Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. As of 2026, you can obtain a tourist visa at any international airport in the country. The process takes about 5 minutes at a self-service kiosk.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Saudi airports. The visa costs around $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. You pay by credit card at the immigration counter before the passport check.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmations are not always checked, but having one ready speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. If you are staying with a host, a letter of invitation helps. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa does not permit paid work or religious pilgrimage (Hajj). For business or Umrah, apply for the appropriate visa before travel.
Keep your visa sticker safe
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Do not remove or damage it. You'll need it when leaving the country.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
After landing at any Saudi international airport (e.g., Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa' kiosks. These are usually near the immigration counters.
2
Use the self-service kiosk
At the kiosk, select your nationality (Austria), scan your passport, and pay the fee with a credit/debit card. The machine prints a visa sticker immediately.
3
Proceed to immigration
Hand your passport with the new visa sticker to the immigration officer. They may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer briefly and politely.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped, collect your bags from baggage claim and proceed through customs. You're now legally in Saudi Arabia.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist eVisa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 440 (~$117 USD)
Apply online before travel; allows multiple entries if selected.
Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 440 (~$117 USD)
Same cost as single; choose multiple entry option.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 500 (~$133 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Saudi company.
Family visit visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
CostSAR 300 (~$80 USD)
Sponsored by a resident family member.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Iqama)
1–2 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; fees vary (~SAR 2,000–5,000)
For foreign workers with a Saudi employer. Requires a job offer and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence and family sponsorship.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with sufficient income. Offers residency without a sponsor. Requires proof of pension or assets.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies by investment (min. SAR 1 million)
For investors starting a business or investing in Saudi Arabia. Requires a business plan and capital proof. Leads to long-term residency.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study (1–4 years)
Free (university-sponsored)
For international students enrolled in Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Valid for 1 year from issue, max stay 90 days. | SAR 440 (~$117 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)Same as single entry but allows multiple entries within validity. | SAR 440 (~$117 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension possible for up to 30 days via Absher or immigration office. | SAR 200 (~$53 USD) per extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
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
Austrian passport holders can transit through Saudi airports without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours with a transit visa.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in some areas; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of southwestern provinces (Jazan, Asir). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
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, Riyadh 12345
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road, Jeddah 22233
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for western region visitors.
Practical information for AT 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, all international airports in Saudi Arabia offer visa on arrival for Austrian passport holders. This includes Jeddah (King Abdulaziz), Riyadh (King Khalid), Dammam (King Fahd), and Medina (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz).
The tourist visa on arrival costs 480 SAR (about €120). This covers a one-year multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. Payment is by credit or debit card at the kiosk.
A digital copy on your phone is fine. Immigration officers usually accept a booking confirmation email or app screenshot showing the hotel name and address.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Saudi immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you stay in the international transit area and your layover is less than 12 hours, you don't need a visa. For longer layovers or if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or a transit visa.
It's not always checked at the kiosk, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Saudi Arabia can be very high, and some travel insurance policies are required for certain visa types.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.