For decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was one of the most difficult countries for leisure travelers to visit. However, with the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has thrown its doors open to the world. For citizens of Germany, visiting the ancient Nabatean tombs of Hegra or the futuristic bustling streets of Riyadh has never been easier.
Little flag of Germany on table with bottles of water and flag of Saudi Arabia put next to it by positive young woman
As a holder of a German passport, you are among the select nationalities eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa. This digital pass eliminates the need to visit the “TasHeer” visa centers in Berlin or Frankfurt for tourism purposes, allowing you to arrange everything from the comfort of your home.
Whether you are planning a winter sun getaway to the Red Sea or a spiritual Umrah journey, this guide answers the most “Saudi Arabia Visa for German Nationals” questions by German travelers to ensure your trip is smooth and stress-free.
Is the Saudi Arabia eVisa Available for German Citizens?
Yes, absolutely. German citizens are fully eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa. Germany was one of the first countries included in the launch of the electronic visa program in 2019.
This means that for tourism, family visits, or attending events, you generally do not need to go through the complex traditional visa process involving physical appointments and biometric scans at an embassy or visa center.
Do German Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Saudi Arabia?
Yes, a visa is mandatory. Even though the process is streamlined, you cannot enter the Kingdom with just your German passport (Reisepass).
Immigration and passport control at the airport. woman border control officer with Deutsch passport of German citizen. Concept
However, you have two convenient options:
The eVisa (Recommended): Applied for online before departure.
Visa on Arrival: Available at kiosks upon landing in Saudi Arabia.
Traveler Tip: We strongly advise opting for the eVisa. It gives you peace of mind knowing you are approved before you board your flight at Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC), and it lets you skip the potentially long queues at Saudi immigration.
Why Choose saudi-arabia-evisas.com?
Applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa should be easy — and that’s exactly what we help you do.
While the official government website only gives you the application form, we provide step-by-step help from start to finish to make sure your visa gets approved smoothly.
The Official Portal vs. saudi-arabia-evisas.com: What Sets Us Apart?
When you apply directly on the government site, you have to fill out the form and upload your documents on your own. If any document is blurry, incomplete, or entered incorrectly, your application may get delayed or rejected — and there’s no personal help available.
At saudi-arabia-evisas.com, our team reviews your details and documents carefully before submission. If something looks unclear, we’ll guide you to fix it right away, so your chances of approval stay high.
We also offer:
24/7 email and chat support
Secure payment options
Real-time status updates
Simple form that takes only a few minutes
99% success rate with approved applications
What Documents Are Required for German Applicants?
Valid German Passport: It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Note: Temporary passports are sometimes accepted, but regular passports are safer.
Digital Photo: A recent passport-sized photo with a white background.
Email Address: Your approved visa will be sent here as a PDF.
Payment Method: A credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) to pay the fees.
Accommodation Info: The name of your hotel or the address of your host in Saudi Arabia.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa from Germany?
The application process is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed in under 20 minutes.
Fill the Application: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.
German Name Tip: If your name has umlauts (ä, ö, ü) or ‘ß’, check the machine-readable zone (bottom lines) of your passport. Usually, ‘ü’ becomes ‘UE’ and ‘ß’ becomes ‘SS’. Enter it exactly as shown in that zone to avoid system errors.
Upload Documents: Upload the scan of your passport bio page and your photo.
Pay the Fees: Complete the payment for the visa and mandatory insurance.
Receive Visa: Once approved, the visa is emailed to you. Print a copy (Ausdruck) to carry with you, as some airlines in Germany still ask to see physical proof.
How Much Does the Saudi Arabia eVisa Cost in Euro?
The cost is a frequent question. The total price includes the visa fee, a mandatory medical insurance fee, and VAT.
Base Fee: Government fee.
In Euro (€): Depending on the exchange rate.
Visa on Arrival: The cost is similar, around SAR 480, but paying online allows you to pay in Euro via your bank without worrying about airport exchange rates.
How Long Does It Take to Process the Visa?
German travelers value punctuality and efficiency. Fortunately, the Saudi eVisa system is quite fast. Based on standard service tiers:
Super Rush / Urgent: For emergency travel, processing can be as fast as 1 Hour.
