What awaits you in Al-Ahsa?
Al-Ahsa Oasis is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is home to Jabal Al-Qarah, Qasr Ibrahim, Al-Qaisariyah Souq, the oasis springs and its palms. Browse Al-Ahsa's attractions, check the events close to your travel dates, choose where to stay, then plan your trip in detail. If you are looking for a tourist visa for Al-Ahsa specifically, Al-Ahsa is a Saudi city, and a Saudi visit visa is what you need.
Choose your route
| Route | Who is it for? | Validity and length of stay | Official platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | Citizens of eligible countries, holders of Schengen, US or UK visas, permanent residents of the US, the EU or the UK, and GCC residents | 1 year, multiple entry, stay up to 3 months | visa.visitsaudi.com |
| GCC residents | Holders of a GCC residency valid for at least 3 months | 1 year with a 90-day stay (multiple entry), or 90 days (single entry) | ksavisa.sa |
| Umrah via Nusuk | Those wishing to perform Umrah | 365 days, multiple entry, cumulative stay up to 90 days | umrah.nusuk.sa |
| Stopover (transit) | Saudia or flynas passengers with a stopover in the Kingdom | Stay up to 96 hours | During flight booking |
| Family and personal visit | Those invited by a citizen or resident | Set when you apply | visa.mofa.gov.sa |
| Business visit | Those invited by a company or organisation in the Kingdom | Set when you apply | ksavisa.sa |
| Package visa | Passport holders of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan and Mexico | Set when you apply | Licensed service providers |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation | UK citizens | Multiple visits over 2 years | ksavisa.sa |
Saudi tourist eVisa: who is it for?
Who is this visa for? Citizens of the eligible countries listed on the platform; holders of a valid Schengen, US or UK visit visa; permanent residents of the US, the EU or the UK; and residents of GCC countries. It covers tourism, attending events, visiting relatives and Umrah. It does not cover Hajj, work or study.
Validity and length of stay: One year from the date of issue, multiple entry, with a stay of up to 3 months.
Saudi visa guide for GCC residents: visiting Al-Ahsa
Who is this visa for? Residents of a GCC country holding a residency valid for at least 3 months.
Validity and length of stay: Two options: multiple entry valid for one year with a 90-day stay, or single entry valid for 90 days with a 90-day stay.
Umrah visa via Nusuk
Who is this visa for? Those wishing to perform Umrah through packages from licensed service providers. Nusuk also offers visa-free packages for GCC citizens and residents and for holders of all visa types.
Validity and length of stay: 365 days from the date of issue, multiple entry, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days.
Stopover (transit) visa for a layover in Saudi Arabia
Who is this visa for? Passengers booking a Saudia or flynas flight that includes a stopover in the Kingdom. It is requested during flight booking.
Length of stay: Up to 96 hours.
Family and personal visit visa
Who is this visa for? Those invited by a Saudi citizen or resident. The family visit is for relatives: first-degree relatives of GCC citizens (parents, spouse and children), and relatives of residents. The personal visit is for those with no family or business relationship to the host. The host starts the application online on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs platform.
Business visit visa
For those invited by a company or organisation in the Kingdom with which they have a business relationship. The inviting organisation starts the application, which is then completed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs platform.
Package visa (pilot phase)
For passport holders of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan and Mexico, through a flight and accommodation package from a licensed service provider.
Electronic Travel Authorisation for UK citizens
For UK citizens, with a separate application for each person, including children. It allows multiple visits over two years.
How do you get to Al-Ahsa after your visa?
By air: via Al-Ahsa International Airport, or King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and onward by car or train.
By land from Bahrain: via the King Fahd Causeway. Before travelling, check the entry conditions for the causeway on the King Fahd Causeway Authority website, and the entry conditions for each border crossing at the Visit Saudi help center.
Details on arriving by train and car, and distances from Riyadh and Dammam, are in How to get there.
Your next steps after the visa
- Getting there: roads, airports and the train.
- Where to stay: places to stay in Al-Ahsa.
- When to visit: the best season to visit.
- What to see: attractions, events and the interactive map.
- Collect your places: save what you like in My saved places and get a ready-made route.
Frequently asked questions about the Saudi visit visa
How long is the Saudi tourist eVisa valid?
It is valid for one year from the date of issue with multiple entry, and each stay can last up to 3 months.
Can the tourist eVisa be extended?
No. If it expires before you enter the Kingdom, a new application is required.
Do GCC residents need a visa to visit Al-Ahsa?
Yes. They apply through the GCC residents route on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs platform (ksavisa.sa).
Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes. Umrah is among the activities permitted on the tourist eVisa, with the exception of Hajj.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. The tourist visa is for tourism, attending events, Umrah and visiting relatives. It does not permit work or study.
How do I invite a relative to visit me in Al-Ahsa?
The host starts the application online on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform, and must be related to the guest.
I have a stopover in Saudi Arabia. Can I leave the airport?
Yes. Saudia and flynas passengers can obtain a stopover visa during flight booking, for a stay of up to 96 hours.
Official links
| Route | Link | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | https://visa.visitsaudi.com/Registration/Verify | Ministry of Tourism |
| GCC residents | https://ksavisa.sa/visa/tourism/details | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Umrah via Nusuk | https://umrah.nusuk.sa/ | Ministry of Hajj and Umrah |
| Stopover (transit) | https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/campaigns/saudi-stopover | Ministry of Tourism |
| Family and personal visit | https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Index2?service_type=2 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Business visit | https://ksavisa.sa/visa/business-visit/apply | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Package visa | https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/campaigns/package-visa | Ministry of Tourism |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation | https://ksavisa.sa/explore-visa-options/aab79697-b721-4907-b772-62a9bb42c36e | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| King Fahd Causeway | https://kfca.sa/en/ | King Fahd Causeway Authority |
