Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Uruguay passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Uruguayan passport holders need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. You must apply at a Saudi embassy or consulate before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Uruguayan citizens. Plan ahead, as the process involves paperwork and processing time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for Saudi ArabiaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you need to apply at an embassy or consulate before you fly. Required for Uruguayan citizens | Uruguayan passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. Saudi Arabia does not offer an eVisa for Uruguayan citizens, so you must apply through a Saudi embassy or consulate. Submit your application well in advance of your planned departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesSaudi immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of the country shows you intend to leave before your visa expires. Proof of departure from Saudi Arabia | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Saudi Arabia. This is typically checked at check-in and may be requested by immigration. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationHaving your accommodation details handy helps prove your travel plans. Hotel booking or host invitation | Be ready to show a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your Saudi host. This may be requested during visa application or at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsShowing you can support yourself financially reduces the risk of being turned away. Sufficient funds for your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Saudi Arabia, such as recent bank statements or credit cards. This may be requested by immigration officers. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical care in Saudi Arabia can be expensive; insurance protects you. Medical coverage recommended | Although not mandatory for all visa types, travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended. It can cover unexpected medical costs or trip disruptions. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | Saudi Arabia does not require an arrival declaration form for Uruguayan citizens. No additional health or customs declaration is needed at this time. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Uruguayans
Even though Saudi Arabia offers eVisa for many nationalities, Uruguay is not on that list. Do not rely on online visa portals — you must apply through an embassy or consulate.
Plan ahead — processing takes time
Visa processing can take weeks. Start the process at least a month before your planned departure. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Saudi embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Saudi diplomatic mission in Uruguay or the region. Call or email to confirm the exact visa requirements, fees, and appointment process. Some embassies require an in-person interview; others accept applications by mail.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, completed form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and insurance. Make copies of everything. Double-check that your passport has at least 6 months validity and a blank page.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application at the embassy or consulate. Pay the visa fee (varies by nationality and visa type — ask the embassy for the current amount). You may need to leave your passport with them for processing.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand. Track the status if the embassy offers that option.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa details — dates, validity, and number of entries — to make sure everything is correct before you travel.
6
Arrive in Saudi Arabia
At the airport (e.g., King Khalid International in Riyadh or King Abdulaziz in Jeddah), go through passport control. Have your passport, visa, and possibly proof of accommodation ready. You'll get an entry stamp. Follow any additional instructions from the immigration officer.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (multiple-entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$135
Allows multiple entries; suitable for repeated visits.
Business visa (multiple-entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$135
Requires Saudi sponsor; may allow multiple entries.
Work visa (single-entry)
Max stayDuration of contract (usually 1-2 years)
ValiditySingle entry; renewable
Cost$200
Must be sponsored by Saudi employer; includes medical and security checks.
Residence permit (Iqama)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$80 (renewal)
For residents; allows multiple exits/re-entries with valid exit/re-entry visa.
Premium Residency
Saudi Premium Residency
1 year (renewable)
SAR 800,000 (one-time) or SAR 100,000/year
Long-term residency for investors, retirees, and professionals; allows work and family sponsorship.
Apply for Premium Residency Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single-entry, online via Visa platform)Includes medical insurance; valid for 1 year from issue, multiple entries allowed. | $135 (approx. SAR 535) |
| Tourist visa (one-year, multiple-entry)Same as above; most common option. | $135 (approx. SAR 535) |
| Umrah visa (during Ramadan or off-peak)Issued for religious visit; same fee as tourist visa. | $135 (approx. SAR 535) |
| Business visa (single-entry)Requires Saudi sponsor/invitation letter. | $135 (approx. SAR 535) |
| Work visa (single-entry)Requires employment contract and sponsor; additional fees for medical test and ID. | $200 (approx. SAR 750) |
| Residence permit (Iqama) renewalAnnual fee for expatriates; paid by employer or individual. | $80 (approx. SAR 300) |
| Exit/re-entry visaRequired for residents leaving and returning to Saudi Arabia. | $27 (approx. SAR 100) |
| Overstay fineApplied for each day beyond visa validity. | $27 (approx. SAR 100) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Criminal record or security concerns25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Transit visa required
Uruguayan citizens transiting through Saudi Arabia require a transit visa unless they are nationals of GCC countries or have a valid Saudi visa. The transit visa is free and valid for 96 hours, allowing entry into the country.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 12 hours may be allowed to transit without a visa, but this is at the discretion of the airline and Saudi authorities. It is strongly recommended to obtain a transit visa in advance.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Meningococcal (ACWY)Required for all travelers; certificate must be issued within 5 years and at least 10 days before arrival.
PolioRequired for travelers from polio-affected countries (Uruguay is not affected, but proof may be requested if traveling from an affected area).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Heatstroke and dehydrationHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures; stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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)
Al Olaya District, Riyadh
Sun-Thu 08:00-14:30
Practical information for UY 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
No. Uruguay is not on the list of countries eligible for visa-on-arrival or the Saudi eVisa. You must obtain a visa from a Saudi embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy and visa type. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Contact the embassy for current timelines and plan well ahead of your intended travel date.
The fee depends on the visa type (tourist, business, etc.) and is set by the Saudi authorities. Contact the embassy or consulate for the exact amount. Be prepared to pay in the local currency or as directed.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
For tourist visas, a hotel booking usually suffices as proof of accommodation. For business visas, you'll need an invitation letter from a Saudi company. Check with the embassy for your specific visa type.
Your visa application will likely be rejected, and even if you get a visa, you'll be denied entry at the Saudi border. Renew your passport before applying.
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires all visitors to have valid health insurance covering their stay. You'll need to show proof when applying for the visa, and it may be checked at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.