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Saudi Arabia for Syrian passport holders: Embassy visa

Your circumstances

Passport:
🇸🇾 Syrian
Lives in:
Not specified (general rule)
Going to:
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Purpose:
Holiday

Route summary

Embassy visaRanked first of 3 routes

Visa from a Saudi embassy (unless you qualify for an eVisa)

Syrian passport holders are not in the Saudi tourist eVisa programme and normally apply at a Saudi embassy, consulate or Tasheer centre. Holders of US/UK/Schengen visas, UK/US/EU permanent residents and GCC residents have easier eVisa or on-arrival options.

Conditions

  • Easier routes if you qualify: holders of a used US, UK or Schengen tourist/business visa (with an entry stamp) or of UK/US/EU permanent residence can get an eVisa (ksavisa.sa, SAR 339.44 + insurance) or a visa on arrival (SAR 395 incl. insurance); GCC residents with 3+ months of residence validity can get an eVisa.
  • Apply for a tourist/visit visa at a Saudi embassy or consulate, or an authorised Tasheer visa centre, in the country where you live.
  • Needed documents include proof of residence, return ticket, proof of employment, bank statement, itinerary and accommodation address.
  • Under-18s must travel with a parent, grandparent or adult sibling.
  • Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date of entry (US citizens: valid for the stay).
  • Makkah is open to Muslims only; Umrah needs a Nusuk booking; Hajj needs a separate Hajj visa.

Why this is ranked first

Routes are ranked by type: visa-free, then visa on arrival / eVisa / ETA, then embassy visa. Routes that depend on a visa or permit you may not hold come after the others.

Route type
Embassy visa: you apply through an embassy, consulate or appointed visa centre.
Documents
Document list not published by the official source.
Fee
Fee not published by the official source.
Processing
Processing time not published by the official source.

Next step

Steps not published by the official source — use the official link to start.

Official application pageembassies.mofa.gov.sa ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Last checked 4 Oct 2026 against visitsaudi.com · Visitsaudi.com page data read 2026-10-04

Documents

Document list not published by the official source.

Fees

Official government fee
Not published by the official source
Visa-centre / service fee (not a government fee)
None stated by the official source
Notes from the source
Embassy visa fee not stated on the official page; medical insurance extra.

Visa-centre, service or other third-party charges are never official government fees.

Processing and validity

Processing time
Not published by the official source
Validity
Multiple entry valid 1 year or single entry, as decided by MOFA
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days (multiple-entry visa valid 1 year)

Depends on where you live

Your country of residence can unlock a different route. Find yours below.

If you live in the United Kingdom or the United States

  • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
  • 🇺🇸 United States
Option 2
eVisaTourism, family visits, Umrah

Saudi eVisa / visa on arrival with UK, US or Schengen visa or residence

Applies if: You live in the United Kingdom, the United States

Syrian passport holders with UK/US/EU permanent residence or a used UK, US or Schengen tourist/business visa can get a Saudi eVisa online or a visa on arrival.

Conditions

  • The UK/US/Schengen visa must be a tourist or business visa that has been used at least once, with an entry stamp (digital stamps not accepted), and still valid on first use.
  • Or: permanent residence permit from the UK, the US or an EU country.
  • eVisa via ksavisa.sa SAR 339.44 (insurance extra) or visa on arrival SAR 395 (insurance included).
  • Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date of entry (US citizens: valid for the stay).
  • Makkah is open to Muslims only; Umrah needs a Nusuk booking; Hajj needs a separate Hajj visa.
Government fee
SAR 339.44
eVisa SAR 339.44 + insurance, or visa on arrival SAR 395 incl. insurance.
Processing
Not verified yet
Validity
Multiple entry 1 year or single entry 3 months
Max stay
Up to 90 consecutive days
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

Steps not verified yet — follow the official source below.

Where: Online – MOFA KSA Visa platform, or on arrival

Official application page ↗

Documents checklist

Document list not verified yet — check the official source.

✓ Visitsaudi.com page data/FAQ read 2026-10-04

Official wording

“Saudi Tourism Authority, Visa requirements (updated 28 Jun 2026): "USA, UK, and Schengen tourist or business visa holders are eligible for Saudi tourist visa on arrival" … "U.K, U.S. and EU permanent residents are eligible"; eVisa 339.44, VOA 395.”

