Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa Guide for Group Travel (2026)

Saudi Arabia went from largely closed to genuinely open for tourism in just a few years, and the visa side is now far simpler than most agents expect. But “simpler” still has rules worth knowing before you confirm a group, because eligibility, timing and on-the-ground etiquette all shape how a departure runs. Here is the practical version for tour operators planning groups.

The tourist visa, in plain terms

Saudi Arabia offers a tourist e-visa to citizens of around 60 countries, issued online (and available on arrival for those same nationalities). It’s typically a one-year, multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit — which comfortably covers any group tour and lets repeat visitors return on the same document. Travellers outside the eligible list apply through a Saudi embassy or an approved agent, so the first thing we do for any group is check every passport against the current eligibility list.

Two points that come up constantly:

• Umrah is permitted on the tourist visa for Muslim travellers, which makes combined faith-and-leisure group programmes straightforward.
• Women can travel independently and there is no requirement for a male guardian — a question we still field often from agents.

What to build a group tour around

The headline sights now justify a full week or more:

• AlUla & Hegra — Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Nabataean rock-cut tombs that rival Petra and a fraction of the crowds.
• Diriyah — the restored mud-brick birthplace of the Saudi state, on the edge of Riyadh.
• Riyadh — the capital’s museums, the Edge of the World cliffs, and modern dining and retail.
• Jeddah — the coral-stone old town of Al-Balad and a gateway to Red Sea diving.

Timing and etiquette for groups

The comfortable season is November to March; summer in the interior is extremely hot and best avoided for touring groups. We brief every group on modest dress (lightweight, covering shoulders and knees; women no longer need an abaya but should dress conservatively), prayer-time pauses when some sites and shops close briefly, and the rhythm of a day during Ramadan if dates overlap. Our Saudi Arabia DMC team handles the visa guidance, permits for sites like Hegra, hotels, transport and licensed guides throughout.

Frequently asked questions

Which nationalities can get a Saudi tourist visa online?

Around 60 countries across Europe, North America, much of Asia and the GCC are eligible for the e-visa or visa on arrival. We confirm each traveller’s status before you commit to dates.

Can non-Muslims visit Saudi Arabia as tourists?

Yes. The tourist visa is open to all eligible nationalities regardless of religion; only Makkah and Madinah’s central holy areas remain restricted to Muslims.

What is the best time of year to visit?

November to March offers the most comfortable temperatures for touring AlUla, Riyadh and Jeddah.

Planning a group tour to Saudi Arabia? We handle visa guidance, site permits, hotels, transport and guides end to end. Explore our Saudi Arabia DMC services or request a group quote with your dates and pax.

Photos: Hegra (Mada’in Salih) by Carole Raddato (CC BY-SA 2.0); Riyadh skyline by B.alotaby (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.