For residents of the UAE, the cost of a Saudi visa depends heavily on the type (tourist, business, multiple-entry), the duration of stay, and whether optional services such as medical insurance or expedited processing are required. Generally, a standard Saudi eVisa for tourists from UAE starts at around 750 AED, while more comprehensive visas like multi-entry business/visit visas or longer-duration stay visas can cost significantly more, sometimes several thousand AED.
Breakdown of Visa Types & Their Costs
Here are the common Saudi visa types that UAE residents apply for, with typical costs:
- Tourist eVisa (Year-long, multiple-entry): This is one of the most popular options for UAE residents. The fee is often around 750 AED for 1 year, allowing up to 90 days per visit.
- Single Entry Business or Visit Visa (30 days): These tend to cost more than basic tourist visas; for example, approx 850 AED for 30-day single entry in some offerings.
- Multiple-Entry Business or Visit Visa (1 year): More expensive due to higher flexibility. Costs can go up to 4,500 AED in certain service provider listings, depending on type and added services.
- eVisa with Medical Insurance / Add-ons: When medical insurance is required or selected, or when expedited processing is chosen, expect extra charges. Some eVisa options charge separately for the insurance portion.
What Affects the Visa Fee
Several factors can increase or adjust the cost of the Saudi visa:
- Visa Type & Duration: Longer validity and multiple entries cost more. A short visit vs. one-year visa makes a big difference.
- Medical Insurance Requirement: Many visa fees include or require medical insurance; the cost of insurance depends on provider, plan coverage, age, and sometimes health status.
- Processing Speed / Expedited Fees: If you need the visa faster (urgent or “express” processing), you will likely pay an additional fee over the standard price.
- Nationality or Passport + Residence Status: Some applicants may qualify for discounted fees or different fee structures if they are GCC nationals or have special agreements. Those with passports from certain countries may see variations.
- Additional Service Charges / Agency Fees: If applying via a visa service provider or travel agency, extra service fees for handling, document checks, or form completions may apply.
Examples of Current Fees (UAE Residents)
Here are recent examples of how much Saudi visas cost for UAE residents, with actual figures:
- The Saudi eVisa (tourist, 1-year, multiple entries) is listed by visa service providers starting at 750 AED.
- A 30-day single entry business or visit visa can cost approximately 850 AED.
- A one-year multiple-entry business/visit visa is much more costly, listed around 4,500 AED in some service provider listings.
- For GCC residents, the Saudi eVisa fee (excluding insurance) is around SR 300, which is roughly 293 AED, but then medical insurance adds to that cost. (Gulf News)
What You Need to Be Careful Of
- Insurance cost changes can vary widely: The medical insurance portion may add anywhere from a modest amount to a substantial extra depending on coverage. Always check whether the fee quoted includes insurance.
- Non-refundable fees: Once you’ve submitted the visa application and paid the fee, rejections due to incomplete documents usually don’t get full refunds.
- Service provider mark-ups: If using an agency, check whether your quoted cost is pure government + insurance + official fees, or if there is extra handling charge.
- Currency fluctuations: Fees often quoted in Saudi Riyals or US dollars, then converted. USD-based costs may shift slightly in AED because of exchange rates.
Tips to Save on Costs
- Apply for the basic tourist eVisa if you don’t need business visas or extra entries.
- Choose insurance plans that are adequate but not over-premium unless required.
- Avoid expedited services unless necessary — standard processing usually suffices if done ahead of travel.
- Apply directly via official platforms (MOFA, official visa portals) rather than high-cost third-party agencies.
- Make sure all documents are ready to avoid re-submission fees or delays.
The cost of a Saudi visa for a UAE resident ranges widely depending on what type of visa you want. A standard tourist multiple-entry eVisa typically costs around 750 AED, while single-entry business/visit visas or longer duration or multiple-entry visas may cost 850 AED, 4,500 AED, or more, depending on extras like medical insurance or rapid processing. Always check the latest official fees, confirm whether insurance is included, and apply with full documentation to avoid unexpected extra fees or delays.