Saudi eVisa Cost & Processing Charges

If you have been searching online for the "Saudi Visa Price," you have probably seen numbers ranging anywhere from $80 to over $250. With different websites quoting different amounts and hidden costs like "Mandatory Insurance" appearing at the last minute, it is incredibly confusing to know exactly how much you need to budget for your trip.

The truth is, the "Official" fee is fixed by the government, but the "Final" price you pay depends on several variables: where you apply, your residency status, and the specific medical insurance policy assigned to you. By understanding how these costs are broken down, you can avoid overpaying and choose the option that fits your budget.

In this 2025 fee guide, we break down the official cost in Saudi Riyals (SAR), expose the transparency gap between government and agency charges, and reveal the cheaper "Stopover" visa option that many travelers overlook.

The Official Fee Breakdown (Standard Tourist eVisa)

For the vast majority of travelers—including citizens of the USA, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia—this is the standard cost you will encounter.

The fees are charged in Saudi Riyals (SAR). The US Dollar amounts below are estimates based on the exchange rate.

Total Official Cost: ~535 SAR (Approx. $142 USD)

Here is exactly where that money goes:

1. Base Visa Fee: 300 SAR (approx. $80). This goes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Medical Insurance Fee: ~180 SAR (approx. $48). Note: This price varies slightly depending on which insurance provider is assigned to you (e.g., Tawuniya, Bupa).

3. VAT & Transaction Fees: ~55 SAR (approx. $14). Includes taxes and payment gateway charges.

Key Takeaway: If a website asks you for $200 USD or more, you are paying the official government fee plus a third-party service fee.

Special Rates for Different Categories

Not everyone pays the standard rate. Depending on your travel plans or residency, you might qualify for a cheaper option.

A. GCC Residents (The Cheaper Route)

Residents of UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar enjoy a slightly reduced rate because they often have lower insurance requirements.

• Total Cost: Approx. 300 SAR + Insurance (often totaling ~$100 - $120 USD).

• Eligibility: You must hold a valid GCC Residency with an eligible profession.

B. Transit / Stopover Visa (96 Hours)

This is the best-kept secret for budget travelers. If you are flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas and have a layover between 12 and 96 hours, you can get this visa.

• Visa Fee: Free ($0).

• Admin/Insurance Fee: You only pay for the insurance and processing, which is usually around SAR 35 - 100 (~$10 - $30 USD).

• Condition: You must book your ticket first and apply through the airline's portal.

C. Visa on Arrival

If you choose to skip the online process and apply at the kiosk in Jeddah or Riyadh (only for eligible nationalities), the price is slightly different.

• Total Fee: 480 SAR (approx. $128 USD).

• Payment: Payable at self-service kiosks. Credit/Debit Card ONLY. No cash accepted.

Government vs. Agency Pricing: What's the Difference?

Why do some sites charge $145 and others charge $220? It comes down to Service vs. Self-Service.

Option A: Official Government Portal (~$145)

• Pros: The cheapest possible price.

• Cons: The system provides zero support. If your photo is rejected, you have to figure it out yourself. If you make a typo, you have to pay again. The user interface can be confusing and glitchy.

Option B: Private Processing Agencies (~$199 - $220)

• Pros:

• 24/7 Support: Real humans to answer questions.

• Photo Editing: Experts resize your photo to meet the strict 200x200 pixel requirement so you don't get rejected.

• Data Review: We check your passport data against your form to prevent typos.

• Cons: You pay a Service Fee on top of the government cost.

The Verdict: If you are tech-savvy and confident, use the government portal. If you want peace of mind and insurance against rejection, pay the extra for an agency service.

Mandatory Medical Insurance: Can I Skip It?

This is a common question: "I already have travel insurance with Allianz/AXA. Can I use that and save $48?"

The Answer: No.

• The Rule: The Saudi government mandates that all tourists must be covered by a local Saudi insurance provider to cover potential COVID-19 treatment and hospitalization within the Kingdom.

• The Process: You cannot "upload" your own policy. During the payment step, the system automatically assigns you a local provider (like Tawuniya or MedGulf).

• Cost Impact: This fee is included in the total visa price. You do not pay it separately.

Payment Methods & Currency

• Currency: The official system charges strictly in Saudi Riyals (SAR).

• Exchange Rate: Your bank will convert this to your local currency (USD, EUR, GBP, INR). Due to bank exchange rates, the final amount on your statement may fluctuate by
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• Cards Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, and Mada.

• Cash: Not accepted for online applications or airport kiosks. You must have a card.

Refund Policy (Important Warning)

Before you hit "Pay," you must understand the refund rules.

• Government Policy: Strictly Non-Refundable.

• Once the payment is processed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not issue refunds.

• Even if your visa is rejected, or if you decide not to travel, the money is gone.

• Agency Guarantee: Many private agencies (including ours) offer a "Rejection Refund Guarantee." If we submit your application and it is denied, we refund our service fee. This offers a layer of financial protection the government does not provide.

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