Passport for Saudi Arabia: Requirements and validity

Get all the information you need to obtain a valid passport and learn about the formalities for travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Apply for your Saudi Arabia e-visa!
Saudi Arabia passport requirements

Saudi Arabia is a fascinating country, rich in history and culture, but can seem intimidating to foreign travellers. If you are planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, it is important to know if you need a passport to enter the country. In this article we will explain everything you need to know about passport requirements for travel to Saudi Arabia. If you are about to travel to Saudi Arabia, this page will be of great help in informing you about the steps you need to take to obtain a valid passport and the requirements you need to follow to enter the country. Whether you are an occasional traveller or a regular visitor to Saudi Arabia, it is essential to know the passport information to facilitate your trip and avoid any inconvenience. This page will provide you with clear and accurate information to help you plan your trip with peace of mind.

Validity of a passport for travel to Saudi Arabia

  • The passport is an official document required for travel to Saudi Arabia.
  • The passport for Saudi Arabia must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into the country.
  • The passport is also essential for applying for a visa for Saudi Arabia
  • Your passport must be legible and in good condition to be accepted in Saudi Arabia.

Is a passport required for travel to Saudi Arabia?

Yes, a passport is required for travel to Saudi Arabia. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of exit from the country.

Nationals of certain countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia and Japan, may apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) before travelling. The e-Visa is valid for 90 days.

Other nationals must obtain a visa from a Saudi embassy or consulate. The visa is valid for a stay of 30 days, 60 days or 90 days, depending on the type of visa.

In addition to a passport or visa, travellers must also present proof of vaccination against yellow fever if their country of origin is considered an endemic area.

 

Passport validity requirements for Saudi Arabia :

The first thing to know is that all foreign travellers wishing to visit Saudi Arabia need a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. If your passport expires within six months of your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia, you must apply for a new passport before leaving.

As for the types of passports that are accepted for entry into Saudi Arabia, the Saudi authorities accept passports issued by most countries in the world. However, if you are travelling on a temporary or refugee passport, you should check with the Saudi authorities whether your passport is accepted before you leave.

If you need a passport to travel to Saudi Arabia, it is important to start the passport application process as soon as possible. Processing times may vary depending on your country of origin and local requirements. It is also important to ensure that your passport is in good condition and does not have any tears, stains or other defects that could result in it being refused at the border.

Apply for your Saudi Arabia e-visa!

Other documents required for travel to Saudi Arabia:

If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents before you leave. In addition to your passport, you may need other documents such as visas and travel permits.

To enter Saudi Arabia, most travellers require a visa. Visas can be issued for short or long term stays, depending on the purpose of your trip. It is important to check the specific visa requirements for your home country with the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate. Some nationalities are also eligible for an e-tourist visa, which can be obtained online from the official website or the website of a provider such as the one we recommend on this page.

In addition to the visa, travel permits may also be required for certain persons, such as foreign workers or pilgrims travelling to Mecca for the Hajj. These permits can be obtained from the respective employer or travel organiser.

To obtain these documents, it is important to allow sufficient time before your trip. Processing times for visas and travel authorisations can vary considerably depending on the country of origin and the type of document required. It is therefore advisable to start the process as soon as possible.

It is also important to check vaccination requirements for entry into Saudi Arabia. Some vaccinations may be mandatory or recommended depending on your travel itinerary.

Apply for your Saudi Arabia e-visa!

How to obtain a passport and visa for Saudi Arabia?

To obtain a passport, you need to follow these steps:

  • Gather the necessary documents: To obtain a passport, you will need a valid identity document, proof of address and two passport photos that comply with current standards.
  • Make an appointment: Once you have collected all the necessary documents, you must make an appointment at a biometric passport issuing office. On the date and time of the appointment, you will have to appear in person for fingerprinting. During this appointment, your fingerprints will be taken and a digital photo will also be taken.
  • Wait for the passport to be issued: After submitting your passport application and providing all the necessary documents, you will have to wait a few weeks for the passport to be issued. You will receive a notification by email or SMS to inform you that your passport is ready.
  • Collect your passport: Once your passport is ready, you can collect it in person where you applied. You will need to show valid identification to collect your passport.

To obtain an e-visa for Saudi Arabia from the UK, follow these steps:

  • Check if you are eligible for an e-visa. Nationals of certain countries, including the UK, can obtain an e-visa for Saudi Arabia.
  • Visit the official website or the website of a provider.
  • Complete the online eVisa application form with all the information requested, including your name, address, travel dates and passport details.
  • Upload the required documents, such as your scanned colour passport and a recent digital identity photo.
  • Pay the processing fee online using a credit or debit card.
  • Submit your application and wait for confirmation by email. The processing time for your eVisa application may vary, but is usually a few days.
  • Print your eVisa once it has been emailed to you.

It is important to note that e-visas are only valid for tourist or business stays, and some activities, such as work, require a different visa.

Apply for your Saudi Arabia e-visa!

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.

 

Frequently asked questions

How long does a passport need to be valid to travel to Saudi Arabia?

To enter Saudi Arabia, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. This means that if your passport expires in less than six months, you will need to renew it before travelling to Saudi Arabia. This requirement is standard for many countries, and is in place to ensure that travellers have a valid travel document for the duration of their stay and avoid any problems or inconvenience.

Can I travel to Saudi Arabia with a temporary passport?

This depends on your nationality and the type of temporary passport you have. Some nationalities can enter Saudi Arabia on a temporary passport, but others cannot. We recommend that you check the requirements with the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in your country before travelling. It is also important to note that some types of temporary passports may not be accepted for entry into Saudi Arabia, so it is important to check details with the relevant authorities before travelling.

Can I get a visa for Saudi Arabia without a passport?

No, it is impossible to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia without a passport. A passport is a crucial travel document that serves as proof of identity and nationality, and is usually required by consular authorities to issue a visa. If you are planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, you should first ensure that you have a valid passport that meets the requirements for validity and blank pages.