It’s easy for Filipinos to enter Saudi Arabia for work. But getting a tourist visa can be tricky. Here’s how to get Tourist Visa for Saudi Arabia in 2025. We’ll include info for transit visas, work visas, and tourist entry.
Overcoming culture shock is part of the journey for first-time visitors. Filipinos want to explore more visa-free destinations. Saudi Arabia is one of the most fascinating stops you can add to your travel bucket list!
Want to travel the world while working remotely? If you dream of visiting Saudi Arabia, without being tied to an office, check out my eBook: “The A-Z on Becoming a Digital Nomad!” It’s packed with guides, budgeting tips, and visa info.
Saudi Slowly Opening to Visitors
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is slowly opening its doors to travelers. This includes residents and citizens from many countries.
You can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or eVisa if you hold valid visas from some countries. If not, you’ll need to apply at the embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You can apply for purposes like tourism, business, or family visits. For this, prepare an invitation letter. Add bank statements and a full travel itinerary.
Visa Exemptions and Conditions
Filipino passport holders can’t enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa unless they hold a valid and used visa from:
Entry stamps from countries like Canada, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and Andorra may qualify you for a Visa on Arrival. Your visa must be used with an entry stamp.
Always confirm your eligibility with a Saudi consulate. This is especially if you’re exiting from Jeddah, Dammam, or traveling with a passport that’s been to Kazakhstan, Latvia, Estonia, or Azerbaijan.
NOTE: Pack your luggage responsibly and consider getting a passport holder to protect your passport from damage!
Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival Requirements
Validity: short stay for up to 90 days
- Valid Passport – Stay of up to 90 days
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages
- Used and valid US, UK, or Schengen visa
- Travel Health Insurance – highly recommended
- Sufficient funds to support your trip
Pilgrim Visas: Umrah and Hajj
Umrah Visa Requirements
Since Mecca is the holiest city in Saudi Arabia for Muslims, you can visit here anytime you want for as long as you will apply for an Umrah Visa. This visa is only applicable to our Muslim friends.
1. Umrah Visa Application Form and a recent standard, colored passport-size photograph
2. Valid Passport – valid for at least 6 months;
3. Medical Certificate – for children between 3 months and 12 years old, parents should consult their primary care doctors
4. Confirmed Round Trip Ticket to and from Saudi Arabia;
5. Marriage Certificate or Children’s Birth Certificate – for a couple or family whose last names are different;
6. A Certificate of Conversion to Islam is also required.
NOTE: There is no Visa Fee for Umrah Visa. You can apply through the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Manila.
Hajj Visa Requirements
Unlike Umrah Visa wherein you can visit anytime, in the Hajj visa, there’s a specific date on when you can apply for one. Hajj season is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca that follows the dates on the Islamic calendar. If you’re a Muslim, you’d probably know when this happens, so you’ll get an idea of when you should apply.
1. Passport – valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
2. 2 Passport-sized photos with white background
3. Visa Application Form – this must be signed and stamped by NCMF
4. Confirmed Round Trip Ticket
5. International Certificate of Vaccination – issued by Bureau of Quarantine
6. Medical Certificate – for children 3 months to 12 old, parents should consult their primary care doctors
7. Mahram
- Females must be accompanied by a male escort or relative. Proof of relationship must be submitted.
- Females over 45 may travel without a Mahram but with an organized group, however, a notarized no-objection letter from husband, son, or brother must be submitted.
- Applicants under legal age can’t be granted a visa if not accompanied by parents.
You can apply for this visa at the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. Here are the details:
Address: 79 Jocfer Annex Building, Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Contact details: (02) 952-48-75 / (02) 952-64-19
Email: [email protected]
NOTE: Pack your luggage responsibly and consider getting packing cubes to keep clothing organized!
Transit Visa Requirements
1. Visa application form
2. Valid passport – a minimum of 6 months
3. Two photos – with white background, 4×6 cm
4. Confirmed Airline Ticket (at most 48 hours)
5. Valid Visa for the next destination
6. A confirmed reserved ticket in and out of Saudi Arabia for at most 48 hours.
There is no visa fee for Transit Visas.
eVisa (Not Yet Available for Filipinos)
Filipino passport holders are not yet eligible for Saudi eVisa. But it’s open for citizens from:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
How to Apply for Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa (Once Eligible)
- Visit the eVisa portal
- Register and create an account
- Upload required documents
- Choose and review a travel insurance option
- Pay using a debit or credit card
- Submit your application and wait for confirmation
- Print your eVisa and bring it when you travel
NOTE: Buy a portable neck fan if you anticipate warm weather!
Important Reminders
- Know your expiration date and type of visa (e.g., single-entry visa)
- Avoid errors to minimize processing time and delays
- Follow all steps following Saudi immigration rules
- Visas are issued at Saudi Consulates General, Ankara, or through agents
- Bring your passport holders and keep all documents secure
Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the PH
Address: 128 H.V. Dela Costa St. Corner Sanchez St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila
Phone: (02) 8856 4444
Office Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Final Thoughts
With proper documents, a complete travel itinerary, and an approved visa, visiting Saudi Arabia is very possible. Whether you’re applying for a tourist visa, transit visa, employment visa, or work permit, always follow the latest guidelines from official sources.
Keep your documents updated, pack smart, and don’t forget your passport holders, and signature.
Your next big destination awaits!
FAQ
Use the eVisa platform (once eligible). Fill out the form, upload your documents, and wait for approval.
No. Your visa must be used and have an entry stamp before entering Saudi Arabia.
It usually ranges from 90 to 130 USD. But it depends on your nationality and intended duration of stay.
No. Non-Muslims can’t go inside. Only Muslims may enter Mecca. It’s a restriction.