Updated: February 2026 | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Saudi Visa for UAE Residents (2026): Complete Guide to Types, Fees, eVisa Process
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia from the UAE? Whether it’s for tourism, business, Umrah, or a weekend road trip to Riyadh UAE residents can now apply for a Saudi eVisa online in under 30 minutes. The Kingdom’s visa process has been completely streamlined under Vision 2030, with 1-year multiple-entry options and instant digital approvals.
This guide covers everything: visa types, fees in AED and SAR, step-by-step application on ksavisa.sa, nationality-specific requirements, Umrah rules, overstay penalties, and driving across the border.
💡 Quick Answer: UAE citizens (Emirati passport holders) do NOT need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. UAE residents (expats with a valid residence visa) must apply for an eVisa online. Cost: SAR 300 (AED 295) for GCC residents or SAR 535 (AED 525) for non-GCC nationals. Processing: Instant to 3 working days.
📋 Table of Contents
- Who Needs a Saudi Visa from the UAE?
- Saudi Visa Types for UAE Residents
- Saudi Visa Fees Complete Breakdown (2026)
- How to Apply for Saudi eVisa Step by Step
- Documents Required
- Photo Specifications
- Visa Guide by Nationality
- Umrah Visa from UAE Complete Guide
- UAE to Saudi by Road Border Crossing
- How to Check Saudi Visa Status
- Overstay Fines & Grace Period (2025–2026)
- Saudi Visa Rejection Reasons
- GCC Unified Visa 2026 Update
- Saudi Arabia Travel Tips
- FAQ
Who Needs a Saudi Visa from the UAE?
| Traveller Type | Visa Required? | How to Enter |
| 🇦🇪 UAE Citizens (Emiratis) | No visa needed | Direct entry with valid passport |
| GCC Nationals (Bahraini, Omani, Kuwaiti, Qatari) | No visa needed | Direct entry with valid passport or national ID |
| UAE Residents (Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, etc.) | Yes — eVisa required | Apply online via ksavisa.sa |
| Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visa | Yes — eVisa or VoA | Apply online or visa on arrival |
| Tourists from 66+ eligible countries | Yes — eVisa | Apply online via visa.visitsaudi.com |
💡 Key Rule: Your UAE residence visa must have at least 3 months validity remaining at the time of application. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Saudi Visa Types for UAE Residents
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Stay Duration | Entries |
| 🏖️ Tourist eVisa | Tourism, leisure, family visits, Umrah | 1 year | 90 days per visit | Multiple |
| 🏖️ Tourist eVisa (Single) | Same as above | 90 days | 90 days | Single |
| 💼 Business Visit Visa | Meetings, conferences, negotiations | 1 year | 90 days per visit | Multiple |
| 🕋 Umrah Visa | Pilgrimage to Makkah (outside Hajj) | 30–90 days | 30–90 days | Single/Multiple |
| 🕋 Hajj Visa | Annual Hajj pilgrimage only | Hajj season | Duration of Hajj | Single |
| 👨👩👧 Family Visit Visa | Visit family members in KSA | 90 days | 90 days | Single/Multiple |
| ✈️ Transit/Stopover Visa | Passing through Saudi Arabia | 72–96 hours | Up to 4 days | Single |
| 🏢 Work Visa | Employment in KSA | 1–2 years | Duration of contract | Multiple |
| 🎓 Student Visa | Study at Saudi institution | Duration of study | Duration of study | Multiple |
🏖️ Tourist eVisa — Best for Most UAE Residents
The 1-year multiple-entry tourist eVisa is the most popular option. It covers tourism, family visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj). Apply online in minutes. Instant processing for most GCC residents.
🕋 Umrah on Tourist Visa Yes, It’s Allowed
You can perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa no separate Umrah visa needed. The tourist visa covers Umrah outside Hajj season. A separate Hajj visa is required only for Hajj.
