If you are a Singaporean looking for a new travel frontier that offers more than just the usual shopping trips to Bangkok or beach getaways in Bali, Saudi Arabia should be on your radar. The Kingdom has undergone a massive transformation, opening its doors wide to tourists. From the futuristic city of NEOM to the ancient wonders of AlUla, there is a wealth of history and culture waiting to be explored.
For Singapore passport holders—who are used to one of the most powerful passports in the world—visiting Saudi Arabia has become incredibly convenient. Gone are the days of complex embassy visits. Today, you can secure your Saudi Arabia eVisa entirely online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Saudi eVisa for Singapore passport holders, from costs and application steps to essential tips for a shiok trip.
Do Singaporeans need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, even with our powerful red passport, Singaporeans do need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. However, the process is painless. Singapore is part of the select group of countries eligible for the electronic visa (eVisa). This means you don’t need to physically visit an embassy or get a sticker in your passport. The entire process is digital, fast, and efficient—just the way we like it.
What is the Saudi Arabia eVisa for Singapore citizens?
The Saudi eVisa is an official digital travel permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was introduced to boost tourism and make the Kingdom accessible. For a Singaporean traveler, this visa is your all-access pass for:
- Tourism: exploring heritage sites, desert camping, or diving in the Red Sea.
- Family Visits: visiting friends or relatives working in the Kingdom.
- Events: attending concerts, festivals (like Riyadh Season), or sporting events.
- Umrah: performing the minor pilgrimage (outside of Hajj season).
Am I eligible for the Saudi eVisa from Singapore?
Before you rush to apply, let’s double-check the criteria. As a Singapore citizen, you qualify if:
- You hold a valid Singapore Passport: It must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- You are visiting for a permitted purpose: Tourism, leisure, or Umrah. This visa is not for paid employment or residency.
- You are 18 or older: Adults can apply individually. If you are traveling with your kids (under 18), you must include them in your application.
Is the Saudi eVisa single or multiple entry?
Good news for frequent travelers: the Saudi eVisa is a Multiple Entry visa. This means you are not restricted to a single trip. Once issued, you can fly in and out of the Kingdom as many times as you like within the validity period. This is perfect if you plan to use Saudi Arabia as a base to explore neighboring countries or if you want to return for different events throughout the year.
Can I perform Hajj with the Saudi tourist eVisa?
No, this is a critical distinction. While the tourist eVisa allows you to perform Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) at any time of the year (except during Hajj season), it strictly prohibits performing Hajj. The Hajj pilgrimage requires a specific Hajj Visa, which has its own application process, quotas, and requirements managed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Do not attempt to perform Hajj on a Saudi Arabia tourist visa, as it can lead to severe penalties and deportation.
Can I convert my tourist eVisa to a work or residency visa?
No, the Saudi tourist eVisa cannot be converted into a work, business, or residency visa while you are inside the Kingdom. If you find a job opportunity or decide you want to live in Saudi Arabia, you must exit the country and apply for the appropriate visa (such as an employment or Iqama visa) from Singapore through the standard embassy channels.
Documents required for Saudi eVisa application
You don’t need a mountain of paperwork. The system is paperless. Just have these soft copies ready:
- Passport Scan: A clear, color scan of your passport’s bio page. Ensure no glare on the lamination.
- Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photo of yourself against a white background.
- Email Address: Use an email you check often (like your Gmail), as this is where your visa PDF will be sent.
- Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) to pay the fees online.
How to apply for Saudi Arabia visa online from Singapore
The Saudi Arabia Visa Online application is straightforward and can be done from your mobile or laptop.
Fill in the Form Enter your details exactly as they appear on your Singapore passport. Double-check your NRIC/passport number and name spelling!
Upload Documents Upload the digital scan of your passport and your photo. Ensure files are under the size limit (usually 100KB).
Pay the Fees Complete the secure online payment for the visa and insurance.
Receive Your Visa Once approved, the eVisa is sent directly to your email. Print a copy to keep with your travel documents, just in case.
How much does the Saudi eVisa cost for Singaporeans?
