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Requirements to travel from Spain To Saudi Arabia
Discover the requirements to travel from Spain to Saudi Arabia in 2025. Do you need a visa, any mandatory vaccinations? Read on.
Imagine planning a trip for months, only to be stopped at the airport when you land. That’s a real possibility if you don’t meet the requirements to travel from Spain to Saudi Arabia. If your paperwork isn’t in order when you get to immigration, you won’t be allowed to enter. While the country has eased some of its regulations in recent years, its entry policies are still pretty strict.
To make sure you don’t run into any issues, we’ve created a guide with everything you should know before you head out. Do you need a visa? Are there any required vaccines? Is travel insurance necessary to enter? We’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll also share a few helpful tips to keep in mind before you go. Follow along with us to plan your trip and fully enjoy Riyadh, Jeddah, and all the other amazing spots this destination has to offer.
A word of advice before traveling to Saudi Arabia
Here’s a handy tip for when you arrive: while it’s not essential, figuring out how you’ll get online during your trip will make things easier. Public Wi-Fi is rare in Saudi Arabia, so having internet access will help you with maps, discovering places to visit, or contacting your hotel.
If you’re staying for a few days or weeks, we recommend the Holafly eSIM for Saudi Arabia. For just 6,90 euros ($7,45), you’ll get unlimited data, so you won’t have to worry about how much you’re using or whether you’ll find a place with Wi-Fi.
Planning to stay longer or visit multiple countries in the Middle East? If so, you might want to check out Holafly Connect’s global internet plans. They offer monthly subscriptions starting at 39,90 euros ($40,93), with options for 10GB, 25GB, or unlimited data.
Setting up both options before leaving Spain takes just a few minutes. This way, when you land you will have everything ready to connect.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Having said that, let’s go through the requirements to travel from Spain to Saudi Arabia in 2025.
1. Round-trip airfare
Let’s start with the basics: your flight ticket. Obviously, you’ll need one to get there, but you’ll also need a return ticket. Immigration authorities will ask for it to make sure you don’t overstay your visa. You wouldn’t be the first person to be denied entry for not having one. In fact, some travelers have had to buy a ticket right at the airport.
If you have a work, residence, or student visa, this requirement may not apply to you. It’s best to check with the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Madrid to find out exactly what you’ll need before you go.
2. Tourist, work or residence visas for Saudi Arabia
To enter Saudi Arabia you will need a visa. No matter the purpose of your trip or the duration. Depending on the reason for your trip you will have to apply for one or the other:
- Tourist visa: For stays of up to 90 days, this is the easiest visa to get, and you can apply for it online. If your flight has a layover in Saudi Arabia and you want to leave the transit area, you’ll need this visa as well. It’s valid for one year with multiple entries and costs around 123 euros ($133).
- Work visa: To get this type of visa, you’ll need a company to sponsor you and handle the application process. Once you arrive, that company will also need to arrange your residence card (Iqama) within the first 90 days. The cost is around 278 euros ($300)
- Business visa: If you’re traveling for meetings or business activities, you’ll need an invitation letter from a Saudi company. This type of visa costs between 133 and 278 euros ($145 to $300).
- Pilgrimage visa (Hajj or Umrah): If you are traveling for religious purposes there’s a special visa for each pilgrimage, which you’ll need to apply for ahead of time. The requirements vary depending on the Hajj season. The application fee is about 278 euros ($300).
There are quite a few types of visas available. The application process varies depending on which one you are applying for.
The quickest way to get a tourist visa is by applying for the eVisa. However, for work, business, or residence visas, you’ll need to go through the embassy or a sponsor in Saudi Arabia.
One important thing! If you’re on a work or residence visa, you’ll need an exit permit to leave the country temporarily. Your employer will need to handle this for you.
3. Requirements to travel from Spain to Saudi Arabia: Spanish passport
Just like traveling to any other country outside the Schengen area, you’ll also need a passport. But not just any passport – it must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the country.
Here’s something else to keep in mind: Saudi Arabia doesn’t allow entry with two passports. If you have dual nationality and bring both, they might keep one until you leave the country. Also, if your passport has any Israeli stamps, it’s best to check with the Saudi Embassy in Madrid to ensure there won’t be any issues.
4. Address of accommodation in Saudi Arabia
This rule is mainly for those with work, study, or residence visas, who’ll need to provide a fixed address for their stay. Tourists typically aren’t asked for this, but it’s possible they could request it at immigration, so it’s smart to have it ready just in case.
A printed or cell phone hotel reservation is fine. If you are staying with family or friends, have their contact and exact address handy.
5. Mandatory vaccinations for travel to Saudi Arabia
Vaccinations are mandatory, but not for all travelers. They are required in specific cases. Here are some of them:
- Yellow fever: It’s required for travelers over 1 year old coming from countries with a risk of transmission or those who have had a layover of more than 12 hours in one of these countries.
- Poliomyelitis: Required for those arriving from countries where the disease is still active.
- Specific vaccines for pilgrims: If you’re traveling for Hajj or Umrah, make sure to check the additional health requirements on the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Health.
6. Requirements to travel from Spain to Saudi Arabia: medical insurance
If you’re staying in Saudi Arabia on a work or residence visa, you’ll need to have international health insurance. The authorities require that foreigners have a policy covering hospitalizations and medical visits for the entire duration of their stay.
For other visas, like the tourist visa, health insurance is included. It’s part of the price and is automatically included when you pay the eVisa fees. It covers up to 100,000 Saudi riyals ($27,000) in medical expenses.
7. Passing immigration control in Saudi Arabia
You’re all set to enter. The last step? Clearing immigration. If you’ve got everything organized and ready, you shouldn’t have any trouble. An officer will check your passport, visa, and other entry documents. They may also ask you some questions about the purpose and length of your trip. Just answer clearly and confidently, and avoid any suspicious behavior.
When you arrive, you’ll need to go through immigration. It’s typically a simple process, but it’s crucial to have all your paperwork ready. An officer will check your passport, visa, and other entry documents. They may also ask about the purpose of your trip, how long you’ll be staying, and where you’ll be staying.
Other travel tips for Saudi Arabia
That covers the requirements to travel from Spain to Saudi Arabia in 2025. However, there are a few more things you might want to prepare. To help you wrap up your planning, here are some additional tips.
1. Travel insurance for Saudi Arabia
While health insurance is mandatory for traveling to Saudi Arabia, it’s also wise to get comprehensive travel insurance. It covers more than just medical emergencies – it can also protect you from things like theft, lost luggage, cancellations, or delays.
2. Driver’s license
You won’t be able to drive with just your Spanish driver’s license. To drive in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you go. The process is straightforward, and the permit is valid for a year.
However, if you’re planning to live in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to exchange your license for a local one. You’ll have to enroll in a certified driving school, complete a driving course, and pass both a practical and theoretical exam.
Frequently asked questions on requirements for travel from Spain to Saudi Arabia
Yes, Spanish citizens do need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. You can get a tourist visa online (eVisa) or upon arrival at the airport. For work, study, or other types of travel, you’ll need to apply for a different visa before your trip.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the country. If it doesn’t meet this requirement, immigration authorities may deny you entry.
Yes, you must have an outbound ticket. It is a requirement to show that you do not plan to overstay your visa.
If you’re coming from a country where yellow fever is prevalent, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination. Additionally, if you’re traveling during the pilgrimage season to Mecca (Hajj or Umrah), a meningitis vaccine is required.
Yes, you must have a recognized medical insurance in Saudi Arabia. This insurance is part of the visa application process.
