Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia at major airports like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. As of 2026, the visa is valid for tourism and allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Saudi airports. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter — pay the fee (around $135 USD) by credit card. This visa covers tourism and includes mandatory medical insurance.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they may check it before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your Saudi host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Carry a credit card or bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land. If it's even a day short, you'll be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport now.
Payment at the counter
The visa on arrival fee (480 SAR) must be paid by credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted. Make sure your card works internationally.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the Airport
Fly into Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), or Dammam (DMM). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Go to the Visa on Arrival Counter
In the immigration hall, look for the dedicated 'Visa on Arrival' counter. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
3
Pay the Fee and Get Your Visa
The officer processes your visa on the spot. Pay the 480 SAR fee by card. You'll receive a visa sticker in your passport.
4
Proceed to Passport Control
After getting your visa, go to passport control. Show your passport with the new visa, your return ticket, and your hotel booking if asked. You'll be stamped in.
5
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
Once through passport control, collect your bags from the carousel and head to customs. You're now in Saudi Arabia.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 480 (~$128 USD)
Apply online before travel; same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; apply online.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,000 (~$267 USD)
Requires sponsor/invitation letter from Saudi company.
Work Visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires job offer and employer sponsorship.
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 digital nomad visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Freelancer)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For remote workers and freelancers with verifiable income. Requires proof of employment or contracts. No local sponsor needed.
Apply investor visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Investor)
1 year, renewable
SAR 800,000 (~$213,333 USD) one-time fee
For investors making a significant financial contribution. Grants permanent residency-like benefits. Requires investment in Saudi assets.
Apply work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Employment)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term stay and family sponsorship.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study (1–5 years)
Varies (institution-sponsored)
For enrolled students at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and financial proof. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, single entry, max stay 90 days. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, multiple entries, max stay 90 days per entry. | SAR 800 (~$213 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap; fines accumulate daily. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) |
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
Italian passport holders can transit through Saudi airports without a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 12 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 12 hours, a transit visa or tourist visa is required.
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 risk.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Umrah/Hajj pilgrims; recommended for others during outbreaks.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from street food; ensure food is thoroughly cooked and water is bottled.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Some risk 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)
King Fahd Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Prince Majid Road, Al Salamah, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for IT 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 480 Saudi Riyals (about €120). You must pay by credit or debit card — cash is not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, apply for a different visa type before your trip.
Yes, you must have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it, so keep a screenshot on your phone.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is available at all major international airports: Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), and Dammam (DMM). It may not be available at smaller airports.
No, you only need a confirmed booking for your first night. The address should be clear on the confirmation.
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for entry. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Saudi Arabia can be very high.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.