Thinking about a trip from Germany to Saudi Arabia? Good news — German passport holders are eligible for the Saudi Arabia “eVisa,” making travel much simpler than it used to be. In this post, I walk you through everything you need to know for the Saudi Arabia eVisa for German Citizens: applying, requirements, how long you can stay, what works (and what doesn’t), and some handy travel tips at the end.
Do German citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes — if you hold a German passport and want to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism (or short-term travel), you need a visa. The easiest and most convenient option is the eVisa (electronic visa).
The eVisa program lets German travelers apply online instead of going to an embassy or consulate in person — no sticker in the passport, no waiting in visa lines.
So yes — unless you qualify for a special visa-on-arrival scheme (not always guaranteed), applying for the eVisa is the simplest path.
How do I apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa from Germany?
Applying for the Saudi eVisa is done entirely online (you don’t need to visit any office).
Here’s a simple step-by-step:
Upload a valid German passport with 6 months’ validity remaining.
Ensure your passport has 2 blank pages.
Provide a recent passport-size photo on a white background.
Quick and simple process to get you ready for your journey.
What documents are required for a Saudi eVisa for German citizens?
If you’re applying for a tourist eVisa from Germany, here are the usual documents/requirements:
1. Apply
Fill out the Saudi Arabia eVisa application form with your personal, travel, and passport details. Upload all required documents and submit your application.
2. Pay the Visa Fee
Make the payment using a valid debit or credit card, or via PayPal. You will receive a confirmation email once the payment has been successfully processed.
3. Receive Saudi Arabia eVisa
Wait for your application to be processed. After approval, your Saudi Arabia eVisa will be emailed to the address you provided during registration.
That’s basically all — no need for in-person interviews or extra paperwork if it’s just tourist travel.
How much does the eVisa cost for German citizens?
The Saudi Arabia eVisa Fee for German citizens can vary depending on the type of processing you choose and any additional services included during the application. When you apply online, the exact amount will be clearly shown before you submit your form. This allows you to review everything and confirm the total cost before completing the application.
Is the Saudi eVisa single-entry or multiple-entry for Germans?
For German citizens, the tourist eVisa allows multiple entries during its validity period.
So you could come and go (for tourism, family visits, short stays) within the permitted time frame, rather than being limited to a single visit.
How long is the eVisa valid, and how long can I stay in Saudi Arabia with it?
The eVisa is typically valid for one year from the date it is issued.
Each time you enter Saudi Arabia on that visa, you can stay up to 90 days (about three months).
That means even though your visa lasts a full year, each visit cannot exceed 90 days without leaving and re-entering.
How long does it take to get the eVisa (processing time)?
Processing time can vary depending on how quickly you apply and how busy things are. According to recent sources:
Normal/standard processing usually means between 1-2 Working Days for German citizens.
A quicker “urgent processing / faster-track” option — if offered — can reduce that to about 6 - 12 Hours.
For the highest speed (sometimes called “express”, “super-urgent processing”, or “rush”), some providers claim you can get the eVisa within 1 Hour.
Because of this flexibility, it’s a good idea to apply as early as you can — but the quick turnaround makes it great for last-minute plans too.
Can I apply for the Saudi eVisa “urgent” (faster) as a German citizen?
Yes, the Saudi Arabia Urgent Visa or fast-track option is usually available. (sometimes called “Urgent,” “express,” or “super-rush”) for an extra fee.
With these options, approval can sometimes come within just an 1 hour on the days.
If you're travelling on short notice—maybe for an event, a sudden plan, or a spontaneous adventure—you can choose the urgent processing option for quicker approval.
Can a German citizen extend their stay beyond 90 days with the eVisa?
According to recent information, the eVisa’s rules generally allow a stay of up to 90 days per visit.
Also, some sources claim that once issued, the eVisa “cannot be extended.”
That suggests — if you want to stay longer than 90 days in one go — the eVisa might not be the right option. Instead, you may need a different visa type (depending on your purpose of stay).
Does each traveler (including minors/children) need their own eVisa?
Yes — each person traveling, including children or minors, must have their own visa.
If a child or under-18 is traveling, the application must be done by their guardian or parent.
So even if you travel as a family, each passport needs its own eVisa.
Do I need to visit an embassy or centre in Germany for eVisa application (biometrics etc.)?
No — for the tourist eVisa, there is no need to visit an embassy or visa centre in person. The entire process is online.
