Saudi Visa On Arrival

Saudi Visa On Arrival

Fatima Al Khabi

Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Fatima Al Khabi

September 16, 2023 | 13 min read

The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia was the world's only country that wasn't open to tourists and hence was the least explored until 2019. Saudi Arabia has so much waiting to be explored, and a Saudi Visa on Arrival is one of the easiest ways eligible travelers can enjoy what this gigantic country offers in terms of beauty, entertainment, culture, luxury and more. This comprehensive guide will cover all relevant topics regarding the arrival visa for Saudi Arabia, the procedures, requirements and more.


What Is A Saudi Arabia On Arrival Visa?


A Saudi Arabia on arrival visa is a kind of visa that enables eligible tourists to Saudi Arabia to get their visa at the airport. This implies that tourists can receive the visa at the airport or other approved entry points rather than applying for the visa in advance through a Saudi embassy or consulate.

It is important to remember that not all visitors are qualified for a Saudi Arabia on arrival visa, and specific requirements and limits can be necessary depending on the visitor's country of origin and reason for the travel. Therefore, visitors are advised to confirm their eligibility and the prerequisites for getting a Saudi Arabia on arrival visa before departing for the country.


On Arrival Visa For Saudi Arabia Validity


Saudi Visa On Arrival

The validity duration for a Saudi Arabia visa depends on the type of visa issued. A single-entry visa allows the holder to stay for a maximum of one month, while a multiple-entry visa allows them to stay up to three months. It's important to note that a multiple-entry visa remains valid for three months, irrespective of the number of times the holder exits and re-enters the country within that period.


Eligibility Criteria For Saudi Arabia On Arrival Visa


Two common criteria that can't be overlooked are being 18 years old or above and having a valid passport for at least six months from your intended arrival in Saudi Arabia.

To be able to apply for an on arrival visa for Saudi Arabia, you need to fulfil either of the three criteria:

  1. Be a permanent European Union(EU), United Kingdom or United States resident.
  2. Hold business or tourist visas from the Schengen region, UK, or US. It is required that the visa has been utilized at least once and has an entry stamp from the country that issued it.
  3. Be a national or passport holder of Saudi Arabia on arrival visa countries list mentioned below:
  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • China
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • The Netherlands
  • The United States
  • UK
  • Ukraine

Saudi Visa On Arrival Requirements


Saudi Visa On Arrival
  • Applicants for the Saudi Visa on Arrival must be 18 or above.
  • Applicants under 18 must have a guardian who is at least 18 years old.
  • The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry into Saudi Arabia during visa application.
  • Refunds are not available in the event of rejection.
  • The applicant's religion isn't considered when applying for a Saudi Arabia on arrival visa.
  • Before boarding a flight to Saudi Arabia, all airlines conduct pre-checks to determine the eligibility of travellers for a visa. These pre-checks ensure that travellers have the necessary documents and meet the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Saudi Visa on Arrival.

Visa On Arrival Saudi Arabia Procedure


Getting a Saudi Visa on Arrival is very straightforward and easy. Applicants can choose between two ways:

  • 01   Apply online before travelling: You can approach a travel firm like Arabiers with assistance to make your visa application through the eVisa portal. This includes assistance and guidance throughout the procedure.
  • 02   Get it upon arrival: If you fulfil the Saudi Visa on Arrival criteria, it will be issued upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. You can obtain it from the visa offices located at the Immigration Department.

The process of issuing the visa usually takes around five to thirty minutes. This means that the applicant can expect to receive their eVisa shortly after submitting their application, and the entire process can be completed quickly and efficiently.


On Arrival Visa For Saudi Arabia Documents


Eligible passengers must show the following documentation at the airport or entry point to receive a Saudi Arabia on arrival visa:

Passport: must be current and valid for at least six months after entry into Saudi Arabia.

Debit/Credit card: The traveller must pay the necessary visa fee in cash or by credit/debit card.


Saudi Arabia On Arrival Visa Fee


Saudi Visa On Arrival

The Saudi Arabia on arrival visa fee is 0000AED (0000 SAR), including tax and health insurance coverage throughout your stay in Saudi Arabia. Payment for an arrival can only be made through credit cards or MADA cards (debit cards issued by Saudi banks which can be used like ATM cards to carry out transactions and purchases).


