Traveling to Saudi Arabia from New Zealand is simpler than ever. Thanks to the electronic visa system, New Zealand citizens no longer need to schedule consular interviews, mail physical passports, or wait in lengthy embassy queues.
Whether you are traveling to explore the ancient archaeological treasures of AlUla, engage in business in Riyadh, catch up with friends and family, or perform Umrah in Makkah, the Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa program lets Kiwi travelers complete everything online in a few straightforward steps. This guide walks you through every detail you need before submitting your application.
Can New Zealand Citizens Apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa?
Yes, New Zealand citizens are fully eligible to apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa. New Zealand is included on the official list of countries whose passport holders can secure digital travel authorization prior to departure.
Kiwi travelers can complete the digital application on any smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. Once approved, the electronic visa is sent straight to your email inbox and linked digitally to your passport details.
To check all nationalities eligible for the digital portal, visit the Saudi Arabia Eligible Countries page.
Benefits of Applying Online
100% Online Application
Submit your details from home or work without shipping physical documents or visiting an embassy.
Fast Turnaround
Receive your official travel clearance in PDF format via email with flexible processing speed options.
Saudi Arabia Multiple Entry Visa
Enjoy freedom of movement with multiple visits allowed throughout a full 12-month validity window.
Saudi Arabia eVisa Overview
Review the essential features of the Saudi electronic visa for New Zealand citizens in the overview table below:
| Feature | Details for New Zealand Citizens |
|---|---|
| Eligible Passport | New Zealand (Standard Passport Holders) |
| Visa Type | Electronic Visa (eVisa) delivered as a PDF document |
| Validity Period | 1 Year (365 Days) from date of issuance |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 Days per visit |
| Entries Allowed | Multiple entries during the 1-year period |
| Mandatory Insurance | Included Saudi Arabia Travel Insurance provided automatically with approval |
Visa Validity
The Saudi Arabia eVisa for New Zealand citizens remains valid for 1 year (365 days) from the date it is issued. You may enter the country at any time while the visa remains active.
Keep in mind that if your New Zealand passport expires before the 1-year visa duration ends, your eVisa becomes invalid automatically. The visa is permanently linked to the specific passport number used in your application.
Maximum Stay
New Zealand passport holders can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per trip. Over the course of the 1-year validity period, your cumulative stay across all visits must not exceed 180 days total.
Remaining past your permitted 90 days per visit can result in fines and immigration delays. Always monitor your stay duration carefully.
Number of Entries
The online visa is issued as a Saudi Arabia Multiple Entry Visa. This feature allows Kiwi travelers to enter and exit the country as many times as needed within the 365-day validity period without filing a new application every time.
Eligible Travel Purposes
The electronic tourist visa covers a wide variety of short-term activities for New Zealand visitors:
- Leisure & Tourism: Exploring cultural sites, desert adventures, and coastal resorts.
- Family & Friends: Visiting relatives or acquaintance residing in Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Pilgrimage: Performing Umrah outside of the main Hajj season.
- Events & Conferences: Attending public forums, sports events, and cultural festivals.
- Short Saudi Arabia Business Visa Meetings: Participating in executive talks or company meetings.
- Connecting Flights: Transiting through Saudi airports (see Saudi Arabia Transit Visa details).
* Note: The tourist eVisa does not authorize formal employment, study programs, or permanent residency in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Entry Requirements for New Zealand Citizens
Before filling out your online form, make sure you meet the foundational entry criteria. For comprehensive policy information, review our full guide on Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements.
Saudi Arabia Required Documents Checklist
Ensure you have the following items ready before starting your application:
| Document | Format Required | Key Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Passport | Digital Scan (JPEG or PNG) | Clear, uncropped scan of the personal details page showing photo and signature. |
| Passport Photo | Digital Image File | Recent photo taken against a clean, plain white background. |
| Email Address | Active Inbox | Needed to receive application updates, receipts, and the final PDF visa. |
| Payment Card | Credit or Debit Card | Card authorized for international online transactions. |
Saudi Arabia Passport Requirements
Your passport is the core document for your travel request. New Zealand applicants must ensure that:
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Passport Validity | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Saudi Arabia. |
| Blank Pages | Must have at least two blank pages available for immigration stamps. |
| Passport Condition | Must be an original, undamaged regular passport. Emergency travel documents may require traditional visa channels. |
Saudi Arabia Photo Requirements
Your uploaded passport photo must adhere to standard global identity guidelines:
- Taken within the past 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
- Solid white background without shadows, borders, or patterns.