This means no biometric appointments, no passport drop-offs — just a web form, online payment, and you get the visa by email.
That makes travel planning much simpler compared with older visa processes.
Is travel / medical insurance included with the Saudi eVisa for German citizens?
Yes — many eVisa options mention that medical insurance (or travel insurance coverage) is included in the visa fee.
That means once you have the eVisa, you are covered during your stay (as per the conditions), which is handy and removes the need for a separate insurance purchase.
What are the common causes for an eVisa application to be rejected?
While the eVisa process is generally straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls that can lead to rejection:
Your passport is not valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
Incorrect or low-quality photo (not meeting required specifications).
Mistakes or typos in the application — incorrect passport number, personal info, travel dates, etc. Double-check before submitting.
Not providing a valid email address (because the visa is sent electronically).
Trying to use the eVisa for purposes other than permitted ones (e.g., work, long-term stay) — eVisa is for tourism/short-term stay only.
If rejected, you will usually receive a notification. Then you can correct the issue and reapply — just make sure to fix whatever caused the rejection.
Can I travel for work or long-term stay with the Saudi eVisa for Germans?
No — the standard eVisa for German citizens is meant for tourism, leisure, visiting family/friends, short visits, or Umrah (for eligible travellers).
If you intend to work, study, or stay long-term in Saudi Arabia, you will need a different visa type (not the eVisa).
Using an eVisa for long-term residence or work-related activities could lead to being denied entry or facing issues with authorities.
Are all ports of entry (air, land, sea) valid with Saudi eVisa for German citizens?
Yes — German eVisa holders can enter Saudi Arabia by air (through major airports), by land (certain border crossings), or by sea (through seaports).
Airports often used: big international airports such as in Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, Dammam.
Land border crossings and seaports are also permitted for eVisa holders (depending on route).
So whether you arrive by plane, car, or boat — the eVisa works, which gives a lot of flexibility.
Do I need to print the eVisa, or is a digital copy acceptable for entry to Saudi Arabia?
The eVisa is sent to you by email. Many sources say that either a printed copy or a digital copy showing the eVisa is fine when you arrive.
Still — as a precaution, I recommend printing a copy and also having a digital version on your phone. That way you’re covered even if there are issues at immigration.
Travel Tips
Here are a few friendly travel tips (from me as a traveller) if you plan to visit Saudi Arabia with a German passport:
📅 Apply early — even though same-day or 1-day visa processing is possible, giving yourself a few extra days reduces stress and avoids last-minute issues.
✈️ Keep passport validity in mind — ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your travel date. This is a very common reason for visa rejection.
🖨️ Print the eVisa — have both digital and printed copies, just in case. Better safe than sorry at immigration or border checkpoints.
🧾 Keep a copy of travel details — hotel bookings, return flight tickets or accommodation address — some travelers mention these were asked for at entry (even if not officially required).
👨👩👧 For families with kids — apply separately for each traveler (including children), and make sure guardians apply for minors.
🏥 Check health and insurance rules — though eVisa often includes basic coverage, consider bringing additional travel insurance if you plan outdoor activities or excursions.
🚫 Don’t plan on working or staying long-term with the eVisa. If you intend to work or settle for a while — get the proper visa for that purpose.
🛂 Choose proper arrival port — if you travel by land or sea (not just by air), double-check that your entry point accepts eVisa holders.
Saudi Arabia eVisa FAQs
Q: Can I use the eVisa to work or do long-term stay in Saudi Arabia?
A: No — the eVisa is only for tourism or short-term visits. For work or long-term stay, a different visa is required.
Q: I’m travelling with kids. Do I need visas for them too?
A: Yes — every traveller (even children) needs their own eVisa, and for minors the application is done by a parent or guardian.
Q: What if my passport expires soon after I get the eVisa?
A: That’s a problem — passport must have at least six months validity beyond your travel date. If not, the eVisa may be invalid.
Q: Can I land by plane, arrive by ferry, or cross land borders with eVisa?
A: Yes — major airports, many land border crossings and seaports in Saudi Arabia accept eVisa holders.
Q: What happens if my eVisa application is rejected?
A: You will be informed, and you can correct any mistakes (passport validity, photo quality, data errors) and reapply.
Q: Do I need to visit in person for biometrics or in-person visa stamping?
A: No — eVisa is fully online, no in-person visit is necessary for tourist eVisa applications from Germany.
