List of Saudi Visa Types

Saudi Arabia, known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance, welcomes visitors from around the world. This guide explores the different list of Saudi visa types for traveling to Saudi Arabia, helping you plan your journey effectively.

Tourist Visa

For those seeking to explore Saudi Arabia’s mesmerizing landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities, a tourist visa is the essential travel document. This visa allows visitors to engage in sightseeing, leisure activities, and cultural immersion within the Kingdom.

Tourist visas can be obtained through two primary channels:

eVisa: Citizens of eligible countries can apply for an eVisa online at visa.visitsaudi.com or get it on arrival. As of November 2026 the official portal lists 72 eligible countries (Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia were added in early November 2026). The eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa that allows a stay of up to 90 days, and it covers tourism, events, family visits and Umrah outside the Hajj season. Indian passport holders are not on the eligible-country list.
Embassy/Consulate Application: If you’re ineligible for the eVisa, you can apply for a tourist visa through the embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia in your home country. This option may involve additional documentation and processing time.

Business Visa

Saudi Arabia’s thriving economy and business opportunities attract professionals from around the world. The business visa caters to those traveling for commercial purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or engaging in business-related activities within the Kingdom.

Work Visa (Employment Visa)

Expatriates seeking employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia must obtain a work visa, also known as an employment visa. This visa is typically sponsored by a Saudi employer, who must first acquire a work permit on the applicant’s behalf from the relevant authorities.

After arriving on the work visa, the employer applies for the foreign employee’s residence permit (Iqama), which is issued by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), usually through the employer’s Muqeem or Absher Business account. This permit ensures legal residency and employment within the Kingdom for the specified duration.

Family Visit Visa

Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of family ties and offers a family visit visa to facilitate reunions and gatherings. This visa is granted to immediate family members, such as spouses, parents, and children, of Saudi citizens or expatriate residents holding valid residency permits.

While the family visit visa does not permit employment, it allows foreign relatives to stay with their family members in Saudi Arabia for a specified period, fostering cherished moments and strengthening familial bonds.

Student Visa

Aspiring students from around the world can pursue educational opportunities in Saudi Arabia by obtaining a student visa. To qualify, applicants must first secure admission to an accredited institution or university within the Kingdom.

The educational institution will then initiate the visa application process by obtaining authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once approved, the student can apply for the student visa at a Saudi embassy or consulate in their home country.

Hajj and Umrah Visas

Saudi Arabia, home to the cities of Mecca and Medina, welcomes millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for the sacred rituals of Hajj and Umrah. To facilitate these journeys, the Kingdom issues dedicated visas for each pilgrimage.

Hajj Visa: The Hajj visa is issued to Muslims intending to perform the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam. This visa is valid only for the Hajj season. International pilgrims apply through their country’s Hajj arrangements or the official Nusuk Hajj platform.
Umrah Visa: The Umrah visa allows Muslims to undertake the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca. Umrah can also be performed outside the Hajj season on a tourist eVisa or a stopover visa, with the Umrah permit booked through the Nusuk app.

Transit Visa

For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route to their final destination, a transit visa may be required:

Passengers who stay inside the international transit area and connect on the same ticket generally do not need a visa, but if you have to collect bags or change airlines you will usually pass immigration and need a visa. Check with your airline before you fly.
Stopover (transit) visa: Travelers flying Saudia or flynas through a Saudi airport to a third country can add an electronic stopover visa while booking the ticket. The visa itself is free (an application fee and medical insurance are charged), it is valid for 3 months, and it allows a stay of up to 96 hours, including Umrah (booked through Nusuk) and travel inside the Kingdom.

It’s important to note that visa requirements and procedures may vary depending on your country of origin, purpose of visit, and specific circumstances. It is highly recommended to consult with the embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia in your home country or refer to their official website for the most up-to-date information and guidelines.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia provides a variety of visas for different travel purposes. Understanding these visa types and meeting their requirements is essential for a smooth and enjoyable visit to this captivating destination. Plan ahead, stay informed, and obtain the right visa to make your journey to Saudi Arabia enriching and hassle-free.