Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for New Zealand Citizens – How to Apply in 2026
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From the lush landscapes of Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud) to the majestic golden dunes of the Arabian Desert, the journey from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia is one of the world's most dramatic changes in scenery. Under the Kingdom’s "Vision 2030" initiative, the Saudi Arabia visa for New Zealand passport holders has been fully digitized. This is excellent news for "Kiwi" travelers, allowing them to arrange their entry permits online without the need to send passports to the embassy in Wellington.
This guide explains how New Zealand citizens can apply for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa in 2026, including eligibility, requirements, costs, processing times, and permitted activities.
Quick Overview for New Zealand Citizens:
Visa Type: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Validity: 1 Year (90 days per visit)
Application Method: 100% Online (No Embassy Visit)
Processing Time: 2–5 business days (Standard)
In 2026, the long-haul journey from the Pacific to the Middle East is seamless. New Zealand citizens can now apply for a Saudi e-visa from New Zealand entirely online. Whether you are planning a stopover on your way to Europe, a dedicated tour of AlUla, or a business trip to Riyadh, this Saudi Arabia online visa for New Zealand citizens serves as your official entry authorization issued by the Kingdom.
At eviSAudi, we specialize in assisting travelers from Oceania. Our application checks follow the latest MOFA and Saudi Tourism Authority guidelines, ensuring Kiwi applicants receive accurate, up-to-date visa approvals without delays or rejections.
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Traveling from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia with an E-Tourist Visa (Flight Routes)
For travelers departing from Auckland Airport (AKL), reaching Saudi Arabia involves some of the world's longest flights, but connectivity is world-class:
Via Doha (Qatar Airways): This is widely considered the best route for holders of a Saudi tourist visa from New Zealand. Qatar Airways operates one of the world's longest direct flights from Auckland to Doha. From Doha, connections to Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), and Dammam (DMM) are short and frequent.
Via Dubai (Emirates): Emirates connects Auckland to Dubai (often via direct ultra-long-haul or with a stop in Bali/Australia). Once in Dubai, reaching any Saudi city is a quick 2-hour flight.
Via Singapore (Singapore Airlines): For those who prefer breaking up the journey, flying via Singapore allows for a comfortable transit before connecting to Saudi Arabia via regional partners.
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Financial Insights: New Zealand Dollar (NZD) to Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Understanding the currency landscape is crucial before you apply for Saudi e-visa New Zealand. While you use the NZ Dollar at home, the currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), which is pegged to the US Dollar.
Exchange Rate: As of 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 1 NZD ≈ 2.20 - 2.40 SAR.
Banking Advice: Kiwi bank cards (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac) are widely accepted in Saudi Arabia. While New Zealanders rely heavily on EFTPOS domestically, ensure your card has a Visa or Mastercard chip for use in Saudi Arabia. Contactless "PayWave" technology works in most Saudi malls and coffee shops.
Visa Payments: Please note that while your bank account is in NZD, our portal processes global visa fees in USD. Your bank will automatically handle the conversion at the current daily rate.
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Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa Cost & Processing Time for New Zealand Citizens
We offer a transparent, All-Inclusive fee structure specifically designed for the Saudi e-visa requirements for New Zealand citizens. Our fees cover the Government Visa Fee, Mandatory Medical Insurance, and our Professional Processing Service.
We provide two tailored options depending on your travel urgency:
Standard Processing ($185.00 USD): The ideal choice for travelers with planned itineraries. This service ensures your visa is processed and issued within 2–5 business days.
Express Priority Service ($250.00 USD): Designed for urgent travel needs or last-minute business trips. We fast-track your Saudi Arabia online visa New Zealand application directly to the Ministry via our Urgent Express Visa service. Approvals are typically granted within 12–24 hours, and in many cases, even sooner.
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How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa from New Zealand
Applying for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa from New Zealand is a straightforward digital process. New Zealand citizens are required to complete an online application form, upload the necessary documents, and submit the visa fee securely. Once approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Saudi e-visa is issued electronically and sent directly to the applicant’s email address.
It is important to ensure that all information matches your New Zealand passport details exactly. Even minor spelling inconsistencies can delay approval. Starting the application with verified information significantly increases approval speed and reduces visa application processing errors.
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Saudi Arabia E-Visa Requirements for New Zealand Passport Holders
To ensure a 100% approval rate and avoid rejection due to strict Ministry standards, New Zealand citizens must provide the following digital items:
Valid Passport: Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into the Kingdom.
Biometric Photograph: A recent, clear, color photo with a white background. (Selfies or photos with filters are not accepted).
Travel Information: A confirmed hotel booking or the address of your host in Saudi Arabia is required to complete the Saudi e-visa New Zealand form.
Email Address: A valid email to receive the PDF visa file.
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What Can New Zealand Citizens Do with a Saudi E-Tourist Visa?
The Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa for New Zealand citizens allows travel for tourism, family visits, leisure activities, and Umrah (outside the Hajj season). It is a flexible document designed for modern travelers. However, please note that employment, long-term study, or permanent residency purposes are strictly prohibited under this visa category.
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FAQ: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for New Zealand Citizens
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Can New Zealand citizens apply for a Saudi e-visa online in 2026?
Yes. New Zealand is listed as a "Group A" eligible country. This means Kiwi citizens can complete the entire process online through our portal without visiting the embassy in Wellington. The Saudi Arabia visa for New Zealand passport holders is delivered as a PDF via email.
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Do New Zealand citizens need a return ticket for a Saudi e-visa?
A return or onward ticket is recommended but not mandatory at the application stage. However, Saudi border officials may request proof of onward travel upon arrival, so having a return flight itinerary is strongly advised for smooth entry.
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How long is the Saudi Arabia visa valid for New Zealand citizens?
The E-Tourist Visa is valid for 1 full year (365 days) from the date of issuance. It is a Multiple Entry visa, meaning you can fly from Auckland to Jeddah as many times as you like. However, the maximum duration of stay per visit is 90 days.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for the Saudi e-visa New Zealand?
Yes, it is a requirement by Saudi Law. However, you do not need to buy it separately. We include the mandatory medical insurance recognized by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) automatically in your $185 or $250 application fee.