Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Official Requirement
Visa on arrival
for South Africa citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia
Travellers holding a valid, previously-used visa issued by the United States, United Kingdom, or a Schengen Area member state, and arriving via Saudi-based airlines, may be eligible to obtain a visa on arrival. Stays of up to 90 days per visit are permitted.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
AlUla
The short answer
South African citizens can get a visa on arrival to enter Saudi Arabia for stays of up to 90 days. A visa is issued at the border on arrival in Saudi Arabia. This covers tourist and short business visits only, not work, study or residence, and a border officer makes the final decision on entry in every case. Entry rules change without notice, so the requirement is read again from the official source on a schedule and the date above is the last time that happened. The official source for this corridor is linked on this page and should be checked before booking. Where the destination government and the traveller's own government disagree, the destination government decides, because it is the one that writes the rule. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Saudi Arabia
- Requirement
- Visa on arrival
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Saudi Arabia
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Prepare for the border desk in Saudi Arabia: the visa is issued on arrival, so bring whatever the official page lists, including a means to pay any fee.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: Exercise increased caution There are reports of continued missile and drone attacks in the Eastern Province and Riyadh Province. There is a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles and drones falling across the region and causing further disruption. We advise British nationals in Saudi Arabia to exercise increased caution. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building and take hard cover. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows
Updated 2026-03-17
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Apply for your Saudi Arabia eVisa
Official eVisa application — processed in minutes with instant confirmation.
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Saudi Arabia
Yes, but it is issued at the border. South African citizens can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
Through the official application page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Saudi Arabia uses SAR. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →