Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia travel guide for New Zealanders
New Zealanders need an eVisa before travel; apply online, then you can enter Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days. If you already have a visa or a GCC residence permit, you can skip the eVisa step.
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GuideSaudi Arabia
Key facts
- Visa requiredcheck
- eVisa online (check)
- Maximum stay
- 90 days per entry
- Currency
- Saudi riyal (SAR)
- Plug type
- Type G (UK three‑pin), 230 V 60 Hz
- Tipping
- Not required; 10 % where no service charge, round up rides
Quick answer
Apply for a Saudi eVisa online before you leave New Zealand; the process takes 1–3 days and costs about 150 SAR (≈ NZ$60). If you hold a valid GCC residence permit, you can enter without a separate visa.
Entry requirements
New Zealand passport holders must obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) via the official Saudi portal. The eVisa is valid for tourism, business or pilgrimage and allows a stay of up to 90 days. A passport with at least six months validity is required. No visa‑on‑arrival service is available.
- Apply online at the Saudi eVisa portal (official)
- Pay the fee (≈ 150 SAR, check for current rate)
- Print the eVisa confirmation and carry it with your passport
- Health: COVID‑19 restrictions lifted; carry proof of vaccination if required
Embassy contact
New Zealand does not have a resident embassy in Saudi Arabia. The nearest New Zealand diplomatic mission is the New Zealand Embassy in Riyadh.
- Embassy of New Zealand, Riyadh
- Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Phone: +966 11 488 9000 (check)
- Email: [email protected] (check)
Cost of a trip (NZD)
A moderate 10‑day itinerary (flights, accommodation, meals, transport) averages around NZ$4,500–5,500 per person.
| Item | Estimated cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip flight (Auckland ↔ Riyadh) | ≈ NZ$2,200 (check) |
| eVisa fee (150 SAR) | ≈ NZ$60 |
| Mid‑range hotel (8 nights, SAR 300/night) | ≈ NZ$1,200 |
| Meals (SAR 100/day) | ≈ NZ$400 |
| Domestic flights (Riyadh ↔ Jeddah/AlUla) | ≈ NZ$300 |
| Local transport & entry fees | ≈ NZ$300 |
Prices are 2026 estimates; actual costs vary by season and booking time.
Flight time and time difference
Direct flights from Auckland to Riyadh take about 20 hours with one stop (usually in Dubai or Singapore). Saudi Arabia is UTC+3, three hours ahead of New Zealand (NZDT, UTC+13).
Electrical plugs and voltage
Saudi Arabia uses Type G plugs (the same as the UK) and supplies 230 V at 60 Hz. Bring a UK‑style plug adapter; some older hotels may have Type C/F sockets.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory. Where a service charge is not added, a 10 % tip is appreciated. Round up taxi fares and restaurant bills if you wish.
Emergency numbers
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance in major cities (Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Eastern Province). Separate numbers: 999 for police, 997 for ambulance.
Questions people ask
Do New Zealanders need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. You must obtain an eVisa online before travel; the fee is about 150 SAR (≈ NZ$60) and the visa allows up to 90 days.
How much does a trip to Saudi Arabia cost in NZD?
A 10‑day mid‑range trip typically costs NZ$4,500–5,500, covering flights, accommodation, meals, domestic travel and entry fees.
Where is the nearest New Zealand embassy in Saudi Arabia?
The New Zealand Embassy in Riyadh is the closest diplomatic mission; it handles consular assistance for New Zealanders.
What plug type should I bring?
Saudi Arabia uses Type G (UK three‑pin) plugs; bring a UK‑style adapter for your devices.
Is tipping expected in Saudi Arabia?
Tipping is not required; a 10 % tip is common where no service charge is added, and rounding up fares is appreciated.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialSaudi eVisa portal (official)
- officialSaudi Arabia – travel.state.gov
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialSaudi eVisa portal (official)
- officialSaudi Arabia – travel.state.gov
Ask about Saudi Arabia
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