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Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival

Saudi Arabia offers a visa-on-arrival (VOA) option for many visitors, but for most travellers, applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa in advance is faster, safer and far more convenient.
The information below explains how Visa-on-Arrival works, who can use it, and why it is generally recommended to secure your eVisa online before you fly.

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:
1. Hold a valid tourist or business visa for the US, UK or Schengen area
2. Hold permanent residence in the US, UK or an EU/Schengen country
3. The visa must have been used at least once (i.e., entry stamp present).
4. 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?

Saudi Arabia Visa On Arrival Passport Inspection

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?

1. Arrive at a visa-on-arrival point: Land in Saudi Arabia at an airport or designated seaport that offers tourist visa-on-arrival services.
2. Proceed to the Visa Counter: Before immigration, go to the dedicated visa counter or self-service kiosk for visa-on-arrival applications.
3. 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.
4. Pay the Required Fees: Pay the tourist visa fee and mandatory health insurance using an accepted payment method.
5. Receive Your Visa: Once approved, the visa is issued electronically and linked to your passport, allowing you to proceed to immigration and baggage claim.
6. 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

1.Saudi Arabia Visa-on-Arrival: After entering the airport or seaport entry point at the visa counter

2.Saudi Arabia eVisa: Before travel, completely online

1.Saudi Arabia Visa-on-Arrival: Queues at the immigration points depend on the crowd and staff

2.Saudi Arabia eVisa: Typically processed before travel, you arrive with approval

1.Saudi Arabia Visa-on-Arrival: If rules change or documents are missing, you may be denied entry on the spot

2.Saudi Arabia eVisa: Issues can be corrected before travel

1.Saudi Arabia Visa-on-Arrival: Some airlines/cruise shippers may hesitate to board if they are unsure about your VoA eligibility

2.Saudi Arabia eVisa: You show your approved eVisa at check-in

1.Saudi Arabia Visa-on-Arrival: Payment is typically made by credit or debit card at the airport visa counter or kiosk.

2.Saudi Arabia eVisa: Payment is made online using a credit/debit card or PayPal

1.Saudi Arabia Visa-on-Arrival: Everyone applies one by one after arrival

2.Saudi Arabia eVisa: 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.

Check Your Eligibility

Confirm whether you are eligible for an eVisa, Visa-on-Arrival, or another visa type based on your nationality and status.

Expert Document Review

Our eVisa experts review the submitted documents to avoid delays or refusals.

Travel With a Ready eVisa

Travel with a pre-approved eVisa ready to show at check-in and immigration.

Apply Online Easily

Submit your application online from anywhere in the world.

Super-Rush Processing

We provide super-rush processing that delivers the eVisa 1 Hour.