Estonian citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia as, according to Saudi authorities’ regulations, visa-free travel is not permitted.
A Saudi Arabian visa is an official document obtainable at immigration offices or online that allows foreign nationals to enter, stay, or transit through the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia provides four application methods to Estonian travelers: Electronic Visa (eVisa), Visa on Arrival (VOA), Regular Visa, and Transit Visa.
Before applying for any visa type, Estonians should check if they have the essential documents prepared:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- A recent face photograph.
Additional documents, such as accommodation bookings or employment contracts, may be required based on the visa type you apply for.
Processing times for Saudi visa approval may vary, so it is essential to apply early enough and obtain the document on time.
The Electronic Visa is usually issued in 24–72 hours, and the Regular Visa approval can take 2–8 weeks, while the Visa on Arrival and Transit Visa are approved immediately upon fee payment.
NOTE: All Estonians traveling to Saudi Arabia must have valid health insurance, which will cover their entire stay abroad.
Saudi Regular Visas for Estonian Citizens
For Estonian citizens seeking a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia, scheduling a visit to the nearest embassy or consulate is necessary.
This option is ideal for stays longer than 90 days or specific travel purposes like work or business.
The Saudi Embassy offers several visa types, including Diplomatic, Tourist, Business, Work, Residency, Family Visit, Extend Return, Escort, and Student Visas.
Muslim pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for religious purposes should obtain a Hajj Visa or an Umrah Visa – depending on their travel plans.
Estonian citizens can follow this step-by-step guide to complete the application for a Saudi Regular Visa:
- Submit an appointment request contacting the embassy via phone or email.
- Prepare a passport, a face photo, and additional required documents.
- Attend the scheduled appointment at the embassy or consulate.
- Complete the visa form with relevant information.
- Pay the required visa fees and wait for the approval notice.
Approval times for a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the selected visa type, submission accuracy, and the office workload.
NOTE: Saudi visa application via the embassy offers support for complex visa types and official assistance for document verification.
Online Visa Application for Saudi Arabia
The Saudi eVisa is a hassle-free, fully digital solution for Estonian travelers heading to Saudi Arabia to explore tourist sites and spend vacations with friends or family.
The Electronic Visa is available online, and during its one-year validity allows stays of up to 90 days.
With a Saudi Arabian eVisa, Estonians can visit the Kingdom several times.
The online application process for a Saudi visa is fast, simple, and convenient thanks to the user-friendly https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ platform.
- Create a new account or log in if you already have one.
- Select if you are applying as an individual or on behalf of a group.
- Upload a clear photo of yourself that meets the required specifications.
- Provide your personal data, including full name, date of birth, and contact details.
- Enter your passport details or appropriate travel information as needed.
- Add medical insurance for compliance with the process.
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions before proceeding.
- Complete the fee payment to finalize your application submission.
Online applications for a Saudi eVisa allow you to obtain a visa from anywhere with internet access. Processing times are flexible, with approvals granted within 3 days, and there’s no need to visit an embassy.
NOTE: The face photo used for a Saudi visa application must be taken on a white, pattern-free background and resemble the current image of the traveler (e.g., same hair color).
Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia
Estonians passing through Saudi Arabia while traveling to another destination may need a Transit Visa. A visa is not required only if the passenger does not leave the airport transit zone.
A valid Saudi Transit Visa allows Estonian travelers to visit tourist attractions of the Kingdom or take part in cultural festivals and events during its 4-day validity period.
The Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia can be issued when booking flights with approved carriers, such as Flynas or Saudia Airlines. The issuance is immediate, making the entire process fast and simple.
Estonians will find more information regarding the visa application steps and flight planning tips on the official websites of the airlines at www.saudia.com or www.flynas.com.
Saudi Visa on Arrival for Estonians
The Saudi Arabian Visa on Arrival is designed to offer convenience for tourists visiting the Kingdom.
To obtain the Saudi VOA, Estonian travelers only need to present their passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months, and pay the visa fee at the entry port.
The process typically takes a short amount of time (no more than 15 minutes), allowing visitors to begin their journey without delays.
