If you call Portugal home and have been dreaming of exploring the Arabian Peninsula, there has never been a better time to pack your bags. Saudi Arabia, once one of the most difficult countries to visit as a tourist, has thrown its doors wide open. Thanks to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, the days of complex paperwork and embassy interviews in Lisbon are long gone.
Today, Portuguese citizens can take advantage of the Saudi Arabia eVisa, a fully digital travel permit that makes visiting Riyadh, Jeddah, or the ancient wonders of AlUla incredibly simple. Whether you are planning a cultural deep-dive, a family vacation, or a spiritual journey, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabia eVisa for Portugal citizens—from the application steps and costs to essential travel tips.
Do Portuguese citizens actually need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
Yes, if you hold a Portuguese passport, you do need a visa to cross the Saudi border. However, you are in a privileged position. Portugal is listed as one of the eligible countries for the electronic visa (eVisa) program. This means you can skip the physical embassy visits and traditional sticker visas entirely. Instead, you get a digital authorization linked directly to your passport number, making your entry into the Kingdom smooth and hassle-free.
Saudi Arabia eVisa for Portuguese tourists
The Saudi eVisa is a digital travel document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was designed specifically to boost tourism and make the country accessible to international visitors. For a Portuguese traveler, this visa acts as your golden ticket to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, leisure, visiting family or friends, and even performing the Umrah pilgrimage. It is faster, more efficient, and significantly more convenient than the old methods.
Who is eligible to apply for the Saudi eVisa from Portugal?
Before you start filling out forms, let’s make sure you tick the right boxes. To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a Portuguese Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into Saudi Arabia. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it at your local Loja do Cidadão before applying.
- Be Over 18: Adult applicants can apply for themselves. If you are traveling with children (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must include them in their application.
- Visit for Permitted Reasons: This visa is for tourism, events, family visits, or Umrah. It is not a work visa. If you plan to work or live in Saudi Arabia, you will need a different type of permit sponsored by an employer.
Why should I choose the eVisa over a Visa on Arrival?
Technically, Portuguese citizens are eligible for Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival at major Saudi airports like King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. However, seasoned travelers almost always recommend the eVisa. Why? Because relying on a visa on arrival means risking long queues after a tiring flight. It also carries the small but stressful risk of being denied entry if there is a system glitch or a documentation issue. Having your eVisa approved before you fly gives you peace of mind and lets you breeze through immigration controls.
How to Prevent Visa Rejection”
“common reasons for saudi evisa rejection”
Saudi Arabia has strict data entry standards. A single mismatch between your passport MRZ code and the form can cause rejection.
| Prevention Method | Government Portal | saudi-arabia-evisas.com |
| Data Verification | None. The system assumes whatever you type is correct. If you misspell your name, the visa is issued with the error and becomes invalid for entry. | Expert Pre-Check. Agents cross-reference your passport scan with your application data to ensure 100% accuracy before submission. |
| Correction Policy | Zero. An issued visa cannot be edited. You must apply and pay again for a new one. | Proactive. If the team spots an inconsistency (e.g., “O” vs “0” in passport numbers), they fix it immediately before it reaches the government. |
What documents do I need for Saudi eVisa?
The beauty of the eVisa is that the documentation is minimal. You don’t need bank statements or invitation letters for a standard tourist application. Just have these ready:
- Passport Scan: A clear, high-quality color scan of your passport’s biographical page.
- Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photo of yourself. The background must be white.
- Email Address: Ensure it is an email you check frequently, as this is where your visa will be sent.
- Payment Method: A credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) to pay the fees online.
How do I apply for Saudi Arabia eVisa from Portugal?
The Saudi Arabia Visa application process is designed to be user-friendly and can be done from your laptop or smartphone in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve.
Fill in Your Details Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your Portuguese passport. Watch out for typos in your name or passport number.
Upload Documents Upload the scan of your passport and your digital photo. Ensure the files meet the size requirements (usually under 100KB for photos).
Pay the Fees Complete the secure online payment.
Receive Your Visa Once approved, the eVisa is emailed to you as a PDF. Print a copy to keep with your travel documents, just in case.
