Saudi Arabia, a land of ancient history, profound spiritual significance, and futuristic cities, is opening its doors to the world like never before. As part of its ambitious Vision 2030, the Kingdom is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting new destinations for global travellers.
For savvy globetrotters in Singapore, accustomed to seamless travel, the good news is that accessing this incredible destination has become astonishingly simple. The days of complex visa applications are over, replaced by a streamlined, digital-first system: the Saudi e-Visa.
Whether you're planning to perform Umrah, explore the futuristic skyline of Riyadh, dive in the pristine waters of the Red Sea, or stand in awe of the ancient tombs at AlUla, this guide is your ultimate resource. We'll walk you through every single step of the Saudi Arabia e-Visa application process from Singapore, answering the exact questions you're searching for.
Is a Saudi Arabia e-Visa available for Singapore?
Gone are the days when travel to Saudi Arabia was almost exclusively for business or religious pilgrimage. The new Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa is a clear signal that the Kingdom is ready to share its hidden treasures. From the high-tech hub of Singapore, travellers can now easily access a destination that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Imagine exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra in AlUla, wandering through the historic Al-Balad district in Jeddah, or experiencing the bustling energy of Riyadh's "The Line" project. The warm hospitality, or hafawah, is central to Saudi culture, and the country is eager to host tourists for leisure, adventure, and cultural exploration.
Is Singapore eligible for a Saudi Arabia eVisa?
Let's get straight to the most important question: Yes, Singaporean passport holders are fully eligible to apply for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa.
Singapore is one of the 66 countries and regions on the official eligibility list. This means you do not need to visit an embassy or go through a lengthy paper-based process. The entire application is 100% online, fast, and designed for convenience.
How long is a Saudi eVisa valid for?
Before you apply, it's crucial to understand what the e-Visa offers. It's one of the most flexible tourist visas available today:
Visa Validity: The e-Visa is valid for one full year (365 days) from the date of issue.
Entry Type: It is a multiple-entry visa. You can enter and exit Saudi Arabia as many times as you wish during that one-year period.
Duration of Stay: For each entry, you are permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a maximum of 90 days.
This flexibility is perfect for Singaporean travellers. You could go for a two-week holiday, return home, and then decide to go again for a short Umrah trip a few months later, all on the same visa.
Can You Perform Umrah with a Saudi Arabia Tourist e-Visa?
This is one of the most common and important queries. The answer is a resounding YES.
The Saudi tourist e-Visa explicitly permits holders to perform Umrah. This is a significant change from the past, as you no longer need to apply for a separate, often more restrictive, Umrah visa. You can fly into Jeddah or Medina, perform your spiritual duties, and then use the same visa to travel the country as a tourist.
There is one key exception: the tourist e-Visa cannot be used to perform Hajj. The Hajj pilgrimage requires a specific Hajj visa, which is managed through a different official process.
How to Apply for Saudi e-Visa from Singapore
Here is the simple, step-by-step process. The entire application can be completed in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Fill Out the Application Form: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your Singapore passport. This includes your full name, date of birth, passport number, and issue/expiry dates.
Upload Your Documents: You will be prompted to upload a digital scan of your passport's information page and a recent, passport-style digital photograph.
Enter Your Singapore Address: You will need to provide your residential address in Singapore and your intended accommodation details in Saudi Arabia (your first hotel booking is sufficient).
Pay the Visa Fee: Complete the application by paying the fee with a valid international credit or debit card (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted).
Receive Your e-Visa: Once approved, the e-Visa (which is usually a PDF or digital file) will be sent directly to your email address.
What documents are required for a Saudi Arabia visa?
You don't need a mountain of paperwork. Here is a simple checklist of what to have ready before you start know Saudi Arabia Visa Document:
Valid Singapore Passport: Must have a minimum of six (6) months of validity remaining from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
Digital Passport-Style Photo: A recent photo with a clear white background.
Active Email Address: This is where your approved e-Visa will be sent.
Valid Credit or Debit Card: For paying the application fee.
Common Problems apply for Saudi Arabia Visa (And How to Avoid Them)
While the process is simple, travellers can face issues. Here are the most common problems and how to prevent them:
1. Photo Rejection
This is the most frequent setback. Your photo MUST meet strict requirements:
Background: Must be plain white. No shadows, patterns, or other colours.
Size: Must meet the pixel dimensions (e.g., 200x200 pixels) and file size (KB) specified on the portal.
Your Face: Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. No glasses.
Headwear: Religious headwear is allowed, but it must not cover your face, forehead, or chin.
Solution: Don't use a cropped selfie. It's best to get a proper digital passport photo taken or use a white wall and a good camera, then use an online tool to resize it correctly.
2. Passport and Information Mismatches
A tiny typo can lead to rejection.
