Saudi Arabia Cruise Tourist Visa 

Updated on Mar 29, 2024 | Saudi e-Visa

For cruise travelers departing from the nation or arriving at one of its ports, Saudi Arabia has introduced an electronic visa program. Some travelers may already apply online for a visa to Saudi Arabia. Electronic visa processing will soon be available to cruise guests as well.

On January 1, 2022, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the launch of the new electronic visa service. In 2021, Saudi Arabia welcomed cruise ships into its ports.

Some travelers may already apply online for a visa to Saudi Arabia. Electronic visa processing will soon be available to cruise guests as well.

Foreigners will find it simpler to visit Saudi Arabia by cruise ship or travel there with the new marine transit eVisa.

Saudi Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Saudi Arabia for a period of time upto 30 days for travel or business purposes. International visitors must have a Saudi e-Visa to be able to visit Saudi Arabia . Foreign citizens can apply for an Saudi e-Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Saudi Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.

Requirements to Get a Saudi Cruise Tourist Visa for Cruise Passengers

Travelers need documentation that they have booked a cruise ticket to be approved for a marine eVisa for Saudi Arabia.

A current passport is also required to apply for a cruise ship visa.

Online submissions are required for Saudi marine eVisa applications.

Nautical Saudi Arabia Transit Visa for Cruise Passengers application process

An electronic marine visa for Saudi Arabia may be obtained online. Here is the three-step application process:

  • Fill out the e-maritime visa form.
  • The Saudi Cruise Company verifies data from the application.
  • The applicant receives the authorized cruise visa.

Visa applications submitted electronically are handled fast. Once the online form has been submitted, cruise guests will quickly get their granted visas.

NoteThe Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in the applicant's home nation is not necessary, just like when requesting a standard tourist eVisa. The entire application procedure is done online.

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Saudi e-Visa is a required travel authorization for travelers visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. This online process for Electronic Travel Authorisation for Saudi Arabia was implemented from 2019 by Saudi Government, with the goal of enabling any of the future eligible travelers to apply for an Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia. Learn more at Saudi Visa Online.

Who needs a Saudi Cruise Tourist Visa for Saudi Arabia?

Two categories of cruise visitors are eligible for the Saudi Arabia e-maritime visa:

  • A cruise ship's passengers boarding it in Saudi Arabia

  • anyone travelling on a cruise with a stop in Saudi Arabia

  • Foreigners will find it simpler with the new visa to obtain the necessary documents to board a cruise leaving from Saudi Arabia. Cruise ships value their fly-cruise passengers.

NoteThe cruise e-Visa will not allow foreigners to stay in Saudi Arabia for a long time. When a cruise calls at a port in Saudi Arabia, guests may use this transit visa to fly into the country and travel to the port or for brief trips

Visitors who intend to stay longer in Saudi Arabia should apply for a tourist eVisa, which is also entirely online available.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Saudi E-Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Saudi Arabia. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions for Saudi E-Visa.

Saudi Arabia Cruise destinations

Saudi Arabia's homeport of Jeddah serves as the embarkation point for Red Sea cruises. Cruise visitors can fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and then travel by land to the port if they have an e-maritime visa.

Saudi Arabia has many port cities and towns, including: 

  • Jeddah, the gateway to Mecca
  • King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the gateway to Medina
  • Yanbu, the top scuba diving destination
  • Dammam, known for its beaches

NoteThe typical trip lasts seven days, and travelers may have the chance to travel to Jordan and Egypt.

Efforts to Increase Tourism Include the Saudi Arabia Cruise Tourist Visa or Maritime Visa

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy centers on tourism.

In 2019, Saudi Arabia already made an eVisa available for tourists, welcoming travelers from all around the world. The multiple-entry tourist eVisa allows visitors to enter Saudi Arabia for stays of up to 90 days.

By 2030, the Saudi Arabian government hopes to welcome 100 million tourists and invest up to USD 200,000.

NoteThe maritime transit eVisa is intended to boost the number of travelers who enter Saudi Arabia aboard cruise ships.

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Travellers can skip lengthy lines at the border by applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa before travel. A visa on arrival (VOA) is available to nationals of certain nations in Saudi Arabia. There are many options for international tourists to Saudi Arabia to receive travel authorisation. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Visa On Arrival.


Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, US citizens, Australian citizens, French citizens, Spanish Citizens, Dutch Citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our Saudi Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.