Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Iraqi nationals as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa | Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com before you fly. The eVisa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance — valid for 90 days, multiple entry. Approval usually comes within 24 hours, but apply at least a week ahead to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity 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 Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they scan the barcode at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your Saudi host (with their Iqama copy). Immigration may ask where you are staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Officers rarely ask, but have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. No fixed minimum amount is published, but $1,000 USD equivalent is a safe buffer. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Iraqi passport holders cannot enter Saudi Arabia without a pre-approved visa. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is confirmed.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Saudi Arabia. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to visa.visitsaudi.com, create an account, fill in your details, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's hotel. Keep confirmations saved as PDFs or screenshots on your phone.
3
Arrive at King Khalid Airport (RUH) or King Abdulaziz Airport (JED)
Join the 'Visitors' queue at immigration. Hand over your passport (with visa approval printout or digital copy), return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport — usually takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're in.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Requires online application and valid passport.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, total 180 days per year
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,070 (~$285 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers; includes insurance.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies by employer; typically SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) for processing
Requires a job offer from a Saudi employer and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence and work.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
Varies; typically SAR 1,000 (~$267 USD) for processing
For enrollment in recognized Saudi educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies; minimum investment SAR 1,000,000 (~$266,700 USD)
For foreign investors with significant business interests in Saudi Arabia. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Includes visa fee and insurance; valid for 30 days. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days per entry. | SAR 1,070 (~$285 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Suspicious travel patterns25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Iraqi passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Saudi Arabia, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may be eligible for a transit visa on arrival under certain conditions.
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 transmission risk.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Umrah and Hajj 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; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures common; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from street food; eat at reputable establishments.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the southwestern region (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, Riyadh
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extension and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Road, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for IQ 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
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Iraqi passport holders. You must apply and receive approval through the official Saudi visa portal before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee depends on the type (tourist, business, etc.) and processing speed. Expect around 300–500 SAR (roughly $80–$135) plus service fees. Check visa.visitsaudi.com for the exact amount at the time of application.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Your visa application will likely be rejected, and even if approved, you may be denied entry at the border. Renew your passport first.
Tourist visas are generally not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
For a standard tourist visa, no sponsor is needed. For business or work visas, you will need an invitation from a Saudi company or sponsor.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.