Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa / Visit Visa · For Egypt citizens
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as an Egyptian citizen? You have two pathways: if you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you can apply for an instant eVisa online. Otherwise, you will need to apply through the Saudi embassy. This guide covers both options, including the 300 SAR fee, processing times of 24 hours to 15 days, and strategies to improve your chances. With an 85% approval rate for Egyptian applicants, proper preparation is key to success.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for Egyptian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Egypt citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned entry date
Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Saudi specifications
Complete visa application through the official portal or embassy
Hotel reservation or letter of invitation from host in Saudi Arabia
Round-trip flight booking or itinerary
Valid travel and health insurance covering your stay in Saudi Arabia
Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip
Recommended (Optional)
Valid visa from the United States, United Kingdom, or a Schengen country
Documentation proving your employment status in Egypt
Two Pathways for Egyptian Citizens
Saudi Arabia offers Egyptian citizens two distinct application pathways depending on whether you hold a valid visa from the United States, United Kingdom, or a Schengen country.3
Pathway 1: Instant eVisa (with US/UK/Schengen visa)
If you hold a valid and previously used US, UK, or Schengen visa, you can apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com.2 This pathway offers:
- Processing within 24 hours
- One-year validity with multiple entries
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Permission to perform Umrah (outside Hajj season)
Pathway 2: Embassy Application
Without a qualifying visa, you must apply through the Saudi Embassy in Cairo.4 This pathway requires:
- In-person or agent submission
- 5-15 working days processing
- Additional documentation may be required
- Single or multiple entry options available
Application Process
For eVisa Applicants (with US/UK/Schengen visa)
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm your US, UK, or Schengen visa is valid and has been used for at least one entry.3 The visa must still be within its validity period.
2. Complete Online Application
Visit visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account.2 Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Upload a digital photo meeting Saudi specifications.
3. Pay the Fee
The eVisa fee of approximately 535 SAR includes mandatory travel insurance.2 Payment is made online by credit or debit card.
4. Receive Your eVisa
Within 24 hours, you will receive your approved eVisa via email.2 Print a copy to present at immigration upon arrival.
For Embassy Applicants
1. Gather Required Documents
Collect all required documents including your passport, photos, accommodation booking, flight itinerary, and financial evidence.4
2. Complete the Enjaz Application
Register on the Enjaz platform (enjazit.com.sa) and complete the online application.5 Pay the visa fee through the platform.
3. Submit to Embassy or Agent
Submit your complete application to the Saudi Embassy in Cairo or through an authorized visa agent.4 The embassy is located in Garden City, Cairo.
4. Wait for Processing
Embassy applications typically take 5-15 working days.4 You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection.
Fees
| Visa Type | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa (with US/UK/Schengen) | 535 SAR (~$142 USD) | 24 hours |
| Embassy Single Entry | 200 SAR (~$54 USD) | 5-15 days |
| Embassy Multiple Entry | 500 SAR (~$134 USD) | 5-15 days |
Additional fees may apply for document attestation and visa agent services if using the embassy pathway.5
What You Need to Prove
Saudi immigration authorities assess applications based on several criteria:1
- Genuine tourism purpose: Your travel plans should be clear and realistic
- Financial capability: Sufficient funds to cover your entire stay
- Intent to return: Evidence you will leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires
- Valid documentation: All documents must be current and accurate
Processing Times
Processing times depend on which pathway you use:
| Application Type | Standard Processing |
|---|---|
| eVisa | Within 24 hours |
| Embassy (standard) | 5-15 working days |
| Embassy (peak season) | Up to 20 working days |
Peak seasons include Ramadan, Hajj, and major Saudi holidays when processing volumes increase.1
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, you can enter Saudi Arabia through any international airport or land border crossing. At immigration, you may be asked to show:
- Printed eVisa or visa in passport
- Proof of accommodation
- Return flight booking
- Travel insurance documentation
The tourist visa allows you to explore Saudi Arabia’s attractions, visit family and friends, and perform Umrah.2 You cannot work or study on a tourist visa.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is rejected, you will typically receive a notification explaining the reason. Common next steps include:
- Review the rejection reason: Understand exactly why your application was refused
- Correct any errors: Fix documentation issues, update expired documents, or provide missing information
- Reapply: Once you have addressed the issues, submit a new application
- Seek professional help: For complex cases or previous immigration issues, consult with a visa agent or immigration lawyer
There is no formal appeal process for tourist visa refusals, but you can reapply with improved documentation. If you have a travel ban due to previous violations, contact the Saudi embassy to understand the ban duration and any available remedies.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing required documents, unattested letters, or documents that do not meet Saudi specifications cause the highest number of rejections.
How to avoid: Create a checklist of all required documents. Verify that each document meets the specific requirements, including photo specifications, passport validity, and proper attestation where required.
Information Mismatches
Discrepancies between your application and passport details, such as spelling of names, dates, or passport numbers, lead to automatic rejection.
How to avoid: Copy information directly from your passport. Double-check every field before submitting. Have someone else review your application for errors.
Passport Validity Issues
Passports with less than six months validity or insufficient blank pages are rejected outright.
How to avoid: Renew your passport before applying if it expires within 8 months of your planned travel date. Ensure you have at least one completely blank page.
Previous Immigration Violations
Prior overstays in Saudi Arabia or GCC countries, or previous visa violations, can result in bans and automatic rejection.
How to avoid: If you have previous violations, consult the Saudi embassy before applying. Some bans can be lifted after a waiting period.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing inadequate funds or suspicious patterns raise concerns about your ability to support yourself during the visit.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable bank balance for at least 3 months before applying. Ensure your funds clearly cover accommodation, travel, and daily expenses.
Photo Specification Errors
Photos that do not meet Saudi requirements (wrong background, size, or quality) cause processing delays and rejections.
How to avoid: Use a professional photo service familiar with Saudi visa requirements. For eVisa, ensure digital photos are high resolution JPEG format with white background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Egyptian citizens get a Saudi tourist visa online?
Yes, if you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa that has been used at least once, you can apply for an instant eVisa through visa.visitsaudi.com. Processing takes about 24 hours. Without these visas, you must apply through the Saudi embassy.
How much does a Saudi tourist visa cost for Egyptians?
The eVisa costs approximately 535 SAR (~$142 USD) including insurance and processing fees. Embassy visas cost 200 SAR (~$54 USD) for single entry or 500 SAR (~$134 USD) for multiple entries, plus service fees.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?
The tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days. The eVisa is valid for one year with multiple entries, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days. Embassy visas may have different validity periods.
What is the Saudi tourist visa processing time for Egyptians?
eVisa applications are typically processed within 24 hours. Embassy applications take 5 to 15 working days depending on the application volume and completeness of documentation.
Do I need a sponsor to visit Saudi Arabia as a tourist?
No, tourists applying through the eVisa system do not need a Saudi sponsor. However, if applying through the embassy for a personal visit visa to see family, you may need an invitation letter from your host.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, the Saudi tourist eVisa allows you to perform Umrah outside of the Hajj season. However, the tourist visa cannot be used for Hajj pilgrimage, which requires a separate Hajj visa.
What if I don't have a US, UK, or Schengen visa?
You must apply through the Saudi embassy in Cairo. You will need to submit your application with all required documents and wait 5 to 15 working days for processing.
Can I extend my Saudi tourist visa?
Extensions may be possible through the Absher platform or by contacting Saudi immigration. It is best to apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties.