Organizing a trip to Riyadh requires special attention to entry documentation.
Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to international tourism with a simple and fast electronic visa system, but it is essential to know all the requirements to avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival. This guide will take you step by step through the necessary formalities for a smooth trip to the Saudi capital, from passport to visa, to mandatory health insurance.
Passport: The Fundamental Requirement
Before anything else, your passport must comply with Saudi requirements. The rule is strict and allows no exceptions.
Minimum validity: it is essential that the passport has a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of departure for Saudi Arabia . This requirement applies to all Italian citizens and most international travelers.
Free pages: make sure that the passport has at least one or two blank pages for the entry stamp.
Minors: all traveling Italian minors must have an individual passport. It is not sufficient to be registered on a parent's passport .
The Electronic Visa (eVisa): The Gateway to Saudi Arabia
Italian citizens, along with those from 66 other countries, can apply for a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia exclusively online through the official portal .
Main Features of the Saudi eVisa
Validity: the visa is valid for 365 days (one year) from the date of issuance .
Entries: it is a multiple-entry, allowing entry and exit multiple times from the country during the validity year .
Duration of stay: allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 consecutive days for each entry . Once you exit, you can re-enter for an additional period of 90 days, until the visa expires .
Purpose of travel: the tourist visa covers activities such as vacations, tourism, participation in events, visits to family and friends, and also Umrah (excluding Hajj) .
How to Apply for the eVisa
The application process is entirely digital and takes place on the official website: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ .
Documents required for the application:
Valid passport (with the above-mentioned requirements).
A recent digital photo.
A valid email address.
A credit card for payment.
The complete address of the hotel or residence where you will stay in Saudi Arabia .
Cost: the cost of the visa is approximately 440 SAR (Saudi Riyal). This amount already includes the mandatory health insurance for the duration of stay .
Processing Times: the visa is generally issued within a few minutes after completion and payment. It can arrive directly via email .
Entry Points for the eVisa
Not all Saudi airports are equipped to handle passengers with an eVisa. Currently, entry is allowed at the following international airports :
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Riyadh
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Jeddah
King Fahd International (DMM) – Dammam
Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International (MED) – Medina
Entry by land is currently only possible from Bahrain, through the Al Batha crossing .
Health Insurance: Mandatory and Essential
Health insurance is not optional, but a mandatory requirement to obtain the visa and to enter Saudi Arabia .
Coverage Included in the eVisa
The good news is that the cost of the visa (about 440 SAR) already includes a mandatory health insurance policy for the entire duration of stay . This means you do not need to purchase a separate policy to meet the legal requirement.
Why Adequate Insurance is Important
Even though basic insurance is included, it is good to know that healthcare facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah are of the highest level, often comparable to or better than those in Europe and America. However, medical care can be very expensive, and many hospitals require a cash deposit before proceeding with treatment . Comprehensive health insurance is essential to cover any medical expenses, hospitalizations and, above all, the possible medical repatriation in case of emergency, which could otherwise have prohibitive costs .
Practical Advice and Additional Formalities
Registration with the Crisis Unit: the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises citizens traveling abroad to register their presence on the site www.viaggiaresicuri.it . This way, it will be easier to be contacted in case of emergencies or alerts.
Contacts of the Italian Embassy in Riyadh:
Address: Diplomatic Quarter, P.O. Box 94389, Riyadh .
Phone: +966 11 488 1212 .
Emergencies: +966 505254792 .
Security Email: sicurezza.riad@esteri.it .
Transit Visa: There is also a free transit visa, which allows for short stops. The application process is simplified and takes just a few minutes; only administrative fees and health insurance are paid . It can be a solution for those with a technical stop who want to briefly visit the city.
FAQ-TRAVEL TO RIYADH
What happens if my passport has less than 6 months of validity?
You will not be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia. You need to renew your passport before departing. The remaining validity must be at least 6 months from the date of departure, not from the date of arrival .
How long does it take to obtain the eVisa?
The online procedure is very quick; the visa is usually issued within a few minutes, directly via email . However, it is always advisable to apply a few days in advance.
Is my personal health insurance valid in Saudi Arabia?
The policy included in the visa cost meets the legal requirement. If you want more comprehensive coverage, you can supplement it with a travel policy that also covers potential repatriation and higher medical expenses. It is important that the policy is valid abroad and covers Saudi Arabia.
Can I travel if my hotel reservation is not yet confirmed?
No, for the visa application it is necessary to provide the complete address of the hotel or residence where you will be staying .
What is meant by "transit visa"?
It is a free visa that can be applied for online and allows for a brief stay in Saudi Arabia during a layover . It can be used for a short visit to Riyadh or for Umrah.
Can Italian citizens apply for a visa on arrival at the airport?
The eVisa must be obtained before departure. Although in some cases it is possible to purchase insurance upon arrival, it is always advisable to have everything ready before boarding .
Documentation for the trip to Riyadh
Organizing the documentation for a trip to Riyadh is now a simple and quick process, thanks to the electronic visa system introduced by Saudi Arabia. A passport with at least six months of validity and the eVisa, obtainable online in a few minutes, are the fundamental requirements. The health insurance policy, included in the visa cost, covers the mandatory requirement, but it is wise to consider broader coverage for any medical emergencies. With the proper documents, you can fully enjoy everything the Saudi capital has to offer, from its historical treasures to its futuristic modernity. For a complete planning of your trip, don't forget to consult our complete guide for vacations in Riyadh.
Review date: June 20, 2026