Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. As of 2026, you simply land at any international airport, pay the fee at a self-service kiosk, and receive a one-year multiple-entry tourist visa valid for stays up to 90 days. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Tourist eVisa via Visit Saudi portal | Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com before travel. The eVisa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. It's valid for 90 days with multiple entries.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Belgian passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Saudi Arabia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Saudi law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia | Immigration officers at Saudi airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure within the eVisa's 90-day validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your Saudi host confirming where you'll stay. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or credit card | Immigration may ask to see you have enough money for your stay. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a reasonable limit is usually sufficient. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
You cannot work or study on this visa. If you're visiting for business meetings, it's usually fine, but if you plan to work for a Saudi employer, you need a proper work visa arranged before travel.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited
Saudi Arabia has a zero-tolerance policy. Possession can lead to imprisonment, deportation, or worse. Leave any alcohol, drugs, or related paraphernalia at home.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a Saudi international airport
You'll arrive at King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), or King Fahd (Dammam). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa Kiosks' — they're usually near the baggage claim or immigration hall.
2
Use the self-service kiosk
Touch the screen, select your language (English is available), scan your passport, and answer a few questions (name, hotel address, departure date). Pay by credit/debit card. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The kiosk prints a visa sticker. Peel it off and stick it into a blank page in your passport. If you're unsure, ask a nearby airport staff member — they're used to helping.
4
Proceed to immigration
Hand your passport (with the sticker) to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask for your return ticket.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. You're free to enter Saudi Arabia.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist eVisa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Includes mandatory health insurance. Apply online before travel.
Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total per year
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Same cost as single entry, allows multiple visits. Valid for 1 year.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,000 (~$267 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation letter. Allows multiple entries.
Visit visa (family/friend)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 300 (~$80 USD)
Requires Saudi host to apply via MOFA. Single or multiple entry.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires sponsor (kafeel) and labor ministry approval. Allows residency and multiple entries.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable annually
SAR 1,000 (~$267 USD) plus university fees
For international students accepted at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa (Premium Residency)
1 year, renewable
SAR 800,000 (~$213,333 USD) for permanent residency option
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Saudi Arabia. Requires minimum investment of SAR 1 million. Offers long-term residency and business benefits.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (SAR 15,000/month). Allows residency without sponsor. Includes healthcare access.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. Payable by credit card at airport. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Includes insurance fee. Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)Same cost as single entry, but allows multiple entries within 1 year, max stay 90 days total. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap mentioned officially; fines accumulate daily. | SAR 100 per day (~$27 USD/day) |
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
Belgium passport holders can transit through Saudi airports without a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 12 hours. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a transit 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 if they apply for a free stopover visa online.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah · King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh · King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Certificate must be valid.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Certificate of vaccination (quadrivalent) must be issued at least 10 days before arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)Low risk
Rare but serious respiratory illness; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, especially from street food; drink bottled water.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures (up to 50°C) can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in urban areas but exists in rural parts of the southwestern highlands (e.g., Jizan, Asir). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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 District, Riyadh 12211
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and sponsor letter if applicable.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passports Office
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road, Al-Salamah District, Jeddah 23436
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the western region. Expect queues.
Practical information for BE 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
The fee is around 480–500 SAR (about €120–130). This covers a one-year multiple-entry tourist visa. You pay at the kiosk by credit or debit card — cash is not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying can result in fines.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need the visa on arrival or an e-visa. Saudi has a 96-hour transit visa option too — check with your airline.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. There are no exceptions for Belgian passport holders.
Yes, the tourist visa on arrival allows you to perform Umrah (but not Hajj during the official Hajj season). Just make sure you have your accommodation booked in Mecca or Medina.
There are usually multiple kiosks. Try another one. If your card is declined, check with your bank that international transactions are enabled. As a last resort, airport staff can direct you to a manual counter where you can pay with a different card.
Digital copies (screenshots or emails) on your phone are fine for the return ticket and hotel booking. The visa sticker is printed at the kiosk. No paper documents are required beforehand.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.