How UAE Residents Can Apply for a One-Year Saudi eVisa in 2025

The golden dunes of AlUla. The neon pulse of Riyadh Boulevard. The timeless call of Makkah and Madinah. For many residents of the UAE, Saudi Arabia has long stood as both a spiritual heartland and an emerging tourism haven. And with the Kingdom’s eVisa policy extending its arms to UAE residents, visiting just got remarkably easier.

In 2025, Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious journey toward Vision 2030. With tourism as one of the key pillars of economic diversification, the country is rethinking its visa frameworks to welcome more regional travelers. Among the biggest wins? UAE-based residents who, regardless of nationality, can now apply for a one-year, multiple-entry Saudi eVisa, offering stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Let’s walk you through the entire process, so you can start planning your next cross-border adventure smoothly and confidently.

What is the Saudi eVisa for UAE Residents in 2025?

Saudi Arabia’s eVisa platform, originally launched in 2019, was a bold step in opening up the Kingdom for global tourism. Since then, the offering has expanded significantly, especially for GCC countries like the UAE.

As of 2025, UAE residents can apply online for a one-year, multiple-entry tourist visa that allows up to 90 consecutive days per visit, with the freedom to re-enter as needed during the validity period.

This is not limited to Emirati citizens. If you hold a valid UAE residence visa and a passport from any eligible nationality, you’re in. This includes residents from countries like India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, South Africa, and many more, opening doors to explore Saudi Arabia without traditional consular restrictions.

What Can You Do with the Saudi eVisa?

For travel to Saudi Arabia, it is compulsory to obtain a visa. – (Credits: BBC)

The eVisa allows travelers to explore Saudi Arabia for tourism, leisure, family visits, and even Umrah (excluding Hajj). That means you can spend a long weekend hiking the canyons of NEOM, take a road trip from Jeddah to Taif, or experience Ramadan nights in Riyadh.

Pilgrims planning to perform Umrah will find this visa especially beneficial, particularly outside of peak Hajj season. And thanks to the multiple-entry nature, you can visit several times across the year, making it ideal for both religious and recreational purposes.

How to Apply for the Saudi eVisa as a UAE Resident?

Here’s your complete roadmap to securing the Saudi eVisa:

Check Eligibility: You must hold a valid UAE residency permit and a passport from one of the eligible nationalities. Most Asian, European, and African countries are covered, but it’s always best to confirm via the Visit Saudi eVisa Portal.
Go Online to Apply: Head over to the official eVisa platform. The process is digital, user-friendly, and available in multiple languages.
Fill Out the Application Form: You will need to enter basic personal information, your UAE residence visa details, and upload a passport-sized photo.
Pay the Visa Fee: The eVisa costs around SAR 535 (approx AED 525), which includes travel insurance. Payments can be made securely via credit/debit card.
Receive eVisa by Email: Most applicants receive approval within 24–48 hours. Your eVisa will be emailed directly to you—print a copy and keep a digital one saved on your phone for immigration.

Once approved, you can enter Saudi Arabia through any international airport or border crossing. The most common entry points for UAE residents are Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al Ahsa.

What Documents Do You Need?

To complete your eVisa application as a UAE resident, keep these documents ready:

Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
Valid UAE residency visa
Passport-size photograph
Credit or debit card for payment

Remember, your UAE residency visa must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Why Does This Matter for UAE-Based Travelers?

Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. – (Credits: eVisa Saudia)

s visa is a game-changer, especially for the UAE’s vast expat population. Previously, many travelers from non-Western countries needed to go through lengthy consulate processes. Now, thanks to Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism model, GCC-based residents can experience spontaneous trips to the Kingdom with less red tape and more cultural access.

It also reflects growing regional unity. The Gulf is becoming more interconnected, with projects like the upcoming GCC Unified Tourist Visa set to further ease travel between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and beyond.

Tips for First-Time Travelers

Traveling to Saudi Arabia for the first time? Whether you’re planning a cultural deep dive, a spiritual retreat, or a luxurious long weekend, here are some Soul of Saudi-approved tips to help you navigate your trip with ease and intention.

Book your hotel through Nusuk.sa if planning Umrah.
Travel during the cooler months (October to March) for more comfortable sightseeing and also experience the full glory of the Riyadh season
Dress modestly and observe local customs, especially in smaller towns.
Carry a printout of your eVisa for airport and border checks because the Kingdom is going all digital
Keep your mobile devices and electronic gadgets charged at all times
Don’t forget that travel insurance is included in your visa fee!

An Interconnected GCC Full of Stories

The Saudi e-Visa is issued as one of two possible entry categories, either as a single-entry or as a multiple-entry electronic visa. (Credits: Saudi Visa)

There’s a rising hum in the Gulf air, one of cultural curiosity, regional unity, and effortless travel. In 2025, Saudi Arabia is not just opening its doors only but it’s inviting UAE residents in like old friends. From Red Sea islands and ancient Nabatean ruins to high-tech cityscapes and historic mosques, the Kingdom offers something for every kind of traveler.

And now, if you’re a resident of the UAE, getting there is easier than ever.

So go ahead—plan that long-awaited trip to AlUla, explore the buzzing streets of Jeddah, or simply drive into the desert for a night under the stars. Your adventure is just one e-visa away.

FAQs.

Can any UAE resident apply for the Saudi eVisa?
Yes. As long as you have a valid UAE residence visa and a passport from an eligible country, you can apply. Check your eligibility here.

How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on the eVisa?
The visa allows multiple entries for up to 1 year, with a maximum 90-day stay per visit.

Can I perform Umrah using this eVisa?
Yes. UAE residents can perform Umrah with this eVisa, but it does not permit entry for Hajj.

What if I have a passport from a country not listed?
In that case, you may need to apply for a visa through a Saudi embassy. However, more nationalities are being added regularly—stay updated via Visit Saudi.

Do children need a separate visa?
Yes. Every traveler, including minors, needs their eVisa. Apply for each person individually through the same portal.

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This article is brought to you by Soul of Saudi — a Saudi travel blog dedicated to uncovering the heart and soul of the Kingdom.