Saudi Arabia, a land of ancient civilizations, breathtaking deserts, and futuristic cities, has become one of the most exciting new destinations for Italian travelers. For citizens of Italy, visiting the Kingdom has never been more accessible.

Whether you are flying from Rome, Milan, or Venice, the days of complex paperwork are over. The Saudi Arabia eVisa for Italian citizens allows you to secure your travel authorization completely online, opening the doors to the wonders of AlUla, the Red Sea, and the vibrant streets of Riyadh.

In this complete guide, we answer every question you might have—from costs in Euros to driving rules—based on the latest 2025 travel regulations.

Do Italian Citizens Need a Visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Italian citizens require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. However, Italy is one of the privileged nations eligible for the online tourist eVisa. This digital waiver was introduced to boost tourism under Saudi Vision 2030, allowing Italian passport holders to skip the embassy queues in Rome.

Whether you are traveling for a holiday, visiting friends, attending a business event, or performing Umrah, the eVisa is the fastest and most secure way to enter.

What Is the Saudi Arabia eVisa for Italian Passport Holders?

The Saudi eVisa is an electronic travel authorization linked directly to your Italian passport. It replaces the traditional sticker visa and is designed for short-term visits.

• Visa Type: Tourist / Family Visit / Umrah / Events
• Format: Digital (PDF sent via email)
• Key Benefit: No need to visit the Saudi Embassy in Rome or the Consulate in Milan.

Official vs. Assisted: Answering Your Top Saudi eVisa Questions

This comparison breaks down the core decision for travelers: applying directly through the government portal for the lowest cost, or using an assisted service for maximum security and support. The sections below answer the most common questions people search for.

1. Is the Saudi eVisa Cheaper on the Official Government Website? (Cost Comparison)

Feature	Official Saudi Portal	Private Visa Agency (saudi-arabia-evisas.com)
Total Financial Cost	Lowest. You only pay the mandatory government visa and insurance fees.	Higher. You pay the government fees PLUS a non-refundable service charge for expert assistance.
Value Exchange	You handle the digital submission, document formatting, and error checking entirely yourself.	You receive personalized support, mandatory pre-check of documents, and guided error correction.

2. Is the eVisa Processing Time Faster With an Agency or the Official Portal? (Speed & Urgency)

Feature	Official Saudi Portal	Private Visa Agency (saudi-arabia-evisas.com)
Approval Time	24-72 Hours. The final decision time is mandated by the Saudi government’s system.	24-72 Hours. The final decision time remains the same as the government’s standard processing.
Speed Advantage	Speed depends on you correctly filling out the complex form perfectly on the first attempt.	Agencies often include Expedited Submission options, ensuring your pre-checked, error-free application is sent instantly.

3. Does Using an Agency Reduce My Risk of Saudi eVisa Rejection? (Error Management)

Feature	Official Saudi Portal	Private Visa Agency (saudi-arabia-evisas.com)
Risk of Rejection	High Risk. If you submit a mistake (e.g., wrong photo specification, typo, incorrect passport number), the application is instantly rejected, and you lose all fees.	Significantly Lower Risk. A dedicated expert reviews all documents and data before submission, minimizing costly mistakes and ensuring 99% compliance.
Support for Errors	None. A rejected application means starting over and paying all fees again.	Full Guidance. Agents provide immediate, clear instructions to handle form correction and resubmission logistics if issues are found before official payment.

4. Do I Get Customer Support on the Official Saudi eVisa Website? (Service Comparison)

Feature	Official Saudi Portal	Private Visa Agency (saudi-arabia-evisas.com)
Customer Support	Self-Service Only. You rely on FAQs and website instructions. There is no dedicated human support line.	24/7/365 Dedicated Support. Personalized assistance is available via chat, email, and sometimes phone, to answer questions and resolve issues.
Application Complexity	Standard official form, which can be detailed and confusing for first-time users.	Simplified, streamlined form with guided steps, reducing the time and stress of navigating the official government portal.

What Are the Requirements for Italians to Apply for a Saudi eVisa?

Before you begin your application, ensure you have the following Saudi Arabia Visa Documents ready. This checklist is essential for a smooth process:

1. Valid Italian Passport: It must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
2. Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photograph with a white background (JPEG format).
3. Email Address: A valid email to receive your visa approval.
4. Payment Method: A credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) to pay the fees online.
5. Accommodation: You may need to provide an address in Saudi Arabia (hotel booking or a relative’s address).

How Much Does the Saudi eVisa Cost in Euros?

The total Saudi Arabia Visa Fee for Italian citizens includes:

• Government Visa Fee – Mandatory fee charged by the Saudi government.
• Mandatory Health Insurance Fee – Automatically included and covers medical emergencies, including COVID-19.
• Processing Fee – Service fee for application review, document verification, and customer support.
• Optional Rush Fees – Additional charges apply if you choose Rush or Super Rush processing.

Note: The fee includes mandatory health insurance which covers emergency medical costs during your stay.

How Can Italians Apply for the Saudi eVisa Step-by-Step?

The application process is user-friendly and takes about 10 minutes:

1. Fill the Form: Enter your personal data exactly as it appears on your Italian passport.
2. Upload Documents: Upload your passport photo (ensure it is clear and meets size limits).
3. Pay Online: Complete the payment using your card.
4. Receive Visa: Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email as a PDF.
5. Print It: Always carry a printed copy when flying from Malpensa or Fiumicino, as airlines often ask for it at check-in.

Do Italian Children Need a Separate eVisa?

Yes, minors (children under 18) require their own separate eVisa. They cannot simply travel on their parent’s passports.

• Application: A parent or legal guardian must apply on behalf of the child.
• Documents: You will need the child’s passport and photo.
• Rules: Minors must be accompanied by an adult when entering the Kingdom.

How Long Does It Take to Process the Visa for Italians?

Speed is one of the biggest advantages of the eVisa system.

• Normal Processing: Takes 1–2 working days for eVisa approval.
• Rush Processing: Faster processing, usually completed within 6–12 hours.
• Super Rush Processing: Fastest option; the eVisa is approved within 1 hour or even sooner.

Advice: Apply at least 1 week before your departure to be safe.

Do Italians Need a Transit Visa for a Stopover?

If you are flying with SAUDIA or Flynas and have a stopover of up to 96 hours (4 days), you may be eligible for the free Stopover Visa.

• How to get it: It is often integrated into the flight booking process.
• Cost: The visa is free, but you may pay a small fee for administration and medical insurance.
• Validity: Use it within 90 days of issuance.

Can Italian Travelers Bring Prescription Medication to Saudi Arabia?

This is a critical query for many travelers. Saudi Arabia has strict drug laws.

• Standard Meds: Over-the-counter painkillers and common meds are generally fine.
• Controlled Substances: Psychotropic drugs (like Xanax, Valium, or ADHD medication) are highly regulated. You must carry a medical report and often need pre-approval/clearance from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) online before travel. Failure to do so can lead to serious legal issues at customs.

Can Italian Citizens Get a Visa on Arrival in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Italy is on the list of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival. You can apply at self-service kiosks upon landing in Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), or Dammam (DMM).

However, we strongly recommend the eVisa.

• Risk: Kiosks can malfunction, or there might be long queues.
• Security: Having the eVisa approved before you leave Italy guarantees your entry and gives you peace of mind.

How Long Can Italians Stay in Saudi Arabia with an eVisa?

The Saudi eVisa offers generous travel terms:

• Validity: 1 Year (365 days) from the date of issue.
• Entries: Multiple Entry. You can fly back and forth as often as you like.
• Stay Limit: You can stay up to 90 days per visit.
• Total Stay: The cumulative stay cannot exceed 90 days within the 1-year validity period.

What Happens if You Overstay Your Saudi Visa?

Overstaying is taken seriously in Saudi Arabia.

• Fines: You will face a fine of approximately 100 SAR for every day you overstay.
• Consequences: You will not be allowed to leave the country until the fines are paid at the airport immigration office. Severe overstays can lead to deportation and a ban on future entry.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Italian Tourists?