Saudi Visa Fees — Complete Breakdown (2026)
| Visa Type | Visa Fee (SAR) | Approx. AED | Insurance | Total Approx. |
| Tourist eVisa (GCC Residents) | SAR 300 | AED 295 | SAR 28–945 | AED 322–1,225 |
| Tourist eVisa (Non-GCC) | SAR 535 | AED 525 | SAR 28–945 | AED 553–1,455 |
| Business Visit Visa | SAR 535 | AED 525 | Included | ~AED 560 |
| Umrah Visa (via Nusuk) | SAR 300 | AED 295 | Varies by package | AED 295+ |
| Hajj Visa | Free (visa) | Free | Package cost applies | Package-based |
| Transit/Stopover Visa | SAR 100 or Free* | AED 98 | Admin fees | ~AED 100 |
*Transit visa is free when booked through flynas or certain Saudi carriers. Insurance costs vary widely basic plans start at SAR 28 (~AED 27), premium plans up to SAR 945 (~AED 925).
💡 Payment: Visa fees are paid online by credit/debit card during the application. A 5% surcharge may apply to foreign cards. Keep your transaction receipt for tracking.
Moving to Saudi Arabia for Work?
Your Degree Certificate and Professional Qualifications must be properly attested before your Saudi work visa can be processed. This includes verification from the relevant home-country authorities such as GAC (Canada), FCDO (UK), US State Department, and other issuing authorities — followed by Saudi Embassy and MOFA Saudi Arabia.
GloboPrime manages the complete end-to-end Saudi attestation process for degrees issued in Canada, the UK, the USA, Europe, Asia, and other countries.
View Saudi Degree Attestation Services ➔
How to Apply for Saudi eVisa — Step by Step
The Saudi eVisa for UAE residents is applied entirely online through ksavisa.sa (Saudi Unified Visa Platform). Here’s the exact process:
1 Visit ksavisa.sa Go to the official Saudi unified visa platform. Click “Visit” and select “Tourism” as your purpose.
2 Select GCC Residency Choose “Valid residence in GCC countries (no less than three months)” from the dropdown. Click “Show Eligible Visas.”
3 Choose Visa Type Select between Single Entry (90 days) or Multiple Entry (1 year). Click “Apply Now” under eVisa.
4 Enter Personal Details Full name (exactly as on passport), mobile number, address, gender, marital status, and occupation title.
5 Upload Passport Details Scan of your passport main page. Enter passport number, country of issuance, issue/expiry dates.
6 Upload UAE Residence Visa Digital copy of your valid UAE residence visa. Enter visa number, expiry date, and emirate of residence.
7 Upload Photo Recent colour passport photo with white background (35×45mm, PNG/JPEG, max 5MB). See photo specs below.
8 Select Medical Insurance Answer health questions, then choose from approved Saudi insurance providers. Prices range from SAR 28 to SAR 945.
9 Pay Online Review total cost and pay with credit/debit card. You’ll receive a transaction number for tracking.
10 Receive eVisa by Email Processing is often instant for GCC residents, up to 3 working days otherwise. Print the eVisa and save a digital copy.
Documents Required for Saudi Visa
| Document | Requirement |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months from travel date, with blank pages |
| UAE Residence Visa | Valid for at least 3 months from date of entry |
| Passport-Size Photo | Recent, white background, 35×45mm, PNG/JPEG, max 5MB |
| Medical Insurance | Selected and paid during application (mandatory) |
| Payment Card | Credit or debit card for online payment |
Not required for the eVisa: hotel booking, return ticket, invitation letter, or bank statement. These may be asked at immigration but are not part of the online application.
Saudi Visa Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
| Size | 35 × 45 mm (passport size) |
| Background | Plain white |
| Format | PNG or JPEG |
| File Size | Maximum 5 MB |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral no smiling, mouth closed |
| Face Position | Camera facing directly, head straight, eyes open |
| Glasses | No eyeglasses (medical exception with doctor’s note) |
| Headwear | Only for religious reasons |
| Lighting | Even lighting, no shadows |
💡 Pro Tip: Get your photo taken at a professional photo studio in Dubai (Al Qusais, Karama, or Bur Dubai have plenty). Ask specifically for “Saudi visa specifications.” Avoid selfies they get rejected.
