Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any Saudi international airport. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you must meet a few key requirements before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com. The visa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. Processing takes minutes — you get a PDF emailed to you. Print it and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Swedish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Saudi law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Saudi airports checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. If you're flying out to a third country, that ticket works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Saudi immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Have a printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. If staying with friends, get a notarized invitation from them. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay, or have a credit card with a reasonable limit. Saudi immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires sooner, you will not be allowed to fly.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa is for tourism purposes only. You cannot work or study on it. If you plan to work, you need a work visa arranged by your employer before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive 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). There are dedicated counters for visa on arrival.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counter
After you clear passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign. Join the queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
The fee is around 480 SAR (about 128 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa. You can pay by credit card or cash (Saudi Riyals). The visa is usually valid for 90 days and allows a stay of up to 90 days.
4
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker in your passport, go to the immigration counter. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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 stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostSAR 480 (~$128 USD)
Apply online before travel; includes medical insurance.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days total per visit
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,200 (~$320 USD)
Allows multiple entries; includes medical insurance.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation; single entry.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
Varies by employer; typically SAR 2,000–5,000 (~$533–$1,333 USD)
For foreign workers with a Saudi sponsor. Requires a job offer, contract, and medical tests. Allows residency and multiple entries.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
SAR 1,000 (~$267 USD) for processing
For international students accepted at Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Saudi Arabia Investor Visa (Premium Residency)
1 year, renewable
SAR 800,000 (~$213,333 USD) for permanent residency; annual fee SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD)
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Saudi Arabia. Requires significant financial commitment. Offers residency without a sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. Includes medical insurance. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap mentioned; 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
Sweden passport holders can transit through Saudi Arabia without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer stops, a transit visa may be needed.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 96 hours with a confirmed onward ticket.
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 Hajj and Umrah pilgrims; recommended for other travellers 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 common; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of southwestern provinces (Jazan, 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, Riyadh
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extension and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jawazat Jeddah
Prince Majid Road, Al Salamah, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for western region visitors.
Practical information for SE 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 fee is 480 SAR (about 128 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa. You can pay by credit card or cash in Saudi Riyals. Some airports may also accept other major currencies, but it's safer to have Riyals.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. It allows a stay of up to 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different visa type before you travel.
If you are transiting and staying in the airport, you do not need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you will need a visa on arrival or a transit visa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Saudi immigration. You must renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
Yes, you can get it at all international airports: Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), and Medina (MED). It is not available at land borders or seaports.
Yes, you must have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it. A screenshot on your phone is usually fine.
It is not always required, but it is strongly recommended. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in. Hospital costs in Saudi Arabia are very high, so having insurance is a good idea.
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.