Yes, it is. But you do not need to search for a policy yourself.

The Saudi government automatically issues a mandatory travel medical insurance policy from a local provider when you pay for your eVisa. This insurance covers emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization, and is required for entry.

Can Italians Perform Umrah on a Tourist Visa?

You can perform Umrah using the standard tourist eVisa. You do not need a separate Umrah visa unless you are traveling specifically during the Hajj season.

• Allowed: Tourism, Umrah, Visiting Family.
• Not Allowed: Hajj (requires specific visa), Paid Employment.

Is It Safe for Italian Women to Travel Solo in Saudi Arabia?

Absolutely. Saudi Arabia is statistically one of the safest countries in the G20.

• No Guardian Required: Italian women can travel, drive, and book hotels completely independently.
• Safety: Harassment is illegal and strictly punished. However, it is always wise to respect local customs regarding dress and public behavior.

How Can Italians Get a SIM Card in Saudi Arabia?

Staying connected is easy.

• At the Airport: You can buy a tourist SIM card immediately upon arrival at Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam airports. Look for kiosks for STC, Mobily, or Zain.
• Cost: Tourist packages with data usually start around 70-100 SAR (€18-€25).
• Registration: You will need your passport and visa number to register the SIM.

What Is the Weekend Schedule in Saudi Arabia?

Keep in mind that the Saudi weekend is Friday and Saturday.

• Friday: The holy day. Banks and offices are closed. Shops and malls often close during Friday prayers (around noon) and reopen in the late afternoon.
• Sunday: This is a normal working day in the Kingdom.

What Are the Photo Requirements for the eVisa?

To avoid rejection, ensure your digital photo meets these criteria:

• Background: Pure white.
• Format: .jpg or .jpeg.
• Size: Low file size (usually between 5KB and 100KB).
• Appearance: Full face visible, no glasses, neutral expression. 200×200 pixels is the recommended dimension.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia from Italy?

Saudi Arabia is significantly hotter than Italy.

• Best Season: November to March. The weather is mild (similar to a warm Italian spring), perfect for exploring AlUla or walking in Jeddah.
• Summer: Avoid June to August unless you stay indoors; temperatures can exceed 45°C.

Direct Flights: How to Get to Saudi Arabia from Italy?

Connectivity between Italy and Saudi Arabia has improved drastically.

• Direct Flights: SAUDIA and ITA Airways operate direct routes from Rome (FCO) and Milan (MXP) to Riyadh and Jeddah.
• Budget Options: Wizz Air offers affordable direct flights from several Italian cities to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, making the trip very economical.

Can Italian Tourists Drive in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, you can rent a car to explore the Kingdom.

• License: Major car rental agencies (Hertz, Budget, Lumi) generally accept a valid Italian Driving License for short-term tourist rentals.
• International Permit (IDP): It is highly recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Italy before you travel. It serves as an official translation and helps avoid issues at police checkpoints.
• Driving Style: Traffic flows on the right (same as Italy).

Alcohol and Prohibited Items: What Should Italians Avoid?

This is a crucial difference from Italian culture.

• Alcohol: Strictly Prohibited. Do not bring wine or spirits in your luggage; they will be confiscated, and you could face legal trouble. Alcohol is not sold in hotels or restaurants.
• Food: Pork products are also banned.
• Public Decorum: Public displays of affection (kissing/hugging) should be avoided.

Can Italians Enter Saudi Arabia by Land from Bahrain or UAE?

Yes, if you are on a road trip in the Gulf:

• King Fahd Causeway: You can enter Saudi Arabia from Bahrain via the causeway bridge using your eVisa.
• Procedure: Present your passport and eVisa (printed or digital) at the border control post.

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabia eVisa for Italian citizens is your key to a unique adventure. From the Nabataean tombs of Hegra (a sister site to Petra) to the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia offers a blend of history and modernity that fascinates Italian visitors.

Ready to book your flight from Rome or Milan? Check your passport validity, apply for your eVisa online, and prepare for an unforgettable journey. Buon viaggio!