Visiting Saudi Arabia, the home of many outstanding World Heritage sites, has now become much easier to travel to due to the introduction of an electronic visa system for over 45 nationalities, including Swedish citizens. Until recently, the country has been inaccessible to tourists, only accepting religious and business travelers.
However, from September 2019, Swedish citizens have been able to obtain a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia through a simple online application, eliminating the need to visit a Saudi embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. The electronic visa system has been implemented as a result of the country’s goal to appeal to international tourists as well as to shed its unfriendly image due to its strict Islamic laws.
Currently, the Saudi Arabian eVisa is available to citizens of the Schengen Area (including Sweden), Africa, Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, the U.S., and Taiwan. The list is also expected to be expanded in the near future.
The eVisa can also be used by Swedish transit passengers. Visitors changing flights in the country must obtain a Saudi Arabian eVisa if the length of connecting time between flights exceeds 12 hours.
The Saudi eVisa for tourism is valid for a total of 1 year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries of up to 90 days into the country unless stated otherwise on the document. By obtaining the KSA electronic visa, travelers can also benefit from the opportunity to also visit the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, its neighboring countries.
This page explains the crucial information visitors from Sweden need to know before applying for a Saudi eVisa. It explains all the essential requirements for entry into the country and also details the documents and information that must be submitted when applying for a tourist visa.
Saudi Arabia Visa: Passport Requirements for Swedish Citizens
In order to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia from Sweden, the following documents are required:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months, counting from the date of entering Saudi Arabia
- A completed eVisa online application form
- One (1) passport-size photo, dimensions: 200 x 200 pixels (2.08 x 2.08 inches)
- A credit or debit card for visa fee payment
- An active email address
These requirements must be followed carefully. Failure to submit the correct documents could contribute to prolonged processing times. It’s therefore highly recommended to make sure all required documents are attached before submitting them.
According to current information, females above 25 years old will be able to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone, while females under this age threshold must travel in organized and certified groups or accompanied by a male family member or a companion.
It’s mandatory for foreigners to have medical insurance for the whole time they spend in Saudi Arabia. The payment of the visa fee includes the automatic purchase of medical insurance coverage. The eVisa medical insurance will cover up to 100,000 SAR in medical expenses but no extra fees will be charged.
Be mindful that the mandatory medical insurance for Saudi Arabia covers emergency cases only. All the insurance companies providing coverage as part of visas are approved and certified in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s visa requirements for Swedish citizens may be prone to small changes as the electronic system for tourism is still new and is expected to be developed further. Updates about any changes to the Saudi Arabia eVisas will immediately be published on this website.
Apply For a Saudi Arabian Visa From Sweden
Traveling to Saudi Arabia with an electronic visa for Swedish citizens is the easiest way to prepare for a trip to the Middle Eastern kingdom. To apply for a Saudi Arabian electronic visa from Sweden, applicants must begin by filling in the online application form, which contains a few basic personal questions, such as:
- Passport information: nationality, passport number, expiry date
- Personal information: full name, date of birth, address
- Travel plans: dates, bookings
Filling in the online application form for the Saudi Arabian visa does not take longer than 10 minutes to complete. The application form should be completed in capital letters only. It is also necessary to answer a few security and health-related questions on the online application form, such as criminal conviction and medical history.
The visa requirements for Swedish citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia also includes providing proof of vaccination against common illnesses. Being a desert country, various insects carrying diseases may be a health hazard, therefore all travelers are advised to get the appropriate vaccinations when traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Before submitting the form, applicants are also advised to double-check the information provided in case of mistakes. Errors on the form may prolong the time needed to register your visa and may also even risk the rejection of the application altogether.
Once submitted, the visa processing time may take 3 to 5 business days, maximum. On approval, applicants will receive their Saudi Arabian eVisa at the email address provided during registration, and the visa will also be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport number.
Travelers should print the email with the Saudi Arabian eVisa to bring to the airport for passport control. The copy of the eVisa and the applicant’s passport should be presented to border control officials upon landing.
FAQ Saudi Arabia eVisa for Swedish Citizens
In addition to the Saudi eVisa, Swedish citizens are eligible for a Visa on Arrival into Saudi Arabia.
Unlike the eVisa, this is granted only on entry into the country at one of the country’s international airports. In order to gain this travel authorization, Swedish citizens will need to queue and apply in person for their tourist visa which grants a 90-day stay. This can often be a lengthier process than the online application.
Additionally, if the citizen does not fit the Visa on Arrival’s requirements they will be denied entry into Saudi Arabia.
With the Saudi eVisa, Swedish citizens do not need to visit a local national embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia as the whole process is managed online. Nevertheless, for inquiries into other types of visas and immigration into the country, it’s best to contact the Saudi embassy in Sweden directly.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Stockholm:
- Head of mission: Mr. Badr Othman Bakhsh, Ambassador
- Address: 30 Charles Street, Mayfair, 100 41 Stockholm, Sweden
- Email: sembasy@mfa.gov.sa
- Fax: (+46) 8 7969956
- Telephone: (+46) 8 238800
- Opening hours: 09:00 – 15:00