Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian 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. This is the easiest option for short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Jeddah and Riyadh enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Available at major airports for eligible nationalities | Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Saudi airports like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. The visa costs around $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance — pay by card at the kiosk before immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Saudi Arabia routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You need a confirmed hotel reservation or a host's address for the entire stay. Immigration may ask for it at the counter, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Saudi immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process is quick — usually 10-15 minutes at the counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The fee is paid at the counter, so no need to apply online in advance.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before boarding. If you have less than 6 months left, you will not be allowed to fly. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a Saudi international airport
Fly into any international airport in Saudi Arabia — Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, or Medina. After disembarking, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Look for the dedicated visa-on-arrival counter before the main immigration desks. You'll see a sign. Join the queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa fee is around 480 SAR (about €120) for a one-year multiple-entry tourist visa. Pay by credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or cash (Saudi Riyals). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
The officer will print a visa sticker and affix it to a blank page in your passport. Then proceed to the immigration line. Hand over your passport, and you'll be stamped in.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel, then walk through customs. No customs declaration form is usually needed for personal items.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 health 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, but allows multiple visits.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,000 (~$267 USD)
Requires sponsor in Saudi Arabia. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies; employer typically covers fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Human Resources. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable annually
Varies; often covered by scholarship
For international students accepted at a Saudi university or educational institution. Requires proof of admission and financial support. Allows part-time work in some cases.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa (Business Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus fees
For individuals investing in Saudi businesses or starting a company. Requires a minimum investment (often SAR 1 million) and approval from the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA).
premium residency
Saudi Premium Residency (Iqama)
1 year or permanent
SAR 800,000 (~$213,000 USD) for permanent; SAR 100,000 (~$26,700 USD) per year for renewable
A long-term residency program for wealthy individuals, investors, and professionals. Offers benefits like visa-free travel, property ownership, and family sponsorship. Requires high net worth and background check.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. Payment by credit card only. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Includes mandatory health insurance. 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 mentioned officially; fines can accumulate significantly. | 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
Latvia 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 US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours if they apply for a free transit visa online.
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, as per International Health Regulations.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons; proof of vaccination is mandatory for entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsiderCOVID-19Essential
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, especially from street food; 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 most urban areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for standard tourist itineraries. Risk exists in rural areas of the southwestern highlands (e.g., Jazan, 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 extension and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and sponsor letter if applicable.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport 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 LV 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 covers a one-year multiple-entry tourist visa. You can pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or with Saudi Riyal cash at the counter.
The visa on arrival allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. It is valid for one year from the date of issue, and you can enter multiple times within that year, as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a different type of visa before your trip, such as a long-term tourist visa or a business visa.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or have a layover longer than 12 hours, you will need a transit visa or a visa on arrival.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Saudi Arabia: King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh), King Fahd International Airport (Dammam), and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Medina).
No, there is no formal requirement to show proof of funds for the visa on arrival. However, it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (Saudi Riyals) to pay for the visa fee and initial expenses.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.