Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss 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 Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa | Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com before travel. The eVisa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. Processing takes minutes — approval is almost instant for Swiss passport holders.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Saudi immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound flight required | Immigration at Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Saudi immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or host's address. Have a printed booking confirmation or a letter from your Saudi host ready. Digital copies on your phone are usually accepted. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or credit card | Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. Saudi immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. No minimum amount is officially stated. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is only for tourism
This visa is for tourism, Umrah (outside Hajj season), and short business visits. If you plan to work, study, or live in Saudi Arabia, you need a different visa arranged in advance.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited
Saudi Arabia has a zero-tolerance policy. Possession or consumption can lead to imprisonment, deportation, or worse. Leave any alcohol, drugs, or related items at home.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at any Saudi international airport (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or Medina). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa' kiosks — they're usually near passport control.
2
Use the self-service kiosk
At the kiosk, select your nationality (Switzerland), scan your passport, pay the fee by card, and receive a printed visa voucher. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
3
Proceed to immigration
Hand your passport, visa voucher, and boarding pass to the immigration officer. They'll stamp your passport and you're in. Keep the visa sticker safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 480 (~$128 USD)
Apply online before travel; same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, up to 90 days total
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 1,200 (~$320 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,500 (~$400 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation; for business purposes.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. Allows long-term stay without sponsor.
Apply work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1–2 years, renewable
Varies; employer covers fees
For those with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Includes residency permit (Iqama).
investor visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Investor)
1 year, renewable
SAR 800,000 (~$213,333 USD) one-time fee
For investors making a significant financial contribution. Allows long-term stay and business activities. No sponsor needed.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
Varies; tuition and fees apply
For those enrolled in a Saudi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Includes residency permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days, extendable once for 30 days. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days per visit. | SAR 1,200 (~$320 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFor single-entry VoA, one 30-day extension allowed. | SAR 200 (~$53 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; fines accumulate daily. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Swiss passport holders can transit through Saudi airports without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or exiting the airport, 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 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 needed.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims; recommended for other travellers.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)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 common; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the southwestern highlands (Jazan, 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, Al Olaya, Riyadh
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al Madinah Road, Al Salamah, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the western region.
Practical information for CH 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, at all international airports: King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), King Fahd (Dammam), and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz (Medina). Land borders also offer it, but airports are the most straightforward.
The fee is 480–500 SAR (about 120–130 CHF) for a one-year multiple-entry visa. This includes mandatory travel insurance. Payment is by credit or debit card only — no cash.
Up to 90 days per visit. The visa is valid for one year from issue, so you can enter multiple times as long as each stay doesn't exceed 90 days.
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.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure.
A digital copy (email or app) is usually fine, but having a printed backup is safer — phone batteries die, and airport Wi-Fi can be spotty.
Yes, the tourist visa on arrival permits Umrah (but not Hajj during the official Hajj season). For Hajj, you need a specific Hajj visa.
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.