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

Zambia
Vanuatu
Uzbekistan
United Arab Emirates
Ukraine
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tunisia
Thailand
Tajikistan
Suriname
South Korea
South Africa
Singapore
Samoa
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Qatar
Philippines
Panama
Palestine
Pakistan
Oman
Niue
Nicaragua
New Zealand
Mozambique
Morocco
Montenegro
Micronesia
Mauritius
Malaysia
Lebanon
Kyrgyzstan
Kuwait
Kosovo
Kiribati
Kazakhstan
Jordan
Hong Kong
Honduras
Haiti
Guatemala
Georgia
Gabon
El Salvador
Egypt
Ecuador
Dominica
Cook Islands
Botswana
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Belarus
Barbados
Bahrain
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:

Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
United Arab Emirates

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

Armenia
Bahrain
Egypt
Georgia
Japan
Jordan
Kuwait
Oman
Tunisia
United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Countries Issuing e-Visas to Saudi Citizens:

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

Zimbabwe
Vietnam
United Kingdom
Uganda
Türkiye
Togo
Taiwan
South Sudan
São Tomé and Príncipe
Russia
Myanmar
Montserrat
Mongolia
Moldova
Lesotho
Kenya
Japan
Ivory Coast
Iran
India
Guinea
Ethiopia
Equatorial Guinea
Djibouti
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Colombia
Cameroon
Burkina Faso
Bhutan
Benin
Bahamas
Armenia
Antigua and Barbuda

Visa on Arrival for Saudi Passport Holders:

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

Yemen
Tuvalu
Timor-Leste
Tanzania
Sri Lanka
Somalia
Sierra Leone
Seychelles
Rwanda
Palau
Nepal
Mauritania
Maldives
Malawi
Madagascar
Macau
Laos
Iraq
Indonesia
Guinea-Bissau
Comoros
Cambodia
Cabo Verde
Burundi
Brunei
Bolivia
Bangladesh
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:

Venezuela
Vatican City
Uruguay
United States Virgin Islands
United States
Turkmenistan
Trinidad and Tobago
Tonga
Syria
Switzerland
Sweden
Sudan
Spain
Solomon Islands
Slovenia
Slovakia
Serbia
Senegal
San Marino
Saint Martin
Saint Lucia
Saint Helena
Romania
Réunion
Republic of the Congo
Puerto Rico
Portugal
Poland
Peru
Paraguay
Papua New Guinea
Norway
Northern Mariana Islands
North Macedonia
North Korea
Nigeria
Niger
New Caledonia
Netherlands
Nauru
Namibia
Monaco
Mexico
Mayotte
Marshall Islands
Malta
Mali
Luxembourg
Lithuania
Liechtenstein
Libya
Liberia
Latvia
Jamaica
Italy
Israel
Ireland
Iceland
Hungary
Guyana
Guam
Grenada
Greenland
Greece
Gibraltar
Ghana
Germany
Gambia
French West Indies
French Polynesia
French Guiana
France
Finland
Fiji
Faroe Islands
Falkland Islands
Eswatini
Estonia
Eritrea
Dominican Republic
Denmark
Czechia
Cyprus
Curaçao
Cuba
Croatia
Costa Rica
China
Chile
Chad
Central African Republic
Cayman Islands
Caribbean Netherlands
Canada
Bulgaria
British Virgin Islands
Brazil
Bermuda
Belize
Belgium
Austria
Australia
Aruba
Argentina
Anguilla
Angola
Andorra
American Samoa
Algeria
Afghanistan

Applying for a Visa:

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

Schedule an appointment at the visa center located in Saudi Arabia.
Gather the necessary paperwork, which should include a valid passport, the visa application form, health insurance, and other essential documents.
Complete the application, participate in the visa interview, and, if necessary, furnish biometric data.
Translate and verify documents as necessary.
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!