Top 10 Questions About Saudi eVisa – Everything You Need to Know
Saudi Arabia attracts millions of visitors yearly for tourism, business, and religious purposes. The Saudi eVisa simplifies travel for eligible tourists, offering a quick and convenient online application process.
Understanding the Saudi eVisa FAQ ensures a smooth experience when applying.
This guide covers the most common Saudi Arabia eVisa questions, including eligibility, costs, validity, and application steps. It also provides additional insights into the history of Saudi eVisa and approval statistics to make your travel decisions easier.
What is a Saudi eVisa?
A Saudi eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign visitors to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism. It eliminates the need to visit an embassy, making the process easier.
- Purpose: Tourism, Umrah (excluding Hajj), and leisure.
- Type: Multiple-entry, valid for one year.
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days per visit.
- Processing Time: 24-72 hours in most cases.
Benefits of a Saudi eVisa
✅ No need for an embassy visit.
✅ Multiple entries allow flexibility.
✅ Fast processing time.
✅ Covers most tourism-related activities.
✅ Comes with mandatory health insurance for emergencies.
Who is Eligible for a Saudi eVisa?
Citizens from over 60 countries can apply for a Saudi eVisa.
Eligible Regions
- North America: USA, Canada.
- Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands.
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore.
Who is NOT Eligible?
- Passport holders from non-listed countries need a traditional visa.
- Those visiting for work or study require different visas.
✅ Tip: Check your eligibility on the official Saudi eVisa portal before applying.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa Online?
Applying for a Saudi eVisa is simple and fully online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Saudi eVisa website.
- Create an account and fill out the application.
- Upload documents (passport copy and photo).
- Pay the fee using a credit or debit card.
- Receive approval within 24-72 hours via email.
✅ Tip: Apply at least 7 days before travel to avoid delays.
What Documents Are Required for a Saudi eVisa?
To complete your application, prepare these documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- Recent photograph (passport-style, white background).
- Return flight ticket (recommended, not mandatory).
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or host details).
✅ Tip: Ensure your passport details match your eVisa application exactly.
How Much Does a Saudi eVisa Cost?
The Saudi eVisa cost includes visa fees and insurance.
- Total cost: $117-$130 (varies by exchange rates).
- Breakdown:
- Visa fee: $80
- Mandatory health insurance: $37-$50
- Payment Methods: Credit or debit card.
Tip: Use an international card to avoid payment issues.
What’s the Validity & Maximum Stay Duration?
The Saudi eVisa has a flexible validity period:
- Validity: 1 year from the date of approval.
- Number of Entries: Multiple.
- Stay Per Visit: Up to 90 days.
- Maximum Stay Per Year: 180 days.
✅ Tip: Plan trips accordingly to avoid overstaying.
Can I Extend My Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa cannot be extended. However, you can leave the country and re-enter using your multiple-entry visa as long as it’s valid.
- If your visa expires, you must apply for a new one.
- Overstaying incurs daily fines.
✅ Tip: Track your visa expiry date and plan exits in advance.
History of the Saudi eVisa
The Saudi eVisa program was introduced in September 2019 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. The goal was to boost tourism and make entry easier for visitors worldwide.
- Launch Year: 2019
- eVisas Issued (2019-2023): Over 2 million
- Top Visitors: USA, UK, China, France, Germany
Since its launch, the Saudi eVisa has contributed to a 47% rise in international tourism, solidifying Saudi Arabia as a key travel destination.
✅ Tip: The system has improved significantly since launch, making approvals faster.
Why Do Saudi eVisa Applications Get Rejected?
Common reasons for Saudi eVisa rejection include:
🚫 Incomplete applications (missing documents or incorrect details).
🚫 Passport validity issues (less than 6 months left).
🚫 Suspicious travel history (past visa violations).
🚫 Unpaid fees (ensure transaction completion).
✅ Tip: Double-check all details before submitting your application.
What Happens If I Overstay My Saudi eVisa?
Overstaying your Saudi eVisa results in fines and restrictions:
🚨 Penalty: SAR 100 per day ($27 per day).
🚨 Future Visa Issues: Repeated overstays may affect future approvals.
🚨 Deportation: In severe cases, authorities may deport violators.
Growth and Future Plans for the Saudi eVisa
Since its launch in 2019, the Saudi eVisa program has seen a steady increase in applications. The government aims to expand the program as part of its Vision 2030 tourism initiative.
- Annual Approval Rates:
- 2019: ~400,000 eVisas approved
- 2020: Limited due to COVID-19
- 2021: ~700,000 approvals as tourism resumed
- 2022: Over 1 million eVisas issued
- 2023: More than 1.5 million approvals
The Saudi government is working on further simplifying the process, expanding eligibility to more countries, and introducing special eVisa categories for event-based travel, digital nomads, and long-term tourists.
Saudi Arabia also plans to enhance its border control technology, reducing processing times and making entry smoother for travelers.
✅ Tip: Expect more improvements and expansions in the Saudi eVisa system in the coming years, making travel even more accessible.
Conclusion on 10 Saudi eVisa questions
The Saudi eVisa is a game-changer for travelers looking for quick and easy access to the Kingdom. With its fast online process, multiple-entry feature, and affordable pricing, it’s one of the most efficient ways to visit Saudi Arabia.
Before applying, ensure you meet all Saudi eVisa requirements and have accurate documentation to avoid delays. Keep track of your visa validity and stay within legal limits to prevent penalties.
As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its tourism sector, the eVisa system is expected to grow, bringing more convenience to global travelers. For an official application, visit Saudi visa website. Safe travels!
