Do South African citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

How to get permission to enter

1. Check which airports and land borders issue visas on arrival.
2. Carry the fee in an accepted currency (often US dollars) and passport photos.
3. Have your return ticket and accommodation details printed.
4. Some countries offer the same visa online in advance — this can save queueing at the border.

Easier routes with a visa or residence permit you already hold

South African citizens who hold one of these documents may enter Saudi Arabia without applying for a regular visa.

• Visa on arrival · Check on arrival

  With a valid US, UK, Schengen visa or a Schengen, Cypriot, Irish, US, UK residence permit.

  • Visas must be valid and used at least once to enter that country or area
  • Visa holders must fly with a Saudi airline (Saudia, flynas or flyadeal)
  • Residents of the US, UK and EU can also apply

  Visa policy of Saudi Arabia (summary of official rules) ↗

Researched 25 Oct 2026 from official government pages and published visa-policy summaries. These rules change often — confirm with the official source before you travel.

• •Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure, with 2 blank pages
• •Return or onward flight booking
• •Accommodation booking or host address
• •Proof of funds (recent bank statements)
• •Travel insurance covering medical costs
• •Visa fee in cash (check accepted currencies)
• •Two passport photos
• •Printed hotel booking

Saudi Arabia missions in South Africa

• Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Pretoria711 Jan Shoba StreetOfficial website ↗

Official application websites

• Saudi Arabia — Visit visa platform ↗

Embassy data from Wikidata (CC0). Check appointment systems on the embassy’s own website.