Things To Do In Saudi Arabia


Saudi Arabia is environmentally diverse, boasting azure blue waters in one region, breathtaking mountains in another, picturesque deserts and everything else in between. Besides being an unexplored territory, Saudi Arabia offers good insight into Arabic and Islamic culture and history. The country also has exceptional infrastructure giving you access to some of the best restaurants, hotels and attractions. Here are some experiences you must try when visiting Saudi with a Saudi Arabia on arrival visa. Please know that this is just the tip of the iceberg, with numerous possibilities.

1. Travel To The Edge Of The World

The Edge of the World, also known as Jebel Fihrayn, is a breathtaking natural landmark situated about 90 kilometres northwest of Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, on the rocky desert terrain of the Tuwaiq Escarpment.

It provides stunning panoramic views of the enormous desert landscape as it rises more than 300 meters above the surrounding area. The majestic terrain, combined with the vivid colours of the sky at dawn and sunset, make this site a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The location also provides options for camping, hiking, and rock climbing. Visitors are welcome to explore the surrounding area's rough terrain, which includes valleys and canyons that provide fascinating opportunities and breathtaking views.

2. Scubadive The Untouched Coastline And A Shipwreck

The Red Sea is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, offering a rich and diverse marine life. Visitors can expect to encounter sea creatures like sharks, turtles, colourful fish, and morays. Abu Galawa is a recommended spot for those looking for a new experience. The Galawa reefs can be explored, with barracuda schools and occasional hammerhead or tiger shark sightings.

One of the must-visit sites for scuba diving enthusiasts is the Ann Ann shipwreck, which sunk in 1977, and now serves as a home to blue-spotted stingrays. The Cable Wreck is another shipwreck worth exploring, is the remains of the Staphonos vessel that sunk in 1978. Visitors to this site can expect to see guitarfish swimming in its vicinity. These shipwrecks and other diving locations around the Jeddah area are perfect for those looking for an exciting underwater adventure.

3. Bask In The Labyrinths Of History

Al Ula has something for everyone, from starwatching to hot air balloon rides, experiencing a movie at the open-air cinema or exploring the lush oasis and settlement. AlUla was a significant stopover along the incense trade routes, connecting southern Arabia to Egypt and other regions. The area was dotted with oases, providing a much-needed break for travellers to rest, refresh and recharge. AlUla also served as the capital of the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, which were in control of the caravan trade. Today, the Old Town AlUla remains an abandoned labyrinth of streets, tightly packed to form a defensive wall, and appears to have been built over an ancient settlement. The place offers everything from culture to picturesque settings, history and more.

4. Explore The Gingerbread Settlement

Once a stop for Hajj pilgrims from Yemen, the Rijal Alma might have lost its purpose but still retains its charm of a chic gingerbread town. Consisting of 60 multistorey hamlets made of natural stone, wood and clay, this heritage village is 45 kilometres west of Abha city in the Asir region. A rustic hamlet named Honey Hamlet, built using local natural materials from the highlands is one of the biggest attractions in the Rijal Alma. You can take a seat on its rustic benches and take advantage of an exceptional opportunity to sample the genuine honey variety of Rijal Almaa.


FAQ


You can apply for your Saudi visa by visiting their eVisa platform, visa.visitsaudi.com.

If you are eligible for a Saudi Arabia on arrival visa, you can apply at the immigration counter at any Saudi airport or entry point.

If you are eligible for a Saudi Visa on Arrival, you don't need to apply for a visa before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Yes, Saudi Arabia issues visa on arrival for travellers who fulfill the eligibility criteria.

You can get a Saudi Visa on Arrival in two ways. Apply online with the help of a reputed travel firm like Arabiers or apply at the airport upon arrival at any Saudi Airport or entry point.

Currently, the list of Saudi Arabia on arrival visa countries consists of 49 countries, and the nationals or passport holders of those countries are eligible for a Saudi Arabia on arrival visa. Saudi visa on arrival for green card holders, EU or UK permanent residence visa holders is also issued. Similarly, if you hold business or tourist visas from the Schengen region, UK, or US that have been utilized once and have a stamp, you are eligible for a Saudi Visa on Arrival.