Saudi Arabia Visa Types: The Complete Guide 2026
Table of Contents
Saudi Arabia offers multiple visa types to meet the diverse needs of visitors and residents. Whether you want to tour, work, perform Umrah and Hajj, study, or invest, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about every Saudi visa type for 2026, including fees, requirements, and application processes.
1. Tourist Visa (e-Visa)
The tourist e-Visa is the easiest and fastest way to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism. Launched in September 2019 as part of Vision 2030, it aims to boost the Kingdom's tourism sector.
How to Apply
- Visit the official website visa.visitsaudi.com or the Visit Saudi app
- Fill out the application form with personal and passport details
- Upload a personal photo and passport copy
- Pay the fees online (300 SAR)
- Receive the visa via email within 5-30 minutes
Eligible Countries
Over 63 countries are eligible for the Saudi e-Visa, including:
- EU countries (27 nations)
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia & New Zealand
- Japan & South Korea
- Singapore & Malaysia
- China
- Brunei & Turkey
- Russia & Kazakhstan
- South Africa
- GCC countries
Tourist Visa Summary
- Cost: 300 SAR (including health insurance)
- Validity: 1 year from date of issue
- Stay duration: Up to 90 days per visit
- Entry type: Multiple entry
- Includes Umrah performance (outside Hajj season)
2. Work Visa (Employment Visa)
The work visa is the most sought-after visa for expatriates wanting to work in Saudi Arabia. It requires a sponsor (Saudi employer) and goes through several stages before being issued.
Work Visa Process
- Receive a job offer from a registered Saudi company
- The company applies for a work visa through the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR)
- Obtain Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval
- Authenticate certificates and qualifications at the Saudi embassy in your country
- Complete medical examination at an approved center
- Receive the visa and travel to the Kingdom
- Obtain the Iqama (residence permit) within 90 days of arrival
Sponsor Requirements
- The company must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce with a valid commercial registration
- The company must be registered with GOSI and the Qiwa platform
- Compliance with the Nitaqat (Saudization) system - the company must be in the green or platinum zone
- Pay work permit fees and expatriate levies
Iqama and GOSI Registration
After arriving in the Kingdom, the employer must obtain the Iqama (resident identity card) within 90 days. The employee is also registered with GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance), which covers retirement, occupational injuries, and unemployment. The contribution rate is 2% from the employee's salary and 12% from the employer.
Nitaqat System (Saudization)
The Nitaqat system classifies companies based on their Saudization rate into four zones:
- Platinum - Highest Saudization rate, most flexibility in recruiting workers
- Green - Good Saudization rate, allowed to recruit workers
- Yellow - Low Saudization rate, restrictions on recruitment
- Red - Not allowed to recruit foreign workers
3. Business Visit Visa
The business visit visa is designed for businesspeople and investors who want to attend meetings, conferences, or explore investment opportunities in the Kingdom. This visa does not permit working for a Saudi company.
Requirements
- Invitation letter from a Saudi company or entity registered with the Chamber of Commerce
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Personal photo with white background
- Letter from the parent company explaining the purpose of the visit
- Valid medical insurance
Duration and How to Get an Invitation
The business visit visa lasts between 30 to 90 days depending on the visa type (single or multiple entry). To obtain the invitation letter, the hosting Saudi company must apply through the Enjaz platform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, providing the visitor's details and explaining the purpose of the business visit.
4. Family Visit Visa
The family visit visa allows Saudi residents and citizens to bring their family members to visit them in the Kingdom. Applications can be submitted through the Absher platform for citizens or the Muqeem platform for employers.
Who Can Sponsor?
- Saudi citizens: Can invite any family member (spouse, children, parents, siblings)
- Residents (through employer): Usually spouse and children only
- Minimum salary requirement: Salary must be at least 5,000 SAR for residents
Duration and Extension Process
The family visit visa is valid for 90 days from entry date, and can be extended for a similar period (up to 180 days maximum). Extension is done through the Absher platform:
- Log in to Absher platform (absher.sa)
- Select Visa Services > Extend Visit Visa
- Enter the visa number and visitor details
- Pay extension fees (300 SAR per additional month)
- Confirm the extension and receive notification
5. Umrah Visa
The Umrah visa is designated for performing Umrah rituals in Mecca. Since 2019, tourist e-Visa holders can perform Umrah directly, but citizens of countries not eligible for the e-Visa need a separate Umrah visa.
Nusuk Platform
The Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) is the official platform for Umrah applications. Through it, you can:
- Book Umrah permits and schedule appointments
- Book comprehensive Umrah packages (hotel + transport + visa)
- Obtain the electronic Umrah visa
- Select an authorized Umrah agent
Ramadan Considerations
During Ramadan, demand for Umrah visas increases significantly. It is recommended to apply at least two months before Ramadan begins. Prices rise notably during the last ten days of Ramadan. A permit through the Nusuk or Eatmarna app is required to enter the Grand Mosque during Ramadan.
