If you are searching for visa-free countries from Saudi Arabia for Saudi residents and citizens, here’s the first thing our visa consultants have to say: As of late 2025, visa free countries for Saudi Passport & Iqama Holders include around 80 destinations that Saudi passport holders can visit without a visa in advance.
In simpler words, Saudi citizens can enter about 80 countries visa-free, including all GCC nations (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar), as well as Jordan, Egypt, Georgia, Malaysia, Turkey, and South Africa.
Saudi citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival in approximately 25 countries, including Azerbaijan, Indonesia, the Maldives, and Tanzania.
They can apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for 6 countries, including the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
The main difference is that a Saudi citizen’s travel benefits depend on their Saudi passport, while an Iqama holder’s benefits depend on their nationality and Saudi residency status.
What are those visa-free countries for Saudi travelers?
Shall we dive deeper into it?
Visa-Free Access for Saudi Passport Holders (2025 Overview)
In recent years, the Saudi passport has become stronger, giving citizens easier access to more countries. As of 2025, Saudi passport holders can travel to over 80 destinations without applying for a traditional visa in advance. This progress reflects stronger international relations and growing global mobility for Saudi travelers.
Saudi citizens can enter many countries visa-free, get a visa on arrival, or apply for an eVisa before their trip.
Here’s what each term means:
- Visa-Free: You can enter the country without a visa or prior application.
- Visa-on-Arrival: You get your visa when you arrive at the airport or border checkpoint.
- eVisa (Electronic Visa): You apply online before traveling, and the visa is linked to your passport electronically.
| Entry Type | Description | Example Countries |
| Visa-Free | No visa needed for entry. | UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Malaysia, Turkey |
| Visa-on-Arrival | A visa is issued upon arrival at the destination. | Indonesia, Maldives, Azerbaijan, Tanzania |
| eVisa | Apply online before travel; approval sent electronically. | Azerbaijan, Australia, Sri Lanka |
| ETA | Electronic Travel Authorization, applying online before travel with the least documents required. | United Kingdom, New Zealand. |
Let’s see what countries Saudi citizens can visit without a visa.
Top Visa-Free Countries for Saudi Passport Holders (2025 List)
Saudi passport holders can visit many countries without a visa, covering destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
The table below lists the top visa-free destinations for Saudi citizens in 2025, along with the allowed stay duration and entry notes.
| Continent/Region | Country | Duration of Stay | Entry Type / Notes |
| Middle East & GCC | Bahrain | Visa-free entry | |
| Kuwait | Visa-free entry | ||
| Oman | Visa-free entry | Up to 14 days (longer possible for GCC residents) | |
| Qatar | Visa-free entry | ||
| United Arab Emirates | Visa-free entry | ||
| Egypt | Up to 180 days | ||
| Jordan | Up to 90 days | ||
| Lebanon | Up to 180 days | ||
| Syria | Visa-free entry | ||
| Iran | Up to 15 days | The Saudi government advises against travel for safety reasons | |
| Asia | Malaysia | Up to 90 days | |
| Philippines | Up to 30 days | ||
| Turkey | Up to 90 days | ||
| Kazakhstan | Up to 30 days | ||
| Uzbekistan | Up to 90 days | ||
| Hong Kong | Up to 30 days | ||
| Singapore | Visa-free entry | Stay duration is decided at immigration | |
| South Korea | Up to 30 days | ||
| China | Up to 30 days | Trial visa-free policy (June 9, 2025 – June 8, 2026) | |
| Europe | Albania | Up to 90 days | |
| Belarus | Up to 30 days | Must enter/exit via Minsk National Airport (not from/to Russia) | |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Up to 90 days | Visa exemption valid June 1 – Sept 30 | |
| Georgia | Up to 360 days | ||
| Kosovo | Up to 90 days | ||
| Ukraine | Up to 90 days | ||
| Schengen Area | Varies | Visa-free entry to Schengen countries; ETIAS starts late 2026 | |
| Africa | South Africa | Up to 90 days | eVisa holders must use specific airports |
| Mauritius | Up to 90 days | ||
| Morocco | Up to 90 days | ||
| Tunisia | Up to 90 days | ||
| Botswana | Up to 90 days | ||
| Gambia | Up to 90 days | ||
| Mozambique | Up to 30 days | Online registration and fees are required before arrival | |
| Angola | Up to 30 days | ||
| Seychelles | Up to 90 days | ||
| Americas & Caribbean | Barbados | Up to 90 days | |
| Dominica | Up to 21 days | ||
| Ecuador | Up to 90 days | ||
| Haiti | Up to 90 days | The Saudi government advises against travel for safety reasons | |
| Honduras | Up to 90 days | ||
| Panama | Up to 90 days | ||
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Up to 90 days | ||
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Up to 90 days |
| Gentle Reminder: Visa rules can change at any time. Always check the latest entry requirements with the destination’s embassy or official government website before you travel. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry, as most countries require it. |
Visa Free Countries for Saudi Iqama Holders (Expats in KSA)
Non-Saudi residents living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with a valid Iqama (residency permit) can travel to several nearby countries without a traditional visa. Many destinations, especially within the GCC and surrounding regions, offer visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or a simple e-visa process.
