Saudi Arabia Visa-Free Entry
GCC National Entry · For UAE citizens
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as a UAE citizen? Great news: you can enter Saudi Arabia visa-free as a GCC national. Simply present your valid Emirates ID or UAE passport at immigration, and you can stay up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, or business. No visa application, no fees, no waiting. Saudi Arabia and the UAE share one of the busiest air corridors in the region, with millions of travelers crossing between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi cities each year.
Saudi Arabia Entry for UAE Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For UAE citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Emirates ID (national identity card) or UAE passport as proof of Emirati citizenship
Recommended (Optional)
Your valid UAE passport with sufficient validity
Proof of your return flight to the UAE or onward travel to another destination
Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay in Saudi Arabia
Hotel booking or address where you will be staying in Saudi Arabia
Travel and health insurance covering your stay in Saudi Arabia
As a UAE citizen, you enjoy one of the simplest entry processes to Saudi Arabia.1 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) agreement grants Emirati nationals visa-free access, making Saudi Arabia an easy destination for tourism, family visits, business trips, and Umrah pilgrimage.
Entry Process
Entering Saudi Arabia as a UAE citizen is straightforward:
1. Arrive at any Saudi port of entry
You can enter through major international airports including Riyadh (King Khalid), Jeddah (King Abdulaziz), Dammam (King Fahd), and many regional airports.2 Land borders, including the Al Ghuwaifat crossing, and seaports also accept GCC nationals.
2. Present your Emirates ID or passport at immigration
Hand your valid Emirates ID or UAE passport to the immigration officer.1 Either document is accepted. For Emirates ID, ensure it is valid and has not been reported lost or stolen.
3. Answer any questions
Immigration officers may ask about your travel purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Be prepared with clear answers. For GCC nationals, questioning is typically brief and routine.
4. Receive your entry stamp
Upon verification, you will receive an entry stamp allowing a stay of up to 90 days.3 Keep your travel documents safe as you will need to present them when departing.
Fees
| Entry Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| GCC National Entry (UAE citizens) | Free |
| eVisa (for non-GCC nationals) | 535 SAR (~$142 USD) |
As a UAE citizen, you enter Saudi Arabia at no cost.1 The eVisa and other visa options are available but unnecessary for GCC nationals who can simply enter visa-free.
What You Need to Prove
Saudi immigration focuses on standard entry verification for GCC nationals:
Valid identity document: Your Emirates ID or UAE passport must be valid.4 Expired or damaged documents will be rejected.
Genuine visitor purpose: Be ready to briefly explain why you are visiting Saudi Arabia. Common purposes include tourism, visiting family, business meetings, shopping, medical treatment, or Umrah.
No outstanding issues: You should not have any previous immigration violations, outstanding fines, or legal issues in Saudi Arabia that would trigger a travel ban.
Processing Times
| Entry Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Airport immigration | 2-10 minutes |
| Land border | 5-20 minutes |
| Seaport | 10-20 minutes |
Entry processing is immediate at the immigration counter.1 During peak travel times such as Saudi National Day, Eid holidays, long weekends, and Umrah season, allow extra time for longer queues at busy airports and land borders.
Popular Entry Points from UAE
By Air:
- Dubai to Riyadh (1.5 hours)
- Dubai to Jeddah (2.5 hours)
- Abu Dhabi to Riyadh (1.5 hours)
- Dubai to Dammam (1 hour)
By Land:
- Al Ghuwaifat Border (Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia)
The Dubai-Riyadh and Dubai-Jeddah routes are among the busiest international air corridors in the region, with multiple daily flights operated by Emirates, flydubai, Saudia, and flynas.
After You Enter Saudi Arabia
During your stay: Carry your Emirates ID or passport with you at all times as it serves as your identification and proof of legal entry. Hotels will typically register your stay automatically.2
Currency and banking: Saudi Arabia’s currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). ATMs are widely available throughout the country. UAE bank cards work at most Saudi ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, malls, and larger establishments.
Emergency contacts: The UAE Embassy in Riyadh can assist with emergencies. Keep their contact information handy: Phone: +966 11 488 7877.4
Driving: UAE driving licenses are recognized in Saudi Arabia. You can rent a car with your Emirates ID and UAE driving license.
Extending your stay: If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, apply for an extension through the Absher platform or visit a Jawazat office. Apply before your permitted stay expires to avoid penalties.
Departure: Present your Emirates ID or passport at immigration when leaving Saudi Arabia. Officers will stamp your document with an exit stamp. Ensure you depart before your 90-day limit expires.