Rush Processing: Ideal for last-minute bookings, typically taking 6 – 12 Hours.
Standard Processing: For planned trips, the visa is usually issued within 1 – 2 Working Days.
Do I Need a Transit Visa for a Stopover in Saudi Arabia?
Many Germans fly via Riyadh or Jeddah on their way to Asia or Africa.
Under 12 Hours: If you are in transit for less than 12 hours and stay in the international airport zone, you usually do not need a visa.
Stopover Visa: If you want to leave the airport to explore for up to 96 hours, you can apply for a Stopover Visa (often available for free or a low cost when booking with Saudia or Flynas).
Can German Citizens Perform Umrah on a Tourist eVisa?
Yes. The Tourist eVisa allows German Muslims to perform Umrah rituals. You do not need a separate religious visa for this.
Exception: This visa is not valid for Hajj. Hajj requires a specific visa with different quotas.
Nusuk App: It is highly recommended to download the Nusuk app to book your Umrah slot or visit the Rawdah in Madinah to ensure smooth entry.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for German Travelers?
Yes. You cannot enter Saudi Arabia without it.
How it works: You do not need to contact your German insurer (like Allianz or TK). The Saudi government automatically assigns and charges for a compliant local medical insurance policy during the eVisa application.
Coverage: This insurance covers emergency medical cases (including COVID-19 hospitalization) while you are in the Kingdom.
What is the Validity of the Saudi eVisa for Germans?
The visa offers excellent flexibility:
Validity Period:1 Year (365 days) from the date of issuance.
Entry Type:Multiple Entry. You can fly back and forth between Germany and Saudi Arabia as many times as you wish.
Stay Duration: You are allowed to stay for up to 90 days per visit.
Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Solo Female Travelers from Germany?
This is a very common concern. The answer is generally yes. Saudi Arabia has become very safe for female tourists.
Harassment: Sexual harassment is a serious crime with severe penalties, making streets safer than many European capitals.
Independence: Women can travel alone, check into hotels, and rent cars without a male guardian.
Clothing: The abaya is optional for tourists, though modest dress (loose clothing) is expected.
What Items Are Strictly Prohibited in Luggage?
German customs are different from Saudi customs. To avoid delays or fines, do not pack:
Alcohol: Strictly forbidden. Even duty-free bags from Frankfurt will be confiscated.
Pork Products: No gummy bears with gelatin or sausages containing pork.
Narcotics: Check if your prescription medication is allowed. If you carry psychotropic drugs, you must have a medical report certified by the German health authorities and the Saudi embassy.
Flight Connections: Germany to Saudi Arabia
Connectivity is excellent, with major carriers operating frequent routes:
Direct Flights:Lufthansa and Saudia operate direct flights from Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) to Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED).
Flight Time: A direct flight takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Stopovers: Cheaper options are often available via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) or Doha (Qatar Airways).
How Do I Get Internet and a SIM Card?
Staying connected is easy.
eSIM: You can buy a Saudi eSIM (like STC, Mobily, or Airalo) online before you leave Germany.
Airport Kiosks: Upon arrival, you will find kiosks for STC, Mobily, and Zain. You will need your passport and visa to register a SIM.
What Are the Travel Rules for Germans in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is safe and modernizing, but cultural respect is key:
Alcohol: Saudi Arabia is a dry country. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Dress Code: Men should cover their shoulders and knees in public. Women do not need to wear a headscarf (hijab) or abaya, but should wear modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees).
PDA: Public displays of affection are not part of the local culture and should be avoided.
Weekends: The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Friday mornings are quiet until after Jumu’ah prayer (around 12:30 PM).
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
While rare for German applicants, rejections can occur due to:
Photo Quality: Using a low-quality selfie instead of a passport-style photo.
Typo Errors: Entering “MUELLER” when the passport machine zone says “MULLER” (or vice versa). Always match the machine-readable zone.
Passport Validity: Applying with a passport that has less than 6 months of validity remaining.
Ready to Explore Arabia? From the coral reefs of the Red Sea to the Edge of the World in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia offers a unique adventure. With your German passport and this guide, obtaining your eVisa is a quick bureaucratic step before an unforgettable journey. Gute Reise!
