Saudi Arabia has become one of the fastest-opening travel destinations in the Gulf, and for most leisure visitors the door now opens online in minutes. The tourist eVisa lets eligible nationalities apply from a phone or laptop, arrive by air, land or sea, and even perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. This 2026 guide breaks down who qualifies, what it costs, how long it lasts, and exactly how to apply.
What the Saudi tourist eVisa is
The tourist visa is a multi-purpose visitor visa issued primarily through the official Saudi eVisa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com. It is designed for tourism, but Saudi authorities confirm it also covers family and friend visits, business meetings and events, and Umrah performed outside the Hajj period. The one activity it does not permit is Hajj, which requires a separate, dedicated permit.
The eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa. Each visit can last up to 90 days, and the visa remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue, so you can enter Saudi Arabia several times within that year. The surge in arrivals this route enabled helped push the Kingdom to a record tourism year in 2025, and the online process remains the backbone of that growth.
Eligible nationalities
Citizens of roughly 66 eligible countries can apply for the eVisa online. The list covers the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, all European Union and Schengen states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, South Africa and many more. Because the official list is periodically updated, always confirm your nationality on the eVisa portal before paying.
If your country is not on the list, you may still qualify through a second route: travellers holding a valid and previously used visa or residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom, or a Schengen country can generally apply. This provision significantly widens access for nationalities that are otherwise not directly eligible.
Visa on arrival
A visa on arrival is available at major Saudi airports for those who prefer not to apply in advance. Eligibility is narrower than the online eVisa: it is aimed at nationals of the United States, the United Kingdom and EU/Schengen states, plus holders of valid US, UK or Schengen visas and residence permits. The visa-on-arrival fee is commonly quoted at around SAR 480. Applying online beforehand is still the safer choice, since it confirms your entry before you fly and avoids airport queues.
GCC residents and GCC citizens
The rules differ sharply between Gulf citizens and Gulf residents. GCC citizens (nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE) are visa-exempt and need no visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
GCC residents who are expatriates, on the other hand, can apply for a Saudi visitor eVisa regardless of their profession, a rule broadened in recent years to include all residents rather than a shortlist of job categories. To qualify, your GCC residence permit must typically be valid for at least three months. Fees for the GCC-resident route are generally lower than the standard tourist eVisa, often quoted near SAR 300 including insurance, though you should verify the current figure at checkout. If you are an expat weighing a longer move rather than a short trip, our guide to living in Riyadh covers costs and neighbourhoods in detail.
Umrah and the Nusuk link
One of the biggest shifts is that the standard tourist eVisa now lets holders perform Umrah outside the Hajj season without a separate Umrah visa. However, the process is increasingly tied to the official Nusuk platform, which is used to arrange and verify Umrah bookings, permits, hotels and transport. Pilgrims should plan through Nusuk and check the latest requirements before travelling.
Timing matters. Ahead of the Hajj season each year, Saudi authorities temporarily restrict entry to Makkah for tourist-visa holders. Always confirm the current Umrah entry window and any Makkah access rules on official channels before booking, especially in the weeks surrounding Hajj.
Fees, insurance and validity
When applying through the official portal, the total tourist eVisa cost in 2026 is commonly around SAR 535. That figure bundles the base visa fee with mandatory medical insurance and applicable transaction charges, so there is no separate insurance policy to buy at the counter. The insurance covers medical emergencies during your stay.
- Validity: 1 year from issue
- Entries: Multiple
- Maximum stay: 90 days per visit
- Included: Mandatory medical insurance
Fees can be adjusted, and third-party agents add service charges on top, so the official portal is both the cheapest and the most reliable place to confirm the current price.
How to apply
The online application is straightforward and usually approved quickly:
- Go to the official eVisa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account.
- Complete the application form with your passport details and a recent photo.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival.
- Pay the fee online; medical insurance is added automatically.
- Receive the eVisa by email, usually within a short processing window, and carry a printed or digital copy when you travel.
Once you land, getting around the capital is easy on public transport. The new Riyadh Metro rider guide explains lines, fares and the Darb card so you can move between the airport, hotels and attractions without a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa in 2026?
Yes. The standard tourist eVisa allows Umrah outside the Hajj season without a separate Umrah visa, but the process is increasingly managed through the official Nusuk platform. It does not permit Hajj, and Makkah entry is temporarily restricted for tourist-visa holders in the run-up to Hajj, so check the current window before booking.
How long is the Saudi tourist eVisa valid and how long can I stay?
The tourist eVisa is valid for one year from issue with multiple entries, and each visit can last up to 90 days. That means you can enter Saudi Arabia several times within the 12-month validity period.
What does the Saudi tourist eVisa allow me to do?
It covers tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings and events, and performing Umrah outside the Hajj season. It cannot be used for paid employment or for Hajj, both of which require different, dedicated visas.
