Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. Through their fast and easy-to-use online portal, international visitors from eligible countries can apply for an eVisa and discover the hospitality of Saudi people. The eVisa will be a one-year, multiple entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country.
Tourists from eligible countries can apply for a tourism visa online through the fast and easy-to-use e-visa portal (https://visa.visitsaudi.com) ahead of their trip, or upon arrival in Saudi Arabia through visa kiosks at immigration. Tourists from other countries should apply for a consulate visa through Saudi embassies and consulates.
All Visit Visas: including E-Visa, Visa-on-Arrival and Consulate Visa:
• Visa fee is SAR 440, including the base fee (SAR 300) and health insurance (SAR 140). VAT and payment processing are additional charges.
• Validity of the visa depends on its type. A single entry visa allows you to stay for one month, while the multiple entry visa allows you up to three month stay in Saudi Arabia.
• Maximum duration of stay is up to three months per visit, with no more than 3 months with multiple entries.
E-Visa and Visa on Arrival
• Minimum age of applicant is 18 years old
• Underage applicants require an individual above 18 years old to be the guardian
• When applying, passport validity must be for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia*
• Refund in case of rejection is not possible. Visa fees are non-refundable
• Overstay fees: SAR 100 for each day of overstay when the visa expires without leaving Saudi Arabia.
• Religion of applicant is not relevant
• Countries with bilateral agreements can apply for the visit visa through e-visa or visa on arrival, or through the consulate visa (USA, UK, South Korea and Japan)
• Documents not required to get a visa:
• Return ticket
• Booking accommodation (only address is required)
• Hard copy of the visa, although a soft copy is advised
• Time taken to issue an e-Visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases
• Visa eligibility pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia
* For citizens of USA, an extended validity of 6 months after the passport expiry date is permissible for application
• Minimum age of applicant is 18 years old
• Underage applicants require an individual above 18 years old to be the guardian
• When applying, passport validity must be for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia
• Refund in case of rejection is not possible, visa fees are non-refundable
• Overstay fees: SAR 100 for each day of overstay
• Religion of applicant is not relevant
• Sponsor is not required for the visa application
• Documents required include:
• Proof of accommodation
• Return ticket
• Proof of employment
• Bank statement
• Supporting information include:
• Identification
• Home address
• Travel itinerary
• Time taken to issue an e-Visa is 1-2 business days in most cases
• Visa pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector.
Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC).
She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book.
She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter.
Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler.
It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
