Saudi Arabia entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport, pay the fee, and receive a tourist visa valid for up to 90 days. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Saudi airports. The visa costs around $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. You pay at the immigration counter with a credit card — have your passport and return ticket ready.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Saudi immigration checks this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Saudi immigration asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket at the visa counter. Airlines also check this before boarding. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or host's address in Saudi Arabia. Have a printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your stay. Saudi immigration rarely asks, but having $1,000–$2,000 USD equivalent in your account avoids any issues. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
South Korean passport holders have it easy — no advance application, no appointment. Just show up at the airport with a valid passport and a return ticket, and you'll get your visa at the counter.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers often ask to see your onward flight. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready. If you don't have one, you may be denied boarding or entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Saudi airport
Fly into any international airport in Saudi Arabia — Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, or Medina. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before passport control.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, present your passport and pay the fee (480 SAR). Credit cards are accepted. You'll receive a visa sticker in your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Hand over your passport with the new visa sticker, plus your boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly and you'll be stamped in.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There are no additional forms to fill.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Apply online via eVisa portal; includes health insurance.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total per year
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Allows multiple entries; includes health insurance.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Saudi sponsor.
Work Visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Human Resources.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Iqama)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study program
Varies (institution-sponsored)
For international students accepted at a Saudi university or educational institution. Requires admission letter and financial proof. Allows stay for the duration of studies.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees aged 50+ with sufficient income. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor. Requires proof of pension or financial assets. Includes health insurance.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment)
For individuals investing in Saudi businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and approval from the Ministry of Investment. Allows long-term residence and family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days, non-extendable. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (single entry via eVisa)Includes insurance fee; valid for 30 days. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (multiple entry via eVisa)Includes insurance fee; valid for 1 year, max 90 days total stay. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; fines accumulate daily. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Saudi airports, provided they do not pass through immigration and have a confirmed onward ticket within 12 hours.
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 wish to leave the airport.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19EssentialRabiesConsider
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
Common; 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; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extension and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road, Al-Salamah, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions and exit/re-entry permits.
Practical information for KR 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 visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue. You cannot extend it beyond that.
Yes, all international airports in Saudi Arabia offer visa on arrival for South Korean passport holders. This includes Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Medina.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
No, the standard visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave Saudi Arabia, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
Credit cards are preferred at major airports, but some counters accept Saudi Riyals in cash. It's safer to carry a card.
If you stay airside and your layover is under 12 hours, you don't need a visa. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, you'll need a transit visa or visa on arrival.
You will be refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
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.