Saudi Arabia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa for tourism, business, or transit. Starting in 2026, you get an automatic visa on arrival valid for up to 90 days. No advance application needed — just show up at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Saudi Tourist eVisa | Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com before departure. The eVisa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. Processing takes minutes — approval is instant for most nationalities. The visa allows 90 days stay, multiple entries, valid for 1 year.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Saudi immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration at Saudi airports routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Saudi immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host ready. If staying with a friend or relative, they must register you via the Absher platform. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — bank statements, credit card limit, or cash. Saudi immigration rarely asks for this for short tourist stays, but it helps if questioned. No fixed minimum amount is published. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry for UAE passport holders
You do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Just show up at immigration with your passport and you'll get a visa on arrival free of charge.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Saudi Arabia. If it expires sooner, you will be refused entry. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Saudi immigration
At airports like King Khalid (Riyadh) or King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport ready.
2
Get your visa stamped
The officer will check your passport, stamp it, and issue a visa on arrival. No payment needed. The whole process takes 2-5 minutes.
3
Proceed to baggage claim
After immigration, collect your luggage and exit. Keep your passport and boarding pass accessible for any random checks.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply online or at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,070 (~$285 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Requires invitation from Saudi sponsor; extension possible.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored
For those with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Human Resources.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; based on investment amount
For individuals investing in Saudi businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
Varies; often free for scholarship students
For those enrolled in Saudi educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day over the allowed stay period. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | SAR 1,000 (~$267 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Saudi Arabia
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders can transit through Saudi airports without a visa for up to 12 hours if staying airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a transit visa or entry visa is required.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims; recommended for others during outbreaks.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common due to street food; eat at reputable establishments and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the southwestern highlands (Jazan, Asir). Prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extension and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passports Office
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road, Al-Nuzha District, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits for western region.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Saudi Arabia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. UAE passport holders get a visa on arrival automatically at any Saudi airport, land border, or seaport. No advance application needed.
Up to 90 days per visit. The visa is valid for multiple entries within a year, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is calculated from your entry date into Saudi Arabia.
Yes. Even for transit, you need a confirmed onward ticket. If you're leaving the airport, you'll also need a visa on arrival (free for UAE passport holders).
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Saudi can be very high, and insurance covers hospital stays, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
Yes. UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any land border crossing, including the King Fahd Causeway. Same rules apply: passport valid 6+ months, return ticket, and accommodation details.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.