Saudi Visa by Nationality — Guide for UAE Residents
Your nationality determines your application path and fee. Here’s a quick reference for the most common nationalities in the UAE:
| Nationality | Visa Path | Fee (SAR) | Special Notes |
| 🇮🇳 Indian | eVisa via ksavisa.sa | 535 | GCC residency qualifies. Also eligible if holding valid US/UK/Schengen visa. |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistani | eVisa via ksavisa.sa | 535 | GCC residency qualifies. Large Umrah demand book early in Ramadan. |
| 🇵🇭 Filipino | eVisa via ksavisa.sa | 535 | GCC residency qualifies. Popular for tourism and family visits. |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladeshi | eVisa via ksavisa.sa | 535 | GCC residency qualifies. Ensure passport validity exceeds 6 months. |
| 🇪🇬 Egyptian | eVisa via ksavisa.sa | 535 | GCC residency qualifies. Also eligible for eVisa directly (not GCC route). |
| 🇳🇵 Nepali | eVisa via ksavisa.sa | 535 | Must apply through GCC residency route specifically. |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lankan | eVisa via ksavisa.sa | 535 | GCC residency qualifies. |
| 🇯🇴 Jordanian | eVisa via ksavisa.sa | 535 | Also eligible for direct eVisa route. |
| 🇬🇧 British | eVisa or VoA | 535 | UK passport holders can also get visa on arrival. |
| 🇺🇸 American | eVisa or VoA | 535 | US passport holders can also get visa on arrival. |
⚠️ Important: Some nationalities may face temporary restrictions. In 2025, Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended visa issuance for Indian nationals (April–June). Always check ksavisa.sa for the latest eligibility before applying.
Umrah Visa from UAE Complete Guide
Option 1: Perform Umrah on a Tourist eVisa (Recommended)
The simplest way. Apply for a regular Saudi tourist eVisa through ksavisa.sa, then perform Umrah during your trip. The tourist visa explicitly allows Umrah outside Hajj season.
Option 2: Dedicated Umrah Visa via Nusuk
For a dedicated Umrah experience with guided packages, register on the Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa). Packages include accommodation in Makkah/Madinah, transportation, and guided rituals. Prices range from SAR 800 (economy) to SAR 6,500+ (premium).
Option 3: Transit Visa for Quick Umrah
If flying through Saudi Arabia, the stopover visa (up to 96 hours) allows enough time for Umrah. Free when booked through flynas or Saudia airlines.
| Aspect | Tourist eVisa + Umrah | Dedicated Umrah Visa (Nusuk) |
| Cost | SAR 300–535 | SAR 800–6,500+ (package) |
| Validity | 1 year, 90 days per visit | 30–90 days |
| Includes | Visa only (arrange your own stay) | Visa + hotel + transport + guided tour |
| Can Do Tourism? | Yes, visit AlUla, Jeddah, Riyadh | Limited to Makkah/Madinah route |
| Hajj Allowed? | No | No (separate Hajj visa needed) |
| Best For | Independent travellers, repeat visitors | First-time pilgrims, families, groups |
UAE to Saudi Arabia by Road Border Crossing Guide
Driving to Saudi Arabia from the UAE is a popular option for weekend trips, especially to Riyadh and the Eastern Province. Here’s what you need:
Main Border Crossing: Ghuwaifat (Al Ghuwaifat / Abu Samra)
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Western border of Abu Dhabi emirate |
| Distance from Dubai | ~380 km (4–5 hours) |
| Distance from Abu Dhabi | ~300 km (3–4 hours) |
| Operating Hours | 24/7 |
| Visa Required? | Yes, you must have your eVisa approved BEFORE arriving at the border |
| Vehicle Insurance | Saudi vehicle insurance required (available at border or pre-purchase online) |
| Tolls | Salik tag (UAE side), plus Saudi tolls on some highways |
⚠️ Important: You cannot get a visa on arrival at the land border. Your Saudi eVisa must be approved and printed before you drive. Ensure all vehicle documents (registration, insurance) are ready for inspection at both UAE and Saudi checkpoints.
