Saudi Arabia
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Saudi Arabia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Saudi Arabia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Saudi Embassy in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Saudi Arabia.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Saudi Arabia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Previous travel to Israel
You may not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows that you have travelled to, or were born in, Israel.
Visa requirements
You must get an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver, either before you travel or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports. The type of e-visa or electronic visa waiver you choose depends on your reason for travelling and how long you want to stay.
If you overstay your visa, you could face large fines, detention and deportation. You could be banned from returning to Saudi Arabia.
Applying for an e-visa
You can apply for an e-visa if you are a tourist. You must get an e-visa to perform Umrah.
E-visas are:
- valid for 365 days from the date of issue
- valid for multiple entries, but only for 90 days in total across the 365 day period
Apply for an e-visa online or when you arrive at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports.
An e-visa includes health insurance for your visit – for more information contact the Ministry of Tourism.
You must get a separate visa for Hajj. See Pilgrimage.
Applying for an electronic visa waiver
Electronic visa waivers are for:
- tourism
- business
- medical treatment
- study
- Umrah (outside of Hajj Season)
An electronic visa waiver allows you to enter Saudi Arabia once and stay for up to 6 months.
An electronic visa waiver does not include health insurance for your visit.
Apply for an electronic visa waiver online at least 48 hours before your flight, or up to 90 days in advance. You will need to give your flight details.
Travelling overland
Your visa may only allow you to enter Saudi Arabia by air. If you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia by the Bahrain causeway, check your visa before travelling. Ask your travel agent or the Saudi Embassy if you need help.
Travelling through Saudi Arabia
If you’re transferring through Saudi Arabia, you may need a transit visa if:
- you will pass through immigration control
- you will leave Saudi Arabia on a separate ticket to the one you arrive on
- the connecting time between your flights is more than 12 hours
Check with your airline or travel agency if you require a transit visa.
Exit, re-entry and final exit permits
If you live in Saudi Arabia, you must get an exit or re-entry permit from your sponsor to leave and re-enter the country. If you leave Saudi Arabia on a final exit permit, you must apply for a new visa to return to the country.
Wives and children of Saudi nationals
If you’re a woman married to a Saudi national, you must get a re-entry or final exit permit from your husband to leave Saudi Arabia. This also applies to children of Saudi nationals.
Flight restrictions around Hajj
If you plan to travel around the time of the Hajj pilgrimage, check with your airline for any flight restrictions.
The Saudi authorities have stopped visitors who are not performing Hajj from flying to Jeddah, Madinah and Taif. You may need a Hajj visa to board flights to these places during Hajj.
You will still be able to enter Saudi Arabia through other airports.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Saudi Arabia, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had a:
- yellow fever vaccine if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
- meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine if you’re a Hajj or Umrah pilgrim or a seasonal worker
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Saudi Arabia guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Saudi Arabia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Items it’s illegal to import include:
- alcohol
- pork and pork products
- pornographic material
- distillery equipment
- weapons
- narcotics
- re-treaded or used tyres
- used clothing except for personal use
- certain sculptures such as religious symbols
Other items may be examined, including:
- personal videos
- books
- electronic devices
You may need special approval to bring some items such as:
- agricultural seeds
- live animals
- religious books (except for personal use)
- chemicals and harmful materials
- some pharmaceutical products
- wireless equipment
- radio-controlled model airplanes
- archaeological artefacts
Using technical equipment
You may need a licence for:
- satellite phones
- listening or recording devices
- radio transmitters
- powerful cameras or binoculars
If you need information on customs rules, contact the Saudi Embassy.