Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa for Pakistanis 2026 — Complete Application Guide

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Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourists in 2019 with the launch of the eVisa system, and for Pakistani travellers this has been the single biggest positive change in visa policy in the last decade. For most of our lifetimes, the only way a Pakistani citizen could enter Saudi Arabia was on a Hajj visa or an Umrah visa — both requiring a sponsor, a travel agent, and significant paperwork. The Saudi Tourist eVisa changed all that. As of 2026, Pakistani citizens can apply online, receive approval by email within 24 to 72 hours, and enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, business meetings, or Umrah (outside Ramadan) — all without a sponsor.

This guide covers the complete 2026 Saudi Tourist eVisa process for Pakistanis, including the small changes that have made approval easier, the documents you need, and the practical planning for what to do once you arrive. For help with your application, message us on WhatsApp.

What the Saudi Tourist eVisa Allows

The Saudi Tourist eVisa is a 1-year multiple-entry visa that allows Pakistani citizens to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, business meetings, family visits, and Umrah (outside the holy month of Ramadan). Each entry allows a stay of up to 90 days, with a total of 90 days across all entries within the 1-year validity. The visa includes mandatory Saudi health insurance coverage, which is bundled into the visa fee — this is important because Saudi emergency medical care is expensive.

The eVisa does not allow Hajj performance. For Hajj, a separate Hajj visa issued through the Pakistani Ministry of Religious Affairs is required — see our Hajj preparation guide for that process.

The Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the official Saudi eVisa portal at visitsaudi.com. Avoid third-party "visa service" websites that charge 50 to 200 USD more for the same visa.
2. Create an account using your email address and passport details
3. Select your nationality (Pakistan) and visa type (Tourist eVisa)
4. Upload the required documents: scanned passport bio page, passport-size photograph, and proof of accommodation if requested
5. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. The total cost is approximately 480 SAR (35,000 PKR), which includes 80 SAR visa fee, 180 SAR processing fee, and 220 SAR mandatory health insurance.
6. Receive the eVisa by email within 24 to 72 hours. Print two copies — one for immigration on arrival, one as backup.

The approval rate for Pakistani eVisa applications is high — above 80% according to recent data — provided the application is complete and the applicant has a clean travel history. The most common reason for rejection is incomplete documentation or a passport with less than 6 months validity.

Required Documents

• Machine-readable Pakistani passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
• Passport-size photograph (35mm × 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
• Valid credit or debit card for the 480 SAR fee payment
• Active email address (the eVisa is delivered by email)
• If staying in Saudi Arabia for more than 24 hours, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation)
• Return flight ticket (not always requested at application stage, but immigration may ask on arrival)

Using the eVisa for Umrah — A Common Misunderstanding

Many Pakistani travellers assume the eVisa is for "tourists only" and that they need a separate Umrah visa for religious visits. This is incorrect. The eVisa explicitly allows Umrah performance — you can enter Saudi Arabia on the eVisa, travel to Makkah and Madinah, perform Umrah, and exit. The only restriction is that the eVisa cannot be used during Ramadan for Umrah. During Ramadan, you must apply for a separate Umrah visa through an authorised Saudi Umrah agent.

For pilgrims planning an Umrah trip outside Ramadan, the eVisa is genuinely superior to the traditional Umrah visa because:

• The Umrah visa is single-entry; the eVisa is multiple-entry for 1 year
• The Umrah visa is valid for 30 days; the eVisa allows 90 days per entry
• The Umrah visa costs approximately 200 to 250 SAR through an agent; the eVisa is 480 SAR all-inclusive
• The eVisa includes health insurance; the Umrah visa does not

For the broader Umrah planning context — including hotels near the Haram, packing lists, and tips for elderly pilgrims — see our Makkah hotels guide, our complete Umrah packing list, and our Umrah with elderly parents guide.

What to See Beyond Umrah — Saudi as a Tourist Destination

Saudi Arabia has been actively developing tourism beyond the religious pilgrimage sector. For Pakistani tourists using the eVisa for leisure rather than religious travel, the emerging destinations include:

• Riyadh: the new capital city — Kingdom Centre Tower, Diriyah (UNESCO heritage site), Boulevard Riyadh City entertainment district
• Jeddah: the historic gateway to Makkah — Al Balad old town (UNESCO heritage), Corniche, Red Sea beaches
• AlUla: Saudi's answer to Petra — the Nabataean tombs of Hegra (Madain Saleh), Elephant Rock, the old town. Three hours from Madinah by car.
• NEOM and the Red Sea Project: the new mega-developments in the northwest. Limited access in 2026 but increasingly available for tourists.
• Abha and the Asir Mountains: the coolest summer destination in Saudi. Abha is at 2,200 metres altitude, with green mountains and traditional architecture.

Standing with Palestine

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Pakistanis get the Saudi Tourist eVisa?
A: Yes — Pakistani citizens are eligible for the Saudi Tourist eVisa. Apply online at visitsaudi.com.

Q: Can I perform Umrah on the eVisa?
A: Yes, but only outside Ramadan. During Ramadan, you need a separate Umrah visa.

Q: How long does eVisa processing take?
A: 24 to 72 hours for most applications. Allow 5 to 7 days as a safety margin.

Q: How much does the eVisa cost?
A: Approximately 480 SAR (35,000 PKR) including mandatory health insurance.

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