Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia for tourism and business visits. As of 2026, the process is available at major airports.
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. It's valid for 90 days, multiple entry, and covers tourism, Umrah (outside Hajj season), and visiting family.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Portuguese passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Jeddah and Riyadh enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this even for eVisa holders. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your Saudi host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving on a tourist eVisa for the first time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Saudi immigration rarely asks for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
Strict dress code and behaviour
Saudi Arabia has conservative laws. Dress modestly in public (shoulders and knees covered). Public displays of affection are not allowed. Alcohol is prohibited. Follow local customs to avoid fines or detention.
Visa on arrival is for tourism and business only
This visa does not permit work or study. If you plan to work or study in Saudi Arabia, you need the appropriate visa arranged before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at a major Saudi airport
Visa on arrival is available at all international airports: King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), King Fahd (Dammam), and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz (Medina).
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Visa Issuance' after passport control. The counter is usually near the immigration desks.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is 480 SAR (about €120) for a 12-month multiple-entry visa. Pay by credit card or cash (Saudi Riyals).
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and hotel booking if asked. You'll get an entry stamp.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Apply via official Saudi visa portal. Includes insurance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 1,070 (~$285 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Includes insurance.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,200 (~$320 USD)
Requires invitation from Saudi sponsor. Multiple entries allowed.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies; employer typically covers fees
Requires a Saudi sponsor (employer) and approved contract. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries. Must be arranged before arrival.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable annually
Varies; often covered by scholarship
For enrolled students at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and financial proof. May allow part-time work.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa (Business Visa)
1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus investment requirements
For individuals investing in Saudi businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and sponsorship. Can lead to long-term residency.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement Category)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Offers long-term stay without sponsor. Requires health insurance and financial proof.
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 visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Includes insurance fee. Apply online before travel. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Includes insurance. Allows multiple entries, max 90 days per stay. | SAR 1,070 (~$285 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap specified; fines accumulate daily. | 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
Portuguese 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
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a transit visa or tourist visa is required.
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may be eligible for a 96-hour transit visa upon arrival.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY)Required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims; recommended for all travellers during peak seasons.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)EssentialInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in most of Saudi Arabia, but exists in some rural areas of the southwestern highlands (e.g., Jizan, Asir). 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 11157
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee payment.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passports Office
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road, Al-Salamah District, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the western region. Expect queues.
Practical information for PT 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 480 SAR (about €120) for a 12-month multiple-entry visa. You can pay by credit card or cash in Saudi Riyals.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you leave the airport, you need a visa on arrival or a transit visa.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If entering by land (e.g., from Bahrain or UAE), you need a visa in advance.
Your passport with the visa sticker, a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your hotel booking confirmation. Immigration may ask for any of these.
It's not always required, but it's strongly recommended. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance before boarding. Medical costs in Saudi Arabia are high.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.