Saudi Arabia is a unique destination for those who want to discover Arab culture, Islam, and some of the most impressive historical monuments in the Middle East up close. If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia and need to know what documentation is required, this article covers all the up-to-date requirements.
What do I need to travel to Saudi Arabia?
Passport
To enter Saudi Arabia you need a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from your entry date and one blank page available for stamping. The document must be in good condition; damaged passports may be grounds for rejection at immigration control.
Please note that Saudi authorities may deny entry to travelers whose passport contains Israeli stamps or visas. Although no systematic denials for this reason have been recorded in recent months, it is advisable to check with the Saudi authorities before traveling if this applies to you.
Visa
Most foreign travelers need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Since 2019, the country has offered a tourist eVisa that is processed entirely online, with no need to visit an embassy. It allows a maximum stay of 90 days and is valid for multiple entries over one year.
It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival for holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas. If you are traveling for business, work, or pilgrimage (Hajj or Umrah), you will need to apply for the specific visa type for each case.
If you have questions about which visa you need or how to apply, we explain everything in this guide. You can also apply for your Saudi Arabia visa directly through Visagov.
Vaccines
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for most travelers entering Saudi Arabia for tourism. The only exception is the yellow fever vaccine, which is required for travelers over 1 year of age coming from countries with transmission risk, as well as for those who have transited for more than 12 hours through airports in those countries.
If the purpose of your trip is pilgrimage (Hajj or Umrah), the Saudi authorities set specific vaccination requirements each season. In that case, check the official guidelines before traveling.
As a general recommendation, it is advisable to be up to date with hepatitis A and B, meningitis, and tuberculosis vaccines, especially for extended stays or travel to rural areas.
Travel insurance
Medical insurance is mandatory to enter Saudi Arabia. For the tourist eVisa, insurance is automatically included in the visa price and covers emergency medical care throughout the stay. No additional policy is required to meet this requirement, although some travelers choose to extend their coverage with a supplementary insurance plan for greater peace of mind.
Currency
The currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal (SAR). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and the country's main airports. Cash withdrawals are also possible at ATMs using international cards.
Card payment is widely accepted at hotels, shopping malls, and larger establishments. However, many local shops, markets, and transportation services operate on a cash-only basis, so it is advisable to always carry a sufficient amount of cash for day-to-day expenses.
