Who can get a visa on arrival for Saudi Arabia?
- Citizens of Countries Eligible for eVisa: If your passport is from a country eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa, you are generally also allowed to obtain a visa on arrival at major Saudi airports and certain designated seaport entry points.
- Holders of US, UK or Schengen Visas or Permanent Residence:
- Hold a valid tourist or business visa for the US, UK or Schengen area
- Hold permanent residence in the US, UK or an EU/Schengen country
- The visa must have been used at least once (i.e., entry stamp present).
- The visa must still be valid at the time of arrival.
Regardless of eligibility, applicants must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and meet basic entry requirements, including accommodation details and a return ticket.
What is the Saudi Arabia visa on arrival?
The visa on arrival is a tourist visa issued at Saudi border checkpoints, mainly at international airports such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah, and in some cases at designated seaport entry points serving international cruise travellers.
Once issued, the visa on arrival generally has the same validity and permitted stay as the Saudi tourist eVisa, typically allowing multiple entries for up to one year with a total stay of up to 90 days.
However, the main difference is when and how you obtain it:
- Visa-on-Arrival: The traveller applies for a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport or seaport visa counter or kiosk before immigration clearance.
- Saudi Arabia eVisa: The traveller applies online before travel and receives the approved visa electronically by email, allowing them to arrive with the visa already issued.
How does Saudi Arabia's visa-on-arrival work?
- Arrive at a visa-on-arrival point: Land in Saudi Arabia at an airport or designated seaport that offers tourist visa-on-arrival services.
- Proceed to the Visa Counter: Before immigration, go to the dedicated visa counter or self-service kiosk for visa-on-arrival applications.
- Present Required Documents: Provide your passport, proof of visa-on-arrival eligibility (such as a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa or residence permit if applicable), and basic travel details if requested.
- Pay the Required Fees: Pay the tourist visa fee and mandatory health insurance using an accepted payment method.
- Receive Your Visa: Once approved, the visa is issued electronically and linked to your passport, allowing you to proceed to immigration and baggage claim.
- Be Aware of Possible Delays: If there are long queues, incomplete documents, payment issues or policy changes, this process can become slow and stressful, which is precisely what the eVisa helps you avoid.
Visa-on-Arrival FAQs
- Can a Visa-on-Arrival be extended inside Saudi Arabia?
No, Visa-on-Arrival is not typically extendable. Travellers must leave before the permitted stay expires.
- What happens if my Visa-on-Arrival application is refused?
You may be denied entry and required to return on the next available flight at your own expense.
- Can I work in Saudi Arabia with a Visa-on-Arrival?
No. Visa-on-Arrival is strictly for tourism and Umrah; employment requires a work visa.
Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival vs eVisa: Which Is Better
|
Features |
Saudi Arabia Visa-on-Arrival |
Saudi Arabia eVisa |
|
When you apply |
After entering the airport or seaport entry point at the visa counter |
Before travel, completely online |
|
Waiting time |
Queues at the immigration points depend on the crowd and staff |
Typically processed before travel, you arrive with approval |
|
Risk of refusal |
If rules change or documents are missing, you may be denied entry on the spot |
Issues can be corrected before travel |
|
Airline check-in |
Some airlines/cruise shippers may hesitate to board if they are unsure about your VoA eligibility |
You show your approved eVisa at check-in |
|
Payment |
Payment is typically made by credit or debit card at the airport visa counter or kiosk. |
Payment is made online using a credit/debit card or PayPal |
|
For families & groups |
Everyone applies one by one after arrival |
Everyone travels with confirmed visas |
Why do we recommend applying for a Saudi eVisa with us?
Our service helps travellers get their Saudi eVisa quickly with the support of our team of experts, so they do not have to worry about delays, uncertainty, or surprises at the border.
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