Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
Saudi Tourist Visa · For Nigeria citizens
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as a Nigerian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for your Saudi tourist visa application: required documents, fees starting from ₦40,000 through authorized agencies, processing times of 7-15 working days, and strategies to improve your chances. Nigerian applicants face additional restrictions in 2025, with single-entry visas limited to 30 days. With proper preparation through authorized channels, you can still successfully obtain your visa.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for Nigerian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Nigeria citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia
Recent photographs meeting Saudi specifications
Completed visa application through authorized channel
Recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your stay
Round-trip flight booking showing entry and exit from Saudi Arabia
Confirmed accommodation booking for your entire stay
Health insurance coverage for your stay in Saudi Arabia
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Valid yellow fever vaccination certificate
Recommended (Optional)
If you hold a valid visa from US, UK, or Schengen countries, you may be eligible for faster visa options
Application Process
Nigerian citizens have limited options for obtaining a Saudi tourist visa due to country-specific restrictions.1 Most applicants must use authorized travel agencies.
Option 1: Through Authorized Travel Agency (Standard Route)
Most Nigerian applicants must apply through Saudi embassy-authorized travel agencies:1
- Contact an authorized travel agency in Nigeria (Lagos or Abuja)
- Submit your passport, photographs, and supporting documents
- Complete the application form with agency assistance
- The agency submits your application to the Saudi embassy
- Pay the visa fee plus agency service charges
- Collect your visa once approved (7-15 working days)
Option 2: E-Visa (If You Have US/UK/Schengen Visa)
If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa (preferably used at least once), you may be eligible for the faster e-visa route:3
- Visit visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account
- Select Nigeria as your nationality
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, proof of US/UK/Schengen visa)
- Pay the visa fee (SAR 300 + insurance) online
- Receive your e-visa via email within 24-48 hours
Option 3: Visa-on-Arrival
If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa and fly on Saudia or Flynas, you may obtain a visa upon arrival at Saudi airports.2 However, this is subject to immigration officer discretion and is not guaranteed.
Fees
| Visa Route | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Authorized Agency | ₦40,000-70,000 | Includes service fees, varies by provider |
| E-Visa (with US/UK/Schengen visa) | SAR 440 (~$117) | SAR 300 visa + SAR 140 insurance |
| Visa-on-Arrival | SAR 480 (~$128) | Requires US/UK/Schengen visa + Saudia/Flynas flight |
Agency fees vary significantly.4 Get quotes from multiple authorized agencies and confirm what is included (processing, insurance, courier services).
What You Need to Prove
Saudi visa officers assess applications based on:24
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings for accommodation and flights
- Financial capacity: Sufficient funds to cover your stay without working illegally
- Return intent: Confirmed return ticket showing departure within 30 days
- Valid documentation: All documents meeting Saudi specifications and matching passport details
- Clean immigration history: No previous overstays or violations in GCC countries
Nigerian applicants face heightened scrutiny due to historical concerns about visa misuse. Thorough, honest documentation is essential.
Processing Times
| Application Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Authorized Travel Agency | 7-15 working days |
| E-Visa (eligible applicants) | 24-48 hours |
| Visa-on-Arrival | Immediate (at airport) |
Processing times exclude weekends (Friday-Saturday in Saudi Arabia) and public holidays.1 During peak seasons and religious periods (Ramadan, Hajj), processing may take longer or be suspended entirely.
Critical 2025 Restrictions
Several important policy changes affect Nigerian applicants:5
February 2025 Restrictions:
- Nigerian citizens (and 13 other nationalities) are now limited to single-entry visas only
- Maximum validity reduced to 30 days
- Multiple-entry visas and one-year validity options are no longer available
Seasonal Suspensions:
- Tourist, business, and family visit visas may be suspended during Hajj season (typically April to June)
- The 2025 suspension affected Nigerians from April 13 to mid-June
- Only officially registered Hajj pilgrims could enter during this period
Why These Restrictions Exist:
- Saudi authorities cited concerns about visa misuse and unauthorized Hajj participation
- The 2024 Hajj saw over 400,000 unregistered pilgrims, contributing to tragic fatalities
- These measures aim to manage pilgrim flows and ensure safety
Check current status before applying, as restrictions may change.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your visa is approved:1
- Collect your passport with visa stamp from the agency
- Verify all details (name spelling, validity dates, entry type)
- At Saudi immigration, present your visa, passport, and Yellow Card
- You may be asked about your accommodation and travel plans
- Immigration will stamp your passport with the entry date
Important: Overstaying your visa results in significant penalties:
- Fines starting from SAR 100 per day
- Potential detention
- Deportation and entry ban (up to 5 years)
- Blacklisting across GCC countries
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is rejected:4
- Understand the reason: Request specific refusal grounds from your agency
- Address the problems: Correct documentation errors, improve financial evidence, or clarify any inconsistencies
- Choose a reputable agency: Poor agency handling causes many preventable rejections
- Consider timing: Avoid applying during restricted periods (pre-Hajj, Ramadan)
- Build stronger ties: If possible, establish travel history to US, UK, or Schengen countries first
The e-visa route (if you qualify) has higher approval rates than agency processing for Nigerian applicants.
