A Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival (VOA) is an official entry authorization issued to foreign travelers directly upon landing at an international airport or crossing an authorized land border in Saudi Arabia.
Historically, securing entry into the Kingdom required a formal invitation from a local sponsor, employer, or family member, processed through a months-long consular procedure. In late 2019, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Tourism launched the tourist visa framework, introducing both the electronic visa (eVisa) and Visa on Arrival options.
Core Purpose & Benefits
The VOA program aims to boost international tourism, encourage trade, and simplify travel for millions of global visitors annually.
Key benefits include:
Benefits of Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival
Spontaneity
Book a last-minute flight and obtain your Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival without waiting days for embassy or consular processing.
Flexible Travel
In many cases, travelers receive a 1-year multiple-entry tourist visa, making future visits easier.
Medical Insurance Included
The Visa on Arrival fee generally includes mandatory health insurance that covers emergency medical care during your stay in Saudi Arabia.
Multiple Travel Purposes
Use the visa for tourism, sightseeing, visiting family and friends, attending events or conferences, and performing Umrah (subject to current regulations).
Who Can Get Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival?
Eligibility for the Saudi Visa on Arrival falls into primary qualification streams based on your nationality, residency status, or visas held from other nations.
Saudi Visa on Arrival Eligibility
Group 1
Eligible Countries
Passport holders from more than 60 eligible countries.
Group 2
US, UK & Schengen Visa Holders
Travelers holding valid visas or permanent residence permits.
Group 3
GCC Residents
Residents of GCC countries with a valid residency permit.
1. Citizens of Eligible Countries
Travelers holding passports from more than 60 approved countries can obtain a Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival at international airports, land borders, and seaports.
2. US, UK & Schengen Visa Holders
Even if your nationality is not eligible, you may still qualify if you hold an eligible visa or residency.
- Valid US, UK or Schengen tourist/business visa
- Visa must have been used at least once
- Visa must remain valid at entry
- Permanent residents (Green Card, ILR, EU Residency) are generally eligible
3. GCC Residents
Residents of GCC member countries may obtain a Saudi eVisa or Visa on Arrival if their residency permit remains valid.
Important Notice
Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival eligibility rules may change without prior notice. Before booking your flight, always verify the latest requirements with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, Saudi MOFA, your airline, or the official Visit Saudi website.
Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival Eligible Countries
Below is the structured list of countries eligible for direct VOA and eVisa access:
| Region | Eligible Nationalities | Max Stay | Visa Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada, Panama | 90 Days | Multiple Entry (1 Year) |
| Europe (Schengen) | Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland | 90 Days | Multiple Entry (1 Year) |
| Europe (Non-Schengen) | United Kingdom, Albania, Andorra, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Ukraine | 90 Days | Multiple Entry (1 Year) |
| Asia & Oceania | Australia, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong & Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan | 90 Days | Multiple Entry (1 Year) |
| Caribbean & Others | Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Seychelles, South Africa | 90 Days | Multiple Entry (1 Year) |
Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival Requirements
Before stepping up to the immigration desk at King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh) or King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), ensure you have all supporting items ready.
Checklist of Required Documents
Original Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
Return or Onward Ticket
Carry a confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
Accommodation Proof
Provide a confirmed hotel booking or proof of accommodation.
Credit / Debit Card
An internationally accepted payment card may be required to pay the Visa on Arrival fee.
Qualifying Visa (If Applicable)
Travelers applying based on a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa (or eligible permanent residency) should carry supporting documents proving their eligibility.
1. Passport Validity
Your original passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry into Saudi Arabia. It must also contain at least two blank immigration pages for entry/exit stamps.
2. Return or Onward Ticket
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof that you intend to leave the Kingdom within your permitted 90-day window. Keep a printed or digital copy of your confirmed return flight.
3. Accommodation Booking
A confirmed hotel reservation (or local contact address/invitation) covering your initial days in the country is required.
4. Proof of Financial Means
While you rarely need to present physical bank statements at the airport kiosk, you should be capable of proving sufficient funds (credit card, cash, or active bank app) if requested by an immigration officer.
5. Mandatory Health Insurance
You do not need to buy private travel insurance beforehand. Mandatory health insurance covering COVID-19 and emergency medical care within Saudi health facilities is automatically included and generated when you pay your VOA fee at the airport.
Step-by-Step Visa on Arrival Process
Navigating the entry procedure at major Saudi international terminals is straightforward.
Arrive & Locate VOA Counter
10–15 MinutesFollow airport signs for Visa on Arrival or Passport Control after landing at Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, or another eligible international airport.
Complete Application
5–10 MinutesUse the self-service visa kiosk or visit the Visa on Arrival counter. Scan your passport and enter your contact and accommodation details.
Document Verification
About 5 MinutesImmigration officers verify your passport, supporting documents, and any qualifying US, UK, or Schengen visa or residency permit.
