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Saudi Visa Guide 2026: Which Visa Fits Your Nationality

Find the right Saudi visa for 2026: tourist eVisa, visa on arrival, stopover, business and family visits, with the steps, documents and insurance explained.

By Fatimah Majed7 min read
A row of national flags in front of a gold world map

Most visitors to Saudi Arabia in 2026 apply online through KSA Visa (ksavisa.sa), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa platform. Citizens of eligible countries, holders of a used US, UK or Schengen visa, permanent residents of the US, UK or EU, and residents of GCC countries can get a tourist eVisa by email, usually within three business days. If your nationality is not eligible, you can still apply through a visa service centre or a Saudi embassy.

Start by checking your eligibility

The list of eligible nationalities changes, so the reliable check is the eligibility tool on KSA Visa: select your nationality, say whether you hold a qualifying visa or residency, and it shows the visa types open to you.

At the time of writing (October 2026), KSA Visa describes three ways to obtain a tourist visa:

  1. Electronic visa (eVisa): issued online and sent by email, for citizens of eligible countries and for anyone meeting one of the conditions below.
  2. Through a service centre or embassy: where visa service centres exist you apply through them; otherwise you apply on KSA Visa and then go to the Saudi embassy in your country of residence.
  3. Visa on arrival: at Saudi entry points, using self-service kiosks or the passport control office.

Visa options by traveller type

Citizens of eligible countries: the tourist eVisa

The tourist visa covers tourism, events and visiting family or friends, and Muslim visitors may perform Umrah with it outside the Hajj season. It cannot be used for Hajj or for any work. KSA Visa lists a single-entry visa valid for 90 days with a stay of up to 90 days, and a multiple-entry visa valid for one year with stays of up to 90 days.

Holders of US, UK or Schengen visas, and permanent residents

If you hold a valid tourist or business visa from the United States, the United Kingdom or a Schengen country and have used it at least once to enter that country, or you are a permanent resident of the US, UK or EU, you can apply for the eVisa or get a visa on arrival even if your nationality is not on the eligible list. The regulations extend this to first-degree relatives travelling with you.

Residents of GCC countries

Residents of a GCC country can apply for the eVisa with a residence permit valid for at least three months. The regulations add that the residence must be for one of the professions published on Visit Saudi, and that first-degree relatives and domestic workers travelling with their sponsor are included. GCC citizens have their own category in the KSA Visa checker.

UK citizens: the Electronic Travel Authorization

KSA Visa also lists an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for UK citizens, valid for multiple visits over two years for tourism, business, study or medical treatment. It cannot be used for work or Hajj, it is not issued on arrival, and every traveller, including children, needs a separate application.

Transit passengers: the stopover visa

If you fly with Saudia or flynas and stop in Saudi Arabia on the way to another destination, you can request a transit/stopover visa when you book. Visit Saudi says it allows up to 96 hours in the country, can be requested up to 90 days before travel and is emailed once your booking is confirmed. Any application or insurance fees are shown by the airline when you request it. You may perform Umrah during the stopover after booking through Nusuk, but not Hajj. KSA Visa also lists separate air, land and sea transit visas.

Umrah on a tourist or other visit visa

According to KSA Visa, if you already hold an active Saudi visa you can perform Umrah without applying for a new one. You still need an Umrah permit on Nusuk. Travellers coming mainly for Umrah can apply for the dedicated Umrah visa through Nusuk Umrah or authorised agents. Our Umrah steps and documents guide explains the permit and the rituals.

Business visitors

The business visit visa covers meetings, conferences and partnerships and is open to all nationalities. You normally provide an invitation letter from the inviting company explaining the business purpose; without one, you give details of your work in the application. The visit must not be linked to a permanent employment contract in Saudi Arabia. KSA Visa gives processing of one to two working days after submission, with the same single-entry and multiple-entry options.

Visiting family and friends

The family and friends visit visa is for visiting relatives and friends who live in Saudi Arabia. KSA Visa requires a Nafath login, Saudi Arabia's national digital identity, to apply for it, so the application is normally made from inside the Kingdom by someone with a Nafath account. If you are eligible for the tourist eVisa, it also allows family visits.

How to apply on KSA Visa

  1. Prepare your documents: a passport valid for at least six months, a recent headshot photo and any supporting document for your category, such as your US, UK or Schengen visa, your residence permit or an invitation letter. Applicants under 18 must travel with a guardian.
  2. Create an account on ksavisa.sa with your email, or with Nafath for a family visit.
  3. Complete the application carefully, including passport and personal details, the visa option and your address in Saudi Arabia.
  4. Choose medical insurance and pay online.
  5. Track your application with the platform's tracker. The result arrives by email.

The current visa, service and insurance fees are shown on KSA Visa before you pay, so check them there rather than relying on figures quoted elsewhere. If an application is rejected, the fees are refunded automatically, which the platform says takes 45 to 60 business days. Once a visa is issued, its fees cannot be refunded.

Medical insurance

Medical insurance approved in Saudi Arabia is a condition of the tourist visa under the Tourist Visa Regulations, and you choose an approved insurer during the KSA Visa application. The platform notes that this cover is for emergencies only. From our team: consider separate travel insurance for wider needs such as cancellations or non-emergency care.

If your nationality is not eligible for the eVisa

  • Check the exceptions first. A used US, UK or Schengen visa, permanent residency in the US, UK or EU, or GCC residency may open the eVisa or visa on arrival to you.
  • Apply through an embassy or service centre. The Tourist Visa Regulations list what to provide: a return ticket (unless you arrive by land or sea), an accommodation booking and your home address, an employment certificate, and proof of funds such as a bank statement or salary certificate.
  • Look at the package visa. Visit Saudi describes a service that gives citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan and Mexico an instant tourist eVisa when they buy a complete package, with confirmed flights and accommodation, from a travel provider approved by the Ministry of Tourism.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Saudi eVisa take?

KSA Visa gives a processing time of one minute to three business days, and longer in exceptional cases.

Can I visit Makkah and Madinah on a tourist visa?

Yes, if you are Muslim. You can visit both cities and perform Umrah outside the Hajj season with a Nusuk permit. Hajj requires a Hajj visa.

Is medical insurance mandatory?

Yes. The tourist visa requires medical insurance approved in Saudi Arabia, bought during the application.

Can I apply for another tourist visa?

The KSA Visa FAQ says the tourist visa is valid for one year, and you can apply for a new one once the current visa expires.

How Mosook can help

Visa applications are made on the official portals, and decisions rest with the Saudi authorities. We can help you choose the right route for your trip, prepare a document checklist and arrange flights, hotels and itineraries once your visa is approved. Read our frequently asked questions, explore corporate travel for business trips or contact our team.

Sources

TagsSaudi visaeVisaVisa on arrivalTransit visaBusiness visaTravel insurance
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About the author

Fatimah Majed

Fatimah Majed is a traveller with a keen interest in Saudi Arabia's new destinations and in how people travel for work. For the Mosook blog she writes clear, well-sourced guides on visas, corporate travel and exploring the Kingdom.

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