Visa-Free Countries for Saudi Residents in 2023

Introduction: Visa-Free Countries for Saudi Residents

As a resident of Saudi Arabia, whether I hold a Saudi passport or an Iqama (residence permit), I fully understand the importance of having access to an ever-expanding list of countries where you can travel without the hassle of obtaining a visa. It’s a reality that has made travel so much simpler, and it’s truly a valuable privilege. With the year 2023 elevating Saudi Arabia’s passport status, it’s a source of pride, making it easier for us to explore a wide range of global destinations.

Using my own experiences in Saudi Arabia, especially when dealing with the details of the Iqama and visa procedures, this article aims to provide you with a complete guide to countries that generously offer visa-free entry, eVisas, visa on arrival, and the visa requirements that apply to us, fellow Saudi residents.

Visa-Free Destinations: Visa-Free Countries for Saudi Residents

1. Zambia
2. Vanuatu
3. Uzbekistan
4. United Arab Emirates
5. Ukraine
6. Turks and Caicos Islands
7. Tunisia
8. Thailand
9. Tajikistan
10. Suriname
11. South Korea
12. South Africa
13. Singapore
14. Samoa
15. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
16. Saint Kitts and Nevis
17. Qatar
18. Philippines
19. Panama
20. Palestine
21. Pakistan
22. Oman
23. Niue
24. Nicaragua
25. New Zealand
26. Mozambique
27. Morocco
28. Montenegro
29. Micronesia
30. Mauritius
31. Malaysia
32. Lebanon
33. Kyrgyzstan
34. Kuwait
35. Kosovo
36. Kiribati
37. Kazakhstan
38. Jordan
39. Hong Kong
40. Honduras
41. Haiti
42. Guatemala
43. Georgia
44. Gabon
45. El Salvador
46. Egypt
47. Ecuador
48. Dominica
49. Cook Islands
50. Botswana
51. Bosnia and Herzegovina
52. Belarus
53. Barbados
54. Bahrain
55. Albania

Saudi Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa:

Some countries allow Saudi citizens to enter without a passport and only require an ID card. These countries include:

1. Bahrain
2. Kuwait
3. Oman
4. Qatar
5. United Arab Emirates

list of the 10 visa-free countries for Saudi Iqama Holders in 2023:

1. Armenia
2. Bahrain
3. Egypt
4. Georgia
5. Japan
6. Jordan
7. Kuwait
8. Oman
9. Tunisia
10. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Countries Issuing e-Visas to Saudi Citizens:

Saudi residents can easily obtain e-Visas for the following 33 countries:

1. Zimbabwe
2. Vietnam
3. United Kingdom
4. Uganda
5. Türkiye
6. Togo
7. Taiwan
8. South Sudan
9. São Tomé and Príncipe
10. Russia
11. Myanmar
12. Montserrat
13. Mongolia
14. Moldova
15. Lesotho
16. Kenya
17. Japan
18. Ivory Coast
19. Iran
20. India
21. Guinea
22. Ethiopia
23. Equatorial Guinea
24. Djibouti
25. Democratic Republic of the Congo
26. Colombia
27. Cameroon
28. Burkina Faso
29. Bhutan
30. Benin
31. Bahamas
32. Armenia
33. Antigua and Barbuda

Visa on Arrival for Saudi Passport Holders:

Saudi residents can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) in the following 28 countries:

1. Yemen
2. Tuvalu
3. Timor-Leste
4. Tanzania
5. Sri Lanka
6. Somalia
7. Sierra Leone
8. Seychelles
9. Rwanda
10. Palau
11. Nepal
12. Mauritania
13. Maldives
14. Malawi
15. Madagascar
16. Macau
17. Laos
18. Iraq
19. Indonesia
20. Guinea-Bissau
21. Comoros
22. Cambodia
23. Cabo Verde
24. Burundi
25. Brunei
26. Bolivia
27. Bangladesh
28. Azerbaijan

Countries that Require Visas for Saudi Citizens:

Despite the visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges available to Saudi residents in numerous countries, there are 110 nations that mandate a visa for entry. Several of these nations encompass:

1. Venezuela
2. Vatican City
3. Uruguay
4. United States Virgin Islands
5. United States
6. Turkmenistan
7. Trinidad and Tobago
8. Tonga
9. Syria
10. Switzerland
11. Sweden
12. Sudan
13. Spain
14. Solomon Islands
15. Slovenia
16. Slovakia
17. Serbia
18. Senegal
19. San Marino
20. Saint Martin
21. Saint Lucia
22. Saint Helena
23. Romania
24. Réunion
25. Republic of the Congo
26. Puerto Rico
27. Portugal
28. Poland
29. Peru
30. Paraguay
31. Papua New Guinea
32. Norway
33. Northern Mariana Islands
34. North Macedonia
35. North Korea
36. Nigeria
37. Niger
38. New Caledonia
39. Netherlands
40. Nauru
41. Namibia
42. Monaco
43. Mexico
44. Mayotte
45. Marshall Islands
46. Malta
47. Mali
48. Luxembourg
49. Lithuania
50. Liechtenstein
51. Libya
52. Liberia
53. Latvia
54. Jamaica
55. Italy
56. Israel
57. Ireland
58. Iceland
59. Hungary
60. Guyana
61. Guam
62. Grenada
63. Greenland
64. Greece
65. Gibraltar
66. Ghana
67. Germany
68. Gambia
69. French West Indies
70. French Polynesia
71. French Guiana
72. France
73. Finland
74. Fiji
75. Faroe Islands
76. Falkland Islands
77. Eswatini
78. Estonia
79. Eritrea
80. Dominican Republic
81. Denmark
82. Czechia
83. Cyprus
84. Curaçao
85. Cuba
86. Croatia
87. Costa Rica
88. China
89. Chile
90. Chad
91. Central African Republic
92. Cayman Islands
93. Caribbean Netherlands
94. Canada
95. Bulgaria
96. British Virgin Islands
97. Brazil
98. Bermuda
99. Belize
100. Belgium
101. Austria
102. Australia
103. Aruba
104. Argentina
105. Anguilla
106. Angola
107. Andorra
108. American Samoa
109. Algeria
110. Afghanistan

Applying for a Visa:

Saudi citizens must follow to a specific procedure when planning visits to countries that necessitate a visa:

1. Schedule an appointment at the visa center located in Saudi Arabia.
2. Gather the necessary paperwork, which should include a valid passport, the visa application form, health insurance, and other essential documents.
3. Complete the application, participate in the visa interview, and, if necessary, furnish biometric data.
4. Translate and verify documents as necessary.
5. In many cases, a valid visa for one country may allow entry into multiple countries, eliminating the need for multiple visa applications.

Closing Thoughts: Visa-Free Countries for Saudi Residents

In today’s interconnected world, the ability to travel internationally with ease is a precious advantage. As residents of Saudi Arabia, we’re in a unique position, where many countries welcome us without the fuss of complex visa processes. Thanks to the improved status of Saudi Arabia’s passport in 2023, our opportunities to explore diverse global destinations have expanded.

This guide has aimed to illuminate these opportunities for us. Whether you’re interested in visa-free countries, those offering eVisas, or places with visa on arrival options, this information equips us for exciting and adventurous journeys.

While having so many travel choices is a blessing, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date. Visa rules can change, so it’s wise to verify the latest requirements before planning your travels. Our experiences as Saudi residents highlight the increasing importance of global connections and the freedom to see the world.

As you gear up for your next adventure armed with your passport or Iqama, consider the countless destinations waiting for you. The world is vast, and the potential for exploration is boundless. Safe travels, fellow Saudi residents!