Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a Saudi visa online

For the first time ever Saudi Arabia is issuing tourist visas. The scheme was officially announced just recently, and today the country is accepting e-visa applications. Here is the procedure for applying for an electronic visa step-by-step. Let's start with the basics.

Saudi Arabia E-Visa Basics

Saudi Arabia e-visas are available to nationals of 49 countries
E-visas are valid for multiple entries over the course of one year; you can stay up to 90 consecutive days, and up to a total of 180 days in a year
The entire e-visa, including mandatory medical insurance, will cost you 463.44 SAR, which is about $123 USD

How To Apply For A Saudi Arabia E-Visa

Below we will outline the process you have to go through to apply for a Saudi Arabia e-visa. The entire process should take only about 10 minutes.

So here's how it works:

Step 1: Visit The Official Saudi Arabia E-Visa Website

The first step is to visit the official website for Saudi Arabia e-visas, which is https://visa.visitsaudi.com/. Other websites will definitely pop up and will look like the official website, though these will be companies trying to charge a fee for helping you with the process.

Step 2. Create Saudi Arabia E-Visa Account

Before you formally start the application process you'll need to create an e-visa account. This way you can get started, and then you can return online at any point to check the status of your application, or to complete it later.

To sign up you first need to enter your passport type and the country your passport is from.

On the next page you'll have to enter your name, phone number, email address, and create your log-in info, including your username and password.

You'll then be emailed an account activation link, which you have to click within 24 hours.

At that point your account will be created, so you could return later to complete your application. When you log in with your email address and password the next time you'll likely have to enter a verification code, which will be emailed to you.

Once you've verified your account it's time to actually start the process of applying for an e-visa. This application is spread across several pages, and you have just 10 minutes to complete the details on each page, or you'll be kicked out.

Step 3. Make photo

On the first page of the application you'll have to enter some personal information. This will start with uploading an image of yourself:

The dimensions need to be 200×200 pixels
It needs to be between 3kb and 100kb in size
Acceptable formats include .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, and .bmp

You can get a correct photo by uploading your selfie at Saudi Arabia online visa photo maker. You will get your photo in several seconds and it is guaranteed to be accepted.

Step 4. Apply For Saudi Arabia E-Visa

You'll then have to provide information like your full name, gender, marital status, your country of birthday, your profession, and your residential info.

On the next page you'll have to enter your passport info, as well as your expected arrival and departure date to Saudi Arabia (though you can arrive anytime when your e-visa is valid, so these details don't have to be 100% accurate).

You'll also have to provide the purpose of your visit, as well as your contact info while in Saudi Arabia and where you'll be staying.

On the next page you'll have to agree to purchase mandatory medical insurance. You're agreeing to purchase it for 140 SAR (about $37 USD).

On the next page you'll be asked to agree to the terms and conditions of visiting Saudi Arabia.

Step 5. Pay For Saudi Arabia E-Visa

Once you've confirmed that all the information you provided is accurate you'll have to pay the fee for the visa. This comes out to a total of 463.44 SAR. You can pay this amount by credit card.