Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Vietnamese nationals. Plan ahead and apply through the Saudi embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or use the Saudi eVisa; you must get a visa sticker from an embassy or consulate before you fly. Visa required – apply at embassy/consulate | Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. The eVisa program is not available for Vietnamese nationals, so you must apply through a Saudi embassy or consulate. Ensure you apply well in advance of your travel date. | Required |
| Passport validitySaudi immigration will refuse entry if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Check your passport's expiry date and renew it if needed before applying for your visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page is needed for the Saudi border officer to stamp your passport when you enter. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Some airlines may require 2 blank pages, so it's safer to have more than 1 available. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketSaudi authorities require evidence that you will not overstay your visa. Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires. Keep a printed or digital copy ready for airline and immigration checks. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration officers can ask to see that you can support yourself financially while in the country. Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Saudi Arabia. Bank statements or a credit card with adequate limit are acceptable. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsHaving a clear place to stay helps prove the purpose and length of your visit. Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Saudi host ready. This may be requested at visa application or at the border. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form before landing. Not required | Saudi Arabia does not require an arrival declaration form for Vietnamese passport holders. No separate health or customs declaration is needed beyond standard procedures. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationEven though Saudi Arabia has an eVisa for many countries, Vietnam is not on the eligible list. Not available for Vietnamese nationals | The Saudi eVisa program does not apply to Vietnamese passport holders. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, use the embassy/consulate visa process. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens
Saudi Arabia offers eVisas and visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, but Vietnamese passport holders are not eligible. You must apply through the Saudi embassy or consulate before you fly. Don't fall for online services claiming to offer an eVisa — they can't deliver.
Plan ahead — processing can take weeks
Visa processing is not instant. Start your application at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date. This gives you buffer time for document issues or embassy delays.
Overstaying is serious
Saudi Arabia imposes heavy fines for overstaying your visa, and you may be banned from re-entering the country. Keep track of your visa expiry date and leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Saudi embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Saudi diplomatic mission in Vietnam (e.g., in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City). Check their website or call to confirm the exact visa application procedure, required documents, and fees. Some missions outsource to a visa processing centre — they'll tell you.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and travel insurance. Make copies of everything. Double-check your passport validity — it must be at least 6 months from your entry date.
3
Submit your application
Submit your completed application and documents in person or via the designated visa service centre. Pay the visa fee (typically around $100–150, but varies by visa type and nationality). You may need to attend an interview or provide biometrics.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Track your application status if the embassy provides that option. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or an electronic visa document. Check the validity dates and entry conditions. At Saudi immigration, present your passport and visa — they'll stamp you in. Keep a copy of your visa and supporting documents with you.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single-entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$120 (approx.)
Apply online or at Saudi embassy. Not eligible for eVisa.
Business visa
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year, multiple entries
Cost$200–$500 (approx.)
Requires Saudi sponsor invitation.
Visit visa (family/friends)
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year, multiple entries
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires Saudi resident sponsor.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Human Resources.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program
Varies (institution-sponsored)
For international students accepted at a Saudi university or educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies (based on investment)
For individuals investing in Saudi businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application feeFee varies by visa type and processing speed. | $120 (approx.) |
| Visa issuance fee (at port of entry)No separate arrival fee for standard visas. | Included in visa fee |
| Extension fee (per 30 days)Extensions are at the discretion of Saudi authorities. | $100 (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Vietnamese citizens require a transit visa to enter Saudi Arabia, even for airside transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic or special passports
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)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
Common; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
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
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passports Office
Al-Madinah Road, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa services for western region.
Practical information for VN 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. Vietnamese passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or an eVisa for Saudi Arabia. You must apply for a visa at a Saudi embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary. It can take anywhere from 5 working days to 3 weeks, depending on the embassy workload and the type of visa. Apply at least a month before your planned travel to be safe.
The fee depends on the visa type and the embassy. Typically, a single-entry tourist visa costs around $100–150, but it can be higher for business or work visas. Check with the Saudi embassy in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for the exact amount.
The maximum stay depends on the visa type. Tourist visas usually allow up to 90 days, but the exact duration is stamped on your visa. Check the validity and duration when you receive it — don't overstay.
For a tourist visa, you typically don't need a sponsor — a hotel booking is enough. However, if you're visiting family or friends, you'll need a notarised invitation letter from your host in Saudi Arabia. For business visas, a Saudi company invitation is required.
No. Saudi visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia.
Your visa application will be rejected, and even if you somehow get a visa, you'll be denied entry at the Saudi border. Renew your passport before applying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.