Saudi Arabia eVisa validity: What you need to know

The Saudi Arabia eVisa has revolutionized travel to the Kingdom, making it easier than ever for tourists and business travelers to visit.

Understanding the eVisa validity and maximum stay is crucial for planning your trip effectively. Let's dive into the key aspects of the Saudi Arabia eVisa duration and what it means for your travel plans.

Understanding the Saudi Arabia eVisa validity

The Saudi Arabia eVisa offers flexibility for travelers with its generous validity period. Here's what you need to know:

• The eVisa is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
• It allows for multiple entries during this period.
• Each stay can last up to 90 days.

This extended validity period gives travelers the freedom to plan multiple trips or adjust their travel dates without needing to reapply for a visa.

Find out more about the Saudi Arabia eVisa.

Saudi eVisa: Requirements

Applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa is a straightforward process. Here's what you'll need:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your planned entry date
• A digital passport-sized photograph
• An email address for receiving your eVisa
• A credit card or PayPal account for payment

"The iVisa application was surprisingly quick and user-friendly. I completed it in less than 30 minutes!" - Jamie T., Sydney

How to apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa

Here’s how to apply quickly and efficiently:

1. Complete the online application form with personal and travel details on our website or through the mobile app.

2. Select the preferred processing speed.

3. Pay the visa fee.

4. Upload the required documents and submit the application.

Ra'eesah Manack, iVisa travel expert: "Based on customer feedback, many travelers find the rush processing option to be a good balance between speed and cost, especially when planning trips on shorter notice."

Maximizing your stay in Saudi Arabia

To make the most of your eVisa duration:

• Plan your entries carefully to stay within the 90-day limit per visit.
• Consider spreading out your stays over the year if you're planning more time in Saudi Arabia.
• Keep track of your entry and exit dates to avoid overstaying.
• If you're nearing the 90-day limit, plan a short trip to a neighboring country (e.g., UAE, Bahrain, or Jordan) before returning for a fresh 90-day stay.

Remember, while the eVisa is valid for a year, each stay is limited to 90 days. Adhering to these limits is crucial to avoid any issues with immigration authorities.

Here's a suggested itinerary to make the most of a long-term stay:

• Days 1-5: Riyadh and Central Region Discover the heart of Saudi Arabia with highlights like Diriyah, the National Museum, and the bustling Souq Al-Zal. Explore the surrounding desert landscapes for a mix of history and adventure.

• Days 6-15: Jeddah and the Red Sea Coast Dive into Jeddah's coastal charm with a visit to Al-Balad, its historic district, and enjoy water activities like snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea. Consider day trips to nearby coastal towns or islands.

• Days 16-25: Al-Ula and Madain Saleh (Northwest) Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Al-Ula, with its ancient Nabatean tombs and rock formations. Don't miss Hegra (Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Days 26-40: Eastern Province and Beyond Explore Dammam, Dhahran, and Al Khobar, focusing on modern cityscapes, the King Fahd Causeway, and the Arabian Gulf coast. Visit the Al-Ahsa Oasis, another UNESCO site.

• Days 41-60: Southern Mountains and Asir Region Head south to the cooler highlands of Abha and the Asir Mountains. Explore traditional villages like Rijal Almaa and take in breathtaking mountain vistas.

• Days 61-90: Revisit Favorite Regions or Explore Lesser-Known Areas Use your final month to revisit places that captured your heart or explore off-the-beaten-path destinations like the northern desert of Ha’il or the Tabuk region.

"Remember, you can always re-enter the country after a short trip abroad if you want to explore more within the visa's one-year validity," advises Ra'eesah.

What is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia depends on your preferences and the regions you plan to explore:

• November to March (winter season): This is the ideal time to visit, especially for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The weather is milder and more comfortable for exploring cities, deserts, and coastal areas.

• April to October (summer):: The summer months in Saudi Arabia can be extremely hot, especially in inland areas like Riyadh and the desert. If you're planning to visit during this time, it's best to stick to cooler regions like the Asir Mountains or coast or spend time indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

Performing Umrah on the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa

You can perform Umrah on the Saudi eVisa. The eVisa allows you to travel for tourism purposes, including religious activities like Umrah, as long as you're within the 90-day stay limit.

Ramadan and the months surrounding it are very busy times for Umrah, with many pilgrims visiting Mecca. While the experience is spiritually fulfilling, be prepared for large crowds and longer wait times.

Outside Ramadan, the best months are typically from November to March, as the weather is more manageable for performing the rites comfortably.

Ra'eesah adds: "If you plan on doing Umrah during the off-peak months, you may also have a more peaceful experience in terms of crowd sizes."

Umrah Visa vs. Tourist Visa: Which one to choose?

Choose the Umrah Visa if:

• Your sole purpose is to perform Umrah.
• You are traveling with a group or prefer arrangements through an authorized agent.
• You want to bring back Zamzam water, which is not allowed for Tourist Visa holders.

Choose the Saudi eVisa if:

• You want to combine Umrah with tourism or explore other parts of Saudi Arabia.
• You prefer independent travel with more flexibility.
• You plan to make multiple trips to Saudi Arabia within the year.

"I never leave feedback, but I'd like people to know how simple iVisa was to use and how great the support line was. Turnaround time for my Saudi eVisa was within 24 hours! I needed to amend my application and it was immediately resolved." - Alan T., recent applicant

It’s important to note that the Hajj pilgrimage requires a separate, specific visa, so it would not be covered under either visa.

Who can apply for the Saudi Arabia Visa Waiver?

The Saudi visa waiver is designed for specific nationalities (like Schengen Area, U.K., and U.S. citizens in some cases) and is primarily for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

It does not permit religious activities such as Umrah or Hajj.

Find out more about the Saudi Visa Waiver and apply.

Need more info about the validity or max. allowed stay of the Saudi eVisa?

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about Saudi Arabia or the Saudi Arabia eVisa application. Contact us any time via our customer service agents via chat or WhatsApp.