The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and home to Islam’s two holiest cities: Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia has significantly liberalised its visa policy since 2019, introducing tourist e-Visas and visa on arrival for approximately 60 countries. The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) manages immigration. Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and all female travellers must observe local modesty standards.

2. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Freedom of Movement

Citizens of all six GCC member states enjoy full freedom of movement within Saudi Arabia and may enter using their national identity card rather than a passport.

GCC Member States (Freedom of Movement) • Bahrain • Kuwait • Oman • Qatar • United Arab Emirates (UAE) • Saudi Arabia (host country)

3. UK Electronic Visa Waiver (eVW)

British citizens are eligible for the UK Electronic Visa Waiver (eVW), which allows a single entry into Saudi Arabia for up to 6 months. The eVW must be obtained before travel and is linked to the traveller’s passport electronically.

UK eVW Key Details • Available to British citizen passport holders • Valid for: single entry • Maximum stay: up to 6 months • Must be obtained before travel at the official Saudi eVisa portal • Not available on arrival

4. Tourist e-Visa and Visa on Arrival

Since 2019, Saudi Arabia offers a tourist e-Visa (applied online before travel) and visa on arrival at major international airports, for approximately 60 eligible nationalities. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days total within a 1-year validity period.

Feature	Detail
Eligible nationalities	~60 countries (EU, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, etc.)
Fee	SAR 535 (approx. USD 140) including mandatory health insurance
Validity	1 year from issue date
Maximum stay	90 days total (single or multiple entries)
Application	Online (VisitSaudi.com) or on arrival at airports
Processing time (e-Visa)	Instant to 24 hours online

4.1 Countries Eligible for Tourist Visa (selected)

Tourist Visa / Visa on Arrival — Eligible Countries • All European Union member states • United States, Canada • United Kingdom (via eVW, see Section 3) • Australia, New Zealand • Japan, South Korea, Singapore • China • Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile • Russia, Ukraine • Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia • And approximately 60 nationalities total

5. Substitute Visa Policy

Saudi Arabia accepts valid visas or residence permits from select third countries as a substitute for a Saudi visa, allowing entry for short stays. This is particularly useful for individuals who are residents of countries with which Saudi Arabia has reciprocal arrangements.

Accepted Substitute Visas • Valid United States visa or Green Card (US permanent residence permit) • Valid United Kingdom visa or residence permit • Valid Schengen Area visa or residence permit • All must be valid for re-entry and must be presented alongside passport

6. Religious Restrictions

Saudi Arabia imposes strict religious access restrictions that apply regardless of visa status:

Religious Access Restrictions • Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the holy cities of Mecca and Medina • Entry into Mecca and Medina requires proof of Muslim faith (identity documents may be checked) • Non-Muslim workers and residents are subject to the same restrictions • Violations are treated as serious offences under Saudi law

7. Hajj and Umrah Visas

Special visas are issued for pilgrims undertaking Hajj (annual pilgrimage) and Umrah (minor pilgrimage). These visas are issued exclusively for religious purposes and carry specific conditions.

Hajj and Umrah Visa Conditions • Only Muslim travellers are eligible • Hajj visas are issued through official government-approved Hajj travel operators • Women under 45 must be accompanied by a Mahram (close male relative) for Hajj • Women 45 and over may travel with an organised group for Hajj • Umrah visa requirements: valid through authorised Umrah service providers • Hajj quota system: quota allocated per country based on population

8. Refused Entry

Israeli passport holders are refused entry to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, holders of passports bearing Israeli stamps may be questioned. Citizens of countries with which Saudi Arabia has no diplomatic relations may also face difficulty obtaining visas.

Entry Restrictions • Israeli passport holders: entry REFUSED • Passports with Israeli stamps: may face questioning • Travellers with criminal records or prior deportations from Saudi Arabia: entry refused

9. GCC Unified Tourist Visa

In September 2025, the GCC announced the launch of a Unified Tourist Visa that would allow holders to visit all six GCC member states on a single visa. This is modelled on the Schengen Area concept. Travellers should check the current status of this programme before travel, as implementation details may evolve.

10. General Entry Requirements

Requirements for All Visitors • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity • Valid Saudi visa, e-Visa, eVW (UK), or eligibility for visa on arrival • Proof of onward/return travel • Proof of accommodation • Mandatory health insurance (included in tourist visa fee) • Compliance with local laws including dress code and conduct • Women travellers: modest dress required; note on Mahram requirements for religious visas