Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Sri Lankan 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 Sri Lankan citizens 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 3 business days before departure to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Sri Lankan passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Airlines at Colombo (CMB) will check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound flight required | Immigration officers at Saudi airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they may check it before stamping your entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your Saudi host (with their iqama copy). Border officers sometimes ask for this, especially if you're a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means for stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Saudi immigration rarely asks for it, but it's smart to have proof of at least $1,000 USD available. | Recommended |
Apply early — no last-minute visas
There is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must have an approved visa before you fly. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone and email them to yourself. If your phone dies or gets lost, you can access them from any device.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the official Saudi visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com). Fill in your details, upload your passport scan and photo, pay the fee, and submit. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive your visa approval
You'll get an email with your approved visa. Print a copy or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Gather your passport, visa approval, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and a printed backup in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at the airport in Saudi Arabia
At immigration, hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. Once stamped, you're in.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Allows single entry; can be extended online or at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total per visit, max 180 days per year
Validity1 year from issue date
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Multiple entries allowed; good for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Requires invitation from Saudi company; allows business activities.
Family visit visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostSAR 300 (~$80 USD)
For visiting family members who are residents/citizens; requires sponsor.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa (Iqama)
1–2 years, renewable
Varies; employer typically pays
For foreign workers with a Saudi employer sponsor. Requires valid job offer and contract. Allows long-term stay and residency.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
Varies; often covered by scholarship
For international students enrolled at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies based on investment amount
For foreign investors establishing a business in Saudi Arabia. Requires minimum investment and business plan approval.
premium residency
Saudi Premium Residency
1 year, renewable
SAR 800,000 (~$213,000 USD) for permanent, or SAR 100,000 (~$27,000 USD) per year
A long-term residency program for wealthy individuals, investors, and professionals. Offers benefits like visa-free travel and property ownership.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, includes insurance. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for each day overstay; no maximum cap specified. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
| Visa extension feeExtension fee per month, up to 3 months total extension possible. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired 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
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Saudi Arabia, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you may be eligible for a visa-free transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 96 hours.
- Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration may be exempt in some cases.
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 and Hajj pilgrims; certificate needed for visa.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine 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 common; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most areas, but present in some rural regions; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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 11461
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport and visa documents.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passports Office
Prince Majid Road, Al-Salamah District, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in the western region.
Practical information for LK 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
No. Sri Lankan citizens must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Sri Lankan passport holders.
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least two weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
The visa fee depends on the type and duration. Tourist visas usually cost around 440 SAR (about 30,000 LKR) including processing fees. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
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 be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
Tourist visas are generally not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new visa.
It's not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Saudi Arabia are high — a simple ER visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance covers that.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.