Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa
Saudi Electronic Visa (eVisa) · For France citizens
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as a French citizen? You can apply for a Saudi eVisa entirely online in just a few minutes. The process is simple: complete the application, upload your passport and photo, pay the SAR 480 fee (approximately €120), and receive your visa by email, often within hours. Your eVisa is valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. With approval rates exceeding 97% for French applicants, obtaining your Saudi tourist visa is one of the easiest parts of planning your trip.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for French Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For France citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your French passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry into Saudi Arabia
Recent digital photograph meeting Saudi specifications for online upload
An active email address where your eVisa will be delivered
Credit or debit card for online payment of the visa fee
Your phone number and address for the application form
Medical insurance coverage for your stay in Saudi Arabia
As a French citizen, you can visit Saudi Arabia easily with an eVisa that you apply for entirely online.1 France is among the 66 nationalities eligible for Saudi Arabia’s streamlined electronic visa system, which was introduced when the country opened to international tourists in 2019.2
Application Process
The Saudi eVisa application is simple and takes just a few minutes:1
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to visa.visitsaudi.com and click “Apply Now.” This is the only official website for Saudi tourist eVisas. Avoid third-party websites that charge additional fees.
Step 2: Fill out the application form
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and contact information.
Step 3: Upload your documents
Upload a clear scan or photo of your passport bio-data page and a digital passport photo that meets Saudi specifications (white background, face centered, JPEG format).
Step 4: Pay the visa fee
Pay SAR 480 (approximately €120) by credit or debit card.1 This fee includes mandatory health insurance coverage. Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Step 5: Receive your eVisa
Your approved eVisa will be sent to your email, typically within minutes to a few hours.3 Print a copy or save it on your phone to show at Saudi immigration.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa fee | SAR 480 (~€120) | Includes health insurance |
| Visa on arrival | SAR 480 (~€120) | Same fee, available at airports |
There are no additional charges or service fees when applying through the official Saudi eVisa portal.1 The fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected.2
What You Need to Prove
The Saudi eVisa for French citizens has minimal requirements:14
Valid French passport: Your passport must have at least six months validity from your planned entry date and at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
Digital photo: A recent passport-style photo meeting Saudi specifications. The system will validate your photo during upload.
Payment capability: A credit or debit card enabled for international transactions.
Unlike many visa applications, you do not need to submit hotel bookings, flight itineraries, bank statements, or employment letters for the Saudi eVisa.
Processing Times
| Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online eVisa | Minutes to 24 hours |
| Visa on arrival | Immediate (at airport) |
The eVisa system is largely automated for eligible nationalities like France.1 Most applications are approved within minutes. However, some applications may require additional review, which can take up to 24-48 hours.
Apply at least 48 hours before your departure to avoid any last-minute issues. During Saudi holidays or peak travel periods, processing may take slightly longer.
After Your Visa is Approved
At the airport: Present your passport and eVisa (printed or on your phone) at immigration.4 Officers will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. The process is typically quick for French citizens.
During your stay: Your eVisa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit and up to 180 days total within any 12-month period.2 You can exit and re-enter multiple times within the one-year validity.
Important restrictions: Non-Muslims cannot enter the Holy Mosque in Makkah or the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.2 During Hajj season (approximately late April to mid-June), tourist visa holders are prohibited from the Makkah area.
Local laws: Saudi Arabia has strict laws. Importing alcohol, drugs, pork products, and items considered obscene is prohibited.4 Dress modestly in public. Women are no longer required to wear an abaya, but conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected.
Overstaying penalties: Do not overstay your visa. Overstaying can result in significant fines (SAR 100+ per day), detention, deportation, and bans from re-entering Saudi Arabia.
If Your Visa is Refused
Visa rejections for French citizens are rare given the automated eVisa system. If your application is rejected:1
Check the reason: The rejection email will typically indicate the issue, whether it is a document problem, information error, or other concern.
Correct and reapply: For technical issues like photo problems or typos, simply correct the error and submit a new application. There is no waiting period for reapplication.
Contact the embassy: For security-related rejections or unclear reasons, contact the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Paris for clarification before reapplying.
