Saudi Arabia eVisa Application Guide – How to Easily Apply for a Tourist Visa Online (With Key Tips & Warnings)

Recently, Saudi Arabia has been opening its doors to become a tourism destination, making tourist visa acquisition significantly easier than before when it was considered virtually impossible. Since 2019, the introduction of an electronic visa (eVisa) system has enabled online applications, which is a very welcome development for travelers. This article will introduce the detailed procedures and important considerations for Saudi Arabia’s eVisa application.

eVisa Overview and Features

Saudi Arabia’s eVisa is an electronic visa issued for foreign travelers wishing to enter for tourism purposes. It’s valid for one year and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. Multiple entries are permitted, allowing visitors to travel to Saudi Arabia several times within one year.

Mandatory Insurance Requirement

eVisa applications require enrollment in government-approved insurance. This insurance is automatically processed during the application, and an insurance certificate is issued as a separate PDF from the visa application. The insurance validity period matches the visa validity period. This insurance covers emergency medical care, hospitalization, and other necessary services, but excludes pre-existing conditions and non-emergency treatments.

Holy Site Access Restrictions

Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering all of Mecca and the holy areas of Medina, even with a valid visa. When approaching these areas, attention must be paid to restriction zones clearly marked by road signs and checkpoints. Around Mecca in particular, there are highway exits marked “Muslims Only,” and care must be taken not to enter by mistake.

For more detailed information about non-Muslim access to holy sites and various possibilities that have been explored, travelers should research the specific restrictions and regulations thoroughly.

Hajj (Major Pilgrimage) Period Restrictions

Even with a visa, tourist entry may be restricted during the Hajj month (Dhul-Hijjah) of the Islamic calendar during the major pilgrimage period. Particularly in areas around Mecca and Medina, general tourist access is strictly limited to prioritize pilgrim accommodation. When planning travel, we recommend checking Hajj dates and avoiding this period.

Application Eligibility and Conditions

eVisa applications require meeting specific conditions. First, possession of a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining is mandatory. Additionally, travel must be for tourism purposes. For business or work purposes, separate appropriate visas must be applied for. Furthermore, applicants must be nationals of one of the 49 countries designated by the Saudi government. Japanese nationals are included in eligible countries, making applications possible.

Detailed Online Application Procedures

Pre-Application Preparation

Before starting the Saudi Arabia electronic visa application, you’ll need a valid passport, digital passport photo data, valid email address, credit card, and accommodation information. Having these ready in advance enables smooth application procedures.

Actual Application Form Completion

Applications are made through the official “Visit Saudi” website. From the homepage, proceed to the electronic visa application section and follow the step-by-step process.

Visit the official Saudi eVisa website at visa.visitsaudi.com for the most current application portal and requirements.

In the first step, select the application type. For individual tourism travel, select “Individual.”

Next, proceed to enter basic applicant information. At this stage, passport photo upload is required. The passport photo must have a white background and be a front-facing image taken within the past 6 months.

After that, enter passport information. You’ll need to upload scan data of your passport’s photo page. The passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity.

Required Documents and Costs

Applications require a valid passport, digital passport photo data, and planned accommodation information. The passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity. Passport photos should have a white background and be taken within the past 6 months.

Costs include 300 Saudi Riyals for the visa application fee, 95 Saudi Riyals for mandatory insurance, plus other fees, totaling approximately 400 Saudi Riyals (about $100-110). Payment is made by credit card. These fees are non-refundable, so it’s important to thoroughly verify application content before making payment.

Post-Application Process

Review results are typically notified within 72 hours of application completion. If approved, two separate emails are sent to the registered email address. The first contains the eVisa PDF, and the second contains the mandatory insurance certificate PDF. Please ensure you receive both PDFs. Inquiries about application status can be made through the Saudi Arabia eVisa Help Desk.

Important Entry Considerations

Upon entry, you must be able to present both the eVisa and insurance certificate PDFs, either printed or saved on electronic devices such as smartphones.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has unique cultures and customs. Particularly regarding dress code, there are strict rules requiring both men and women to dress modestly with minimal skin exposure. For women, wearing an abaya (black full-body garment) is recommended in public places. These cultural considerations are also important points for smooth entry.

Troubleshooting

If problems arise during the application process or if you have unclear points, you can contact the Visit Saudi support center. 24-hour multilingual support is provided, with English language assistance available. Additionally, the website of the Embassy of Japan in Saudi Arabia provides various information and precautions in Japanese, which we recommend checking as well.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia has recently gained attention as a tourist destination with unique charm, blending traditional culture with modern development. Various tourist spots including the World Heritage site Mada’in Salih, Red Sea diving spots, and the modern city of Riyadh attract foreign travelers.

While entry procedures have become much easier compared to before through the introduction of the eVisa application system, detailed considerations still exist. We hope you’ll use the procedures and considerations explained in this article as reference, apply with plenty of time, and realize a fulfilling Saudi Arabia trip.