Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian citizens have several options for entry when traveling abroad. Depending on the destination, you may apply for a visa in person, apply for an eVisa, secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), receive a Visa on Arrival (VOA), or travel without a visa.

An eVisa or ETA is available for 61 countries and can be applied for entirely online. When a traditional sticker or stamped visa is required, travelers must visit the embassy or consulate of the destination country. Some countries allow online appointment booking before the visit. For 16 countries, Saudi nationals may obtain a VOA upon arrival.

All travelers must hold a valid passport with at least six (6) months’ validity from the date of entry.

As members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Saudi citizens can visit five (5) GCC member states without a visa. With a passport ranked 48th globally, they can also enjoy visa-free access to 41 countries.

Because visa rules differ between countries, it is essential to check the exact requirements for the destination before beginning the application process.

An eVisa is an electronic visa applied entirely through an online application, without the need to visit the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Once approved, it can be saved on a smartphone or printed for presentation at the airport.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a pre-arrival travel approval that allows you to enter a country without securing a visa beforehand. The actual visa is issued upon arrival by immigration officials.

Both eVisas and ETAs can be applied for online, and approvals are sent via email. The key distinction is how these work. An eVisa can be used to travel at any time within its validity period, while an ETA has a limited window for entry. Travelers must arrive within this window to receive their visa at the border.

If the entry period for an ETA is missed, it will no longer be valid, and a new application must be submitted.

The following countries currently offer either an eVisa or an ETA to Saudi Arabian citizens:

A Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a visa that travelers can apply for after arriving at the destination country’s airport or border entry point.

Because immigration authorities may update or change VoA policies at any time, it is important to review the most recent entry rules of your destination before traveling.

The following countries currently offer a Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabian citizens:

With a passport ranked 48th globally, Saudi Arabian citizens enjoy visa-free access to 41 countries.

The following countries allow Saudi nationals to enter without a visa:

Saudi citizens need to get a sticker visa before they can travel to 80 countries in the world. The visa application can be done both online and offline.

For some countries, the online visa application can be completed without visiting the office and sending your passport via post. This depends on the destination country’s visa application policy.

The offline application process requires you to be present in the embassy or consulate of the desired country to submit your documents, visa application form, and passport for the visa. 

Furthermore, the duration of the visa depends on the type of visa and the intention to visit. You must check the specific requirements for the visa you will apply for before you start the application process.

Here is the list of countries that require a visa from Saudi Arabian citizens:

While visa rules differ by destination, certain basic requirements are common across most countries. Saudi Arabian citizens planning to travel abroad should generally meet the following conditions:

• Valid Passport: A Saudi Arabian passport with at least six (6) months of remaining validity from the date of entry into the destination country.
• Visa Application Form: A completed application form, submitted either online or in person to the destination country’s embassy or consulate. This form will typically request personal details, travel information, supporting documents, and the purpose of the visit.
• Photographs: One or more recent (taken within the last three months) passport-size photographs, with a white background and a clear, full-face view.
• Flight Tickets: Proof of confirmed travel, such as inbound and outbound flight tickets, may be required by some countries.
• Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of where you will be staying, such as a hotel or hostel booking, or the address of friends or family, must be provided in the application.

Saudi Arabia is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which consists of six (6) Gulf countries.

Under GCC agreements, citizens of member states can travel freely to one another’s countries without a visa. This means Saudi nationals can visit, live, and work in other GCC countries without any entry restrictions.

Saudi citizens may enter using either their Saudi passport or National ID card; both are accepted for travel within the GCC. There is no limit on the length of stay, allowing for extended visits, employment, or residence in any of the other member states.

Saudi Arabian passport holders can travel to 198 countries worldwide. With a global ranking of 48, the Saudi passport provides visa-free access to 41 of these destinations.

Saudi citizens can visit 41 countries without a visa. The visa-free countries list can be found at the top of this page.

For Saudi Arabian citizens, the most reliable proof of citizenship is the Saudi passport or the Saudi National ID card. Both documents are government-issued and officially recognized as proof of nationality.

In most cases, Saudi Arabia does not allow dual citizenship. Citizens who voluntarily acquire another nationality without prior permission from the Saudi government may risk losing their Saudi citizenship. However, exceptions can be granted by royal decree in special circumstances.