Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Spain 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. As of 2026, you simply land at any international airport, pay the fee, and receive a tourist visa valid for up to 90 days. No advance application is needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation for your entire stay. If staying with a host, have their contact details and address written down — officers sometimes call to verify. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your trip | Have access to at least $1,000 USD or equivalent in cash, credit card, or bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this for Spanish passport holders, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa does not permit work, study, or religious pilgrimage (Hajj/Umrah). For those purposes, you need a specific visa obtained in advance from a Saudi embassy.
Women traveling alone
Saudi Arabia no longer requires a male guardian for female tourists. However, dress modestly (abaya not mandatory but recommended) and be aware of local customs.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a Saudi international airport
Fly into Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), or Medina (MED). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa' counters.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Present your passport and onward ticket. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay by credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) or cash (Saudi Riyals). The fee is around 480 SAR (approx. €120).
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration
Go to the immigration queue. Have your passport with the visa sticker ready. You may be asked for your hotel address or onward ticket.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and proceed through customs. You're now in Saudi Arabia.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain 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 535 (~$143 USD)
Can be applied online before travel; allows multiple entries if multiple-entry option selected.
Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Same cost as single entry; convenient for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,000 (~$267 USD)
Requires sponsor/invitation from Saudi company.
Visit visa (family/friend)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Requires sponsor in Saudi Arabia.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Iqama)
1–2 years, renewable
Varies; employer covers fees typically
For foreign workers with a Saudi employer sponsor. Requires a job offer and company sponsorship. Provides residency and ability to bring family.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study program
Varies; often covered by scholarship
For international students enrolled at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funding. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus investment
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of SAR 1 million (~$267,000) in a Saudi business. Requires business plan and approval from Ministry of Investment.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,700 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or assets. Offers residency without a sponsor and ability to own property.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. Payable by credit card at immigration counters. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Online application, valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)Same cost as single entry, allows multiple entries within 1 year, max stay 90 days per entry. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap mentioned officially; fines accumulate daily. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Spain passport holders can transit through Saudi airports 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) - 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 risk; must show certificate.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Umrah/Hajj pilgrims; certificate must be issued within 3 years and at least 10 days before arrival.
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 in summer; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is very low in urban areas; no prophylaxis recommended for most travellers. Some risk in rural areas of the southwest (Jizan, Asir).
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 12211
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extension and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and sponsor letter if applicable.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Prince Majid Road, Al Salamah, Jeddah 23436
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions and exit/re-entry permits for visitors in the western region.
Practical information for ES 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
Getting to Saudi Arabia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The fee is 480 Saudi Riyals (about €120). You can pay by credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) or cash in SAR. No other currencies accepted.
The tourist visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue. It's a single-entry visa, so you cannot leave and re-enter on the same visa.
No, the visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current visa expires.
If you have a connecting flight and stay airside (don't pass immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, all international airports (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina) have visa-on-arrival counters. Smaller domestic airports do not offer this service.
Immigration expects to see a confirmed flight out of Saudi Arabia. If you're leaving by land (e.g., to Bahrain), you may need to show a bus or ferry ticket. Best to have a flight booking anyway.
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.