Saudi Arabia Visa Types, Prices & Residency Options (2026)
Last updated: February 2026 – Comprehensive Guide to Entry Permits.
Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" initiative has completely transformed the immigration landscape. While the standard Electronic Visa (E-Visa) is the perfect solution for short trips, the Kingdom now offers exclusive pathways for long-term residency, investment, and specialized talent.
At eviSAudi, we offer a hybrid service model to cover all needs:
Automated Processing: For Standard Tourist & Umrah E-Visas (Apply directly on our site).
VIP Consultancy: For Residency and Corporate Visas (Manual processing via our legal team).
Below is the comprehensive list of visa categories available in 2026.
1. The Standard E-Visa (Most Popular)
Best For: Tourists, Umrah Pilgrims, and Short-term Family Visits.
This is the most popular and easiest visa to obtain. It covers 90% of travelers. You can apply for this directly through our secure online form and receive it within 24-48 hours.
🌍 Who is Eligible?
Citizens of 66+ countries (including USA, UK, Canada, EU Schengen Zone, Australia) are eligible for the online E-Visa. Not sure? Check our Saudi E-Tourist Visa page for details or simply start an application, and our system will verify it for you automatically.
We have dedicated detailed guides for the two main purposes of this visa:
For Tourism: Explore AlUla, Riyadh, and the Red Sea.
For Pilgrimage: See our Umrah E-Visa Guide.
E-Visa Features & Pricing:
Feature | Standard Service | Express Priority |
Processing Time | 2-5 Business Days | 12-24 Hours |
Validity | 1 Year (Multiple Entry) | 1 Year (Multiple Entry) |
Stay Duration | 90 Days per visit | 90 Days per visit |
Government Fee | Included | Included |
Medical Insurance | Included | Included |
Total Cost | $185 USD | $250 USD |
💡 All-Inclusive Pricing: The $185 fee covers the official Government Visa Fee (~$135), Mandatory Medical Insurance, and our 24/7 Priority Processing & Support Service. We handle the complex government portal so you don't have to. For banking details, see our Payment Guidelines.
🚀 Ready to travel? Skip the paperwork and Start Your Application Here.
2. Visa on Arrival (Alternative Option)
Best For: Travelers from US, UK, or Schengen Visa holders who prefer landing without prior paperwork.
Some eligible nationalities can obtain a visa upon landing at Saudi airports using self-service kiosks.
Risk: Requires waiting in long queues at immigration counters upon arrival, which can take hours during peak seasons. Kiosks may occasionally be offline.
Recommendation: To skip the airport lines and guarantee your entry before you fly, we strongly suggest applying for the Standard E-Visa beforehand.
3. Saudi Premium Residency (The "Saudi Green Card")
Best For: Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Expats seeking long-term stability without a sponsor (Kafeel).
The Saudi Premium Residency is a game-changer. It grants expats the right to live, work, and own business/property in the Kingdom without needing a local sponsor.
Residency Tier | Type A: Limited Duration | Type B: Permanent Residency |
Validity | 1 Year (Renewable) | Lifetime |
Primary Benefit | Right to live/work & sponsor family | Permanent stay + Property ownership in Makkah/Madinah (leasehold) |
Government Fee | Approx. 100,000 SAR / Year | Approx. 800,000 SAR (One-time) |
💡 Pro Tip: Do not fill out the standard E-Visa form for residency. This requires a manual legal file. Please Contact Our VIP Department for a tailored consultation.
4. Investor & Business Visas (MISA)
Best For: Companies expanding to Saudi Arabia.
If you are looking to establish a company or open a branch office, you need a specialized business license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA).
Visiting Investor Visa: Allows you to explore the market and sign contracts.
Entrepreneur Residency: Special residency tracks for innovators and startup founders.
5. Family Visit Visa (Manual Processing)
Best For: Residents (Iqama holders) wishing to bring relatives.
While the E-Visa is great for quick visits, the formal "Family Visit Visa" allows residents in Saudi Arabia to sponsor their immediate family members (parents, siblings, children) for longer stays. This process requires an invitation letter certified by the Chamber of Commerce and must be done via the Embassy.
6. Hajj Visa (Special Category)
Best For: Pilgrims performing the annual Hajj.
Crucial Distinction: The standard E-Visa covers Umrah, but it does NOT cover Hajj. Hajj visas are subject to strict country quotas.
⚠️ STRICT WARNING: Do NOT attempt to perform Hajj with a Tourist E-Visa. Penalties include immediate deportation and a 10-year ban from Saudi Arabia. Use the official Nusuk App only for Hajj permits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I perform Umrah with a Tourist Visa?
Yes, the Tourist E-Visa allows you to perform Umrah seamlessly. You do not need a separate religious visa for Umrah.
How long does the approval take?
With our Express Service, approvals are often granted within 12-24 hours. Standard processing takes 2-5 days.
Do I need a sponsor for the E-Visa?
No, the Standard E-Visa does not require a sponsor (Kafeel) or a letter of invitation.
Prices are subject to change based on Saudi Government regulations. The fees listed above include service charges and mandatory medical insurance.