If you live in the United Arab Emirates

  • 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Option 3
eVisaTourism, family visits, Umrah

Saudi eVisa for GCC residents

Applies if: Lives in the UAE (GCC residence permit valid 3+ months beyond entry)

Syrian passport holders living in a GCC country can apply online for a Saudi tourist eVisa with their GCC residence permit.

Conditions

  • GCC residence permit must be valid at least 3 months beyond the date of entry.
  • Under-18s: a parent must apply first.
  • Medical insurance not included in the fee.
  • Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date of entry (US citizens: valid for the stay).
  • Makkah is open to Muslims only; Umrah needs a Nusuk booking; Hajj needs a separate Hajj visa.
Government fee
SAR 339.44
SAR 339.44 (about USD 90.50); insurance extra.
Processing
Not verified yet
Validity
Multiple entry 1 year or single entry 3 months
Max stay
Up to 90 consecutive days
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

Steps not verified yet — follow the official source below.

Where: Online – MOFA KSA Visa platform

Official application page ↗

Documents checklist

Document list not verified yet — check the official source.

✓ Visitsaudi.com page data/FAQ read 2026-10-04

Official wording

“Saudi Tourism Authority, Visa requirements (updated 28 Jun 2026): GCC residents: "You must provide a residency visa from one of the GCC countries with a minimum validity of at least three months beyond the date of entry" – eVisa fee 339.44.”

How to apply: Visa from a Saudi embassy (unless you qualify for an eVisa)

Where to apply

Where: Saudi embassy/consulate or Tasheer visa centre

Official application page: embassies.mofa.gov.sa ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Requirements for all visitors to Saudi Arabia

These apply on top of the visa rules above, whatever your passport, unless an item says otherwise.

  • InsuranceHealth insurance included with tourist visa

    Applies to: tourist visa holders.

    Official source: chi.gov.sa · Last checked 25 Oct 2026

  • HealthYellow fever certificate if arriving from a WHO yellow-fever risk country

    Applies to: travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from a country WHO lists as a yellow-fever risk country; also after an airport transit of more than 12 hours in such a country.

    Official source: cdn.who.int · Also checked: wwwnc.cdc.govNot official · Last checked 25 Oct 2026

Quick answers

Do Syrian passport holders need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Visa from a Saudi embassy (unless you qualify for an eVisa). Syrian passport holders are not in the Saudi tourist eVisa programme and normally apply at a Saudi embassy, consulate or Tasheer centre. Holders of US/UK/Schengen visas, UK/US/EU permanent residents and GCC residents have easier eVisa or on-arrival options. Source: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/travel-regulations

Does it depend on where I live?

Saudi eVisa / visa on arrival with UK, US or Schengen visa or residence: if you live in United Kingdom, United States. Saudi eVisa for GCC residents: if you live in United Arab Emirates.

Business, work or just passing through?

The rules above are for a holiday: tourism and visiting family and friends. Business visits, paid work and transit are covered separately below.

Business visits to Saudi Arabia

Not verified yet (not yet covered). We haven't verified the business rules for Syrian passport holders, and we don't publish rules we haven't checked against an official source. A rule that is awaiting verification or not yet covered is not a negative visa decision: it only means we haven't confirmed it on an official source yet. Until then, see visa.visitsaudi.com.

Working in Saudi Arabia

Main work visa routes for Saudi Arabia

These are the main routes and what they require. Whether you qualify depends on your circumstances; the official page decides.

Work visa issued through the employer (Qiwa)

For: People hired by an employer (establishment) in Saudi Arabia

  • The Saudi employer issues the work visa on the Qiwa platform: permanent work visa, temporary work visa, or temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services
  • The employer must issue a work permit within the first 90 days after you enter the Kingdom; it is a condition for residency (iqama)

Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) – Visa Application (hrsd.gov.sa).

What the source says

"You can choose between a permanent work visa, a temporary work visa, or a temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services." … "The facility must issue a work permit to the expatriate employee within the first 90 days after his entry into the Kingdom."

Checked 16 Oct 2026. Overview: HRSD – Ministry services. Requirements, fees and thresholds change; confirm on the official page before applying.

Transit through Saudi Arabia

Option 1
Visa-freeTransit (changing flights in Saudi Arabia)

Airside transit generally without a visa; leaving the transit area needs a Saudi visa (not from an official Saudi source)

Unofficial source – not verified

This rule is not from an official Saudi Arabia government source. It is based on another government's official travel advice (mzv.gov.cz). Confirm with the embassy or the official immigration authority before you travel.