Important Warnings
Do Not:
- Use a tourist visa to perform Umrah or Hajj (apply for proper religious visas)
- Overstay your visa under any circumstances
- Work on a tourist visa (even informal or volunteer work)
- Provide false information on your application
- Apply through unauthorized agents or “visa fixers”
Consequences of Violations:
- Immediate deportation
- 5-year or permanent entry ban
- Potential blacklisting across all GCC countries
- Criminal charges in severe cases
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, unclear scans, or documents not meeting Saudi specifications. Many rejections occur due to poor quality photographs, missing required paperwork, or documents that cannot be verified.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents before submission. Use a reputable agency that will review your application for completeness. Ensure photos meet exact specifications and all documents are clear, legible scans.
Previous Overstays or Immigration Violations
History of overstaying visas in Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries, or evidence of working illegally on previous visas. Saudi authorities maintain extensive records and share information with other Gulf states.
How to avoid: Always respect visa validity periods. If you have past violations, wait at least 2-3 years before reapplying and be prepared to explain. Previous deportation may result in long-term or permanent bans.
Wrong Visa Type for Intended Purpose
Applying for tourist visa when intending to perform Umrah, work, or visit family. Tourist visas have specific permitted activities, and using them for religious pilgrimage or employment is prohibited.
How to avoid: Be honest about your travel purpose. If you want to perform Umrah, apply for an Umrah visa through approved channels. Using a tourist visa for unauthorized purposes can result in deportation and bans.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing inadequate funds, suspicious large deposits right before application, or irregular transaction patterns that raise concerns about your ability to fund the trip.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least ₦500,000 for several months before applying. Show regular salary credits and avoid unexplained deposits. Include multiple accounts and fixed deposits if available.
Information Mismatches
Discrepancies between passport details and application form, including spelling errors, wrong passport numbers, or inconsistent dates across documents.
How to avoid: Copy information exactly as it appears in your passport. Have someone else verify your application for errors. Ensure all dates and details match across every document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian citizens get a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, Nigerian citizens can obtain a Saudi tourist visa, but with restrictions. Nigerians are not eligible for the standard e-visa available to 66 countries and must apply through the Saudi embassy or authorized travel agencies. As of February 2025, Nigerian applicants can only receive single-entry visas valid for 30 days.
How much does a Saudi tourist visa cost for Nigerians?
Through authorized travel agencies in Nigeria, the total cost ranges from ₦40,000 to ₦70,000 depending on the provider and services included. If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa and qualify for e-visa, the fee is SAR 300 (~$80) plus insurance, totaling approximately SAR 440 (~$117).
How long does Saudi visa processing take from Nigeria?
Embassy visa processing through authorized agencies takes 7-15 working days. If you have a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa and apply for e-visa, processing takes 24-48 hours. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel to allow for any delays.
What are the 2025 visa restrictions for Nigerians traveling to Saudi Arabia?
From February 2025, Nigeria is among 14 countries restricted to single-entry tourist visas valid for only 30 days. The previous one-year multiple-entry option is no longer available. Additionally, tourist, business, and family visit visas were temporarily suspended from April to mid-June 2025 during the Hajj season.
Can I get visa-on-arrival in Saudi Arabia as a Nigerian citizen?
Only if you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa (preferably used at least once) and are flying on Saudi carriers Saudia or Flynas. The visa-on-arrival costs SAR 480. However, this is subject to immigration officer discretion and not guaranteed, especially during restricted periods.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
No. Unlike some other nationalities, Nigerian citizens should not use tourist visas for religious purposes. Using a tourist visa to perform Umrah is considered a violation and can result in deportation and entry bans. For Umrah, apply through the official Nusuk platform or approved Umrah tour operators.
What happens if my Saudi visa is rejected?
Review the rejection reason carefully and address the issues before reapplying. Common fixes include improving document quality, providing stronger financial evidence, or correcting errors. Wait until you have genuinely stronger documentation before reapplying. Consider using a more reputable agency for your next application.
Is yellow fever vaccination required for Saudi visa from Nigeria?
Yes, a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Card) is mandatory for all travelers from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. This is a strict requirement enforced at Saudi immigration.
What is the maximum stay allowed on a Saudi tourist visa for Nigerians?
Under the 2025 restrictions, Nigerian citizens receive single-entry tourist visas with a maximum stay of 30 days. The previous 90-day stay option and multiple-entry visas are no longer available for Nigerian passport holders.
Do I need a sponsor for Saudi tourist visa?
No individual sponsor is required for tourist visas. However, Nigerians must apply through an authorized travel agency that facilitates the application. If visiting family members in Saudi Arabia, you may need an invitation letter and their Iqama (residence permit) details.