Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
Saudi eVisa · For Australia citizens
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as an Australian citizen? Good news: you are eligible for the Saudi eVisa, an electronic visa that can be obtained online in minutes. This guide covers the straightforward application process, the SAR 480 fee (approximately AUD 195), instant to 24-hour processing, and everything you need to explore the Kingdom's ancient heritage and modern attractions.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for Australian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Australia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Australian passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia
Recent digital photograph meeting Saudi eVisa specifications
A working email address to receive your eVisa and any correspondence
Credit or debit card to pay the visa fee online
Health insurance coverage for your stay in Saudi Arabia
Recommended (Optional)
Details of where you will be staying in Saudi Arabia
Application Process
Australian citizens can apply for the Saudi eVisa entirely online through the official portal in three simple steps.1 The process is straightforward and most applications are approved instantly.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Visit the official Saudi eVisa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account.1 Fill in your personal details, passport information, and upload your digital photograph. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the SAR 480 fee using your credit or debit card.1 This includes the visa fee and mandatory medical insurance. Payment is processed securely online.
Step 3: Receive Your eVisa
Once approved, your eVisa will be sent to your registered email address as a PDF attachment.1 Print a copy or save it on your phone to show at Saudi immigration upon arrival.
Fees
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi eVisa | SAR 300 | Base visa fee |
| Medical Insurance | SAR 180 | Mandatory, included in total |
| Total | SAR 480 | Approximately AUD 195 / USD 128 |
The fee is the same whether you apply online in advance or obtain the visa on arrival at a Saudi airport.12 Additional comprehensive travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
What You Need to Prove
The Saudi eVisa application is designed to be straightforward for citizens of eligible countries like Australia.12 The automated system primarily verifies:
- Valid identity: Your passport details are correct and the document is valid for at least 6 months
- Photo compliance: Your photograph meets the technical specifications
- Payment: Your visa fee has been successfully processed
- No security flags: No adverse immigration history or security concerns in the system
Unlike traditional visa applications, you do not need to prove financial capacity, employment, or ties to Australia for the eVisa.
Processing Times
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Online Application | Instant to 24 hours |
| Visa on Arrival | Processed at airport (expect queues) |
The Saudi eVisa system is automated, and most Australian applications are approved within minutes.1 You’ll receive an email notification once your eVisa is ready. Complex cases requiring additional verification may take up to 24 hours.
What the eVisa Allows
The Saudi tourist eVisa permits the following activities:123
- Tourism and sightseeing: Explore Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient ruins, and modern cities
- Events and entertainment: Attend concerts, sports events, and cultural festivals
- Visiting family and relatives: Stay with friends or family in Saudi Arabia
- Umrah pilgrimage: Perform Umrah at any time except during Hajj season (Muslims only)
- Leisure activities: Beach resorts, desert adventures, diving in the Red Sea
The eVisa does NOT permit:3
- Paid or unpaid work
- Study at educational institutions
- Business activities beyond attending meetings or conferences
- Hajj pilgrimage (requires separate Hajj visa)
After Your Visa is Approved
Once you receive your approved eVisa:34
- Print or save your eVisa: Keep both a printed copy and digital version on your phone
- Check validity dates: Ensure your travel falls within the one-year validity period
- At immigration: Present your passport and eVisa to the immigration officer
- Biometrics capture: Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken on first arrival
- Entry stamp: You’ll receive an entry stamp in your passport
Be prepared to show your accommodation details and return flight information if asked.
Important Travel Considerations
Dress code: Saudi Arabia has strict dress code requirements. Both men and women should dress modestly in public, covering shoulders and knees. Women are no longer required to wear an abaya but should dress conservatively.4
Alcohol: Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Do not bring any alcohol into the country.4
Religious sites: Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca or the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Attempting to enter these areas without proper credentials is a serious offense.3
Photography: Be respectful when taking photographs. Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and people without permission.
Ramadan: During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited. Many restaurants close during the day.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your eVisa application is not approved:1
- Check the reason: The system will indicate why your application was unsuccessful
- Correct errors: Most rejections are due to photo issues or data entry mistakes
- Reapply: There is no waiting period to reapply with corrected information
- Contact support: For complex issues, contact the Ministry of Tourism through the Visit Saudi website
Note that the visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.3 If you are ineligible for the eVisa (which Australian citizens are not), you would need to contact the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incorrect or Non-Compliant Photo
Photo does not meet the strict specifications: wrong dimensions, incorrect background color, face not properly positioned, photo too old, or image quality too low.
How to avoid: Use the official photo verification tool on the Saudi eVisa website. Ensure your photo is 200x200 pixels with a white background, face occupying 70-80% of the frame, taken within the last 6 months.
Application Errors and Typos
Mistakes in the application form such as misspelled names, incorrect passport numbers, wrong date formats, or information that doesn't match your passport exactly.
How to avoid: Double-check every field before submitting. Copy your passport details exactly as they appear. Have someone else review your application if possible.
Passport Validity Issues
Passport expiring within 6 months of entry date, damaged passport, or passport from an ineligible country entered incorrectly.
How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. If your passport is due to expire soon, renew it before applying.
Previous GCC Visa Violations
History of overstaying visas in Saudi Arabia or other Gulf Cooperation Council countries (UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman), or evidence of working illegally on previous tourist visas.
How to avoid: Always respect visa validity periods. If you have past violations, contact the Saudi embassy before applying as you may face automatic rejection.
Security or Criminal Concerns
Criminal record, security flags in international databases, or travel to certain restricted countries that may raise concerns during background checks.
How to avoid: Be honest about your travel history and any criminal record. Certain past issues may not automatically disqualify you but dishonesty will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Australian citizens get a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival?
Yes, Australian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Saudi international airports. However, applying for the eVisa online before travel is recommended as it saves time at the airport and ensures you won't face any last-minute issues.
How much does the Saudi eVisa cost for Australians?
The Saudi eVisa costs SAR 480 (approximately AUD 195 or USD 128). This fee includes the visa itself and mandatory medical insurance. The same fee applies whether you apply online or obtain the visa on arrival.
How long does the Saudi eVisa take to process?
Most Saudi eVisa applications for Australian citizens are processed instantly through the automated system. You typically receive your approved eVisa via email within minutes. Complex cases may take up to 24 hours.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?
The Saudi eVisa allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. The visa is valid for one year from the date of issue and permits multiple entries during that period.
What can I do on a Saudi tourist visa?
The Saudi eVisa permits tourism activities including sightseeing, events attendance, visiting family and relatives, leisure travel, and performing Umrah (excluding Hajj). You cannot work, study, or engage in business activities on this visa.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, the Saudi eVisa allows you to perform Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) at any time except during Hajj season. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. During Hajj season, only Hajj visa holders can enter Mecca.
Do I need travel insurance for Saudi Arabia?
Basic medical insurance is automatically included in your SAR 480 eVisa fee. However, this coverage is limited. The Australian Government recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as healthcare can be expensive.
Can I extend my Saudi tourist visa?
No, the Saudi eVisa cannot be extended. You must leave Saudi Arabia before your 90-day maximum stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you would need to exit and re-enter (subject to the same 90-day rule within the visa's one-year validity).
What happens if I overstay my Saudi visa?
Overstaying your Saudi visa results in fines starting at SAR 100 per day, potential detention, and deportation. You may also face a re-entry ban to Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries. Always leave before your permitted stay expires.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for Australian tourists?
The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Saudi Arabia due to the threat of terrorism and regional tensions. However, major tourist areas and cities are generally safe. Avoid areas near the Yemen border. Follow local laws and customs, particularly regarding dress code and alcohol prohibition.