Not from an official Saudi government source. The Czech and Italian embassies in Riyadh say passengers can change flights in the transit area of Saudi international airports, but anyone who must pass immigration - typically when changing airline or holding a separate boarding pass and re-checking in - needs a Saudi entry visa. The free 96-hour stopover visa is tied to Saudia and flynas tickets. Confirm with your airline and the Saudi embassy before travel.

Conditions

  • Changing airline or separate tickets usually means passing immigration, which needs a Saudi visa.
Government fee
Fee not officially published
Processing
Not verified yet
Validity
Not verified yet
Max stay
Not verified yet
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

Steps not verified yet — follow the official source below.

Documents checklist

Document list not verified yet — check the official source.

✓ Secondary_research

Official wording

“Czech Embassy Riyadh: 'pokud cestovatel v KSA mění leteckého dopravce, musí většinou za účelem odbavení na návazný let projít imigrační kontrolou a vstoupit na území KSA. K tomuto potřebuje platné vstupní vízum' / 'stopover (transit) visa, které je platné 4 dny ... je navázáno pouze na letenky ... Flynas a Saudia'. Italian Embassy Riyadh: 'I passeggeri possono transitare nelle aree aeroportuali, ma sono soggetti a obbligo di visto, in particolare in caso di scalo con carta d'imbarco separata ... o con uscita dall'area transiti'.”

Your transit travel report

We only create the PDF report from rules checked against an official government source.

Alert me if this route changes

Get an email when we update the guidance for Syrian passport holders going to Saudi Arabia, after we've checked the change against the official source. Nothing else.

Tell me about changes to

We send a confirmation email first. Unconfirmed sign-ups are deleted after 7 days.

Before you go to Saudi Arabia

Customs cash limits and the scams official travel advice warns about in Saudi Arabia.

Cash you can bring in and take out

Bringing cash in
Declare cash, bearer instruments, gold bullion, precious metals/stones or fine jewellery worth SAR 40,000 or more when entering.
Taking cash out
Same declaration when leaving with SAR 40,000 or more.

Official source: zatca.gov.sa · Last checked 4 Oct 2026 · Details

Common tourist traps

  1. Unpaid bills and bounced cheques

    How it works: Not paying hotel or car-hire bills, or a cheque that bounces, is a financial crime: fines, prison, asset freezes and travel bans that stop you leaving.

    How to avoid it: Settle bills before checking out and never sign "security" cheques.

  2. Unlicensed airport drivers

    How it works: In arrivals at Riyadh and other airports, men offer taxi rides; visitors report unlicensed cars with no meter and inflated prices.

    How to avoid it: Ignore offers inside the terminal. Use the official taxi rank or a ride-hailing app's marked pick-up point, and check the meter is running.

    From visitor reviews, not official Airports (Riyadh, Jeddah). Sources: reddit.com · reddit.com · gulfnews.com. Researched 23 Oct 2026; there is no official page to re-check, so this date is not updated automatically.

Emergency numbers in Saudi Arabia

  • Emergency 911
  • Without a Saudi SIM 112

Other traps paraphrased from official travel advice: gov.uk · FCDO page updated 20 Sept 2026 · Last checked 4 Oct 2026.

Explore Saudi Arabia

Planning more than the paperwork? Our Saudi Arabia guide picks out places to visit, things to do and where to shop, with a source for every tip.

Places to visit:
Hegra · At-Turaif, Diriyah · Historic Jeddah
Things to do:
Hegra day tour · Edge of the World · Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
Shopping:
Souq Al Zal · VIA Riyadh
Read the full Saudi Arabia guide

Syrian passport: of the 146 destinations with a rule verified from an official source, 5 visa-free, 7 visa on arrival, 37 eVisa or travel authorisation, 96 embassy visa.

Saudi Arabia: rules verified from an official source for 197 of 198 passports. Saudi Arabia guide and every passport →

Where else can Syrian passport holders travel? See every destination we cover →

Optional travel offers

Some links are affiliate links. Booking through them costs you nothing extra, and a small commission helps pay MyVisaPort’s ongoing hosting and maintenance costs and keeps the site free of banner ads. We only list services we think are useful, and they never affect the visa information we publish. These offers are not part of the visa guidance above and are never used to rank routes. How partner links work

Plan your trip to Saudi Arabia

Verify with the embassy before you book. Visa rules change without notice. We link every rule to its official source and last checked it on 2 Nov 2026, but the embassy, official e-visa portal and your airline have the final say. MyVisaPort is not a visa agent and is not affiliated with any government.