Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Finland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Finnish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. As of 2026, you can land at any international airport and buy a tourist visa at the immigration counter. No pre-approval is needed.
Apply for Saudi Arabia eVisaTourist eVisa for eligible nationalities. Valid 1 year, multiple entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com before your flight. The visa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance — valid for 90 days, multiple entry. Approval usually comes within minutes, but apply at least 48 hours before departure to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Finnish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Saudi immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia | Immigration officers at Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward booking ready — they check this before issuing the visa on arrival. | 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 at the counter — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Saudi immigration rarely asks for it, but having proof of at least $1,000 USD equivalent is smart if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival only at airports
This visa is only available at Saudi international airports. If you're arriving by land or sea, you must get a visa in advance from a Saudi embassy or consulate.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Saudi Arabia. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you go — you'll be turned away otherwise.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a Saudi international airport
You can get the visa on arrival at any international airport in Saudi Arabia — Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), or Medina (MED). Domestic airports don't offer this service.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. It's usually clearly signposted. Join the queue and have your passport ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa costs around 480 SAR (about €120) and is valid for 1 year with multiple entries. You can pay by credit card or cash (Saudi Riyals). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check that your name and passport number are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration
With your visa sticker, go to the immigration desk. Show your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking if asked. You'll get an entry stamp and you're in.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry) via eVisa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Apply online before travel; includes health insurance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry) via eVisa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Same cost as single; allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Saudi company.
Family visit visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
CostSAR 300 (~$80 USD)
Sponsored by a resident family member.
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)
For foreign workers with a Saudi sponsor. Requires a job offer and employer to process. Allows long-term residence and family sponsorship.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable annually
Free (processing fees may apply)
For international students accepted at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa (Premium Residency)
1 year, renewable
SAR 800,000 (~$213,333 USD) for permanent residency; or SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year for renewable residency
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Saudi Arabia. Offers long-term stay without a sponsor. Requires significant financial commitment.
retirement visa
Saudi Arabia Retirement Visa (Premium Residency for Retirees)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income or savings. Allows long-term stay and access to healthcare. Requires proof of financial stability.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeSingle-entry, valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap mentioned; avoid overstaying. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry) via eVisaIncludes insurance fee; valid for 1 year from issue, max stay 90 days. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) via eVisaSame cost as single; multiple entries allowed within 1 year, max stay 90 days per entry. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
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
Finland passport holders can transit through Saudi Arabia without a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 12 hours. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 96 hours if they leave the airport (subject to approval).
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).
Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY)Required for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims; recommended for all travellers during peak seasons.
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; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in urban areas; no prophylaxis recommended for most travellers. Risk exists in rural areas of the southwestern highlands (e.g., 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 District, Riyadh
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passports Office
Al-Madinah Road, Al-Nuzha District, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for FI 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 visa on arrival costs 480 Saudi Riyals (about €120). This is for a 1-year multiple-entry tourist visa. You can pay by credit card or cash (SAR).
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. It allows stays of up to 90 days per visit within the 1-year validity. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it. A screenshot on your phone is usually fine, but having a printed copy is safer.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you're entering by land from Bahrain, UAE, or other Gulf countries, you need to arrange a visa beforehand.
It's not always checked, but it's strongly recommended. Saudi Arabia has high medical costs — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of euros per day. Many travel insurance policies cover this.
Yes, the tourist visa on arrival allows you to perform Umrah. However, it does not cover Hajj — you need a special Hajj visa for that.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.