Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Colombia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
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

Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. You must apply and receive approval before traveling — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for Colombian citizens as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take a few weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Tourist eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com. The visa costs $135 USD, includes mandatory medical insurance, and allows multiple entries up to 90 days per stay. Processing takes minutes — approval is instant for most applicants.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your Colombian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia
Immigration officers at Saudi airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your Saudi host (if staying with family/friends). Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Saudi immigration rarely asks for this, but it helps if questioned about your travel purpose.Recommended
Visa required — no exceptions
Colombian passport holders cannot enter Saudi Arabia without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa on arrival, e-visa, or visa waiver. Apply well in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Saudi Arabia, not from the day you apply for the visa. If your passport expires sooner, renew it first.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa online
Go to visa.visitsaudi.com, create an account, fill out the application, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 1–3 weeks typically.
2
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa document via email. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. The visa is usually valid for 90 days from issue.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Book a return flight and your first night's hotel. Keep confirmations saved on your phone and as printouts.
4
Arrive at Saudi immigration
At the airport (usually King Khalid in Riyadh or King Abdulaziz in Jeddah), join the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport, visa printout, and boarding pass. You may be asked for your return ticket and hotel booking.
5
Biometrics and entry stamp
Immigration will take your fingerprints and a photo. They'll stamp your passport with an entry stamp showing the allowed stay (usually 30 days).
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)

Standard tourist visa for single entry, must be used within validity.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)

Allows multiple entries, each stay up to 90 days.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)

For business purposes, requires invitation from Saudi sponsor.

Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle use
CostFree or nominal fee

For airside transit only, must have confirmed onward ticket.

work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies by employer, typically SAR 2,000–5,000 (~$533–$1,333 USD)
For foreign workers with a Saudi sponsor. Requires job offer and employer to process. Allows long-term stay and residency.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
Varies, often free for scholarship students
For international students enrolled at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and financial proof.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus investment requirements
For foreign investors with a business in Saudi Arabia. Requires minimum investment and sponsor.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for 1 year with max 90 days stay.SAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.SAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, no maximum cap mentioned.SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day
Visa extension feeFee for extending tourist visa stay, subject to approval.SAR 100 (~$27 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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

Transit visa required

Colombian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Saudi Arabia, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may be eligible for a visa on arrival for transit.
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, including Colombia.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims; recommended for all travelers.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk

Rare but serious respiratory illness; 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.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most areas, but exists in some rural regions of the southwest (Jizan, Asir). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travelers.

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
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30

Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.

Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Road, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30

Handles visa extensions for visitors in the western region.

Practical information for CO 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
updated May 29
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
Police999
Medical997
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Saudi Arabia

12,733 kmgreat circle distance
~16hfrom Colombia
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa on arrival for Colombian citizens. You must apply and receive approval before you travel.
Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned travel date to be safe.
The visa fee is around 440 SAR (about 117 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa, plus a processing fee. Check visa.visitsaudi.com for the exact current amount.
The visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry. The visa itself is usually valid for 90 days from issue, meaning you must enter within that window.
No. For a standard tourist visa, you do not need a sponsor or invitation letter. The online application is sufficient.
Overstaying can result in a fine of 100 SAR per day (about 27 USD) and possible deportation. Extensions are not available for tourist visas, so leave on time.
No. Tourist visas for Saudi Arabia are not extendable. You must leave before the 30-day stay expires.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.