Introduction:
Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a top global travel destination. In 2025, Saudi Arabia saluted around 116 million callers including both worldwide and domestic callers. This shows an increase a 6 from the former time. This improvement depicts that Saudi Arabia is a famous place to visit thanks to new points of interest, more hotels, and better visa rules.
To supervise this increase in callers Saudi Arabia presents different types of visas depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your trip. When it comes to eVisa vs. Visa, realizing your options is important. Supposing you are going for Umrah, visiting family, or on a business trip here is a guide to the visas you can get.
Saudi Arabia’s Visa on Arrival
Passengers from specific countries can receive a visa when they arrive at an airport or other entry point in Saudi Arabia. You can use a self-reliant machine or go to the passport counter to apply.
You can get a visa on appearance if you:
- Have a valid tourist visa for the Schengen area, the US, or the UK.
- Do you have endless occupancy in the US, a country in the EU, or the UK?
- Saudi Arabia’s eVisa
Saudi Arabia’s eVisa
For most citizens, the Saudi eVisa is the simplest option. You can apply for it online on the sanctioned website.
Rules for the eVisa:
- Validity: The eVisa is a recurrent visa that is good for one year.
- Duration of Stay: You can proceed for up to 90 days on each visit.
- Goals: It can be used for visitors, visiting family, or performing Umrah (but not during the Hajj season).
- Accessibility: People who live in GCC countries can also apply. Both a one-way entry and an intermittent visa are available.
The eVisa is sent to you by email after it is accepted. It is important to know the difference in the application process and what you can do with a regular visa versus the Saudi eVisa vs. Visa on arrival. This is one of the key differences between an eVisa vs. Visa.
Who Can Apply for an eVisa?
- People from a long list of acceptable countries.
- People who live in GCC countries.
You can look into whether if you are eligible for an eVisa or a visa on arrival by visiting the official Saudi visa website. You just select your purpose/goals of travel, your nationality, and if you are a resident of another country. The website will then show you the visa options you have.
Eligible Countries for the eVisa
Here is a list of countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for a Saudi eVisa:
- North America: Canada, United States of America.
- Asia: Azerbaijan, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Singapore, Tajikistan, Malaysia, Maldives, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan.
- Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Georgia, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
- Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa.
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
- Other Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
You just choose your goals of travel goals, your nationality, and if you are a resident of another country. You can look into if you are acceptable/eligible for an eVisa or a visa on arrival by visiting the official Saudi visa website. The website will then show you the visa options you have.
Visas for Travelers from Other Countries
If you aren’t able to get an eVisa or a visa on arrival you can still apply for a visit visa through a Saudi embassy or an authorized service agent. This opportunity is for tourism, family visits, Umrah and business.
Family and Friends Visa
- A Saudi citizen or occupant must start the operation by transferring an invitation.
- The person visiting must be a family member of the person inviting them.
Tourist Visa
- Visitors from countries not recognized for an eVisa can apply at visa service centers or immediately at a Saudi embassy.
- Applications are put forward online and completed at the embassy.
Umrah Visa
- A visa on appearance or a conveyance visa( if you fly with Saudia or Flynas) for Umrah. If you are qualified you can use an eVisa.
- If you are unable to utilize above option you must get an Umrah visa through an authorized Umrah agent, visa office, or Saudi embassy.
Business Visa
- This visa is for going to meetings, conferences, and other business activities.
- You will be required to be given an invitation letter from a Saudi company. If you do not have one you must provide details about your own business in the application.
Saudi Transit Visas
Saudi Arabia also offers transit visas for people who are just passing through the country by air, land, or ocean.
Stopover Visa
- This is a one-of-a-kind visa for passengers flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas.
- It lets you continue in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours (four days).
- You can use it to fulfil Umrah or visit holy sites.
- This visa is free but you will have to pay for the processing and required medical insurance.