Payment note: The visa fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.2 Ensure all your information and documents are correct before paying.
Most rejections are due to simple errors that can be easily fixed: passport validity, photo specifications, or typos in the application. With attention to detail, your reapplication should succeed.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Passport Validity Issues
Passport with less than six months validity from entry date, or passport that is damaged, illegible, or has no blank pages.
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date before applying. If it expires within 8 months of your travel date, renew it first. Ensure you have at least one completely blank page.
Application Information Errors
Typos in name, passport number, or date of birth. Mismatches between the application form and passport details.
How to avoid: Copy information exactly as it appears in your passport. Double-check every field before submitting. Have someone else review your application for errors.
Photo Specification Issues
Photo not meeting Saudi requirements: wrong size, format, background color, or face not properly centered and sized.
How to avoid: Use a passport photo app that validates specifications. Ensure white background, no glasses, face covering 70-80% of frame, and JPEG format under 100KB.
Payment Processing Failures
Credit or debit card declined, transaction timeout, or payment not completed successfully.
How to avoid: Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions. Notify your bank before making the payment. Have a backup payment method ready.
Security or Immigration Flags
Previous immigration violations in Saudi Arabia or GCC countries, name matching a security watchlist, or outstanding legal issues.
How to avoid: If you have previous violations or legal issues related to Saudi Arabia, contact the Saudi embassy in Paris before applying to understand your status.
Technical or System Issues
Browser errors, incomplete form submission, or system timeout during application.
How to avoid: Use a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and stable internet connection. Complete the application in one session. Take screenshots of confirmation pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes, French citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. However, the process is simple: you can apply for an eVisa online at visa.visitsaudi.com, and most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours.
How much does a Saudi tourist visa cost for French citizens?
The Saudi eVisa costs SAR 480 (approximately €120). This fee includes mandatory health insurance coverage for your trip. There are no additional fees or service charges when applying through the official portal.
How long does Saudi visa processing take for French citizens?
Processing is very fast for French citizens. Most eVisa applications are approved within minutes to a few hours. However, it is recommended to apply at least 48 hours before your departure to allow for any unexpected delays.
How long is the Saudi tourist visa valid for French citizens?
The Saudi eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issuance. It allows multiple entries, with each stay limited to 90 days. You cannot stay more than 180 days total within any 12-month period.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia as a French citizen?
Yes, French citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival at major Saudi airports. The fee is the same (SAR 480), and the process takes place at immigration. However, applying online in advance is recommended to avoid potential queues or delays.
Can I perform Umrah on the Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, the Saudi eVisa allows you to perform Umrah (excluding Hajj). You can visit the holy sites in Mecca and Medina for Umrah purposes. Note that Hajj requires a separate Hajj visa obtained through authorized tour operators.
Are there any restricted areas for French tourists in Saudi Arabia?
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Holy Mosque and its premises in Makkah (Mecca) or the Prophet's Mosque and its premises in Madinah. During Hajj season (approximately late April to mid-June), tourist visa holders may be restricted from the Makkah area.
What documents do I need for the Saudi eVisa application?
You only need your valid French passport (with at least 6 months validity and one blank page), a digital passport photo meeting specifications, and a credit or debit card for payment. No hotel bookings, flight tickets, or bank statements are required.
Can I extend my Saudi tourist visa?
The standard eVisa cannot be extended beyond its one-year validity. However, you can exit and re-enter the country multiple times within the validity period. If you need to stay longer than 90 days per visit, you must exit and re-enter.
What should I do if my Saudi visa application is rejected?
Rejections are rare for French citizens. If rejected, review the reason provided, correct any errors (passport validity, photo issues, etc.), and reapply. For security-related rejections, contact the Saudi embassy in Paris for clarification.
Is travel insurance included with the Saudi eVisa?
Yes, basic health insurance is automatically included in the SAR 480 eVisa fee. This coverage is valid during your stay in Saudi Arabia. Consider purchasing additional comprehensive travel insurance for extended medical coverage and trip protection.
Can I work in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?
No, the tourist eVisa is strictly for tourism, leisure, visiting family and friends, attending events, and Umrah. You cannot take up paid employment. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and entry bans.