Saudi Arabia eVisa 2026: Tourist, Umrah & Stopover Guide

Saudi Arabia's tourism transformation has been one of the most aggressive in the world. The eVisa, launched in 2019 and steadily expanded, now covers 66 countries, the Umrah pilgrimage is permitted on the standard tourist visa for the first time in history, and a free 96-hour stopover is bundled with Saudia and flynas long-haul itineraries. May 2026 is the most accessible Saudi Arabia has ever been to international visitors.

Quick Facts

Visa type	1-year multi-entry tourist eVisa
Stay per entry	90 days
Total stay per year	180 days cumulative
Cost	~$140 all-in (visa fee + insurance + service)
Eligible countries	66
Where to apply	visa.visitsaudi.com
Processing	Usually under 30 minutes; max 24 hours

What Changed in 2026

Three notable updates this year:

Umrah on tourist visa. Since 2024 the standard tourist eVisa permits Umrah pilgrimage. In 2026 the rule was clarified, you can perform Umrah at any time of year on a tourist visa, not just during Hajj season blackouts.
Stopover visa harmonized. The free 96-hour transit visa, originally bundled only with Saudia, is now available to flynas international passengers as well. Issued at booking; valid for visits to any city.
Insurance built into the fee. The previously separate health insurance requirement is now bundled into the visa fee, no extra step.

Who Is Eligible for the eVisa

The 66-country list includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, all 27 EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, China, India, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and others. If you're on the list, you apply online. If not, you go through the consular process.

GCC residents (regardless of nationality) often qualify for visa-on-arrival under separate rules.

Step-by-Step Application

Visit visa.visitsaudi.com. The site is also accessible via the Visit Saudi mobile app.
Create an account and confirm your nationality is on the eligible list.
Upload passport bio page (6+ months validity) and a recent photo.
Fill in personal details, travel dates, and accommodation.
Pay the bundled fee (~$140, covers visa fee, mandatory health insurance, and processing).
Receive the eVisa PDF by email, usually within minutes, occasionally up to 24 hours.
Print or save the PDF. Show on boarding and at Saudi immigration.

The Free Stopover Visa

If you're flying long-haul on Saudia or flynas with a connection in Riyadh or Jeddah, you qualify for a free 96-hour stopover visa. Add it during booking, or at the airline counter on departure. It permits one entry, valid 96 hours from arrival, and gets you to any Saudi city, Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Diriyah, the Red Sea coast.

Costs & Processing Times

Item	Cost / Time
1-year tourist eVisa (all-in)	~$140
96-hour stopover visa	Free (with eligible Saudia/flynas itinerary)
Standard processing	Minutes to 24 hours
GCC resident visa-on-arrival	SAR 480 (~$128)

Performing Umrah on a Tourist Visa

The big shift since 2024 is that the tourist eVisa now permits Umrah year-round. You no longer need a dedicated Umrah visa for the lesser pilgrimage. Practical implications:

Book Umrah slots through the Nusuk app, required for entering Masjid al-Haram and Rawdah at the Prophet's Mosque.
Women can travel without a mahram for Umrah on tourist visa (rule confirmed in 2024 and unchanged).
Hajj remains separate, it requires a dedicated Hajj visa issued via your country's official Hajj operator.

Common Mistakes

Letting the eVisa expire mid-stay. The 1-year validity is from issue date, not from entry. Apply close to your travel date to maximize the window.
Exceeding the 90-day per-entry cap. Even with a 1-year visa you cannot stay more than 90 days per entry. Exit and re-enter to refresh, but watch the 180-day annual cumulative cap.
Trying to perform Hajj on the tourist visa. Not allowed. Use the official Hajj channel only.
Wearing inappropriate clothing on arrival. Saudi Arabia has relaxed rules in tourist zones, but modest dress is still expected, particularly in Mecca and Medina.
Ignoring the Absher app. Many in-country services (driving, hotel registration, restaurant reservations during peak times) flow through Absher. See our Saudi Arabia country guide for the full app stack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Mecca on the tourist eVisa?

Muslims can visit Mecca and perform Umrah year-round on the tourist eVisa. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca.

Can women travel solo to Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Women aged 18+ can apply for and use the tourist eVisa without a mahram. This applies for tourism and Umrah alike.

Is alcohol available?

No. Alcohol remains prohibited in Saudi Arabia. The country opened a single liquor store in Riyadh in 2024 for diplomatic personnel only, not accessible to tourists.

Does the eVisa cover business meetings?

Tourism, family visits, business meetings (no paid work), and Umrah are all covered. Paid employment requires an iqama (residence permit).

How does the eVisa compare to the UAE visit visa?

Saudi's 1-year multi-entry at $140 is excellent value. The UAE's 5-year version is longer but costs around $490, see our UAE visa 2026 guide.

Can I drive in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?

Yes, visitors can rent cars and drive on an International Driving Permit. The IDP must be paired with your home country license.

What about cruises stopping in Jeddah?

Cruise tourists are typically issued a port-of-call visa on arrival, separate from the tourist eVisa.

By Sarah Mitchell, visas.guide editorial team. Last updated May 2026. Verify current fees and rules with the official issuing authority before applying.