If Entry is Denied
Entry denial for UAE citizens is rare but can occur. If denied entry:
Understand the reason: Ask the immigration officer for the specific reason. Common issues include document problems, previous violations, outstanding fines, or security concerns.
Contact the UAE Embassy: If you believe the denial is unjustified, contact the UAE Embassy in Riyadh for assistance. They can help communicate with Saudi authorities.
Document everything: Keep records of the denial, including any documents given to you by immigration. This information is important if you wish to resolve the issue for future travel.
Check for bans: Previous overstays, traffic violations, or legal issues may result in entry bans. If you suspect this is the issue, use the Absher platform or contact the Saudi embassy in the UAE before attempting to travel again.
Clear outstanding issues: If entry denial is due to unpaid fines or debts from previous visits, you may need to settle these obligations before being allowed entry again.
Most entry issues can be resolved by ensuring your Emirates ID is valid, clearing any outstanding obligations from previous visits, and being prepared to answer basic questions about your travel purpose.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Expired or Invalid Emirates ID
Presenting an expired Emirates ID or one that has been reported lost or stolen will result in entry denial.
How to avoid: Check your Emirates ID validity before traveling. Renew through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security) if it is close to expiry.
Passport Issues (if using passport)
If using a passport instead of Emirates ID, issues such as less than six months validity, insufficient blank pages, or damage may cause problems.
How to avoid: Renew your passport before traveling if it expires within 8 months of your travel date. Ensure you have at least one completely blank page.
Previous Immigration Violations
Prior overstays in Saudi Arabia, GCC countries, or other immigration violations can result in entry bans.
How to avoid: If you have previous violations, contact the Saudi embassy before traveling to understand if any restrictions apply to you.
Travel Ban or Blacklist
Individuals on security watchlists or with outstanding legal issues in Saudi Arabia may be denied entry.
How to avoid: If you suspect you may be on a watchlist due to previous legal or financial issues in Saudi Arabia, consult with the Saudi embassy before attempting to travel.
Outstanding Fines or Debts
Unpaid fines, traffic violations, or debts from previous visits to Saudi Arabia may trigger entry denial.
How to avoid: Clear any outstanding obligations from previous visits before traveling. Check the Absher platform if you have had previous residency or extended stays.
Incomplete Travel Purpose
Vague or suspicious answers about your travel purpose may cause additional scrutiny or denial.
How to avoid: Be prepared to clearly explain your travel purpose, itinerary, and where you will be staying in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
No. UAE citizens can enter Saudi Arabia visa-free as GCC nationals. You simply present your valid Emirates ID or UAE passport at immigration and receive an entry stamp allowing stays of up to 90 days.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia with just my Emirates ID?
Yes. UAE citizens can enter Saudi Arabia using either their Emirates ID or UAE passport. The Emirates ID is widely accepted at all Saudi ports of entry, including airports, land borders, and seaports.
How long can UAE citizens stay in Saudi Arabia?
UAE citizens can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per visit without a visa. For longer stays, you would need to apply for a visa extension or exit and re-enter.
Is there a fee for UAE citizens to enter Saudi Arabia?
No. Entry is free for UAE citizens as GCC nationals. There are no visa fees, processing fees, or entry charges at the border.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia by land from the UAE?
Yes. UAE citizens can enter Saudi Arabia at any authorized port of entry, including land borders such as the Al Ghuwaifat border crossing between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. The visa-free entry applies regardless of how you arrive.
Can UAE citizens work in Saudi Arabia on visa-free entry?
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and Umrah only. To work in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain the appropriate work visa through your employer before traveling.
Can I perform Umrah as a UAE citizen on visa-free entry?
Yes. UAE citizens can perform Umrah on their visa-free entry outside of the Hajj season. For Hajj, a separate Hajj visa is required, which should be obtained through authorized Hajj tour operators.
What documents should I carry when traveling to Saudi Arabia?
As a UAE citizen, carry your valid Emirates ID or UAE passport. It is also advisable to have your travel itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of return travel, though these are rarely requested for GCC nationals.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?
Extensions may be possible through the Absher platform or by visiting a Jawazat (passport office) in Saudi Arabia. You should apply before your 90-day period expires to avoid overstay penalties.
What happens if I overstay in Saudi Arabia?
Overstaying results in fines and may lead to detention, deportation, and future entry bans. If you realize you have overstayed, report to immigration authorities immediately to regularize your status and pay applicable fines.