Saudi Arabia used to be downright impossible to travel to as a simple tourist, but that has all changed!
Since 28th September 2019 that has all changed. Now, citizens from 51 countries can apply for an e-visa online. This list includes all EU countries, the UK, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand.
You can apply for the visa online and it will cost you 300 SAR (roughly USD 80 at time of writing) plus additional 140 SAR (roughly USD 37) for insurance which must be purchased. The visa takes sometimes as quick as 15 minutes to be issued! How’s that for a contrast!
Visa Exemption
Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates do not require a visa at all.
E-visa
The following passports can apply for an e-visa:
All EU Citizens, Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, UK, USA.
Exclusions
At the time of writing, admission to Saudi Arabia was still officially refused to Israeli passports, however since Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf States have begun to have diplomatic relations with Israel, this will no doubt end very soon.