Pay Visa Fee
2–3 MinutesPay the Visa on Arrival and insurance fee using an international credit/debit card or other accepted payment methods.
Biometric Capture
3–5 MinutesComplete fingerprint scanning and facial photo capture as required by Saudi immigration.
Visa Issued & Entry Stamp
About 2 MinutesYour visa is issued, your passport receives the official Saudi entry stamp, and you can proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival Fee Structure
Understanding the total cost breakdown helps avoid surprises at the airport payment terminal.
| Expense Component | Fee (SAR) | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Visa Processing Fee | SAR 300 – 335 | $80 – $90 |
| Mandatory Medical Insurance | SAR 145 – 180 | $38 – $48 |
| Total Visa on Arrival Cost | ~SAR 480 | ~$128 USD |
Processing Time & Airport Wait Times
Kiosk / Counter Processing
The technical processing of the visa usually takes 10 to 20 minutes per traveler.
Peak Travel Season
During busy travel periods such as Ramadan, winter holidays, or major events like Riyadh Season, waiting times at Visa on Arrival counters may increase to 45 to 90 minutes.
Off-Peak Travel
During normal operating periods, queue times are generally minimal and average around 15 to 30 minutes.
Saudi eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival
While both pathways grant the same entry rights, their travel execution differs significantly.
| Feature | Electronic Visa (eVisa) | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Time | Online before departure 5–30 mins | Apply at the destination airport after landing |
| Airline Boarding Risk | Very Low Visa is verified before travel. |
Moderate Airline staff must verify your eligibility. |
| Airport Queue Time | Standard immigration lanes with minimal waiting. | Additional queue may be required at Visa on Arrival counters. |
| Total Cost | ~SAR 480–535 (Including portal/service fees) |
~SAR 480 |
| Recommended For | ✔ Best Choice Eligible travelers who want a smooth, hassle-free journey. |
Travelers making last-minute or emergency trips. |
Advantages & Disadvantages of Visa on Arrival
Advantages
Ultimate Travel Flexibility
Book your trip at short notice without waiting for advance electronic visa approval.
No Pre-Payment Risk
Pay the visa fee only after arriving at Saudi border control.
All-Inclusive Fee
The total payment generally includes visa processing and mandatory medical insurance.
Disadvantages
Airline Boarding Issues
Some airline staff may not be familiar with Saudi Visa on Arrival eligibility, which can lead to boarding delays or additional verification.
Airport Delays
Travelers may need to wait in separate Visa on Arrival queues before immigration clearance.
Risk of Refusal
Invalid documents, passport issues, or payment problems may result in refusal of entry at the border.
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal at the Airport
While refusal rates for eligible nationalities are low, entry can be denied for specific issues:
Common Reasons for Visa on Arrival Refusal
Insufficient Passport Validity
Your passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining from your intended date of arrival.
Unused US, UK or Schengen Visa
The qualifying visa has never been used to enter the issuing country or Schengen Area.
Missing Entry Stamps
Your passport does not contain the required entry stamps proving previous travel to the US, UK, or Schengen region.
Payment Card Declined
Your international credit or debit card is declined due to insufficient funds, fraud protection, or international transaction restrictions.
Previous Immigration Violations
Previous overstays, immigration violations, or security records in Saudi Arabia or GCC countries may affect your eligibility.
Travel Tips Before Flying
Expert Travel Tips Before You Fly
Apply for an eVisa Online
If you're eligible, applying for a Saudi eVisa before departure can help you avoid airport queues, reduce boarding issues, and make your arrival process faster.
Notify Your Bank
Inform your bank before traveling so your international debit or credit card can be used smoothly for Visa on Arrival payments in Saudi Arabia.
Carry Printed Documents
Bring printed copies of your passport details, flight itinerary, hotel reservation, and any qualifying visa or residency documents as a backup.
Download Essential Apps
Install the official Tawakkalna and Nusuk apps before your trip to access local services and manage Umrah permits more conveniently.
Extending a Visa on Arrival & Umrah Rules
Can You Extend a Visa on Arrival?
A Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival is generally issued as a 1-year multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing stays of up to 90 consecutive days per visit.
Can You Perform Umrah?
Requirement
Download the Nusuk App to reserve your Umrah and Rawdah visit slot before your visit.
Restriction
A Tourist Visa on Arrival cannot be used to perform Hajj. Hajj requires an officially approved Hajj visa.
Overstay Penalties & Rules
Overstaying your permitted stay in Saudi Arabia can result in financial penalties and immigration restrictions.
Overstay Fines
Fines generally begin from SAR 100 per day and may increase to SAR 10,000+ depending on the duration of the overstay and applicable legal procedures.
Deportation & Entry Ban
Serious overstays may result in deportation, future visa restrictions, and temporary entry bans to Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries.