Good news if you hold a valid visa from a Schengen country, the UK, or the USA: you can now apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa regardless of your nationality. This policy, confirmed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), makes it easier for tourists and business visitors to enter the Kingdom.
Who is Eligible?
You can apply for a Saudi eVisa if you hold a valid visa from any of these countries:
The 26 Schengen Countries
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Plus the UK and USA
If you hold a visa from any Schengen country, the UK, or the USA, you’re eligible — no matter what your nationality is.
Two Key Requirements
To qualify for the Saudi eVisa, your visa from these countries must meet two conditions:
- The visa must be valid when you arrive in Saudi Arabia — and it should remain valid after your visit to the Kingdom ends. You cannot use an expired visa to qualify.
- Your passport must have been stamped with an entry visa at least once from that country. A visa sticker or stamp showing you’ve actually entered the country (not just had approval) is required.
How to Apply for the Saudi eVisa
You can apply online through the official Saudi eVisa portal or the Absher app (if you have a residency permit). The process is straightforward:
- Visit the official Saudi eVisa website or use the Absher mobile app.
- Upload a clear copy of your passport (bio page) and your valid Schengen, UK, or US visa.
- Complete the application form with your personal details.
- Pay the visa fee (currently SAR 95–160 depending on the visa type — please verify the current fee on the official portal).
- Receive your eVisa approval via email within 24–48 hours.
- Print your eVisa and carry it with your passport when you travel.
What Type of Saudi Visa Can You Get?
The eVisa eligibility covers:
- Tourist visas — for leisure and sightseeing (usually valid for 30 days).
- Business visas — for business meetings, conferences, and commercial purposes (usually valid for 30 days).
- Visit visas — to visit family, friends, or sponsors in Saudi Arabia.
The exact visa type and duration depend on your purpose of visit and what the Saudi embassy/consulate approves.
Important Things to Know
Your Schengen/UK/US Visa Must be Valid
An expired or cancelled visa won’t work. Your visa must be active and unused on the dates you plan to visit Saudi Arabia. However, a Schengen multi-entry visa does not need to have remaining entries — just be valid.
Entry Stamp is Mandatory
You need proof that you’ve actually entered the country that issued the visa. A visa sticker alone (without an entry stamp) may not be sufficient. If you have a stamp showing you’ve used the visa to enter, you’re good to go.
eVisa is for Tourism and Business Only
If you’re coming to Saudi Arabia for work, you’ll need an employment/work visa issued through your employer via the Qiwa portal and Ministry of Human Resources (HRSD). The eVisa scheme doesn’t apply to work visas.
Entry Points
Your eVisa is valid at all Saudi entry points: King Fahd Causeway (border with Bahrain), King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (Medina), King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), Abha Airport, and land borders with UAE, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, and Kuwait.
How Long Does the eVisa Process Take?
Most Saudi eVisa applications are approved within 24–48 hours. Some applications can be processed within a few hours. You’ll receive an email notification once approved.
This is much faster than applying for a traditional visa through an embassy or consulate, which can take several weeks.
How Much Does the Saudi eVisa Cost?
The current eVisa fee is approximately SAR 95–160, depending on the type of visa. Please verify the exact current fee on the official Saudi eVisa portal before applying, as fees can change.
Payment is made online via credit or debit card during the application process.
Can You Extend Your eVisa?
Yes. Once you’re in Saudi Arabia, you can apply for an extension through the Ministry of Interior (Absher portal). Extensions are possible, but you’ll need to apply before your current eVisa expires. The extension process and fees vary, so check Absher for the latest details.
What if You Don’t Have a Schengen, UK, or US Visa?
If you don’t hold a visa from these countries, you can still apply for a Saudi visit/tourist visa through the traditional route. Check the eligibility criteria on the official Saudi eVisa website — many nationalities don’t need a prior visa from another country to visit Saudi Arabia.
Final Tips
- Apply at least 2–3 days before your planned travel to allow time for processing.
- Make sure all your documents are clear, legible, and in colour — blurry photos can delay approval.
- Keep your confirmation email and eVisa printout safe. You’ll need both at airport immigration.
- Don’t use a visa that’s already been cancelled or revoked.
- If your application is rejected, the portal will explain why. You can reapply once you’ve fixed the issue.
This eVisa scheme has made it really convenient for people with strong visa histories to visit Saudi Arabia. If you’ve travelled to Schengen countries, the UK, or the USA, you now have a quick and easy way to get into the Kingdom for tourism or business.
⚠️ Please Note: Rules, fees, and procedures in Saudi Arabia can change. Please verify the latest information on the official website visa.visitsaudi.com before taking any action.