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Visa requirements for Saudi Arabia

Who can enter Saudi Arabia, by nationality. Tourism. Data as of October 14, 2026.

Passport holders from 21 countries can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa in advance. 6 have full visa-free access; 15 more can get a visa on arrival or use an electronic travel authorisation. Everyone else needs a visa, or an e-visa where one is offered, before travelling.

6 visa-free
0 on arrival
15 eTA
96 e-visa
125 visa required

Visa-free entry

6 nationalities

Electronic travel authorisation

15 nationalities

Electronic visa

96 nationalities

Visa required in advance

125 nationalities

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has 8 sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

'Uruq Bani Ma'arid
Al-Ahsa Oasis
Al-Balad, Jeddah
At-Turaif District
Bir Hima Rock Petroglyphs and Inscriptions
Hegra
Qaryat al-Faw
Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia

Source: Wikidata, community-maintained and not the official UNESCO count.

Nearby destinations

Bahrain Qatar Kuwait United Arab Emirates Iraq Yemen

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?

It depends on your passport. 21 nationalities can enter Saudi Arabia without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA); everyone else needs a visa or e-visa. Use the tables below to check a specific passport.

What is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

March, October, based on Riyadh's climate normals: mild temperatures and below-average rainfall for the year.

What currency is used in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi riyal (SAR). 1 USD is approximately 3.75 SAR.

What side of the road does Saudi Arabia drive on?

Saudi Arabia drives on the right.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Saudi Arabia have?

8: 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid, Al-Ahsa Oasis, Al-Balad, Jeddah, At-Turaif District, Bir Hima Rock Petroglyphs and Inscriptions, Hegra, Qaryat al-Faw, Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia.

What is the emergency number in Saudi Arabia?

112 / 911 / 999.

What time zone is Saudi Arabia in?

Riyadh (UTC+3).

What is the nearest airport to Riyadh?

King Khalid International Airport (RUH), about 31 km away.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia that occupies the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. Covering a land area of approximately 2,149,690 km2 (830,000 sq mi), it is the fifth-largest country in Asia and the twelfth-largest in the world. It is bordered by the Red Sea to the west, Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north, the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south. The Gulf of Aqaba in the northwest separates it from Egypt and Israel. Riyadh is the capital and largest city, while other major centers include Jeddah and the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina.

CapitalRiyadh

RegionWestern Asia

Population37M

Area2,149,690 km²

CurrencySaudi riyal (1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR)

LanguagesArabic

Calling code+966

Drives on theright

TimezoneRiyadh (UTC+3)

Nearest airportKing Khalid International Airport (RUH), 31 km

Emergency number112 / 911 / 999

UNESCO sites8

Income levelHigh income

GDP per capita$34,537 (2025)

Tourist arrivals20.3M (2019)

Climate in Riyadh

Warmest July, coolest January, driest May, sunniest August. Best time to visit: March, October.

Monthly climate normals for Riyadh, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	19.4°C	7.7°C	16mm	299h
February	24.3°C	11.2°C	2mm	279h
March	27.9°C	15.2°C	1mm	324h
April	33°C	20.9°C	10mm	312h
May	38.3°C	25°C	0mm	348h
June	41.9°C	28.4°C	0mm	360h
July	43.6°C	31.2°C	0mm	359h
August	41.9°C	29°C	0mm	364h
September	39.7°C	26.1°C	0mm	326h
October	32.6°C	19.1°C	0mm	341h
November	28.2°C	16.1°C	5mm	301h
December	21.6°C	10.4°C	4mm	301h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Saudi Arabia is the quintessential Arab kingdom. Vast deserts, scorching heat, immense oil wealth, camel races, glitzy shopping malls, traditional souq markets, you can find every Arabian cliche you can think of and then some here. A deeply conservative country that was entirely closed off to (non-pilgrimage) tourism for decades, the government did a drastic policy U-turn in 2019 and has been trying to open up the country to the world and shed the country's straight-laced image, with mixed success.

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