Passport Validity: The system will automatically reject your application if your passport has less than 6 months of validity.
Typos: Your name, passport number, and date of birth MUST exactly match your passport. Double-check 0 (zero) vs. O (letter O) and 1 (one) vs. I (letter I).
Solution: Triple-check every single field before you click "submit."
3. Payment Failure
The payment portal can be sensitive.
Card Type: It accepts major credit/debit cards, but your card must be enabled for international transactions.
3D Secure: Your card must be enrolled in a security system like "3D Secure" (e.g., "Verified by Visa" or "Mastercard SecureCode"), which often requires you to enter a one-time password (OTP) sent to your phone.
Solution: Contact your bank before applying to ensure international payments and 3D Secure are active on your card.
How Much Does the Saudi e-Visa Cost?
The cost of the Saudi e-Visa is a package fee. While the exact amount can fluctuate slightly (it's priced in Saudi Riyal, SAR), When applying for the Saudi eVisa, you can choose from three processing options depending on how quickly you need your visa.
This total fee is comprehensive and includes:
The Visa Fee itself.
An Application Service Fee.
Mandatory full medical insurance for the duration of your first stay.
This mandatory insurance is a fantastic value-add, providing coverage for medical emergencies and COVID-19-related issues while you are in the Kingdom.
How many days in Saudi visa stamping?
The processing time for the Saudi e-Visa is incredibly fast, a testament to the efficient system. Most applicants from Singapore report receiving their approved e-Visa via email within 24 to 72 hours.
However, never leave it until the last day. We strongly recommend applying at least one week before your flight. This gives you a safe buffer in case of any unexpected delays or if you need to re-submit information.
Saudi Arabia e-Visa vs. Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival vs. Stopover Visa
Singaporean travellers have options, which can be confusing. Here’s a clear breakdown.
e-Visa (Recommended): The one-year, multiple-entry visa you apply for online. This is the best, most secure option for planned tourist or Umrah trips.
Visa on Arrival (VoA): Singapore citizens are eligible for this. However, you must queue at a kiosk after landing, fill in your details, and pay. It carries the risk of system issues, long lines, or potential rejection at the border. The e-Visa eliminates all this stress.
Saudi Stopover Visa: This is a different product, ideal for transit passengers. It's a short-term visa (up to 96 hours) that allows you to leave the airport and explore. It is often booked as part of your flight ticket with airlines like Saudia or Flynas. It is perfect for a 1-2 day stop, but the e-Visa is the correct choice for a dedicated holiday or Umrah trip.
Our strong recommendation: Always get the full e-Visa online in advance for any trip longer than a brief stopover.
My Saudi Arabia e-Visa is Approved! What’s Next?
Congratulations! Once you receive that confirmation email, you're almost ready to go.
Print a Copy: Although the e-Visa is electronically linked to your passport, it is highly recommended to carry a printed copy with you.
Save a Digital Copy: Save the PDF of your e-Visa to your phone as a backup.
Check Your Passport: Ensure you are travelling with the exact same passport you used for the application.
People Also Ask:
Here are some other common queries from travellers.
Can Singapore Permanent Residents (PR) apply for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa?
This is a critical distinction. The e-Visa eligibility is tied to your passport nationality, not your residency.
If you are a Singapore Citizen (holding a Singapore passport), you are eligible.
If you are a Permanent Resident of Singapore but hold a passport from a non-eligible country (e.g., India, Pakistan, Philippines), you are not eligible for the e-Visa based on your Singapore PR status alone. You would need to check if you qualify through other means (e.g., holding a valid US/UK/Schengen visa).
What happens if my Saudi Arabia e-Visa application is rejected?
Rejections are rare if you follow the steps correctly. If it happens, it's usually due to a photo error or typo. The visa fee is generally non-refundable. You will need to review the rejection reason (if provided), correct the mistake, and submit a new application (and pay the fee again).
Is my Saudi Arabia e-Visa valid if I get a new passport?
No. The Saudi e-Visa is electronically linked to the specific passport number you used to apply. If you get a new passport (even if the old one just expired), your e-Visa becomes invalid. You must apply for a new e-Visa with your new passport.
Do I need a separate visa for Jeddah, Riyadh, or AlUla?
No. The tourist e-Visa grants you entry to the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You can travel freely between all cities and regions open to tourists.
Final Tips for Your Trip from Singapore to Saudi Arabia
Dress Modestly: While rules have relaxed significantly for tourists, modest dress is still expected and respected, especially when visiting religious sites.
Download Apps: Consider downloading the Nusuk app, which is essential for booking your Umrah slots (Rawdah in Medina, etc.).
Cultural Respect: Be mindful of local customs, traditions, and prayer times.
Your journey from the lion city of Singapore to the heart of Arabia has never been more accessible. With a simple online application, a new world of adventure, history, and spirituality awaits.
