Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism, business, and Umrah. No advance visa application is needed — just show up with the right documents.
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 3 days before departure to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Japanese passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. Airlines at Narita and Haneda will check this at check-in — if it expires before you leave, they won't let you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound flight required | Immigration at King Khalid and King Abdulaziz airports will ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or next destination — they check this at the counter before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep your hotel confirmation or host's letter ready — border officers sometimes ask where you're staying. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or credit card | Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card with a visible limit. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, show you have enough for accommodation and daily expenses — around $100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Japanese passport holders have it easy — no pre-approval, no embassy visit. Just show up at the airport with a valid passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes at the counter.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Saudi Arabia. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel. Airlines may also deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Saudi airport
Land at any international airport in Saudi Arabia — King Khalid (RUH), King Abdulaziz (JED), or King Fahd (DMM). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Look for the dedicated visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Hand over your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. The officer will process payment and issue the visa sticker.
3
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, go to the immigration booth. Present your passport with the new visa. You may be asked a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped in, collect your bags from baggage claim and walk through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist eVisa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Includes medical insurance. Apply online before travel.
Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total per year
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Same cost as single entry, allows multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months
CostSAR 1,000 (~$267 USD)
Requires sponsor letter from Saudi company.
Family visit visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
CostSAR 500 (~$133 USD)
Requires sponsor in Saudi Arabia (family member).
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1–2 years, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires sponsorship and medical tests. Allows long-term residence and family sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Premium Residency)
1 year, renewable
SAR 800,000 (~$213,333 USD) one-time fee
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Saudi Arabia. Offers residency without a sponsor, right to own property, and family inclusion.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study (1–5 years)
SAR 500 (~$133 USD) plus tuition
For those enrolled in a Saudi educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
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. Offers residency and access to healthcare.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. Payable by credit card at airport. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Includes insurance fee. Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)Same cost as single entry, but allows multiple entries within 1 year, max stay 90 days total. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap specified; fines accumulate daily until departure. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
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
Japan passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 12 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit visa required if staying overnight or changing airports.
- Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit for up to 96 hours with a free transit visa.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims; recommended for all travellers during peak seasons.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)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 common; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the southwestern highlands (e.g., Jazan, Asir). Prophylaxis recommended for those visiting these regions.
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 Passports Office
Prince Majid Road, Al Salamah, Jeddah 23436
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the western region. Expect queues.
Practical information for JP 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 approximately 480–535 SAR (around 130–145 USD). This includes the visa cost and mandatory health insurance. You can pay by credit card or cash (Saudi Riyals) at the airport counter.
Yes, all international airports in Saudi Arabia offer visa on arrival for Japanese passport holders — including Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), and Medina (MED).
The visa on arrival is typically valid for up to 90 days. It is a single-entry visa. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
No, the visa on arrival cannot be extended. You must exit Saudi Arabia before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines.
No, the visa on arrival covers Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage) for tourism purposes. You do not need a separate Umrah visa. However, for Hajj (the main pilgrimage), you must apply for a specific Hajj visa in advance.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you do not need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you must get a visa on arrival or apply for a transit visa beforehand.
No, Saudi Arabia lifted the male guardianship requirements for foreign women. Women can enter, stay, and move around freely. However, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and respect local customs.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.