However, entry rules often depend on your nationality, Iqama profession, and type of residency. Always check the latest visa requirements on the official website or embassy of your destination before traveling, as regulations can change.
Popular Destinations for Saudi Iqama Holders
| Country | Entry Type for Iqama Holders | Remarks |
| UAE | E-visa is required before travel | GCC residents need an online e-visa (not visa-free). Apply through the official portal (e.g., GDRFA). Iqama must be valid for at least one year. |
| Qatar | Visa on Arrival or E-visa | Available for many nationalities through the Hayya app or at the airport. Iqama must be valid for at least 3 months, and the profession must be on the approved list. |
| Bahrain | Visa on Arrival or E-visa | Eligible GCC residents can get a visa easily at the airport or the King Fahad Causeway. |
| Oman | Visa on Arrival or E-visa | Open to GCC residents whose professions are on the Royal Oman Police (ROP) approved list. A 28-day eVisa is also available online. |
| Azerbaijan | Visa on Arrival or E-visa | Many Iqama holders can apply for a visa on arrival or get an online ASAN e-visa, depending on nationality. |
| Georgia | Visa-Free | GCC residents and Saudi Iqama holders can enter Georgia without a visa. |
Other Countries with Easy Entry for Iqama Holders
- Egypt: Visa on arrival (valid for 30 days) for Saudi residents.
- Jordan: Visa on arrival for GCC residents and Iqama holders.
- Kuwait: Visa on arrival or e-visa for GCC residents with approved professions.
- Tunisia: Visa-free entry for GCC residents and Saudi Iqama holders.
- Armenia: Visa on arrival at the airport or land borders.
- Japan: eVisa available for all foreign nationals residing in Saudi Arabia.
| Gentle Reminder: Before traveling, always confirm the latest visa rules for your nationality and profession. Most countries require your Iqama and passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. |
Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Saudi Citizens
Saudi citizens can get a visa on arrival in several countries,
| Country | Duration of Stay | Notes |
| Maldives | Available on arrival | Saudi citizens can get a visa when they arrive. |
| Nepal | Available on arrival | A visa issued at the airport for Saudi citizens. |
| Laos | Available on arrival | Saudi citizens can get a visa when they arrive. |
| Ethiopia | Available on arrival | Saudi citizens can get a visa when they arrive. |
eVisa Countries for Saudi Citizens
Saudi citizens can apply for e-visas to travel to Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. The rules may vary by country, and in some cases, visa-free entry is also available instead of an e-visa.
| Country | Duration of Stay | Notes |
| Turkey | Varies | Saudi citizens can apply online for a single-entry e-visa. Some nationalities have different rules. In some cases, Saudi citizens can also enter visa-free for a limited time. |
| Sri Lanka | 30 days | Saudi citizens can apply online for a 30-day e-visa for tourism or business. Sri Lanka also offers a visa on arrival for some travellers. |
| Kenya | 90 days | Saudi citizens can apply online for a 90-day e-visa. Some nationalities are exempt from Kenya’s visa requirement. |
Before planning your trip, it’s important to review visa rules and entry requirements for your destination. Ensure your passport or Iqama is valid for at least six months, as most countries require it. Some destinations may also ask for travel insurance or COVID-related documents to allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry.
For reliable guidance and smooth visa processing, contact The Visa Guy. Our visa experts in KSA can help you prepare the right documents, avoid delays, and make your travel experience stress-free.
FAQs
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Do Saudi Iqama holders get visa-free access to GCC countries?
No, most GCC countries require Saudi Iqama holders to apply for a visa or e-visa before traveling. Some GCC countries offer a visa on arrival for residents with specific professions and valid residency permits.
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How often do these visa-free lists change?
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival lists can change anytime based on government policies or international agreements. It’s best to check the latest rules on the official embassy or government website before you travel.
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Can Iqama holders apply for an eVisa easily?
Yes, in most cases, Iqama holders can apply online for an e-visa for the eligible e-visa countries. The process is usually simple; you just fill out the form, upload your documents, and pay the fee on the official visa portal.
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How many countries can Saudi citizens visit without a visa?
As of 2025, Saudi citizens can travel to about 80 countries without a visa in advance. This includes visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa destinations.
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Are visa-on-arrival fees included in airfare?
No, visa-on-arrival fees are not included in your flight ticket. You must pay the visa fee at the airport or border when you arrive in the destination country.