If you are an Italian citizen who wishes to visit The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are a few requirements you must adhere to. The first step of these is obtaining a visa before entering the country.
This page explains what Italian tourists need to know on how to get a visa to Saudi Arabia. It details the documents you will need, and the process you must follow in order to travel there.
Does Saudi Arabia Offer Visa-Free Travel for Italian Citizens?
No, visa-free travel for European citizens to Saudi Arabia is not possible: it is necessary to obtain one of many types of Saudi Arabia visa to travel to the country, whether for business, religious pilgrimage, or the purposes of tourism.
Italian citizens are able to apply for an online visa for Saudi Arabia for tourism. This has been implemented for over 45 nationalities as of September 2019. The Saudi eVisa was introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in order to expedite the application process for a visa for tourism and to increase the total tourist spending in the country to $46.6 billion by 2020.
This Saudi Arabian eVisa replaces the previous visa application process that made travelers wait weeks and complete rigorous paperwork before being allowed entry into the country. An approved Saudi eVisa for Italian citizens is valid for a total of 90 days from the date of issue, meaning that tourist visa holders will have plenty of time to take in the most exciting attractions in the country.
What are the Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for Italian Citizens?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires all Italian passport holders to have a Saudi Arabia visa before they can be admitted into the country. Italian citizens are now able to obtain a tourist visa for the country through a simple online application. This process only takes a few minutes to complete.
There are a number of important visa requirements that Italian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia will have to meet in order to apply successfully, such as:
- Holding a current passport issued by the Italian Government with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia
- Provision of a current email address to receive the Saudi Arabia eVisa and notifications regarding your application
- Payment of the application fee with a debit or credit card
The purchase of mandatory medical insurance is included in the final price of the visa application fee for Saudi Arabia. The traveler will be given coverage by an insurance company randomly selected from a list of providers that are certified and approved by the Saudi government.
The health insurance for eVisa holders only covers medical emergencies of up to 100,000 SAR.
Tourists should consult the most up-to-date visa requirements for Italian citizens before traveling.
The following information will be required:
- Personal details (full name, address, date of birth, etc.)
- Passport data (number, expiration date, nationality, etc.)
- Proof of travel (dates, accommodation, etc.)
- Basic health information
How to Apply for a Saudi Arabian Visa for Italian Passport Holders
Applying for a visa to Saudi Arabia for Italian citizens is quick and easy. Not only that, but it is also possible to apply for the Saudi visa from Italy without visiting an embassy or consulate for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Travelers can do so by filling out the online application form and providing the required details.
The electronic visa follows the success of a pilot program (called Sharek visa), which allowed eligible travelers to get a simple visa to attend locally-held events such as the Diriyah ePrix races in Saudi Arabia.
The process for requesting a Saudi Arabia visa is simple and only takes a few minutes to complete from start to finish. Candidates must provide basic personal information such as their name, address, and date of birth, as well as passport details (number and expiration date), and a basic travel itinerary.
After completing the online form and submitting payment, hopeful travelers need to wait for approval of their eVisa. This usually takes between 24 to 72 hours, but some delays might be experienced during periods of increased demand. Once the eVisa is processed, it will be sent to the applicant’s email inbox.
Once on Saudi Arabian soil, the applicant will need to present their passport along with a copy of the eVisa to be granted access to the country.
