Saudi Tourist Visa: Should You Apply Online Instead of Through the Embassy?

Are you planning to visit Saudi Arabia? Are you confused about how to get a visa? Well, there are primarily two ways to do that: either you get it from the embassy or you visit our website and get an eVisa.

The eVisa route is definitely more convenient. For starters, it eliminates the tiresome job of physically traveling to the Embassy and standing in queue.

So, if you want to avoid the hassle in the process of getting a visa for Saudi Arabia then an eVisa is definitely the key. That being said, there are a few things that all first-timers should know before they proceed to get a visa for this country.

Overview of Saudi Arabia's eVisa System

Well, understanding the basics of a process always makes it easier for you to carry it out. We will first focus on building your foundation about a Saudi Arabia eVisa System.

What is an eVisa and How Does It Work?

The eVisa is a more convenient version of the traditional visa. With the help of this process, you eliminate any need for waiting for hours at the embassy. Rather, you can just simply visit the online portal and then carry on the rest of the things.

You will furnish documents and pay fees, all online. However, the best part is that you will be able to receive the confirmation within a short period. The visa sticker is automatically applied to your passport and you are just required to bring in a printed copy of the eVisa at the airport. This is just how easy the entire process is.

Introduction of Online Visas for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia introduced the system of eVisa in 2019. With this program, the government of the country allowed a total of 49 countries to visit Saudi Arabia without experiencing any need for a visa on arrival. Now, as of 2025, this facility has been extended to 66 plus countries.

The updated format lets a traveler stay in the country for a total of 90 days/year, including multiple entries. The cost will vary based on one’s nationality and the type of visa that they are getting.

Traditional Embassy Visa vs. Online Visa

There is a huge difference between the visa application system at the embassy and that through the online portal. These will help you choose the right route for yourself.

Key Differences Between Embassy Visits and Online Applications

Getting a visa from the embassy requires paying a physical visit. So, you will have to find the location of the Saudi Arabia embassy present in your country to carry out the rest of the process.

For instance, if you are trying to get this from the United States of America then you will have to visit the Saudi embassy located in Washington DC, Los Angeles, and other places. After that, you will be required to stand in line for as long as it requires to provide your documents, pay the fee, and then submit your application.

On the other, when you choose an online application then everything automatically gets simplified. All that you will need to carry out the process is a secured internet connection, a scanned copy of your documents, and an active bank account. That will be more than enough for you to get the permit. You will just have to click on the Immigration website of Saudi Arabia and carry out the process as directed there.

Moreover, if your country of origin is the United States of America then you can also search for the online embassy website to get the visa. On that site, you will be introduced to many different types of visas. Make sure, you carefully choose the kinds of visa that you need for your visit and continue with the rest of the process.

Advantages of Applying for a Saudi Tourist Visa Online

Applying for a Saudi tourist visa online can bring in more advantages than one can imagine. When you know about these things then it automatically becomes easy for you to make the choice. Some of the perks of this are:

Convenience and Accessibility

Paying a physical visit at the embassy for your visa means you will have to spend hours in line. These places are usually quite busy, crowded and busy which means you will not get any shortcuts for the visa.

However, that is not the same for an eVisa. You can apply online for a Saudi Tourist Visa literally at any time of the day or night from the comfort of your home. This way, you save time and money spent otherwise on transportation.

Faster Processing Times

Getting a visa from the embassy means you will have to go there twice, or sometimes even thrice to get the acceptance letter. Plus, the embassy sometimes takes even a week to review your application which can be a little hassle for most people.

On the other hand, it will take 2 or a maximum of 4 days for your online visa application to get accepted. This has a way quicker processing time which is great for all travelers.

Simplified Documentation Requirements

An offline visa application process means you will have to carry all your necessary documents to the embassy. Moreover, this also includes a ton of paperwork which sometimes even takes an hour to complete.

That being said, the online visa application process deals with all scanned copies. You will just have to scan all your required documents and create PDFs of them, attaching them wherever it is needed. And the best part? There is no paperwork. The only physical form of documentation needed is the printed copy of your visa.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Saudi eVisa

Applying for a Saudi tourist visa is pretty easy when you know the correct ways for it. This process includes a few simple steps that are supposed to be followed by all for the application to get accepted. Some of the steps of the process that you will have to follow are:

Preparing for the Application

The preparation phase of the process requires you to arrange all the different things that you will need for the process. The Saudi Arabian government requires you to provide a few documents that help in proving your identity. These are your passport, colored scanned copies of your passport-size photographs, and supporting documents related to the type of visa that you are applying for.

Moreover, there are a few other things that you might have to provide that are specified on the country's immigration website or the embassy website of your country. For instance, if you are applying for it from America then choose the embassy website made for that specific country. The fee for this visa differs for each type and your nationality, so choose accordingly to understand the cost.

Completing the Application Form Online

The visa application form contains many steps, so you should pay attention while filling this out. Always remember that any mistake in this step can result in your form getting declined. So, make sure you make no errors.

This form consists of many areas, some of which are mandatory and some are general. The mandatory ones come with some markings which are hard to miss. In our opinion, you should fill out all areas if you do not want to leave any room for the application to get declined.

Ready to get your Saudi Arabia eVisa?

Applying for a Saudi tourist visa online is the first step of experiencing a hassle-free journey. This helps you in getting the visa without even leaving your house or paying anything extra. Plus, this just fits right with the lifestyle needs of the modern travelers who want to carry out in the fastest way possible.

The only thing that you will have to keep in mind while getting this visa is to make no mistakes and attach all the documents. Otherwise, you might face rejection. If you still face any difficulty then you can get in touch with us.

Check your eligibility for Saudi e-Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Japanese citizens, Ukrainian citizens, Swiss Citizens, Spanish Citizens and British citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.