🚨 Urgent notice for all travelers to Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced new restrictions on its Visa on Arrival system, listing 14 countries — including Egypt — whose citizens are no longer eligible to obtain a visa upon arrival at Saudi airports. The decision is effective until further notice.
In this article, we'll explain all the details, the affected countries, exceptions, and how to properly obtain your Saudi visa before traveling so you don't face any surprises at the airport.
Summary — What Changed?
The previous system allowed citizens of certain countries to obtain a Saudi visa on arrival at the airport, provided they held a valid visa from the United States, United Kingdom, or the European Union (Schengen). The new decision eliminates this option for citizens of 14 countries.
ItemBeforeAfter
Visa on Arrival | ✅ Available for US/UK/Schengen visa holders | ❌ Not available for citizens of the 14 countries
Schengen/US/UK visa holders | ✅ Got visa instantly at airport | ❌ Restrictions apply to them too
Saudi-issued tourist visa (e-Visa) | ✅ Valid for travel | ✅ Still valid — the only exception
Duration of decision | — | Until further notice (indefinite)
⚠️ Key point: The restrictions apply even to those holding valid US, UK, or EU (Schengen) visas. So even if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can no longer get a Saudi visa on arrival.
The 14 Affected Countries
Citizens of these 14 countries are no longer eligible for Saudi visa on arrival:
#Country#Country
1 | 🇪🇬 Egypt | 8 | 🇳🇬 Nigeria
2 | 🇯🇴 Jordan | 9 | 🇮🇩 Indonesia
3 | 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 10 | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
4 | 🇩🇿 Algeria | 11 | 🇸🇩 Sudan
5 | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 12 | 🇾🇪 Yemen
6 | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 13 | 🇮🇳 India
7 | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | 14 | 🇮🇶 Iraq
The Only Exception — Pre-Issued Tourist Visa
The decision has one important exception:
✅ If you hold a valid tourist visa already issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (not a visa on arrival), you can travel normally.
This means if you obtained the Saudi e-Visa through the official platform or an authorized travel agent before traveling, there is no issue.
SituationCan You Travel?
Saudi e-Visa (pre-issued) | ✅ Yes — travel normally
Saudi work visa (valid) | ✅ Yes — not affected
Umrah/Hajj visa (valid) | ✅ Yes — not affected
Family visit visa | ✅ Yes — not affected
Schengen/US/UK visa only (no Saudi visa) | ❌ No — no visa on arrival
No Saudi visa at all | ❌ No — denied boarding
What You Need to Do Before Traveling
If you're a citizen of any of the 14 affected countries and planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, follow these steps:
1. Get Your Saudi e-Visa Online
The fastest option is the electronic tourist visa (e-Visa) through the official Saudi platform. It's issued within minutes to hours and allows stays of up to 90 days.
2. Let Ease Travel Handle It for You
Not sure about the process? Ease Travel can handle your Saudi visa quickly and professionally — from application to delivery.
3. Verify Your Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended travel date.
4. Don't Rely on Schengen or US Visas Alone
Even with a valid Schengen visa, US visa, or UK visa — these are no longer sufficient for visa on arrival. You need a separate Saudi visa.
5. Print Your Visa
Even if it's electronic, print a hard copy and keep a digital copy on your phone. Airlines may request it at check-in.
👉 Contact us on WhatsApp for immediate assistance
Saudi Visa Options for Egyptians in 2026
Visa TypeHow to Get ItProcessing TimeApprox. CostStatus
Tourist e-Visa | Online — Visit Saudi platform | Minutes – 24 hours | ~535 SAR (~$142) | ✅ Available
Visa on Arrival | Airport upon arrival | Instant | ~535 SAR | ❌ Suspended for Egyptians
Umrah Visa | Nusuk platform or travel agent | 24–72 hours | ~300 SAR + fees | ✅ Available
Work Visa | Through Saudi employer | 2–4 weeks | Employer-sponsored | ✅ Available
Family Visit Visa | Through Saudi resident | 1–2 weeks | ~300 SAR | ✅ Available
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Don't go to the airport without a Saudi visa: The airline will deny you boarding
- ❌ Don't rely solely on your Schengen visa: It's no longer a substitute — you need a separate Saudi visa
- ❌ Don't confuse e-Visa with visa on arrival: The e-Visa (applied online before travel) is valid ✅ — visa on arrival (at the airport) is what's been suspended ❌
- ❌ Don't travel without printing your visa: Even electronic visas should have a backup printout
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Egyptians banned from traveling to Saudi Arabia?
No! Egyptians can still travel to Saudi Arabia. They just need to obtain their visa before traveling (online or through a travel agent). Only the visa-on-arrival option has been suspended.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia with a valid Schengen visa?
No — a Schengen visa alone is no longer sufficient. You need a separate Saudi visa obtained before departure.
What's the fastest way to get a Saudi visa?
The e-Visa through Visit Saudi — it can be issued in minutes. Or contact Ease Travel for assistance.
Is this temporary or permanent?
The decision is effective "until further notice" — no end date has been specified. Follow official channels or contact us for updates.
Are Umrah and Hajj visas affected?
No. Umrah and Hajj visas operate under a completely separate system and are not affected.
Does this affect Saudi work visa or residency holders?
No. The decision only affects the visa-on-arrival system. Valid work visas, residencies, and family visit visas are unaffected.
Ease Travel — With You Every Step
This decision might be sudden, but the solution is simple: get your visa before you travel. Ease Travel helps you with:
- ✅ Saudi tourist e-Visa — fast and hassle-free
- ✅ Umrah & Hajj visas through official channels
- ✅ Flight & hotel bookings at the best prices
- ✅ Schengen & all visa file preparation
- ✅ Continuous updates on travel regulation changes
Don't let paperwork delay your trip:
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