Saudi Arabia Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)

Saudi Arabian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 88 countries and territories, ranking the Saudi passport 61st globally.

Saudi Arabia Passport Visa Free Countries

Visa-Free Countries:

Africa: Angola, Botswana, Egypt, Gambia, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia.
Asia: Bahrain, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan.
Europe: Belarus, Kosovo, Ukraine.
North America: Barbados, Dominica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands.
South America: Ecuador, Suriname.
Oceania: Cook Islands, Kiribati, Micronesia, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Vanuatu.

Visa-On-Arrival Countries:

Africa: Burundi, Cape Verde, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
Asia: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Macau, Maldives, Nepal, Palau, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Yemen.
South America: Bolivia.
Oceania: Niue.

eVisa Countries:

Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea, Lesotho, Libya, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
Asia: Armenia, Bhutan, India, Japan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Syria, Taiwan, Vietnam.
North America: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Montserrat.
Oceania: Papua New Guinea.
Europe: Albania, Moldova, Russia.

Please note that visa policies are subject to change. It’s advisable to consult the official embassy or consulate websites of your destination country before making travel plans.

What Countries Do Saudi Citizens Need A Visa For?

Saudi citizens need a visa to travel to many countries around the world. The specific requirements depend on the destination. Here are some general categories of countries where Saudi citizens typically need a visa:

Schengen Area Countries (European Union states): These countries require Saudi citizens to apply for a Schengen visa if they plan to travel for tourism, business, or other short stays. This includes countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and others in the EU.
United States: Saudi citizens need to apply for a visa for any visit, whether it’s for tourism, business, or study.
Canada: Saudi passport holders need a visa to enter Canada for tourism, business, or any other purpose.
Australia: Saudi citizens must apply for a visa before traveling to Australia for any reason.
United Kingdom: Saudi citizens need a visa for visiting the UK, whether for tourism, business, or other purposes.
Japan: A visa is required for Saudi nationals visiting Japan for tourism, business, or study.
China: Saudi citizens need a visa to enter China for any purpose.
India: A visa is required for all types of travel to India.
Russia: Saudi passport holders need a visa to visit Russia.
South Africa: A visa is required for Saudi nationals visiting South Africa.

Some countries have visa-on-arrival facilities or offer e-visas to Saudi citizens, such as:

Sri Lanka (e-visa)
Kenya (e-visa)
Turkey (e-visa for tourism purposes)
Thailand (visa-on-arrival for tourism)

Visa policies can change frequently, so it’s always a good idea for travelers to check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country before making travel plans

Do Saudi Need Visa For America?

Yes, Saudi Arabian citizens need a visa to travel to the United States. They must apply for a U.S. visa before traveling, depending on the purpose of their visit:

Tourist or Business (B1/B2 Visa) – For tourism, visiting family, or business trips.
Student Visa (F1, M1, J1) – For those studying in the U.S.
Work Visa (H1B, L1, etc.) – For employment-related stays.
Transit Visa (C1) – For short layovers in the U.S.

Visa Application Process:

Apply online through the DS-160 form.
Pay the visa fee.
Schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dhahran).
Provide required documents, including a passport, financial proof, and travel itinerary.

There is no Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for Saudi citizens, so a visa is required before travel

Do Saudi Need Visa For Europe?

Yes, Saudi Arabian citizens generally need a Schengen visa to travel to most European countries within the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or short visits (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

Exceptions:

Visa-Free Entry:
- Saudi citizens can travel visa-free to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Georgia, Montenegro, and Ukraine for a limited period.
- Starting from mid-2025, Saudi citizens will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) instead of a Schengen visa for short stays.
Special Visas Required:
- United Kingdom and Ireland: Saudi citizens need a separate visa (not a Schengen visa).
- Turkey: Saudi passport holders can apply for an e-Visa online for short visits.

If you are planning a trip, it’s best to check the latest visa requirements based on your destination

Countries That Gives Visa On Arrival For Saudi Passport Holders?

Saudi passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in several countries across different continents. Here’s a categorized list:

Asia:

Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Iraq
Laos
Macau
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Yemen

Africa:

Burundi
Cape Verde
Comoros
Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Madagascar
Malawi
Mauritania
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Tanzania

Oceania:

Palau
Samoa
Timor-Leste
Tuvalu

South America:

Bolivia

Please note that visa policies can change, and it’s essential to verify the current entry requirements before planning your travel. For the most up-to-date information, consult the official government websites or contact the embassies or consulates of your destination country.

Traveling To Australia For Saudi Passport Holders?

