What is the immigration process for Saudi eVisa? Upon arrival at a Saudi airport, eVisa holders proceed to passport control, where an immigration officer verifies the visa and conducts biometric scans. The process typically takes 5 to 15 minutes before issuing an entry stamp.
UK passport holders are among the 66 eligible nationalities for the Saudi eVisa (source:, June 2023). At Saudi airport border control, an immigration officer verifies the visa, conducts biometric scans, and issues an entry stamp in 5 to 15 minutes.
Arriving in Saudi Arabia: eVisa Eligibility and Required Documents
The Saudi eVisa is an electronic tourist visa valid for 1 year, allowing multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days. UK passport holders are among 66 eligible nationalities (, June 2023). The application has 3 steps: fill form, pay fee, get visa. The Saudi eVisa permits tourism and Umrah (excluding Hajj); studying is not allowed. Non-eligible nationals must contact the nearest Saudi Arabia Embassy. Applicants must be 18+ or accompanied by a guardian.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond entry date
- Saudi eVisa confirmation (PDF; printed copy recommended due to WiFi, airline, and immigration system issues)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel reservation confirmation
- Health insurance confirmation (bundled with the Saudi eVisa per gov.uk; NHS does not cover overseas costs)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card)
Step-by-Step Immigration Process at Saudi Airports
At Saudi passport control, eVisa holders present their passport and Saudi eVisa, answer officer questions, complete biometric scans, and receive an entry stamp in 5 to 15 minutes.
Follow signage to passport control
Follow bilingual Arabic-English signage through the arrival hall to the passport control area at major airports such as Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), and Dammam (DMM).
Wait in the eVisa queue
Wait in the queue at the passport control booth designated for eVisa holders; separate family lanes are available.
Present passport and eVisa
Present your passport and Saudi eVisa to the immigration officer for visa verification.
Complete biometric scans
Complete biometric scans (fingerprints and facial photograph) at the counter.
Receive entry stamp
Receive an entry stamp in your passport confirming lawful admission to the Kingdom.
Proceed to baggage claim
Proceed to baggage claim and the customs declaration area.
What the Immigration Officer Will Ask You
The officer asks about your purpose of visit, accommodation address, and return flight date. Have your passport, printed Saudi eVisa, and hotel booking ready to present together. The interaction is conducted in English at major airports such as Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED).
Biometric Scanning at Saudi Airport Border Control
Biometric capture at Saudi immigration includes a four-finger flat scan, thumb scan, digital facial photograph, and iris scan, taking 2 to 5 minutes per person.
Finger and thumb scan
Place four fingers flat on the biometric scanner, then each thumb separately.
Digital facial photograph
Look into the capture device for a digital facial photograph.
Iris scan
Complete an iris scan using the same stationary equipment at the passport control booth.
On a first visit, the Saudi eVisa immigration process requires full biometric capture at a staffed counter. On subsequent visits, travellers may use automated e-Gates, provided prior biometric registration is on file and the airport supports e-Gate clearance. E-gate eligibility varies by airport and registration status (check Saudi Ports Authority).
Do Children Need Biometric Scans?
Young children and infants are exempt from full biometric capture during the Saudi eVisa immigration process, with specific age thresholds applied at each airport’s discretion. Families proceed together through the staffed counter, where officers verify children’s passports and Saudi eVisa details without fingerprint or iris scans from minors.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival and Common Border Issues
The Saudi eVisa guarantees entry before travel; Visa on Arrival is for last-minute trips but risks longer queues and secondary inspection.
| Criteria | Saudi eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online, before travel | At airport upon arrival |
| Processing | 24-72 hours | On-the-spot (variable) |
| Entry certainty | Guaranteed before departure | Subject to approval at border |
Common issues include an eVisa data mismatch with passport details, which triggers a secondary inspection protocol. Other problems include travelling with an expired passport or missing a printed Saudi eVisa copy. If you spot an error in your visa data, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via mofa.gov.sa before departure to use the Entry Visa Application Modification Service.
Airport Wait Times, Practical Tips & Common Problems
Saudi immigration queues vary by airport and time of day. Peak wait times occur during morning European flight banks at Riyadh (RUH) Terminal 3, Jeddah (JED) Terminal 1, and Dammam (DMM). Keep your passport, printed Saudi eVisa, and hotel booking in hand to speed up processing.
- eVisa data mismatch with passport details: triggers secondary inspection; contact MOFA before departure via mofa.gov.sa
- Expired passport: denied boarding or entry; verify 6-month validity before travel
- Missing printout: always carry a paper copy of your Saudi eVisa
- Name spelling differences: contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at mofa.gov.sa before departure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Saudi eVisa Immigration
How long does it take for a Saudi eVisa to be approved?
Standard processing time is 24 to 72 hours. During peak travel seasons, approval may take up to 5 business days. Apply well in advance to avoid delays.
Can UK passport holders get a Saudi eVisa?
Yes, UK passport holders are eligible. The UK is among 66 nationalities on the eligible countries list (, June 2023). Applicants must be 18+ or accompanied by a guardian.
Do I need to print my Saudi eVisa?
Yes, a printed copy is recommended. Although the Saudi eVisa is issued as a PDF, relying on a digital copy can be problematic due to airport WiFi, airline boarding, and immigration system requirements.
What are the immigration rules for Saudi Arabia?
Travellers must present a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date. A Saudi eVisa or another valid visa is required. At the border, visitors undergo biometric scans, answer officer questions, and receive an entry stamp.
What are the new rules for Umrah visa applications in 2026?
As of September 2026, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not published changes to Umrah visa rules. The Saudi eVisa permits Umrah (excluding Hajj, which requires a separate visa). Verify on mofa.gov.sa.
How long does the biometric scan take at Saudi airport?
Biometric capture (four-finger flat scan, thumb, facial photo, iris scan) takes 2 to 5 minutes at the passport control booth.
Can I use the e-gate at Saudi airports with an eVisa?
E-gate eligibility depends on the specific airport and prior biometric registration. First visits require full biometric capture at a staffed counter. Check with the Saudi Ports Authority for current e-gate rules.
What should I do if my eVisa has an error?
Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure via mofa.gov.sa to use the Entry Visa Application Modification Service. At the airport, you may face a secondary inspection protocol.
Is visa on arrival available for UK citizens at Saudi airports?
Yes, visa on arrival is available for UK citizens. However, the Saudi eVisa applied for online before travel is recommended for guaranteed entry and shorter queues.
What is the eVisa health insurance and what does it cover?
Health insurance is bundled with the Saudi eVisa for the duration of your visit (gov.uk). Important for UK travellers, as NHS does not cover overseas costs. Verify your policy number on your eVisa document.
Last updated: 11 September 2026. Sources:, gov.uk, mofa.gov.sa.
