Last updated: 11 September 2026. This is an independent informational guide, not affiliated with the Saudi government. Always verify current rules at before travelling.
The eVisa Saudi Arabia is an electronic travel authorisation for short-term tourism, valid for 1 year with multiple entries and up to 90 days per stay. Citizens of 66 countries, including the UK, need it in 2026. It costs SAR 300 (approximately £63 GBP) including mandatory health insurance. Apply online at before departure.
UK travellers planning a trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must obtain this digital visa before departure. The Saudi eVisa streamlines the process, replacing traditional consular applications for eligible nationalities. This guide covers requirements, application steps, and entry rules for 2026.
What Is the Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation launched in 2019 by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) under Vision 2030, valid for 1 year with multiple-entry access and a 90-day maximum stay per visit.
The Saudi eVisa grants eligible travellers access to the Kingdom for short-term tourism, Umrah (excluding Hajj), and transit. It is obtained entirely online via the Saudi tourism portal through a 3-step process with approval typically issued within minutes to 48 hours. In practice, most UK applicants receive an instant eVisa approval within minutes, though some may wait up to 48 hours during peak periods.
The Saudi eVisa differs from other entry pathways available to UK travellers in 2026:
| Type | Validity | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi eVisa | 1 year, multiple entry, 90 days per stay | SAR 300 (≈ £63 GBP), insurance included | Tourism, Umrah, transit |
| Visa on Arrival | Single or multiple entry | Varies by nationality | Tourism (limited nationalities) |
| Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) | Single entry, up to 180 days | Free | Tourism (UK citizens only) |
Upon arrival, the traveller presents the Saudi eVisa – printed or digital – at immigration. The Saudi eVisa requires a passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date.
Who Needs a Saudi eVisa in 2026?
Citizens of 66 countries – including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and most EU states – need a Saudi eVisa in 2026 to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism.
The 66 eligible countries span five continents: North America (7 countries), Europe (40 countries), Asia (14 countries), Africa (3 countries), and Oceania (2 countries). The full list is available on the Saudi eVisa portal at. Nationals not listed below must apply for a consular visa through the nearest Saudi embassy.
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| North America | Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, United States |
| Europe | Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, 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 |
| Asia | Azerbaijan, Brunei, China (incl. Hong Kong & Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan |
| Africa | Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
Saudi eVisa vs Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for UK Citizens
UK citizens can choose between the Saudi eVisa (SAR 300, 1-year validity, multiple entries, 90-day stay) and the free Electronic Visa Waiver (single entry, up to 180 days).
| Attribute | Saudi eVisa | Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 1 year from issue | Single trip |
| Entries | Multiple entry | Single entry |
| Max. stay | Up to 90 days per entry | Up to 180 days |
| Cost | SAR 300 (≈ £63 GBP) | Free |
| Health insurance | Mandatory, included in fee | Not included |
| Umrah permitted | Yes, year-round | Not confirmed |
Which option should UK travellers choose?
- Choose the Saudi eVisa if you need multiple entries, plan Umrah, or want included health insurance.
- Choose the EVW if you need a single longer stay of up to 180 days and want no visa fee.
Full UK-specific entry guidance is available on the gov.uk FCDO travel advice page.
Saudi eVisa Entry Requirements & Documents Checklist
- Passport validity (6-month rule): Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date into Saudi Arabia.
- Digital photograph: A recent passport-style photo with a white background, minimum 200×200 px, in JPG or PNG format. The head-to-chin ratio must follow standard passport photo guidelines.
- Mandatory health insurance: Emergency medical insurance is automatically issued with the Saudi eVisa and included in the SAR 300 fee. Coverage extends to emergency treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
- Proof of return travel: A confirmed return or onward ticket must be presented at immigration upon arrival.
- Permitted ports of entry: The Saudi eVisa is accepted at all international airports, the King Fahd Causeway (Bahrain land border), and designated seaports. Full details are available on the Saudi eVisa portal at.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa Online
The Saudi eVisa application is a 3-step online process – fill the form, upload documents, pay SAR 300 – with approval typically issued within minutes to 48 hours.
Fill the application
Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel purpose.
Pay the visa fee
The total cost is SAR 300 (≈ £63 GBP), which includes mandatory health insurance.
Get your online visa
Receive the Saudi eVisa by email, typically within minutes to 24-48 hours.
Travellers should apply at least 72 hours before departure to allow for potential processing delays during peak periods. Once approved, the Saudi eVisa can be presented digitally or in printed form at immigration.
As an alternative, the Saudia Stopover Program offers a free transit eVisa for stays up to 4 days in Jeddah or Riyadh, available when booking through Saudia or flynas.
Saudi eVisa Fees & Costs 2026
The Saudi eVisa costs SAR 300 (approximately £63 GBP) in 2026, which includes the mandatory health insurance and all processing fees with no hidden charges.
The GBP equivalent is approximate and exchange-rate dependent. Applicants pay by credit or debit card through the Saudi eVisa portal at.
| Visa Type | Fee | Insurance | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi eVisa | SAR 300 (≈ £63) | Included | Multiple |
| Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) | Free | Not included | Single |
| Consular visa (embassy) | Varies | Separate | Varies |
The Saudi eVisa fee covers emergency treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation under its mandatory health insurance component. UK citizens weighing the eVisa against the free EVW should note that the EVW does not include any insurance coverage.
eVisa Validity, Duration & Allowed Stays
The Saudi eVisa is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance, permits multiple entries, and allows a cumulative stay of up to 90 days per entry with no in-country extension available.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Validity period | 1 year from issue date |
| Entry type | Multiple entry |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days per entry |
| In-country extension | Not available |
What Happens If You Overstay? Exceeding the 90-day cumulative stay within the 1-year validity period triggers a daily financial penalty. Travellers must regularise their status before departure to avoid further consequences.
