Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
Saudi eVisa (Tourist) · For Germany citizens
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as a German citizen? As one of 66 eligible eVisa countries, Germans enjoy a streamlined online application with near-instant approval. The eVisa costs SAR 480 (approximately €120), includes mandatory health insurance, and allows multiple entries over one year with stays up to 90 days. With approval rates exceeding 98% for properly completed applications, this guide covers everything you need for a successful visa application.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for German Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Germany citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your German passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Saudi Arabia
Recent passport-style photograph meeting Saudi specifications
Active email address to receive your eVisa confirmation
Credit or debit card for online fee payment
Mandatory health insurance coverage for your stay in Saudi Arabia
Basic details about your planned trip to Saudi Arabia
Application Process
German citizens benefit from one of the world’s simplest visa processes for Saudi Arabia.1 As one of 66 eligible nationalities, you can complete the entire eVisa application online in about 10 minutes.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to visa.visitsaudi.com and click “Apply Now.”1 Select Germany as your nationality and begin the application. Only use the official portal to avoid scams and inflated fees.
Step 2: Enter Your Information
Provide your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.1 Fill in travel dates, accommodation address, and purpose of visit. All fields must be completed, even those that may seem optional.
Step 3: Upload Your Photo
Upload a passport-style photograph meeting Saudi specifications: 200x200 pixels, JPEG format, white background, face covering 70-80% of the frame.1 Poor quality photos are the most common cause of delays.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Pay SAR 480 (approximately €120) using your credit or debit card.1 The fee includes mandatory health insurance. Payment is secure and processed immediately.
Step 5: Receive Your eVisa
Your approved eVisa is sent directly to your email, typically within minutes.1 Print a copy or save the PDF on your phone. Present it at Saudi immigration upon arrival.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa Fee | SAR 480 (~€120) | Includes health insurance |
| Visa on Arrival | SAR 480 (~€120) | Same fee, available at airports |
The fee covers:1
- One-year visa validity
- Multiple entries
- Up to 90 days total stay
- Mandatory health insurance coverage
Fees are non-refundable only if your application is approved.1 Failed applications due to system errors typically are not charged.
What You Need to Prove
The Saudi eVisa for German citizens is designed for tourism-related activities.1 Unlike many visa applications, you do not need to prove:
- Employment status or income
- Bank balances or financial capacity
- Return flight bookings
- Hotel reservations
- Purpose of visit beyond general tourism
This streamlined approach reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to attracting visitors from low-risk countries like Germany as part of its Vision 2030 tourism initiative.5
Processing Times
| Scenario | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Application | Minutes to 24 hours |
| During Peak Periods | Up to 48 hours |
| Visa on Arrival | Immediate (at airport) |
The eVisa system is highly automated, resulting in near-instant approvals for most German applicants.12 Apply at least 48 hours before travel as a precaution, though last-minute applications usually succeed.
Entry Points and Visa on Arrival
German citizens with an approved eVisa can enter through any Saudi port of entry.1 If you prefer visa on arrival, it is available at these international airports:
- King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
- King Fahd International Airport (Dammam)
Visa on arrival involves the same SAR 480 fee but may require queuing.2 Online application before travel is recommended for a smoother arrival experience.
After Your Visa is Approved
- Save your eVisa as a PDF and print a copy
- Verify all details match your passport exactly
- Check the validity dates and plan travel accordingly
- Download the Nusuk app if planning to perform Umrah
At Saudi immigration, present your eVisa and passport. You will receive an entry stamp.3 Keep track of your days in the country to avoid exceeding the 90-day limit.
Important rules to follow:
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Do not photograph military installations or government buildings
- Alcohol is prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia
- During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours
If Your Visa is Refused
Rejections are uncommon for German applicants (approval rate exceeds 98%).1 If refused:
- Check the rejection reason provided in the notification
- Correct any errors in personal details or passport information
- Retake your photo if it did not meet specifications
- Reapply immediately after addressing the issues
Common fixes:
- Photo issues: Use a professional photo or photo booth that meets Saudi specifications
- Information mismatch: Copy passport details exactly, character by character
- Payment failure: Use a different card or ensure international transactions are enabled
There is no appeal process for the eVisa, but you can reapply immediately.1 Successful applications are processed within minutes once issues are resolved.