Umrah Visa Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Recent personal photo with white background
- Vaccination certificate (meningitis for travelers from certain regions)
- Valid health insurance
- Confirmed hotel booking in Mecca
6. Hajj Visa
The Hajj visa is exclusively designated for performing the Hajj pilgrimage during the Hajj season. It is issued once a year with a quota system for each country based on its Muslim population.
Application Process and Quotas
Applications are made through authorized Hajj agents in your country or via the Nusuk platform for Saudi residents. The general quota is one pilgrim per 1,000 Muslims in the country. Residents in Saudi Arabia can perform Hajj once every 5 years. For internal residents, applications are submitted through the Nusuk app or the unified Hajj portal.
Estimated Costs
- Economy package (from within KSA): 5,000 - 10,000 SAR
- Standard package: 15,000 - 25,000 SAR
- VIP package: 30,000 - 80,000 SAR or more
- Pilgrims from abroad: Cost varies by country and package ($3,000 - $15,000)
7. Student Visa
The student visa is for international students wanting to study at Saudi universities and institutes. The Kingdom offers generous scholarship programs covering tuition, housing, and living expenses.
University Admission
You must first obtain university admission from a recognized Saudi educational institution. Leading universities include: King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Islamic University of Madinah, and Umm Al-Qura University. You can apply through each university's electronic admission portal.
King Abdullah Scholarship Program
The King's Scholarship Program offers scholarships for Saudi students to study abroad, while Saudi universities provide internal scholarships for international students that include: full tuition, monthly stipend, free housing, health insurance, and annual travel tickets.
Language Requirements
- Arabic programs: Pass Arabic proficiency test or join a preparatory language program
- English programs: IELTS 5.5-6.5 or TOEFL 60-80 depending on the university
- Some universities offer a preparatory year for language learning
8. Transit Visa
The transit visa is for travelers stopping in Saudi Arabia en route to another destination. Saudi Arabia launched the Stopover Visa to encourage travelers to explore the Kingdom during their layover.
Stopover and Transit Rules
- 96-hour Stopover Visa: Free for Saudia airline passengers stopping in Jeddah or Riyadh
- Airport transit: No visa needed if you don't leave the airport transit area
- Electronic transit visa: Available for citizens of e-Visa eligible countries
- Can be applied for through the Saudia app or upon arrival
10. Exit/Re-entry Visa
The exit/re-entry visa is essential for any Saudi resident wanting to travel outside the Kingdom and return. It is issued through the Absher platform or through the employer via the Muqeem platform.
Types of Exit/Re-entry Visas
| Type | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Single exit/re-entry (2 months) | 2 months | 200 SAR |
| Single exit/re-entry (3 months) | 3 months | 200 SAR |
| Single exit/re-entry (6 months) | 6 months | 200 SAR |
| Multiple exit/re-entry (3 months) | 3 months | 500 SAR |
| Multiple exit/re-entry (6 months) | 6 months | 500 SAR |
Absher Process and Overstay Penalties
The exit/re-entry visa can be issued easily through the Absher app or website. If the visa period is exceeded and the holder does not return on time, penalties include: a fine of 500 SAR per day of delay (maximum 50,000 SAR), possible Iqama cancellation, and potential future entry ban.
11. Visa Fees Comparison Table
| Visa Type | Fees (SAR) | Validity | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa | 300 | 1 year | 90 days |
| Work Visa | 2,000 + work permit fees | 1-2 years | Per contract |
| Business Visit | 300 - 500 | 3-6 months | 30-90 days |
| Family Visit | 300 | 90 days | 90-180 days |
| Umrah | 300 (or free with tourist visa) | 30-90 days | 30 days |
| Hajj | Per package | Hajj season | 30-45 days |
| Student | Free (via scholarships) | Study duration | Study duration |
| Transit (96 hours) | Free | 96 hours | 96 hours |
| Permanent Premium Residency | 800,000 | Permanent | Unlimited |
| Temporary Premium Residency | 100,000 / year | 1 year | Unlimited |
| Single Exit/Re-entry | 200 | 2-6 months | - |
| Multiple Exit/Re-entry | 500 | 3-6 months | - |
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overstay Penalties
- First offense: 15,000 SAR fine + deportation
- Second offense: 25,000 SAR fine + deportation + 5-year entry ban
- Third offense: 50,000 SAR fine + deportation + permanent entry ban + possible imprisonment
Essential Document Requirements
- Submitting an expired or nearly expired passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
- Not authenticating certificates from relevant authorities
- Submitting photos that don't meet specifications
- Not translating documents to Arabic when required
- Late applications especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons
- Not checking visa status regularly
- Using unauthorized agents
- Not carrying a printed copy of the visa when traveling
Related Tools on Our Website
Hijri Calendars Team
A specialized team providing comprehensive and updated guides on Saudi government services, visas, and official procedures. We strive to simplify information and help citizens and residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Share this guide: