Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia from the Philippines? Whether you’re visiting for tourism, a short stopover, or to see family and friends, understanding the visa process ahead of time can make your trip much easier.
This guide covers how Filipinos can apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa, including visa requirements, fees, application steps, and helpful travel tips before departure. We’ll also share useful information about transit visas and other entry options for Philippine passport holders.
Saudi Arabia Welcomes International Visitors
Saudi Arabia is open to international tourism and continues to welcome visitors from around the world, including travelers from the Philippines.
Filipino passport holders may be able to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, transit, or Umrah, depending on their visa type and eligibility.
Some travelers may qualify for a Visa on Arrival or eVisa, especially if they hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa that meets Saudi entry requirements. Others may need to apply for a visa in advance through the Saudi Embassy or an accredited visa processing center in the Philippines.
Before booking your trip, always check the latest entry requirements through the official Saudi visa portal or with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Manila, as visa policies can change without notice.
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:
- Schengen Area
- The United Kingdom
- The United States of America
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.
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]
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
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
Important Travel Tips Before Visiting Saudi Arabia
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.
Non-Muslims can’t go inside. Only Muslims may enter Mecca. It’s a restriction.