Foreign Visas for Saudis 2026: Schengen, US, UK, Canada — Requirements & Steps

The Saudi passport is one of the strongest in the Arab world, but major Western countries (Europe, US, UK, Canada, Australia) still require a prior visa. This guide covers each of their requirements for Saudi applicants, with best-practice tips for first-time approval.

Before starting: every visa requires a passport valid for more than 6 months from date of entry, and a photo per ICAO specs (white background, no smile, specific size).

Schengen visa (29 European countries)

Countries covered: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Czechia, and others. Not Schengen: UK, Ireland, Russia, Romania (joins 2026), Bulgaria (joins 2026).

Basic rule: apply to the embassy of the country you will:

• enter first, or
• stay longest in.

Required documents:

| Document | Notes | |---|---| | Completed application form | From embassy site or VFS | | Passport | + old passports if any | | Two photos | ICAO, white background | | Confirmed flight booking | Round trip (not a final ticket, an option-hold booking) | | Hotel booking covering all trip nights | Refundable hold | | Bank statement 3-6 months | Should show a reasonable balance (~500 SAR × number of travel days minimum) | | Employer letter | Stating salary and leave dates | | Travel insurance covering min 30,000 EUR | Mandatory for Schengen | | Commercial registration | For business owners | | Ownership proof | Property deed or car (strengthens the application) |

Fee: 90 EUR for adults + ~50-100 SAR VFS center fee.

Processing time: 15 working days officially, up to 45 days in peak season.

Golden tip: attach a cover letter explaining who you are, why you're travelling, where you'll stay, and how you'll return. A one-page rational letter meaningfully raises approval odds.

US visa (B1/B2)

Most common type: B1 (business visit) / B2 (tourism or medical), typically issued together as one visa.

Duration: 10 years (multiple-entry) for Saudis — longer than 90% of world nationalities.

Steps:

1. Fill DS-160 on ceac.state.gov — takes 1-2 hours.
2. Pay visa fee: ~185 USD (~700 SAR). Payment method varies by bank — check embassy instructions.
3. Book interview: at Riyadh embassy or Jeddah / Dhahran consulate. Appointments vary — may be 2-6 months out.
4. Biometrics: before or on the interview day.
5. The interview: short questions (2-5 minutes). The officer decides on the spot.
6. Visa issuance: 5-10 working days after approval.

Documents at the interview:

• Passport.
• DS-160 confirmation page.
• Photo (per US specs).
• Fee payment receipt.
• Proof of Saudi ties: employment contract, property deed, family record.

Common refusal reasons: failing to prove intent to return (young applicant with no job or family), inconsistent info, weak travel history.

UK visa (Standard Visitor)

Duration: 6 months typically, or 2, 5, 10 years for multi-entry visitor visas.

Steps:

1. Apply online at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa.
2. Pay fees: ~115 GBP (~560 SAR) for a short visitor.
3. Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): ~300 GBP annually if you'll stay more than 6 months (not required for short visits).
4. Book VFS appointment in Riyadh or Jeddah for biometrics.
5. Upload documents online before the appointment.

Documents:

• Passport.
• Bank statement 6 months.
• Employer letter.
• Travel plans (hotel, flight).
• Proof of Saudi ties.

Processing time: 3-4 weeks.

Canada visa (Visitor Visa TRV)

Duration: usually 10 years multi-entry (bounded by passport validity).

Steps:

1. Create an account at ircc.canada.ca.
2. Complete form IMM 5257 and upload documents.
3. Pay fees: 100 CAD (~275 SAR) + 85 CAD biometrics.
4. Book a VFS biometrics appointment.
5. Wait for the decision.

Processing time: 1-2 months typically.

Australia visa (Visitor 600)

Duration: 3-12 months per subclass, usually valid one year.

Steps:

1. Apply online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
2. Fees: 190 AUD (~460 SAR).
3. No interview typically — decision on documents.
4. Processing: 2-6 weeks.

General tips for Saudi applicants

• Start at least two months before travel — especially for the US and UK.
• Never lie on the visa form: any false detail is caught in later checks.
• Bank balance matters: normal account activity without sudden inflows in the week before applying.
• Don't book a non-refundable flight before visa issuance: especially for the US and UK.
• If rejected, don't reapply immediately: understand the reason, address it, then reapply.
• Countries that rejected you appear in other countries' applications: be honest about any prior refusal.

Related articles

• Visa-free countries for the Saudi passport
• Hajj and Umrah for residents — visas

Sources:

• Schengen Visa Info — schengenvisainfo.com
• U.S. Embassy in Riyadh — sa.usembassy.gov
• UK Visas and Immigration — gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
• IRCC Canada — canada.ca/immigration
• Australian Home Affairs — homeaffairs.gov.au