Saudi Arabia entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Saudi Arabia's major airports. The process is straightforward for tourism and short business visits. As of 2026, just land at an international airport and head to the visa on arrival counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Saudi airports | New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major Saudi airports (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam). The visa costs around $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. You pay by credit card at the immigration counter — have your card ready.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone showing your departure flight. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in Saudi Arabia. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having the address and phone number ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed minimum, but around $1,000 USD for a week is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but it is better to have it. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Saudi airports without any pre-approval. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The process takes about 10–15 minutes at the counter.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's close to expiry, renew it before you book flights. Airlines may also check this before boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at any international airport in Saudi Arabia — King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), or King Fahd (Dammam). Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and 'Visa on Arrival' counters.
2
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
Join the queue at the designated visa on arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa and take payment.
3
Pay the fee and receive your visa
Pay the fee (around 480–600 SAR) by credit card or cash. The officer will stamp the visa into your passport. Keep the receipt — you may need it for exit.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. Answer clearly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Once immigration clears you, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're now in Saudi Arabia.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostSAR 480 (~$128 USD)
Apply online before travel; allows single entry.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,200 (~$320 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation; allows multiple entries.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies by employer; typically SAR 2,000–5,000 (~$533–$1,333 USD)
For foreign workers with a Saudi sponsor. Requires employment contract and medical tests. Allows residency and multiple entries.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable annually
Free (processing fees may apply)
For international students accepted at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and financial proof. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus investment minimum
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of SAR 1 million (~$266,000 USD). Requires business plan and sponsor. Allows residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, single entry, max stay 30 days. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, multiple entries, max stay 90 days per entry. | SAR 800 (~$213 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; fines accumulate daily. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Saudi Arabia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer stops, a visa may be required.
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 with a confirmed onward ticket.
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.
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 products.
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 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 11111
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passports Department
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road, Jeddah 22233
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for western region visitors.
Practical information for NZ 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
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Riyadh (King Khalid), Jeddah (King Abdulaziz), Dammam (King Fahd), and others. It's not available at land borders or seaports.
The fee is approximately 480–600 Saudi Riyals (about 130–160 USD). This includes the visa cost and mandatory health insurance. Payment is by credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or cash in Saudi Riyals.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for up to 90 days. It is a single-entry visa. You cannot extend it beyond that period — you would need to leave and re-enter.
If you have a connecting flight and stay airside (don't pass immigration), you don't need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport or have a layover over 12 hours, you'll need the visa on arrival or a transit visa.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. The visa on arrival is for tourism and short business visits only. For work or study, you must get a proper visa from a Saudi embassy or consulate before travel.
Immigration officers rarely ask for proof of funds, but it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (Saudi Riyals) available. There's no set minimum amount required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.