How to Check Saudi Visa Status
| Method | How |
| ksavisa.sa | Click “Track Application” → Enter transaction number or passport number |
| Saudi MOFA Portal | Visit visa.mofa.gov.sa → Enter visa number to check/print |
| Absher App | Download Absher → Login → Check visa details and validity |
| By Phone | Call ksavisa.sa support: +966 920011114 |
Overstay Fines & Grace Period (2026)
Saudi Arabia enforces strict overstay penalties. Know these rules before you travel:
| Violation | Penalty |
| Daily overstay fine | SAR 100/day (~AED 98/day) |
| First-time overstay | Fine of up to SAR 15,000 + possible deportation |
| Second offence | Fine of up to SAR 25,000 + deportation + re-entry ban |
| Third offence | Fine of up to SAR 50,000 + imprisonment + permanent ban |
30-Day Grace Period (New — June 2025)
Saudi Arabia introduced a 30-day grace period effective June 26, 2025, for holders of expired visit visas. This allows you to exit the country legally within 30 days of visa expiry without fines. However:
- Grace period is for final exit only no extensions or re-entry allowed
- Any outstanding fines must be paid via Absher or SADAD before departure
- Apply for exit through the Tawasul service on the Ministry of Interior platform
💡 Best Practice: Set a calendar reminder for 7 days before your visa expires. Always exit at least 2 days before expiry to avoid any complications at the airport or border.
Saudi Visa Rejection Common Reasons & How to Avoid
| Rejection Reason | How to Avoid |
| Passport name doesn’t match application | Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport |
| Photo doesn’t meet specifications | Use a professional studio, white background, no glasses |
| UAE residence visa has less than 3 months validity | Renew your UAE visa before applying |
| Passport expires within 6 months | Renew your passport first |
| Previous overstay or ban in Saudi | Clear any previous fines via Absher before reapplying |
| Nationality restrictions | Check ksavisa.sa eligibility before paying |
| Document upload errors (blurry/wrong format) | Use clear scans in PNG/JPEG, under 5MB |
GCC Unified Visa 2026 Schengen-Style Travel
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism confirmed at the Manama Forum (November 2025) that the GCC Schengen-style unified tourist visa is on track for a 2026 launch. Once implemented, a single visa would allow travel across all six GCC countries Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
💡 Status: Confirmed for 2026, but no exact launch date announced yet. We’ll update this section as soon as official details are released.
Saudi Arabia Travel Tips for UAE Residents
| Topic | Details |
| Currency | Saudi Riyal (SAR). 1 AED ≈ 0.98 SAR. Cards widely accepted. |
| Language | Arabic (official). English widely spoken in cities. |
| Best Time to Visit | October–March (cooler weather). Avoid July–August (45°C+). |
| Driving | UAE driving license accepted. Drive on the right side. |
| Safety | Saudi Arabia ranks as one of the safest countries globally. Low crime rate. |
| Dress Code | Modest clothing recommended. Abaya/covering not mandatory for tourists since 2019. |
| Top Attractions | AlUla, Jeddah Historic District, NEOM, Riyadh Boulevard, Red Sea coast |
| SIM Card | Buy a tourist SIM at airport (STC, Mobily, Zain). eSIM available. |
📋 Need Your Degree Attested for Saudi Arabia?
Whether you’re applying for a Saudi work visa, changing employers, or enrolling in a Saudi university your degree certificate must be attested (Home Country Authorities → Saudi Embassy → MOFA).
