Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa for Global Travelers — Step-by-Step Guide and Key Details

Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa makes travel faster and simpler for visitors worldwide. Learn about eligibility, application steps, visa fees, and key requirements.

A New Era in Travel: Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa Launch

Riyadh, October 30, 2025 — In a landmark step toward transforming its tourism sector, Saudi Arabia has launched Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa, a faster and more inclusive visa system designed to simplify entry for travelers from around the world.

The new platform, developed by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enables visitors to apply digitally for electronic visas to visit family, friends, or explore the Kingdom’s growing list of cultural and spiritual destinations.

Part of the country’s Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa reflects the government’s commitment to tourism, digital innovation, and global connectivity.

What Is Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa?

The Instant eVisa system serves as a unified online gateway for all visa-related processes — from application to payment and delivery. Visitors can now apply within minutes and receive approval within one minute to three business days, depending on verification speed and system volume.

Through Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa, travelers can:

  • Visit relatives and friends living in the Kingdom.
  • Attend cultural, entertainment, and public events.
  • Explore tourist attractions across Saudi Arabia.
  • Perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.

Types of Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa and Duration of Stay

Applicants can choose between two main options under Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa program:

  • Single-entry eVisa: Valid for 90 days, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
  • Multiple-entry eVisa: Valid for one year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit.

This flexibility allows tourists, business travelers, and families to plan short or recurring visits with ease.

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Visa Fees and Payment Details

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has defined the following fee structure for Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa:

  • Visa Fee: US$80 (refundable)
  • Digital Visa Service Fee: US$10.50 (non-refundable)
  • Digital Insurance Service Fee: US$10.50 (non-refundable)
  • Health Insurance Fee: Variable depending on the provider

Payments are made securely online through the KSA Visa platform, ensuring a seamless and transparent process for global applicants.

Eligibility for Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa

Saudi Arabia offers three main ways to obtain its new eVisa, giving travelers flexibility based on their location and eligibility.

1. Instant eVisa (Online Approval)

Issued directly through the KSA platform for:

  • Citizens of eligible countries
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas
  • Permanent residents of the GCC, US, UK, or EU

2. Visa via Embassies or Service Offices

Applicants from non-eligible countries can apply through authorized visa centers or Saudi embassies.

3. Visa on Arrival

Available to travelers from eVisa-eligible nations or those holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa that has been used at least once.

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Key Requirements for Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa

Applicants must meet basic conditions to qualify:

  • Be at least 18 years old (or accompanied by a guardian).
  • Possess a passport valid for at least six months.
  • Maintain valid health insurance during their stay.
  • Have sufficient financial means for travel and accommodation.
  • Adhere to all Saudi laws and visa conditions.

Overstaying or misusing Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa may result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans.

Permitted Activities Under the Instant eVisa

Holders of Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa can:

  • Visit friends and relatives.
  • Attend cultural, entertainment, or sporting events.
  • Explore tourist attractions across the Kingdom.
  • Perform Umrah outside the Hajj season.

However, participation in the annual Hajj pilgrimage is not allowed under this visa category.

Official Guidance and Traveler Support

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges travelers to apply only through the official KSA Visa website (https://ksavisa.sa/) to avoid fraud and misinformation. The portal includes comprehensive FAQs, real-time updates, and customer support for Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa applicants.

Eligible Countries for Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa

Over 60 countries are now eligible for Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa, including:
Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City

Extension and Renewal Policy

Currently, extensions for Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa are not available. Travelers wishing to stay longer must exit Saudi Arabia and reapply. Overstaying can lead to daily fines, deportation, and re-entry restrictions.

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Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa and Vision 2030

From futuristic megacities like NEOM to the historic landscapes of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global travel destination.

The introduction of Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa underscores the Kingdom’s mission to welcome more visitors, foster cultural understanding, and boost tourism’s contribution to national growth.

As the gateway to the Middle East opens wider, Saudi Arabia’s Instant eVisa promises a smoother, faster, and more transparent travel experience for millions worldwide.