Australia is a popular travel destination known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. If you are a Saudi passport holder planning to visit Australia, you need essential information on visa requirements, travel restrictions, costs, cultural expectations, and tips for a smooth journey.

1. Visa Requirements for Saudi Passport Holders

Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)

Saudi Arabian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Australia. The most common visa for tourism purposes is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). This visa allows travelers to visit Australia for tourism, family visits, or short-term business activities.

Visa Application Process

Online Application – You can apply for a Visitor Visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or via an authorized visa agent.
Required Documents – The application requires:
- A valid Saudi passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Travel itinerary (flight and accommodation details)
- Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, salary slips)
- Travel history (previous visas and stamps)
- Health insurance (recommended but not mandatory)
- Purpose of visit (invitation letter if visiting family/friends)
Processing Time – The standard processing time for the visa is between 15 to 30 days, depending on the application volume and individual circumstances.
Visa Fee – The visa cost starts at AUD 150 (approx. SAR 370) but varies depending on the duration and type.

2. COVID-19 & Travel Restrictions

As of 2024, Australia has lifted most COVID-19-related travel restrictions, but it is advised to check the latest updates from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs before traveling. Saudi travelers should:

Ensure they are fully vaccinated (if required)
Carry travel insurance covering COVID-19-related issues
Follow quarantine and testing requirements (if applicable)

3. Flights from Saudi Arabia to Australia

Several airlines operate flights between Saudi Arabia and major Australian cities, including:

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia)
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Etihad Airways
Singapore Airlines

Flight Duration

Riyadh to Sydney – Approx. 18-22 hours (with one or two stopovers)
Jeddah to Melbourne – Approx. 20-24 hours
Dammam to Brisbane – Approx. 22-26 hours

Average Ticket Prices

Economy Class: SAR 3,500 – 6,500 (round trip)
Business Class: SAR 12,000 – 20,000 (round trip)
First Class: SAR 25,000+ (round trip)

It is advisable to book tickets 3-6 months in advance to secure better prices.

4. Best Time to Visit Australia

Australia experiences opposite seasons to Saudi Arabia:

Summer (December – February) – Ideal for beach destinations (Sydney, Gold Coast)
Autumn (March – May) – Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Winter (June – August) – Best for skiing (Melbourne, Tasmania)
Spring (September – November) – Perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing

For Saudi travelers, autumn and spring are the most comfortable seasons, avoiding extreme heat or cold.

5. Top Destinations for Saudi Travelers

Sydney

Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge – Iconic landmarks
Bondi Beach – Perfect for sunbathing and surfing
Blue Mountains – A scenic escape with waterfalls and hiking trails

Melbourne

Great Ocean Road – Stunning coastal drive
Federation Square & Yarra River – Vibrant cultural spots
Phillip Island – Famous for its penguin parade

Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise – Known for its beaches and nightlife
Theme Parks – Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World
Rainforest Walks – Lamington National Park

Brisbane

South Bank Parklands – A lively riverside area
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – Get up close with Australian wildlife
Moreton Island – Known for sand dunes and snorkeling

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef – A must-visit for snorkeling and diving
Daintree Rainforest – Home to ancient trees and diverse wildlife

6. Culture & Etiquette for Saudi Travelers

Language

English is the official language.
Learning basic English phrases can be helpful.

Dress Code

Australia has a relaxed dress code.
Modest dressing is acceptable in all places, but beachwear is common in coastal cities.

Halal Food & Dining

Many restaurants in Australia offer halal food, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Use apps like Zabihah or HalalTrip to locate halal-certified eateries.
Seafood and vegetarian options are widely available.

Prayer Facilities

Major cities have mosques and Islamic centers.
Some shopping malls and airports provide prayer rooms.

7. Currency & Costs

Currency Exchange

The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
1 AUD ≈ 2.5 SAR (exchange rates may vary).

Average Daily Expenses

Budget Travelers: AUD 50-100/day (SAR 125-250)
Mid-Range Travelers: AUD 150-300/day (SAR 375-750)
Luxury Travelers: AUD 500+/day (SAR 1,250+)

Payment Methods

Credit/Debit cards are widely accepted.
Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common.

8. Safety & Travel Tips

Weather Precautions: Australian summers can be hot; use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife, especially in national parks.
Transport: Public transport (trains, buses, ferries) is reliable and affordable.
Emergency Contacts: Dial 000 for police, ambulance, or fire emergencies.
Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated for good service.

Conclusion

Visa policies can change frequently, so it’s always a good idea for travelers to check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country before making travel plans.