Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. As of 2026, you simply land at any international airport, pay the fee, and receive a tourist visa valid for up to 90 days. No advance application is needed.
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 passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration at King Khalid or King Abdulaziz airports will deny entry if your passport expires before your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia | Immigration officers at Jeddah and Riyadh routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you arrive without one, you may be refused entry and placed on the next flight back. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your Saudi host. Immigration sometimes asks for this during secondary screening, especially if you arrive on a tourist visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least 2,000 SAR (about $530 USD) in cash or on a card. Border officers rarely check, but they can ask if you look like you're working without a permit. | Recommended |
| Tourist eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com. The visa costs $135 USD, includes mandatory medical insurance, and is valid for 90 days with multiple entries. Approval usually comes within minutes.Apply for eVisa | Required |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Icelandic passport holders can get a tourist visa on arrival at any Saudi international airport. No advance application needed — just show up with a valid passport, return ticket, and hotel booking.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Saudi Arabia. If it expires sooner, you will be turned away. Check your passport before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Saudi airport
Fly into any international airport in Saudi Arabia (e.g., Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa' counters.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, pay the visa fee (around 480 SAR, roughly $128 USD) by credit card or cash. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to immigration
After receiving the visa stamp, go to the immigration queue. Present your passport with the new visa, your return ticket, and hotel booking if asked. The officer will let you through.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostSAR 480 (~$128 USD)
Apply online before travel; faster processing.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
CostSAR 1,200 (~$320 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; non-extendable.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostSAR 600 (~$160 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation; extension possible.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1–2 years, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored, typically SAR 2,000–5,000 (~$533–$1,333 USD)
For foreign workers with a Saudi employer sponsor. Requires a job offer, valid contract, and medical tests. Allows long-term residence and family sponsorship.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable annually
Varies; tuition and visa fees apply, typically SAR 1,000–3,000 (~$267–$800 USD)
For international students accepted at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa (Business Visa)
1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus investment minimum
For foreign investors establishing a business in Saudi Arabia. Requires a Saudi partner or license from the Ministry of Investment. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
premium residency
Saudi Premium Residency (Self-Sponsored)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For wealthy individuals seeking long-term residency without a sponsor. Requires proof of income and health insurance. Offers freedom to live, work, and own property.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days, non-extendable. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; fines accumulate daily. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
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
Iceland passport holders can transit through Saudi airports without a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 12 hours. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 96 hours with a transit visa application.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)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; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the southwestern region (e.g., Jizan, Asir). Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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)
King Fahd Road, Al Olaya District
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Prince Majid Road, Al Salamah District
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for IS 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
Getting to Saudi Arabia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival costs about 480 SAR (around $128 USD). You can pay by credit card or cash at the airport counter.
The visa is valid for up to 90 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip within that window.
Yes, all international airports in Saudi Arabia offer visa on arrival for eligible nationalities, including Iceland. This includes Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina.
Yes, you must have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it before issuing the visa.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
It is not mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Saudi Arabia can be very high, and insurance covers emergencies.
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.