Visa Requirements for Saudi Citizens

Saudi citizens can visit 91 countries and territories visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. Popular visa-free destinations include Turkey (90 days), Malaysia (90 days), South Korea (90 days), Singapore (30 days), Egypt (180 days), Georgia (360 days), Bahrain (ID card only), UAE (ID card only), Albania (90 days), and Morocco (90 days). The UK offers an Electronic Visa Waiver for easy entry up to 6 months. GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE) can be entered using just a Saudi national ID card.

The US B1/B2 tourist and business visa costs $185 (approximately SAR 694) for Saudi applicants. This is a non-refundable application fee paid before scheduling your visa interview at the US Embassy in Riyadh or the US Consulate in Jeddah or Dhahran. Additional fees may apply for visa issuance based on reciprocity.

Saudi citizens benefit from the UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) program, which costs only £30 (approximately SAR 140) for stays up to 6 months. This is significantly cheaper than a full UK visitor visa. The EVW can be applied for online between 3 months and 48 hours before travel, with approval typically within 24 hours. VFS Global charges an additional service fee of £20 (SAR 95) for application assistance if needed.

Schengen visa processing for Saudi applicants typically takes 15 to 30 calendar days from the date of application. During peak travel season (summer months and holiday periods), processing can extend to 45 days. The Schengen visa fee is €80 (approximately SAR 315) and allows travel to all 29 Schengen member countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Standard visa requirements for Saudi citizens include: valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages, recent passport-size photographs (specifications vary by country), bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds, employment letter or commercial registration (Sijil Tijari), confirmed flight itinerary and hotel bookings, travel insurance (mandatory for Schengen), and cover letter explaining travel purpose. Salary certificates and sponsor letters may be required for certain applications.

The US B1/B2 visa approval rate for Saudi applicants is approximately 80% to 85% based on recent fiscal year data. Saudi Arabia has one of the higher approval rates in the Middle East region. Approval chances increase for applicants with strong ties to Saudi Arabia, previous international travel history, and clear documentation of employment and financial stability.

Yes, Saudi citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Thailand for stays up to 15 days. The visa-on-arrival costs approximately THB 2,000 (SAR 210). For longer stays up to 60 days, Saudis can apply for an e-visa or tourist visa in advance through the Royal Thai Embassy. Thailand is a popular destination for Saudi tourists seeking beaches, shopping, and medical tourism.

Saudi applicants generally experience lower rejection rates compared to many other nationalities. However, Schengen visas from certain countries may have rejection rates around 10% to 15%, particularly for first-time applicants or those with incomplete documentation. Common rejection reasons include insufficient financial documentation, unclear travel purpose, incomplete applications, and failure to demonstrate intent to return to Saudi Arabia.

To maximize visa approval chances: apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel, provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income, include employment letters with salary details, show property ownership or family ties in Saudi Arabia, document previous international travel stamps (especially to Western countries), provide a detailed day-by-day travel itinerary, ensure comprehensive travel insurance coverage, and submit all documents in the required format with proper translations where needed.