Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival

Flying to a foreign country without a visa in your hand can be nerve-wracking. Even seasoned travelers feel that twinge of anxiety—worrying about long queues, rejected credit card payments, or the nightmare scenario of being turned away at the border after a 10-hour flight.

However, Saudi Arabia’s "Visa on Arrival" system is one of the most efficient and modern in the world. For eligible travelers, it is no longer a hassle but a simple 10-minute process at a self-service kiosk that grants you the same 1-year, multiple-entry visa as the online application, often at a slightly lower cost.

In this 2025 guide, we clarify exactly who is eligible (including the tricky rules for US, UK, and Schengen visa holders), reveal the current cost in Saudi Riyals, and compare the pros and cons to help you decide if you should grab your visa at the airport or secure it online before you fly.

Who is Eligible? (The 3 Groups)

Not everyone can just show up and get a visa. The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is restricted to specific categories of travelers. If you do not fit into one of these groups, you must apply for a visa before you fly.

Group A: The "List of 66" Countries

Citizens of over 60 countries can use the VOA kiosks. If you hold a passport from one of these nations, you are eligible:

• North America: USA, Canada.
• Europe: UK, All EU Countries, Switzerland, Norway, etc.
• Asia/Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Brunei.

Group B: US, UK & Schengen Visa Holders (Any Nationality)

This is the most popular route for citizens of India, Pakistan, Philippines, etc. You are eligible for VOA if you meet all three of these conditions:

1. Valid Visa: You hold a valid business or tourist visa from the USA, UK, or Schengen Zone.
2. Used Visa: The visa must be used at least once. (You must have an entry stamp from the issuing country in your passport).
3. Airline: You must fly with a national carrier like Saudia, Flynas, or FlyDeal (Check with your airline, as this rule is strictly enforced for VOA, unlike the eVisa).

Group C: GCC Residents

Residents of UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar with eligible "high-level" professions (e.g., Doctor, Engineer, Manager) can technically get VOA.

• Advice: It is highly recommended that GCC residents apply online beforehand, as the VOA staff may reject you if your profession title on the residency card doesn't perfectly match their system's list.

The Cost: How Much is it in 2025?

One of the biggest advantages of the VOA is that it is often slightly cheaper than the online eVisa because you avoid agency processing fees.

• Total Official Fee: SAR 480 (Approx. $128 USD).
• Fee Breakdown:
• Visa Fee: SAR 300
• Medical Insurance: SAR 180 (Included)

⚠️ Critical Payment Warning:

Cash is NOT accepted.
The self-service kiosks and immigration counters accept Credit Cards and Debit Cards only (Visa, Mastercard, Mada, UnionPay). You generally cannot pay with cash (USD or Riyals). Ensure you have a physical card with you (sometimes Apple Pay/Contactless can be glitchy at kiosks).

The Arrival Process: Step-by-Step

Here is exactly what happens when you land at King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), King Khalid (Riyadh), or other international airports.

1. Arrival: Disembark your flight and follow the signs for "Passport Control" or "Visa on Arrival."
2. The Kiosks: Before you reach the immigration officers, you will see a bank of self-service machines (similar to airline check-in kiosks).
3. Scan Passport: Place your passport bio-page on the scanner. The machine will populate your data.
4. Select Insurance: The screen will ask you to select a medical insurance provider. Since the price is included, just pick any random provider (e.g., Tawuniya or Bupa).
5. Pay: Insert your credit card to pay the SAR 480 fee.
6. Print: The machine will print a receipt with a barcode.
7. Immigration: Take this receipt and your passport to the immigration officer to get your entry stamp.

Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa: Which is Better?

Should you do it at the airport or online?

The Verdict: If you are stressed about technology or traveling with tired kids, get the eVisa online. Landing with the document in your hand allows you to go straight to the fast lane. If you want to save ~

20−20−

50, use the VOA.

Requirements Checklist

Even for VOA, you must have the right documents in your hand luggage:

• ✅ Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date.
• ✅ Return Ticket: Immigration officers frequently ask to see proof of your return or onward flight.
• ✅ Accommodation Address: You will need to type the name of your hotel into the kiosk.
• ✅ For Visa Holders: You must carry the physical passport containing the US/UK/Schengen visa. If your valid visa is in an expired passport, bring both the old and new passports.

FAQ's