The cost is standardized. It typically breaks down into:
- Government Fee: Covers the visa issuance and the mandatory medical insurance.
- Service Fee: If you use a third-party service to review your application and prevent errors, they charge a small fee.
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable. If you make a mistake and get rejected, you won’t get your money back.
Help! My Payment Was Deducted but No Visa Received”
“ksavisa payment taken application not found” & “saudi visa double charge”
A frequent complaint on the official unified platform is the “Ghost Payment”—where money leaves your account, but the website crashes or fails to generate an application number.
| Feature | Official Government Portal (DIY) | saudi-arabia-evisas.com (Professional Assistance) |
| Payment Stability | Glitch-Prone. Users report “404 Errors” after entering OTPs. If the site crashes during payment, you may be charged without receiving a visa, requiring a complex dispute process with your bank. | Secure & Tracked. Uses international payment gateways. If a technical error occurs on the government side, the agency holds your funds securely and retries the submission manually, ensuring you never pay twice for one visa. |
| Card Acceptance | Limited. Often rejects foreign debit cards or Amex without explanation. | Global. Accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and alternative payment methods. |
Processing time for Saudi eVisa for Singapore passport holders
The speed depends on your urgency. Most services offer:
- Standard Processing: Takes about 1-2 business days. Ideal for planned holidays.
- Rush Processing: Delivers the visa in 6-12 hours.
- Super Rush: For emergencies, you can get approved in as little as 1 hour.
Do I need a transit visa for a layover in Saudi Arabia?
If you are flying Saudia Airlines or Flynas (perhaps connecting to Europe or Africa) and have a layover, you might be eligible for a Stopover/Transit Visa. This allows you to leave the airport and explore for up to 96 hours (4 days). It’s perfect for a quick look at Jeddah’s Al-Balad or a short Umrah. The visa fee is often waived if you book the ticket correctly, though insurance fees apply.
Visa requirements for minors from Singapore
Traveling with the family? Remember:
- Every child needs a visa: Regardless of age, infants and kids need their own application.
- Guardian Application: Minors cannot apply for themselves. You (the parent) must apply on their behalf.
- Accompanied Travel: Minors generally need to be accompanied by an adult when entering.
Common reasons for Saudi visa rejection
Rejections are rare for Singaporeans, but avoid these mistakes:
- Blurry Scans: If the system can’t read your passport bio page, it will reject the file.
- Data Mismatch: Typing a name or number incorrectly.
- Passport Validity: Applying with a passport that has less than 6 months left.
Staying connected: eSIM or local SIM in Saudi Arabia?
We Singaporeans love to stay connected. You have two great options:
- eSIM: Buying an eSIM (from Airalo or Holafly) before you leave Singapore is super convenient. Scan the QR code, and you have data the moment you land.
- Local Physical SIM: Providers like STC, Mobily, and Zain have kiosks at airports. Their tourist packages are excellent, often cheaper than roaming, with 5G speeds faster than some home broadband!
Currency and payments: What to use in Saudi Arabia?
- Currency: The Saudi Riyal (SAR). It’s pegged to the US Dollar.
- Card Payments: Digital payments are everywhere. You can use your Singapore credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) or Apple Pay/Google Pay almost everywhere, from malls to coffee shops.
- Cash: Keep some cash for small tips or local souks, but you can go mostly cashless.
Travel tips for Singaporean tourists in Saudi Arabia
- Weather: Unlike our humid Singapore heat, Saudi Arabia is dry. Summers are scorching, but winters (Dec-Feb) are surprisingly cool and pleasant.
- Dress Code: It has relaxed significantly. No need for an abaya for tourists, but modest dress is expected (cover shoulders and knees).
- Alcohol: Strictly prohibited. Do not bring any duty-free alcohol from Changi; it will be confiscated.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia eVisa for Singapore citizens is your key to a new world of travel. Whether you are exploring the Red Sea coral reefs or the historic streets of Diriyah, the process is now digital, fast, and secure. Whether you need your visa in 2 days or 1 hour, the online system is ready for you. So, get your passport ready, apply online, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
Safe travels!