If you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia, the Tourist E-Visa is the required entry document. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched this electronic visa system to welcome foreign visitors for tourism, leisure, and events, making the travel authorization process simple and fast for U.S. citizens.
The Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa grants a generous multiple-entry authorization over a full year, allowing maximum flexibility for exploring the country. This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to obtain your Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is the Saudi Arabia Tourist E-visa?
- Do I Need a Saudi Arabia Tourist E-visa?
- E-visa Features: Validity and Stay Limits
- Applying for Your E-visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
- The Official Saudi Arabia Tourist E-visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the E-visa: Other Saudi Arabia Entry Requirements
- Saudi Arabia Tourist E-visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Saudi Arabia Tourist E-visa?
The Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa is an official, multiple-entry electronic visa that permits you to travel to and enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for short-term stays, primarily for tourism. It is purchased and issued entirely online and is electronically attached to your US passport number.
Do I Need a Saudi Arabia Tourist E-visa?
As a U.S. citizen, yes, you need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism. The E-Visa is the fastest and most convenient way to secure this authorization.
You must get an E-Visa if your purpose is:
- Tourism, leisure, or sightseeing.
- Visiting friends or family.
- Attending events or participating in non-work-related activities.
- Performing Umrah (outside of the Hajj season).
Note: You may also be eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the airport, but the Saudi Arabia E-visa is highly recommended to avoid long lines at the airport and ensure pre-approval before your trip.
E-visa Features: Validity and Stay Limits
The Saudi Tourist E-Visa is granted as a long-term, multiple-entry authorization.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Gov. Fee: | Approx. $143 USD (Includes visa fee and mandatory health insurance). |
| Validity Period: | 1 year from the date of issue. |
| Entries: | Multiple entries are allowed during the 1-year validity. |
| Maximum Stay per Visit: | Up to 90 days per visit. |
| Maximum Cumulative Stay: | Cannot exceed 180 days within 12 months. |
Applying for Your E-visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
The E-visa application is completed entirely online, offering flexibility in processing speed.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): For travelers who prefer to handle the process themselves, applying directly through the official Visit Saudi portal is the required pathway. The application process is generally straightforward and fast.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers seeking expert verification and streamlined entry, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the documentation requirements, helps ensure compliance with mandatory health insurance requirements, and provides 24/7 multilingual support.
The Official Saudi Arabia Tourist E-visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
The E-visa process is designed for speed, with options to expedite your application.
| Processing Time (Standard): | Typically 1–2 working days. |
| Use: | Required for entry; must be presented at the border (electronically linked to passport). |
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid U.S. passport (valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry).
- A digital photograph (recent, passport-style, against a white background).
- Accommodation details in Saudi Arabia.
- An active credit or debit card for the visa fee.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Access the official Visit Saudi E-visa portal or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Select the Tourist Visa option.
- Fill out the detailed application form, including personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary.
- You will be assigned a mandatory health insurance policy, and the fee will be calculated (approx. $143 USD total).
Step 3: Pay and Receive Your E-visa
- Pay the non-refundable government fee (approx. $143 USD).
- Submit your application.
- Confirmation: Most applicants receive approval within 24 hours (and often within minutes).
- Once approved, the E-visa is emailed as a PDF document.
- While electronically linked to your passport, it is always recommended to carry a digital or printed copy of the confirmation.
Beyond the E-visa: Other Saudi Arabia Entry Requirements
The E-Visa permits you to travel, but final admission remains at the discretion of Saudi Border Authorities. An approved E-Visa does not guarantee entry into Saudi Arabia. Border officials retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your date of entry.
- Return/Onward Ticket: Proof of your ticket for departure from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Compliance with Local Laws: Saudi Arabia has strict laws regarding:
- behavior,
- dress code, and
- the consumption of alcohol and pork products.
- All foreign visitors are expected to respect local customs and regulations.
Note on Religious Sites: Access to the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina is generally restricted to Muslim travelers. Non-Muslim tourists are not permitted to enter Mecca.
Saudi Arabia Tourist E-visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. The Tourist E-Visa is strictly for tourism, leisure, family visits, and Umrah (outside of Hajj). It is not valid for employment or study purposes.
A: The $143 USD fee (approximate total) covers the government visa application charge and a mandatory fee for the health insurance policy, which is included with every tourist E-visa.
A: No. The Tourist E-visa is non-extendable. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa.
A: Yes. The Saudi Tourist E-Visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year, allowing multiple visits, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days.
A: Yes. U.S. citizens are eligible for the Visa on Arrival. However, the E-visa is highly recommended as it avoids long airport lines and guarantees your authorization before your trip.
Need a fast, simple way to secure your Saudi Arabia E-Visa? Apply for your Saudi Arabia Tourist E-visa quickly and securely with iVisa today! Let iVisa help you navigate the process and ensure all your documents are ready for a smooth trip.
