Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or transit. As of 2026, the process is available at major airports: Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), and Dammam (DMM).
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Available at Saudi airports | Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major Saudi airports. The visa costs around 480 SAR ($128 USD) and includes medical insurance. You pay by credit card at the self-service kiosk before immigration.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must 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 Saudi airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your Saudi host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Saudi immigration rarely asks, but it helps if questioned. No specific minimum amount is published. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Saudi immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew it before booking flights.
Visa on arrival is only at major airports
You can only get a visa on arrival at Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), and Dammam (DMM). If you fly into a smaller airport, you'll need an e-visa or a visa from a Saudi embassy beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a major airport
Fly into Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), or Dammam (DMM). These airports have dedicated visa-on-arrival counters.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Look for signs saying 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa'. The queue is usually separate from the main immigration line.
3
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will process your visa.
4
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around 480 SAR (approx. 115 EUR) for a single-entry visa. Pay by credit card or cash (Saudi Riyals).
5
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
6
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, go to the immigration counter for entry stamping. You'll be asked for fingerprints and a photo.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist eVisa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 440 (~$117 USD)
Apply online before travel; includes insurance.
Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Allows multiple entries; includes insurance.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 600 (~$160 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation; may be extendable.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies by employer; typically SAR 2,000–5,000 (~$533–$1,333 USD)
Requires a Saudi employer sponsor. Valid for multiple entries; allows residency and work. Must have a job offer and approved contract.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa (Business Visa)
1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus investment minimum
For individuals investing in Saudi businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and a local partner.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
SAR 1,000 (~$267 USD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at Saudi universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees with sufficient income. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor. Requires proof of pension or assets.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days per visit. | SAR 800 (~$213 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplied for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | SAR 100 per day (~$27 USD/day), no cap |
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
Bulgarian passport holders can transit through Saudi Arabia without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a transit visa may be 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 application.
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 risk; certificate must be presented.
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
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; 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 the southwest (Jizan, Asir); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 11134
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 pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for BG 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 single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs 480 SAR (about 115 EUR). You can pay by credit card or cash in Saudi Riyals. There's also a multiple-entry option for 800 SAR (about 190 EUR).
Yes, if your layover is long enough. The visa on arrival is valid for tourism, so you can leave the airport. You'll need a return or onward ticket and a hotel booking if you plan to stay overnight.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry, not your departure date.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. The standard validity is 90 days from the date of issue.
Yes, the same visa on arrival applies. However, if you're going for Umrah, you can use the tourist visa on arrival — it covers Umrah. For Hajj, you need a special Hajj visa.
Overstaying costs 100 SAR per day (about 24 EUR). You'll also be banned from re-entering Saudi Arabia for a period. Don't overstay.
Yes, you can apply for a Saudi e-visa online before you travel. The e-visa costs about 440 SAR (105 EUR) and is valid for 1 year with multiple entries. Processing takes 1-3 business days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.