German Tourists in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia welcomed 106,000 German tourists in 2024, making Germany the fifth largest European source market.5 Popular destinations for German visitors include:
- Riyadh: Modern capital with historical sites like Diriyah and the National Museum
- Jeddah: Gateway to Mecca, historic Al-Balad district, Red Sea coastline
- AlUla: UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Nabataean tombs at Hegra
- NEOM: Futuristic tourism development including The Line and Red Sea resorts
- Asir Region: Mountain landscapes and traditional villages around Abha
Direct flights connect Frankfurt and Munich to Riyadh and Jeddah via Lufthansa and Saudia, with flight times of approximately 5-6 hours.4
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Information Mismatches
Discrepancies between passport details and the information entered in the application form. Even minor typos in names, passport numbers, or dates can trigger rejection.
How to avoid: Double-check every field against your passport before submitting. Copy information exactly as it appears, including any special characters in names.
Photo Specification Issues
Photographs that do not meet the strict Saudi requirements: wrong dimensions, incorrect background color, face not covering required area, wearing glasses, or poor image quality.
How to avoid: Use a plain white background, ensure face covers 70-80% of the 200x200 pixel image, remove glasses, and submit a clear, recent photo in JPEG format.
Incomplete Application
Missing required fields or failing to complete all steps in the application process. Applicants sometimes skip optional-looking fields that are actually mandatory.
How to avoid: Fill out every field in the application form. Review the entire application before submitting to ensure no sections are incomplete.
Technical or Payment Errors
Payment failures due to declined cards, insufficient funds, or cards not enabled for international transactions. Technical glitches during submission can also cause issues.
How to avoid: Use a card enabled for international online payments. If payment fails, wait 24 hours before retrying to avoid duplicate charges. Clear browser cache if experiencing technical issues.
Passport Validity Issues
Passport has less than six months validity from the planned arrival date, insufficient blank pages, or is damaged.
How to avoid: Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date and has at least 2 blank pages. Renew before applying if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, German citizens require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. However, as one of 66 eligible nationalities, Germans can apply for the convenient eVisa online through visa.visitsaudi.com, which is approved within minutes in most cases.
How much does the Saudi Arabia eVisa cost for German citizens?
The Saudi eVisa costs SAR 480 (approximately €120 or $128). This fee includes mandatory health insurance coverage for your stay. The visa allows multiple entries over one year with stays up to 90 days total.
How long does Saudi eVisa processing take for Germans?
Most German applications are approved within minutes due to the automated eVisa system. Complex cases may take up to 24 hours. The visa is sent directly to your email upon approval.
Can Germans get visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, German citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival at major Saudi airports including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The fee is the same as the eVisa (SAR 480). However, applying online in advance is recommended to avoid queues.
How long can Germans stay in Saudi Arabia with a tourist visa?
The Saudi eVisa allows stays of up to 90 days total within the one-year validity period. It permits multiple entries, so you can visit multiple times as long as your total stay does not exceed 90 days.
Can I perform Umrah with the Saudi tourist eVisa?
Yes, the Saudi eVisa allows German citizens to perform Umrah (excluding Hajj). Book your Umrah through the official Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) before visiting the holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
What documents do I need for the Saudi eVisa?
You need a valid German passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), a digital passport photo meeting Saudi specifications (200x200 pixels, white background), and a credit/debit card for payment. No invitation letter, hotel booking, or flight tickets are required.
Is travel insurance required for Saudi eVisa?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory. However, it is automatically included in the SAR 480 eVisa fee, so you do not need to purchase separate travel insurance for the visa application.
What if my Saudi eVisa application is rejected?
Rejections are rare for German applicants (approval rate exceeds 98%). If rejected, check for typos, photo issues, or passport validity problems. You can reapply immediately after correcting the issues. The fee is only charged on successful applications.
Can I extend my Saudi tourist visa?
Tourist visa extensions are possible through the Absher platform or the Ministry of Interior before your current visa expires. Overstaying results in significant fines (SAR 100+ per day), detention, and potential deportation with re-entry bans.