Visas to Saudi Arabia for Portuguese citizens were previously limited to travelers arriving for business or religious purposes only. However, on September 27th, 2019, the Saudi government introduced a tourist visa for over 45 countries, including Portugal.
The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa for Portuguese citizens is valid for multiple visits of up to 90 days each, for a total of 1 year from the date of issue. The eVisa for Saudi Arabia is available through a simple online application, eliminating the need to visit a Saudi embassy or consulate.
The Saudi Online Visa was implemented by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of the Vision 2030 initiative to modernize the Kingdom and boost international tourism to the country.
Saudi Arabia Offers Tourist Visa from Portugal
Portuguese citizens are required to apply for an eVisa for Saudi Arabia using the online application process in advance of their departure to the kingdom for tourism. The online form is simple and straightforward to use and can be completed in around 10 minutes with basic personal and passport information.
One of the many advantages of the Saudi Arabia eVisa for Portuguese citizens is that it is issued including a Mandatory Medical Insurance that covers holders during their visit to the country.
Portuguese citizens are also able to obtain visas for business travel and religious pilgrimage for Saudi Arabia. However, in order to obtain these visa types, it is necessary to visit a Saudi embassy or consulate in Portugal as well as provide a range of supporting documentation.
How to Apply for a Saudi Arabian Visa for Portuguese Passport Holders
Portuguese citizens wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia must complete all sections of the online application, including:
- Passport details – nationality, passport number, expiration date
- Personal information – full name, date of birth, residential address
- Travel Itinerary – planned entry and exit dates
Applicants also have to answer some short security-related questions in order to submit a Saudi visa application from Portugal. it is necessary to ensure all of the information provided on the application is correct before submitting the form in order to avoid the rejection of the eVisa application.
Online payment made via credit or debit card will finalize the application. Following confirmation of online payment, a successful candidate will be directly emailed the eVisa for travel to Saudi Arabia to the address provided on the application form.
Please allow up to 72 hours for receipt of the eVisa from the moment the online payment is confirmed. If the citizen wishes to return to Saudi Arabia for other future visits during the 1-year validity of their Saudi Arabia eVisa, they may do so without needing to submit a new eVisa application form.
Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements from Portugal
It is necessary to meet the following visa requirements for Portuguese citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia in order to submit an online application:
- A Portuguese passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to Saudi Arabia
- A current email address to receive the approved Saudi eVisa
- One passport-size photo.
- A valid credit or debit card to pay the Saudi visa from Portugal fee
Upon arrival to Saudi Arabia, visitors need to present the exact same passport used during the eVisa for Saudi Arabia application form, in order to be granted entry. Portuguese citizens with dual nationalities are advised to choose which passport they will travel on and use that same passport in the application form when requesting a Saudi Arabia eVisa.
Portuguese travelers must ensure the passport details entered on the Saudi Arabia online application match those of the passport to be used when traveling to Saudi Arabia, otherwise, the eVisa will not be valid on arrival.
Visa Requirements for Portuguese Pilgrims to The Hajj and Umrah
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and hosts the religious ceremonies of the Hajj and Umrah each year. Portuguese citizens planning a pilgrimage to either ceremony will need to apply for a visa through a separate process available only through the Saudi Arabian embassy in Lisbon.
An approved Hajj and Umrah visa for Portuguese citizens allows a total stay of 2 weeks in Saudi Arabia and is valid for 30 days from the date of approval. It is only valid for Muslims for purposes of religious pilgrimage to Mecca and does not permit travel to Saudi Arabia for other purposes.
Islam is the only religion practiced in Saudi Arabia and has a large influence on the daily customs, traditions and social dynamics. Portuguese citizens are encouraged to embrace, celebrate and respect the different Saudi Arabian traditions while traveling to the country.