Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or Umrah. This has been available since 2019 and covers stays up to 90 days. Just land at any international airport, pay the fee, and you're in.
Apply for Saudi Arabia eVisaTourist eVisa for eligible nationalities. Valid 1 year, multiple entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Available at major airports for eligible nationalities | Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Saudi airports. The fee is around $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. You pay by credit card at the immigration counter before the passport control line.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Saudi Arabia routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone ready at passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your Saudi host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but it can speed things up if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Saudi airports is well-organised. Just follow the signs to the visa on arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and payment ready. The whole thing takes about 10-15 minutes.
Strict dress code and behaviour rules
Saudi Arabia has conservative laws. Women are not required to wear an abaya, but modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is expected for both men and women. Public displays of affection are not allowed. Alcohol is banned. Follow local rules to avoid fines or deportation.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a Saudi international airport
You can get the visa on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia's international airports: Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), or Medina (MED). Follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
Look for the dedicated counter or kiosk before immigration. Present your passport and return ticket. The officer will process your visa and take payment.
3
Pay the fee and receive your visa
Pay the fee (around 480 SAR) by card or cash. The visa is a sticker placed in your passport. It's usually valid for 90 days from issue, and you can stay up to 90 days total.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa sticker, go to the immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, hotel booking). You'll get an entry stamp.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 480 (~$128 USD)
Apply online before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days total per year
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 1,200 (~$320 USD)
Multiple entries allowed; max 90 days stay per visit.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,500 (~$400 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation; allows multiple entries.
Work Visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and medical tests.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. Allows long-term stay without sponsor.
Apply work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires sponsorship and medical tests. Leads to Iqama (residence permit).
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business)
1 year, renewable
SAR 50,000 (~$13,333 USD) initial fee
For entrepreneurs investing in Saudi businesses. Requires minimum investment of SAR 1 million. Includes family sponsorship.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program
Varies (university-sponsored)
For full-time students at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. Payable by credit card at airport. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap stated; fines accumulate daily. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible for up to 30 days, subject to approval via Absher or Jawazat. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Saudi Arabia
No transit visa needed
Ireland passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 12 hours at Saudi airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a transit visa or tourist visa is required.
- Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours if they apply for a free stopover visa.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) - Jeddah · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) - Riyadh · King Fahd International Airport (DMM) - Dammam
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims; recommended for others during outbreaks.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in urban areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Risk exists in rural areas of Asir and Jazan regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) - Riyadh
King Fahd Road, Al Olaya District, Riyadh 12211
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Use Absher online portal first.
Jeddah
Jawazat Jeddah Office
Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, Al Salamah District, Jeddah 23525
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for pilgrims and tourists. Bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for IE travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival costs 480 Saudi Riyals (about €120). You can pay by credit/debit card or cash (SAR) at the airport counter. Some kiosks also accept contactless payment.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You can stay up to 90 days per entry. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need a transit visa or a visa on arrival. The visa on arrival is available for transit passengers too, as long as you meet the requirements.
Yes, the visa on arrival is valid for Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) as well as tourism and business. It covers multiple entries within its validity period, but each stay is limited to 90 days.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling. If you're already in Saudi and your passport expires, contact your embassy for an emergency travel document.
Yes, it's available at all international airports: Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), and Medina (MED). It's also available at some land borders, but the process is smoother at airports. Not available at seaports.
Yes, you can apply for a Saudi e-visa online before travel. It costs about the same (around 480 SAR) and is valid for one year with multiple entries. The e-visa is processed quickly (often within 24 hours). Some travellers prefer it to avoid queues at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.