter Saudi Arabia once using this visa. If you plan to visit the country multiple times within a year, you must apply for a new Evisa for each trip.
Keep in mind that the duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia cannot be extended beyond the 90-day limit. If you wish to stay longer, you must exit the country and apply for a new Evisa.
Saudi Arabia Evisa Process Time
One of the significant advantages of the Saudi Arabia Evisa is its relatively quick processing time. Your Evisa application will usually be processed within 24 to 72 hours. However, applying well before your planned travel date is always a good idea to account for any unexpected delays.
In rare cases, your application may be flagged for manual processing, which can take longer. To avoid delays, ensure that you provide accurate information and submit all the required documents in the correct format.
Saudi Arabia Evisa Cost and Payment Options
The cost of the Saudi Arabia Evisa varies depending on your nationality and the visa type you choose. In general, the Evisa fee ranges from $80 to $160. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.
When you apply for your Evisa online, you must pay the fee using a credit or debit card. The payment platform accepts significant cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Ensure your card has sufficient funds and is enabled for international transactions to avoid issues.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Saudi Arabia Evisa Application
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free Saudi Arabia Evisa application process, follow these tips:
- Double-check your eligibility: Before starting your application, confirm your eligibility for Evisa by reviewing the list of eligible countries on the official website.
- Prepare your documents: Before starting your application, gather all the required documents and information to avoid delays or mistakes.
- Use a reliable internet connection: A stable internet connection is essential to avoid disruptions during the application process.
- Provide accurate information: Ensure all your data is up-to-date to prevent delays or rejections.
- Review your application: Double-check all the details to ensure their accuracy before submitting your application.
- Apply well in advance: Although the Evisa processing time is relatively short, applying well in advance is always a good idea to account for any unexpected delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Saudi Arabia Evisa
When applying for a Saudi Arabia Evisa, be mindful of these common mistakes that may lead to delays or rejections:
- Providing incorrect or incomplete information: Double-check all the details you provide on your application form, and ensure they match your passport and other supporting documents.
- Uploading low-quality or false documents: Ensure you upload clear, legible copies of your passport, photo, and any other required documents in the specified format and size.
- Choosing the wrong visa type: Make sure you select the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose and duration of stay.
- Failing to pay the Evisa fee: Ensure that your credit or debit card has sufficient funds and is enabled for international transactions before attempting to pay the Evisa fee.
- Applying too close to your travel date: Although the Evisa processing time is relatively short, applying well in advance is always a good idea to avoid any last-minute delays or rejections.
How to Check the Status of Your Saudi Arabia Evisa Application
After submitting your Saudi Arabia Evisa application, you can check its status by logging into your account on the official Evisa website. You will receive a confirmation email once your application is approved. In case of any issues or delays, you will be notified via email and may be asked to provide additional information or documents.
Read: How to apply and get Senegal eVisa
Applying for a Saudi Arabia Evisa is a simple and convenient process that has made it easier for eligible tourists to visit the country. By understanding the requirements, following the step-by-step guide, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free application experience. So plan your trip to Saudi Arabia – a country steeped in rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.