Can You Extend from Within Saudi Arabia? Extension is not possible; exit and re-enter within the 1-year validity period using the same Saudi eVisa.
Purpose of Travel – Tourism, Umrah & Transit
The Saudi eVisa permits tourism, Umrah (year-round), transit (up to 96 hours), and family visits – but performing Hajj on a tourist eVisa is strictly prohibited.
| Purpose | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism & leisure | Yes | Tourism-related activities covered by the Saudi eVisa |
| Umrah | Yes | Permitted any time of year on the Saudi eVisa |
| Hajj | No | Requires a separate Hajj visa via MOFA (mofa.gov.sa) |
| Transit / stopover | Yes | Up to 96 hours via Saudia/flynas stopover programs |
| Family & friends visits | Yes | Permitted under tourist eVisa conditions |
| Study / work | No | Excluded; requires a dedicated visa category |
Can You Perform Hajj on a Tourist eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa restricts holders from performing Hajj. Umrah is permitted year-round, but Hajj requires a separate visa issued through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs at mofa.gov.sa. Hajj 2026 falls approximately in late May to early June 2026, as Islamic-calendar dates shift roughly 11 days earlier each Gregorian year.
Important Rules for Travellers in Saudi Arabia
After arrival on a Saudi eVisa, travellers must observe dress codes, respect restrictions on prohibited items, and comply with local regulations.
The Saudi eVisa grants entry, but compliance with in-country rules remains the traveller’s responsibility throughout the stay. Breaches can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
Dress Code – Modest dress is required in all public spaces. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and this applies to both men and women. At religious sites, women must wear an abaya; men should avoid shorts. Failure to comply may lead to denial of entry to mosques and other landmarks.
Prohibited Items – The following are strictly banned from import and possession in Saudi Arabia:
- Alcohol in any quantity
- Pork and pork-derived products
- Non-Islamic religious materials intended for distribution
- Narcotics and recreational drugs
Customs inspections at ports of entry are thorough. The Saudi eVisa does not exempt holders from baggage checks, and penalties for smuggling carry severe criminal consequences.
Health Declarations – A passenger locator form or equivalent health declaration may be required in 2026 depending on public-health conditions at the time of travel. Check current requirements via the UK FCDO travel advice for Saudi Arabia before departure.
Saudi eVisa for Minors & Family Travel
Children under 18 require their own Saudi eVisa and must be accompanied by a guardian, with additional documentation needed for application.
The Saudi eVisa system requires every traveller, regardless of age, to hold an individual authorisation. Applicants aged 18 and over may submit their own application independently through the portal. Minors under 18 cannot apply without a parent or legal guardian.
When applying for a Saudi eVisa for a child, the following additional documents are required:
- A copy of the child’s birth certificate showing parent or guardian names
- Parental consent from at least one parent or legal guardian
- The child’s passport, valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date
- A digital photograph meeting the 200×200 px specification (white background, JPG or PNG format)
Each minor’s eVisa costs the same SAR 300 (≈ £63 GBP) fee as an adult application, which includes mandatory health insurance. Families travelling together must submit a separate application per child at.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Saudi eVisa
The FAQ section answers the most common Saudi eVisa questions covering eligibility, costs, validity, UK-specific options, Hajj restrictions, and 2026 rule updates.
What is the Saudi eVisa and how does it work?
The Saudi eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation for short-term tourism. Apply online in 3 steps: fill the form, pay SAR 300, and receive your visa by email within minutes to 48 hours. Present it at immigration upon arrival.
Who needs a Saudi eVisa in 2026?
Citizens of 66 eligible countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and most EU states. Nationals not on the eligible list must apply for a consular visa at a Saudi embassy.
Can UK citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
Yes. UK citizens can also use the free Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for a single entry up to 180 days, but the Saudi eVisa offers multiple entries over 1 year and includes mandatory health insurance.
How much does a Saudi eVisa cost in 2026?
SAR 300 (approximately £63 GBP), which includes the visa fee and mandatory health insurance. Payment is by credit or debit card online at.
How long is the Saudi eVisa valid?
1 year from issue date, with multiple entries allowed. Maximum stay is 90 days per entry. You must exit before exceeding the 90-day cumulative limit.
Can I perform Hajj on a Saudi eVisa?
No. The Saudi eVisa permits Umrah year-round but not Hajj. Hajj requires a separate visa via the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs at mofa.gov.sa. Hajj 2026 falls approximately in late May to early June.
Are there any new Saudi eVisa changes for 2026?
No major changes confirmed for 2026. The core parameters (66 eligible countries, 1-year validity, 90-day stay, SAR 300 fee with insurance) remain unchanged.
What documents do I need for a Saudi eVisa application?
A passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date, a digital photo (200×200 px, white background, JPG or PNG), and a credit or debit card for payment. Health insurance is included in the fee.
How long does it take to get a Saudi eVisa?
Processing takes minutes to 48 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before departure to ensure approval in time. During peak travel periods, applying earlier is recommended.
Can I extend my Saudi eVisa from within Saudi Arabia?
Generally no. Exit and re-enter using the multiple-entry feature of your valid Saudi eVisa. Exceeding 90 days results in daily overstay fines.