- Full face centered and looking straight at the camera.
- Neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed.
- No dark lenses, heavy frames, or glare on eyeglasses.
- Headwear worn for religious reasons is permitted if full facial features remain completely clear.
Email Requirements
Providing an active, reliable email address is essential. All application notices, transaction receipts, and your approved PDF eVisa will be sent directly to this address. Avoid using temporary email accounts or work addresses with strict security filters that might block automated messages.
Payment Methods
Application charges cover processing administration and the mandatory health insurance package required by Saudi authorities. Online payments are secured with standard encryption. You can complete payment using major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Read more details on our Saudi Arabia Visa Fee page.
Saudi Arabia eVisa Processing Time
New Zealand applicants can choose from three processing speed tiers based on their travel schedule:
5–7 Working Days
Standard service for travelers booking well before departure.
3–5 Working Days
Faster turnaround for upcoming travel arrangements.
1–3 Working Days
Priority processing for urgent or last-minute trips.
| Option | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Processing | 5–7 Working Days | Planned holidays and trips scheduled weeks ahead |
| Rush Processing | 3–5 Working Days | Travelers needing approval within a shorter window |
| Super Rush Processing | 1–3 Working Days | Urgent departures or sudden travel changes |
* Processing times may vary depending on application review, document verification, public holidays, or additional security checks. Learn more on our Saudi Arabia eVisa Processing Time details page.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Submitting your electronic visa takes only a few simple steps. For a complete walkthrough, consult our Saudi Arabia eVisa Application Form Guide.
Fill in Personal Details
Enter your full name, nationality, date of birth, and passport information exactly as printed on your New Zealand passport.
Upload Digital Files
Attach a clear digital scan of your passport bio-page along with a compliant digital passport photo.
Pay & Get Confirmation
Complete payment securely using your card and receive your tracking reference right away.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Although approval rates for New Zealand citizens are high, errors during application submission can lead to delays or denials:
Data Mismatches
Typos in your passport number, name spelling, or birth date that do not match your New Zealand passport cause automatic validation failures.
Unclear Document Uploads
Blurry scans, cropped corners, glare over text, or photos that fail auto-verification guidelines trigger processing holds or rejections.
If you experience unexpected application complications, review our guidance on Saudi Arabia eVisa Rejected cases.
Tips to Avoid Application Mistakes
- Double-check every data field against your New Zealand passport before making payment.
- Ensure your passport scan is crisp, clear, and includes all edges of the information page.
- Use a personal email account that you check regularly to receive key updates prompt.
- Apply at least 7 to 10 days before your intended departure date to allow ample time for standard processing.
After Receiving the Approved eVisa
When approved, your electronic visa will arrive as a PDF attachment via email. Save a digital copy on your mobile device and print at least two hard copies. You must show this document at airline check-in counters and border control upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Arriving in Saudi Arabia
Upon landing at primary airports such as King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (RUH) or King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED):
- Follow airport signage leading to the designated eVisa immigration desks.
- Present your New Zealand passport and printed copy of your approved eVisa.
- Complete brief biometric screening, including digital photo and fingerprint registration.
- Receive your entry stamp and head to luggage retrieval and customs clearing.
Important Saudi Arabia Travel Guide Checklist for Kiwi Travelers
Prepare for your trip by reviewing this convenient travel checklist:
| Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Documents | Carry your New Zealand passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return air ticket, and hotel booking details. |
| Currency & Banking | The official currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). International debit and credit cards are widely accepted across cities. |
| Local Customs & Dress | Dress modestly in public spaces. Covering shoulders and knees is expected in public areas for all travelers. |
| Healthcare Coverage | Your eVisa comes with official Saudi Arabia Travel Insurance for emergency medical services during your stay. |