Planning a trip from Austria to Saudi Arabia? Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the desert landscapes of AlUla, walking along Jeddah’s Corniche, visiting Riyadh’s modern attractions, or performing Umrah, the first thing you need to understand is the Saudi Arabia visa for Austrian citizens.
The good news? The process is now much easier thanks to the Saudi Arabia eVisa system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything in a clear, practical, and stress-free way — from visa types and requirements to processing times, fees, airport transit rules, and more.
Do You Need a Visa for Saudi Arabia as an Austrian Citizen?
Yes, Austrian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Fortunately, Austria is eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa, which means you can apply online without paperwork complications. No office visits. No long procedures.
The tourist eVisa allows you to:
- Enter multiple times
- Stay up to 90 days per visit
- Use it within a 1-year validity period
It’s ideal for tourism, visiting family and friends, attending events, and even performing Umrah (outside the Hajj season).
How Do You Apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa?
Applying for the Saudi E-Visa Application is straightforward and designed to be user-friendly.
Here’s how it works:
- Fill out the online form with your personal and passport details
- Upload your required documents
- Pay the Saudi Visa Fee securely online
- Receive your approved eVisa by email
That’s it. No complicated procedures.
Just remember: processing begins only after your application is complete and payment is confirmed.
Also, each traveler — even children — must submit a separate application.
What are the Saudi Visa Requirements for Austrian citizens?
Before applying, make sure you meet the Saudi Visa Requirements. Missing small details can cause unnecessary delays.
You will need:
- A valid Austrian passport (at least 6 months valid from arrival date)
- A recent passport-style photo
- A valid email address
- A debit or credit card for payment
What If Your Passport Has Less Than 6 Months Validity?
If your passport has less than six months remaining, your visa may be refused. It’s always safer to renew your passport first before applying.
How Much Is the Saudi Visa Fee and What Does It Include?
The total Saudi Visa Fee is made up of three parts:
Government Fee (required)
+ Service Fee (required)
+ Rush/Urgent Fee (optional)
- The Government Fee is charged by Saudi authorities.
- The Service Fee covers application review, corrections, submission handling, and 24/7 support.
- The Rush Fee is optional if you need faster processing.
How Can You Pay?
Payments are made securely online using:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
If your payment doesn’t go through, your bank may have blocked international transactions. Contact them and enable international payments if needed.
Also, keep in mind your bank may charge currency conversion or foreign transaction fees.
How Long Does Saudi Arabia eVisa Processing Take?
One of the biggest advantages of the Saudi Arabia eVisa is flexible processing times.
You can choose:
- Standard: 1–2 working days
- Rush: 6–12 hours
- Super Rush: Around 1 hour
If you need an emergency eVisa, the Super Rush option is extremely helpful for last-minute travel.
What Visa Types Are Available for Austrian Travelers?
Different trips require different visas. Here are the most common options:
Tourist eVisa
- Multiple entry
- 90 days per visit
- Valid for 1 year
Saudi Umrah Visa
The tourist eVisa allows Umrah performance (except during Hajj season).
Airport Transit Visa
May be required if you plan to leave the airport during your layover.
What Are the Airport Transit Rules in Saudi Arabia?
If you’re stopping in Saudi Arabia on your way to another country:
- You may not need a visa if you stay inside the transit zone.
- If you leave the airport during your layover, you’ll likely need a visa.
Always confirm transit policies with your airline before departure.
Do You Need an Exit Permit to Leave Saudi Arabia?
Tourists entering with an eVisa do not need a separate exit permit.
You can leave freely anytime during your allowed stay period — just make sure you don’t overstay.
What Happens If You Overstay Your Visa by Just 2 Hours?
Even a short overstay — yes, even just 2 hours — can result in fines or penalties.
Saudi Arabia takes visa rules seriously. Always check your visa validity and departure date carefully to avoid unnecessary issues.
Do You Need a Return Ticket?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended to carry proof of:
- A confirmed return or onward ticket
- Hotel booking or accommodation details
- Proof of sufficient funds
Immigration officers may request these upon arrival.
What About Entry/Exit Stamps?
Saudi Arabia records your entry and exit digitally, and sometimes physically stamps your passport.
These records confirm:
- When you entered
- How long are you allowed to stay
- When you left
Always keep a copy of your eVisa approval email for reference.
Can You Bring a Drone on a Tourist Visa?
Planning to capture desert landscapes from above? Be careful.
Bringing a drone requires prior approval. Drones are regulated items, and traveling without proper authorization may lead to confiscation.
Always check regulations before flying with a drone.
Can You Use an eSIM in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, eSIM works well in Saudi Arabia.
Many travelers prefer eSIM because:
- It activates instantly
- No physical SIM is needed
- Easy data packages for tourists
You can also purchase a local SIM at the airport.
What Are the Best Cities for Night-Time Sightseeing?
Saudi Arabia comes alive at night.
Riyadh
Modern attractions, illuminated skyscrapers, and vibrant entertainment zones.
Jeddah
Beautiful Red Sea views and lively waterfront areas.
AlUla
Magical desert scenery and heritage sites under the stars.
Makkah & Madinah
A peaceful and spiritual night atmosphere with beautifully lit mosques.
Evening sightseeing in Saudi Arabia is safe, lively, and memorable.
Can You Apply for an Emergency eVisa?
Yes. If you need urgent travel approval, you can select Rush or Super Rush processing.
This is helpful for:
- Business emergencies
- Family situations
- Last-minute Umrah trips
Fast processing gives peace of mind when time is limited.
How Do Group eVisa Applications Work — And Why Choose saudi-arabia-evisa.org?
Traveling as a family or group? Group applications can sometimes feel confusing.
Group eVisa Applications: saudi-arabia-evisa.org Benefits
Compared to the government portal, saudi-arabia-evisa.org offers:
- Clear, guided application steps
- Application review before submission
- Help correcting errors
- 24/7 customer support
- Multiple secure payment options
- Faster processing upgrades
While the government system provides the basic application platform, saudi-arabia-evisa.org adds human support, review assistance, and flexible processing options. This reduces mistakes and makes group applications much smoother — especially for first-time travelers.
Can You Perform Umrah with a Saudi Arabia eVisa?
Yes, Austrian citizens can perform Umrah using the tourist eVisa (outside Hajj season).
For Hajj, a special Hajj visa is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of Austrian citizens working in Saudi Arabia using an eVisa?
You are allowed to remain as long as 90 days per visit with one or more entries every year.
Am I eligible in case my passport expires shortly?
Your passport has to be in existence for at least 6 months to the day you arrive. If not, renew it first.
What if my visa runs out of time, and I do not travel?
You will have to reapply and pay the relevant fees once more.
Does the Saudi Arabia eVisa make it safe and secure?
Yes. The payments are made via encrypted and safe gateways, and the card information is not stored or exchanged.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia eVisa system has made acquiring a visa to Saudi Arabia for citizens of Austria easier than ever before.
Provided that you are familiar with the Saudi Visa Requirements, select the appropriate processing speed, and have your documents in order, you will be guaranteed of a hassle-free trip, to the last.
Saudi Arabia is a country of contrasts of the traditional and the modern, the sites of ancient cultures, and the modern skyscrapers. Travel Life can start without any stress and be exciting with proper preparation.
Rest, safe travels, and have fun exploring Saudi Arabia.
