Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia but don’t have a visa yet? Don’t worry — in some cases, you can actually travel to Saudi Arabia without a traditional visa. Whether it’s through visa waivers, transit rules, or special visa-on-arrival privileges, there are a few legitimate and legal ways you can enter the Kingdom without applying for a full visa in advance.
In this guide, we’ll explain all the scenarios under which you can travel to Saudi without a visa and share official resources, eligibility details, and pro travel tips for 2025.
1. GCC Residents: Entry Without Visa Pre-Approval
If you’re a resident of any GCC country (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, or Qatar), you may not need a separate Saudi visa. Instead, you can apply for a streamlined electronic entry through the GCC Resident eVisa Program.
- Eligibility: Must hold a valid Iqama or residence permit from a GCC country
- Required Profession: Must match the list approved by Saudi immigration (e.g., doctors, engineers, managers)
- Where to Apply: VisitSaudi Visa Portal
Note: While this isn’t a full visa exemption, the process is so streamlined and quick it’s often considered “visa-free” for eligible GCC residents.
2. 96-Hour Free Transit Visa (Stopover Visa)
Saudi Arabia now offers a free 96-hour transit visa to international travelers transiting through the Kingdom with Saudi Airlines or Flynas.
- Duration: 4 days (96 hours) stay allowed
- Airlines: Must be flying with Saudia or Flynas
- Cost: FREE — included with your airline ticket
- Activities Allowed: Tourism, Umrah, and business meetings
This is a fantastic option if you’re just visiting for a few days. Apply through the airline’s website when booking your flight.
🔗 Click here to book with Saudia
3. Visa on Arrival for Select Nationalities
Saudi Arabia offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) to passport holders from more than 60 countries. While technically not “visa-free,” you don’t need to apply in advance, making this an easy entry option.
- Eligible Countries: US, UK, EU nations, Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, and more
- Where to Apply: Visa issued directly at airport immigration counters
- Duration: 90-day single entry or multiple-entry options available
To check your eligibility, visit the Saudi eVisa portal.
4. Umrah Without Visa (for Gulf Nationals)
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals such as citizens of the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar do not require a visa to perform Umrah. They can enter Saudi Arabia freely with just their national ID cards or passports.
However: This rule does NOT apply to expatriates living in those countries — only to GCC citizens.
5. Holders of US, UK, or Schengen Visas
If you hold a valid visa or residency from the USA, UK, or any Schengen country, you can apply for a Saudi eVisa or even obtain Visa on Arrival under specific conditions:
- Your visa must be used at least once before entering Saudi Arabia
- It must be valid at the time of entry
- You must travel via a national carrier (Saudia or Flynas)
Though not 100% visa-free, this path requires no embassy visit and can be done online or at the airport.
6. Special Diplomatic or Official Passport Holders
Certain countries have agreements with Saudi Arabia that allow diplomatic and official passport holders to enter without a visa.
This usually applies to government officials or representatives from countries like:
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Turkey
- Pakistan (for diplomatic only)
If you qualify, check with your foreign ministry or Saudi embassy for confirmation.
What If You’re Not Eligible for Visa-Free Entry?
If you don’t fall under any of the categories above, don’t worry — getting a Saudi eVisa is still simple and fully online. You can apply in minutes via:
🌍 https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
Requirements:
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Travel insurance
- Credit/debit card for payment
Processing time is usually within 24–48 hours.
Tips Before You Travel
- ✅ Always check the latest Saudi travel regulations before booking
- ✅ Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months
- ✅ Book return flights or dummy tickets if you’re on a single-entry visa
- ✅ Avoid overstay — penalties can be strict
Final Thoughts
While Saudi Arabia traditionally had tight entry rules, recent reforms have made travel more accessible than ever. Whether you’re using the free 96-hour transit visa, entering on Visa on Arrival, or entering as a GCC resident, there are now multiple ways to enter Saudi Arabia without a traditional visa process.
For the latest updates, bookmark VisitSaudi.com or follow the @MofaSaudi Twitter page.
Safe travels! ✈️
