Saudi Arabia Visa RequirementsFor Spain passport holders
Saudi Arabia offers a tourist eVisa for Spanish passport holders at visa.visitsaudi.com. Cost: approximately SAR 440 (USD 117) plus mandatory insurance of approximately SAR 140 (USD 37). Total approximately USD 160 for a 1-year multiple-entry visa with stays of up to 90 days.
Spain passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com. Valid 1 year, multiple entries, 90 days total per year. Mandatory travel insurance included in the fee. Apply online, approval usually within hours. Dress code requirements: women should dress modestly (shoulders, knees covered); abaya required at some religious sites.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
1 blank page required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with 6 months validity, approved eVisa, modest dress required.
Serious penalties including fines and detention.
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Spanish Passport
Passport with at least 6 months validity. Must be the same passport used for the tourist eVisa application.
Required at Entry
Tourist eVisa Approval
Print or save the eVisa approval from visa.visitsaudi.com. Linked electronically to your passport. Airline will verify at check-in.
Travel Insurance Certificate
Mandatory travel insurance is included in the eVisa fee. The insurance certificate is automatically issued with the eVisa approval.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed departure ticket from Saudi Arabia.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking confirmation for the duration of stay.
Current Travel Situation
Spain to Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know
Saudi Arabia opened to international tourism in 2019 as part of Vision 2030 economic reforms. Spanish citizens can now visit the Kingdom freely with an eVisa. Saudi Arabia has extraordinary historical and archaeological sites previously closed to visitors.
How to Get There
Direct flights from Madrid serve Riyadh and Jeddah (Iberia, Saudia). Connecting via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul is also common. Saudi Arabia borders the UAE, Jordan, and other Gulf states, enabling multi-country Gulf itineraries.
Money & Banking
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi riyal (SAR), pegged to the USD. Cards accepted at modern establishments. Cash needed for traditional souks. Saudi Arabia is modernizing rapidly with many new hotel and attraction developments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Practical Tips
Al-Ula and Hegra (Mada'in Salih - Saudi Petra, UNESCO) are the premier archaeological sites. Diriyah (UNESCO - birthplace of Saudi state near Riyadh), the Edge of the World (dramatic escarpment near Riyadh), Jeddah's historic district (UNESCO), and the Red Sea coast are top destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, apply for an eVisa online (~$160). Multiple entry, valid 1 year, stays up to 90 days.
Do Spanish citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Spanish citizens need a tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia. Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com. Cost: approximately SAR 440 (USD 117) plus mandatory insurance of approximately SAR 140 (USD 37). Total approximately USD 160 for a 1-year multiple-entry visa.
Can non-Muslims visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes - tourist visas opened in 2019. You can visit most of the country except Mecca and Medina (Muslims only).
What is there to do in Saudi Arabia for tourists?
Al-Ula and Hegra (Mada'in Salih - UNESCO, ancient Nabataean city comparable to Petra), Diriyah (UNESCO, birthplace of Saudi state), Riyadh's Edge of the World (dramatic cliff escarpment), Jeddah Historic District (UNESCO, Al-Balad), the Red Sea coast (Farasan Islands, NEOM area), and Abha in the Asir region are top destinations.
What are the rules for tourists?
Dress modestly, respect prayer times, no alcohol, no public displays of affection. Rules have relaxed but respect local customs.
What is the dress code for female Spanish tourists in Saudi Arabia?
Foreign women visiting Saudi Arabia are no longer required to wear an abaya (full-length cloak) in most public places since 2019 reforms. Modest dress is expected (shoulders and knees covered). Some traditional areas and religious sites require more conservative dress. The dress code has relaxed significantly under Vision 2030 reforms.
What is there to see?
AlUla's Nabataean tombs (like Petra), Edge of the World canyon, Diriyah historic town, Red Sea coast, and modern Riyadh.
Is alcohol available in Saudi Arabia?
Alcohol is completely prohibited in Saudi Arabia. There are no licensed bars, restaurants, or shops selling alcohol. This is strictly enforced and violations carry serious penalties. Saudi Arabia is a dry country.
Is Saudi Arabia safe?
Generally safe for tourists following rules. Crime is low. Main concerns are strict laws and summer heat.
What currency does Saudi Arabia use?
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi riyal (SAR), pegged to the USD at approximately 3.75 SAR per USD. Cards are accepted at modern establishments. Contactless payment is widely used in Riyadh and Jeddah. Some traditional market stalls prefer cash.
Are there direct flights from Spain to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Iberia and Saudia (Saudi Airlines) operate direct flights from Madrid to Riyadh and Jeddah. Flight time is approximately 6-7 hours. Vueling also serves some routes seasonally.
Is it safe for Spanish tourists to visit Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is very safe for tourists. Crime rates are extremely low. The country has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure. The main concerns are strict laws (alcohol prohibition, drug laws, public behavior laws) that must be respected. LGBTQ+ travelers face legal risks under Saudi law.