Degrees issued in the UAE, UK, Canada, Philippines, Pakistan, Europe, and other countries all require proper Saudi Embassy and MOFA attestation before use in Saudi Arabia.
GloboPrime handles complete end-to-end attestation in 5–7 working days.
View Degree Attestation Services ➔ | Saudi Embassy & MOFA Attestation ➔
Frequently Asked Questions Saudi Visa for UAE Residents
Do UAE citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
No. UAE citizens (Emirati passport holders) can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa. They only need a valid passport.
How much does a Saudi visa cost for UAE residents?
SAR 300 (~AED 295) for GCC residents, or SAR 535 (~AED 525) for non-GCC nationals. Plus mandatory medical insurance starting from SAR 28.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes. The Saudi tourist eVisa allows Umrah outside the Hajj season. No separate Umrah visa is required unless you want a guided package through Nusuk.
How long does Saudi visa processing take?
Often instant for GCC residents. Up to 3 working days for others. Apply at least 1 week before your travel date.
Can I drive from UAE to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Cross at the Ghuwaifat border (24/7). You must have your eVisa approved before arrival. Vehicle insurance and registration are checked at the border.
What happens if I overstay my Saudi visa?
A daily fine of SAR 100 applies. First-time overstay can result in a fine up to SAR 15,000 plus deportation. A 30-day grace period was introduced in June 2025 for expired visit visas.
Can I apply for a Saudi visa from Dubai?
Yes. Apply online via ksavisa.sa from anywhere in the UAE. No embassy or consulate visit required. The process is fully digital.
Is a Saudi visa valid for Makkah and Madinah?
Yes. The tourist eVisa grants access to all cities in Saudi Arabia, including Makkah and Madinah for Umrah purposes (outside Hajj season).
What is the GCC unified visa?
A Schengen-style visa announced for 2026 that would allow travel across all six GCC countries (Saudi, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar) with a single visa. Exact launch date pending.
Can I extend my Saudi tourist visa?
The standard tourist eVisa cannot be extended. You must exit Saudi Arabia before the 90-day stay period or the 1-year validity expires. Re-enter with a new entry if your multiple-entry visa is still valid.
Can my child/minor travel to Saudi on my visa?
No. Each traveller needs their own visa. Minors under 18 must have parental consent, and a parent must apply for the eVisa on their behalf.
What is the Saudi visa photo size?
35×45mm with a white background, in PNG or JPEG format, maximum 5MB. Recent photo taken within the last 6 months. No glasses, neutral expression.
How do I check my Saudi visa status?
Visit ksavisa.sa → Click “Track Application” → Enter your transaction number or passport number. You can also check via the Absher app or call +966 920011114.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Saudi visa?
Yes. Medical insurance is mandatory and must be selected and paid during the eVisa application. You choose from approved Saudi insurance providers within the platform.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?
Visa on arrival is available for holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas (must have been used at least once). For most UAE residents, the online eVisa is the standard route.
Note on “Saudi Visit Visa”: The term Saudi Visit Visa is often used as a general term. It can refer to the Family Visit Visa (for close relatives), the Personal Visit Visa (for friends), or the standard Tourist eVisa. Ensure you apply for the correct category based on whether you have a sponsor in KSA.
Related Guides
- 🌍 Visa-on-Arrival Countries for UAE Residents (2026)
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Certificate Attestation: Complete Guide for Expats
- ✈️ Dubai Transit Visa: Rules, Eligibility & Processing Time
- 📜 Embassy Attestation in UAE: Step-by-Step Process Explained
Don’t Risk a Visa Rejection
The #1 cause of rejection is incorrect photo size or insurance selection. Why risk losing your visa fee?
GloboPrime handles the entire process for you from document attestation to final approval.
📲 WhatsApp: +971 56 462 5222
Reviewed by GloboPrime Visa & Attestation Team (12+ years GCC experience)
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa rules and fees are subject to change. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Saudi visa portal (ksavisa.sa or visa.visitsaudi.com) before applying.