How much does the Saudi eVisa cost for Portuguese citizens?
The cost structure is generally straightforward but consists of two parts:
- The Government Fee: This fee goes directly to the Saudi authorities. It includes the visa issuance fee and, importantly, the mandatory medical insurance fee.
- The Service Fee: If you use a visa assistance service, they charge a fee for reviewing your application and providing support.
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable. If your application is rejected due to an error, you do not get the money back, so accuracy is key.
How long does the processing take?
One of the best features of the eVisa is the speed. Depending on your urgency, you can choose from different processing tiers:
- Standard Processing: Perfect if you are planning ahead. Your visa is usually ready in 1-2 business days.
- Rush Processing: If you are in a hurry, this option delivers your visa in 6-12 hours.
- Super Rush Processing: For emergency trips or last-minute plans, you can get approved in as little as 1 hour.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi eVisa is quite generous compared to other tourist visas:
- Validity: The visa is valid for one full year (365 days) from the date of issuance.
- Duration of Stay: You can stay for up to 90 days during a single visit.
- Entries: It is a multiple-entry visa. You can fly back to Portugal and return to Saudi Arabia as many times as you like within that one year, as long as you don’t exceed the 90-day limit per trip.
Do I need a transit visa for a stopover?
If you are flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas and have a layover in Saudi Arabia (for example, en route to Asia), you might be eligible for a Stopover/Transit Visa. This visa allows you to leave the airport and stay in the country for up to 96 hours (4 days). It is perfect for a quick tour of Jeddah’s Al-Balad or a short Umrah. If you book your flight correctly, the transit visa fee is often waived, though you may still pay for insurance and administration.
What are the photo requirements?
Don’t let a simple photo error delay your trip. Follow these rules:
- Background: Must be pure white. No patterns or shadows.
- Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
- Format: JPG or JPEG format.
- Glasses: It is best to remove glasses to avoid glare.
- Headwear: Only allowed for religious reasons, but the face must be fully visible from chin to forehead.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory for all tourists entering Saudi Arabia. The good news is you don’t need to shop around for a policy. The insurance is automatically included when you pay the government fee for your eVisa. The system assigns you a Saudi-approved insurance provider that covers emergency medical costs and hospitalization during your stay.
Why might my application be rejected?
Rejections are rare for Portuguese citizens, but they usually happen due to avoidable mistakes:
- Data Mismatch: Your name on the form doesn’t match the machine-readable zone (MRZ) of your passport.
- Blurry Scans: The authorities cannot read your passport details.
- Passport Expiry: Applying with a passport that has less than 6 months of validity left.
- Background Check: In rare cases, security flags may delay or reject an application.
What should I know before traveling to Saudi Arabia?
- Dress Code: Saudi Arabia has modernized significantly. The abaya is no longer mandatory for foreign women. However, modest dress is still expected. Men should avoid sleeveless shirts and short shorts in public. Women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
- Alcohol: Saudi Arabia is a dry country. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Do not attempt to bring any into the country.
- Currency: The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Portuguese bank cards work in most places, but carrying some cash is useful for small purchases.
- Connectivity: Pick up a local SIM card (STC, Mobily, or Zain) at the airport for cheap and fast internet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can unmarried Portuguese couples share a hotel room?
A: Yes. Regulations have been relaxed, and hotels generally allow foreign tourists to share rooms without asking for marriage certificates.
Q: Is it safe for Portuguese women to travel alone?
A: Yes, Saudi Arabia is considered very safe for solo female travelers. Crime rates are low, and locals are generally very hospitable.
Q: Do I need a COVID-19 test?
A: As of 2025, all COVID-19 entry restrictions (testing and vaccination proof) have been lifted. However, always check the latest travel advisories before you fly.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia eVisa for Portugal citizens is a game-changer for travel. It removes the bureaucratic barriers and lets you focus on the excitement of your trip. Whether you need your visa in 2 days or in 1 hour via the Super Rush option, the digital process is robust and reliable. So, get your passport ready, apply online, and prepare to discover the hidden gems of the Arabian Peninsula!
Safe travels!