The Saudi visa formalities can be completed at self-service machines, also known as KIOSKs, or at the passport control counters with the help of immigration officers.
It’s important to note that the Visa on Arrival is strictly for tourism purposes and does not permit work or business-related activities.
The approved VOA allows Estonians to stay 90 days in Saudi Arabia. At the discretion of Saudi authorities, it can be issued for a single visit or multiple entries.
NOTE: Minors can obtain a Saudi Arabian Visa on Arrival, but they must be accompanied by an adult relative (parent, grandparent, sibling).
Health Regulations in Saudi Arabia
All Estonian travelers must have valid health insurance to enter Saudi Arabia and stay in the country.
Insurance is often available with visas applied for online (Electronic Visa and Transit Visa), ensuring coverage for medical emergencies. Other visa applicants must obtain insurance from an agency.
Thanks to the Ministry of Health (MOH) website, Estonian visitors can access resources on public health initiatives, diseases and prevention, and vaccination requirements in Saudi Arabia.
The website also provides guidance on how to handle emergencies and contact information for key health services.
The Council of Health Insurance (CHI) is a platform for regulations related to insurance in Saudi Arabia.
Travelers can find detailed information on mandatory health insurance, a list of accredited providers, and frequently asked questions about coverage.
Additionally, the CHI website offers tools to verify insurance validity and compliance with requirements, providing peace of mind for Estonian visitors.
NOTE: A vaccination certificate against meningitis is a mandatory requirement for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabian Embassy Assistance
The embassy provides personalized support for issuing certain visa types, verifying documents, and answering complex queries.
The office also facilitates the legalization of documents, including educational certificates and commercial agreements, and assistance with obtaining attestations for legal purposes.
Additionally, the embassy offers guidance on cultural practices, helping to strengthen relations between the countries.
There is no diplomatic mission of Saudi Arabia in Estonia. Therefore, Estonian visitors should contact the Saudi Embassy in Finland to apply for a visa:
- Address: Stenbäckinkatu 26, 00250 Helsinki
- Phone: 00 35 894 778 870
- Email: hkemb@mofa.gov.sa
FAQ about Saudi Visas for Estonians
- Do Estonian citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes, all Estonian citizens must apply for a Saudi visa before entering the country, and they can obtain it online, at the embassy, or upon arrival.
- What is the fastest visa option for Estonian travelers?
The Saudi eVisa is a very fast option, with processing times as short as 24 hours, allowing Estonians to get a visa before travel.
- Can I apply for a Regular Visa online?
No, Regular Visas require an in-person application at the embassy or consulate. Remember to schedule a visit to the office earlier.
- How long does it take to process a Regular Visa?
Processing times are typically between 2 and 8 weeks when it comes to embassy applications for Saudi visas.
- Can I get a Transit Visa without purchasing a flight to Saudi Arabia?
Transit Visas are only issued alongside approved airline tickets via Flynas or Saudia Airlines.
- Is medical insurance mandatory for travel to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, all travelers must obtain medical insurance covering emergency medical expenses and hospitalization during the trip to Saudi Arabia.
- Where can I get official visa information?
Visit the official Visit Saudi website for accurate details about visa requirements, or see the MOFA platform to learn more about Saudi entry requirements.
Conclusion
For Estonian citizens, the Saudi Arabian eVisa offers a quick visa application method, sometimes processed in as little as 24 hours.
Applicants for Regular Visas (who want to work or study in Saudi Arabia) must plan ahead, as embassy applications can take up to 8 weeks.
Travelers with connecting flights can obtain a Transit Visa, provided they book through approved airlines.
All Estonians are also eligible for Visas on Arrival to Saudi Arabia, which is a convenient solution for those who plan to travel last minute.
Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for all visitors and must cover their entire stay in the Kingdom.
Sources:
- https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
- https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
- https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main
- https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations

Hello, I’m Sara Ali, and I have dedicated my career to navigating the intricacies of immigration and visa processes. With over a decade of experience in the field, I have assisted countless travelers in achieving their travel and relocation goals. My expertise lies in simplifying complex procedures and ensuring seamless visa applications for clients from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about facilitating international travel, I continually stay updated with the latest immigration policies to provide reliable guidance and support.