Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia travel guide for Australians
Australians need an eVisa before travel; apply online, pay the fee and receive the visa by email – if you already have a valid visa or a Saudi residence permit, you can skip the eVisa step.
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GuideSaudi Arabia
Key facts
- Visa required
- eVisa online, 30‑day single entry, AUD ≈ 150 (check)
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months from entry (check)
- Maximum stay
- 30 days, extendable up to 90 days (check)
Entry requirements for Australians
Apply for a Saudi eVisa on the official portal (visa.visa.gov.sa). The process takes 1‑3 business days; you receive a PDF to upload at the airport. The fee is about AUD 150, payable by credit card. No visa‑on‑arrival for Australian passports.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have at least one blank page. You may be asked for proof of a return or onward ticket and a hotel reservation.
- eVisa: 30‑day single entry, extendable (check)
- Fee: ~AUD 150 (check)
- Passport: 6‑month validity, blank page
Australian embassy and consular help
Australia does not have a resident embassy in Saudi Arabia; the nearest is in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. For emergencies, contact the Australian Consulate in Dubai (phone +971 2 444 5555). The Australian Embassy in Riyadh provides limited consular assistance on appointment.
- Nearest embassy: Abu Dhabi, UAE (check)
- Consulate in Dubai: +971 2 444 5555 (check)
- Riyadh office: appointment required (check)
Travel cost estimate in AUD
A typical 10‑day trip for one adult, mid‑range, costs around AUD 3,200. This includes flights, accommodation, meals, internal transport and visa fee.
| Item | Estimated cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip flight from Sydney to Riyadh | ≈ 1,200 |
| Mid‑range hotel (10 nights) | ≈ 1,000 |
| Meals and drinks | ≈ 600 |
| Internal flights / train | ≈ 200 |
| Visa fee | ≈ 150 |
Prices are 2026 estimates; vary by season and booking time.
Flight and time‑difference details
Direct flights from Sydney to Riyadh take about 14 hours with one stop (usually in Singapore or Doha). Saudi Arabia is UTC+3 year‑round, so Sydney (UTC+10/11) is 7‑8 hours ahead.
- Typical route: SYD → DOH → RUH, 14 h total
- Time difference: +7 h (standard time), +8 h (Sydney daylight saving)
Practical information for Australian travellers
Power plugs are Type G (UK three‑pin) with 230 V, 60 Hz; bring a universal adapter. Tipping is not required but rounding up taxi fares is common. Emergency numbers are 911 (unified), 999 for police, 997 for ambulance.
- Plugs: Type G, 230 V
- Currency: Saudi riyal (SAR), 1 AUD ≈ 2.8 SAR (check)
- Tipping: optional, 10 % where no service charge
Safety and security for Australian travellers
Emergency numbers are 911 (unified), 999 for police, 997 for ambulance.
Questions people ask
Do Australians need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes – you must obtain an eVisa online before travel. No visa‑on‑arrival is available for Australian passports.
How much does a trip to Saudi Arabia cost in AUD?
A 10‑day mid‑range itinerary averages about AUD 3,200, covering flights, hotels, meals, internal transport and the visa fee.
Where is the nearest Australian embassy in Saudi Arabia?
The closest embassy is in Abu Dhabi, UAE; a consular office in Dubai handles emergencies, and a limited‑service office in Riyadh requires an appointment.
What is the maximum stay for Australians in Saudi Arabia?
The eVisa allows a maximum stay of 30 days, extendable up to 90 days.
What are the passport validity requirements for Australians?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have at least one blank page.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Saudi Arabia guide
Ask about Saudi Arabia
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