For French citizens, the allure of Saudi Arabia has shifted from a distant, restricted land to one of the most exciting emerging destinations in the world. Whether you are dreaming of wandering the coral streets of Al-Balad in Jeddah, marveling at the mirror-clad Maraya concert hall in AlUla, or experiencing the modern pulse of Riyadh, the Kingdom is ready for you.
Thanks to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, travel has been simplified dramatically. France is one of the eligible countries for the Saudi Arabia eVisa, meaning you can secure your travel permit entirely online. No more queuing at the embassy in Paris. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabia eVisa for France citizens—from application steps and costs to essential travel tips.
Do French citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, if you hold a French passport, you require a visa to cross the Saudi border. However, the process is modern and hassle-free. France is included in the electronic visa (eVisa) program. This means you don’t need to physically visit a consulate or get a sticker in your passport. The entire process is digital, linking the authorization directly to your passport number.
Can I use a Travel Document (Titre de Voyage)?
No. The online eVisa system is strictly for holders of standard, ordinary national passports. If you hold a Travel Document for Refugees (Titre de Voyage) or any non-standard travel document issued by France, you are not eligible for the online eVisa. You must visit the Saudi Embassy in Paris to apply for a consular visa.
What is the Saudi electronic visa for French travelers?
The Saudi eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry digital travel permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was introduced to boost tourism and make the country accessible. For a French traveler, this visa acts as your all-access pass for:
- Tourism: Sightseeing, hiking, diving in the Red Sea, and cultural tours.
- Family Visits: Visiting friends or relatives residing in the Kingdom.
- Events: Attending concerts, festivals (like the Riyadh Season), or sporting events.
- Umrah: Performing the minor pilgrimage (outside of the Hajj season).
Am I eligible for the Saudi eVisa from France?
Before you start your application, let’s confirm your eligibility. As a citizen of France, you qualify if:
- You hold a valid French Passport: It must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- You are visiting for a permitted purpose: Tourism, leisure, or Umrah. This visa is not for paid employment or residency.
- You are 18 or older: Adults can apply individually. If you are traveling with children (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must include them in their application.
Saudi Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa: Which is better for French citizens?
Technically, French citizens can obtain a Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival at major Saudi airports. However, most seasoned travelers advise against relying on this option. Why? After a flight from Paris (CDG or Orly), often around 6-7 hours direct, the last thing you want is to stand in a long queue at immigration or risk a system glitch at the self-service kiosk. Getting your eVisa approved before you fly gives you complete peace of mind and allows you to breeze through the electronic gates or fast lanes at the airport.
Documents required for Saudi eVisa application
The system is designed to be paperless and simple. You don’t need bank statements or invitation letters for a standard tourist application. Just have these items ready:
- Passport Scan: A high-quality, color scan of your passport’s bio page. Make sure all text is readable and edges aren’t cut off.
- Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photo of yourself against a white background.
- Email Address: Use an email you check frequently, as this is where your visa PDF will be sent.
- Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Carte Bleue, etc.) to pay the fees online.
Applying for Saudi visa from France
The application is straightforward and can be completed from your computer or smartphone.
Enter Your Details Fill in the form with your personal information exactly as it appears on your French passport. Double-check your passport number and name spelling!
Upload Documents Upload the digital scan of your passport and your photo. Ensure the file sizes meet the requirements (usually under 100KB).
Pay the Fees Complete the secure online payment for the visa and insurance fees.
Receive Your Visa Once approved, the eVisa is sent directly to your email. Print a copy to keep with your travel documents as a backup.
Saudi Arabia eVisa fees for French citizens
The cost is standardized for all eligible nationalities. It typically breaks down into two main components:
- Government Fee: This goes to the Saudi authorities and covers the visa issuance plus the mandatory medical insurance.
- Service Fee: If you use a visa assistance service to review your application and prevent errors, they charge a small service fee.
Important: Saudi Arabia Visa fees are generally non-refundable. If you make a mistake on the form and get rejected, you won’t get your money back.
Will I receive a refund of my service fees if I decide to cancel my application before it is submitted to the government?
- Government Website: No. The government visa fee is strictly non-refundable. Even if your application is rejected due to a minor clerical error, that money is lost.
- saudi-arabia-evisas.com: Yes (conditional). If you wish to cancel your application before it is processed by the government, we provide a refund of the service fee. We also offer guidance if a visa is rejected to help you understand the reason.
Processing time for Saudi eVisa for French passport holders
The processing speed depends on how urgently you need the document. Most services offer three tiers:
- Standard Processing: Takes about 1-2 business days. Ideal if you are planning ahead.
- Rush Processing: Usually delivers the visa in 6-12 hours.
- Super Rush: For last-minute trips or emergencies, you can get approved in as little as 1 hour.
Emergency visa options for French citizens
If you have a sudden need to travel—perhaps a family emergency or a last-minute business opportunity—you can use the Super Rush processing option. This effectively serves as an emergency visa application, prioritizing your request to get an approval in approximately 60 minutes, allowing you to fly out immediately.
Can French citizens perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes, absolutely. This is a major benefit for Muslim travelers from France. The standard tourist eVisa allows you to perform Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) at any time of the year, except during the Hajj season. You do not need a specific “Umrah Visa” anymore. Just remember, this visa does not grant access to the Hajj pilgrimage.
Is the Saudi tourist eVisa single or multiple entry?
The standard Saudi eVisa is a Multiple Entry visa. This is fantastic news for travelers. It means you are not limited to just one trip. You can enter and exit Saudi Arabia as many times as you wish within the one-year validity period. This flexibility is perfect if you want to use Riyadh or Jeddah as a hub to explore other Gulf countries like the UAE or Oman.
Can I perform Hajj with the Saudi tourist eVisa?
No. While the tourist eVisa covers Umrah, it strictly prohibits performing Hajj. The Hajj pilgrimage requires a dedicated Hajj Visa, which has its own specific application process, quotas, and requirements managed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Attempting to perform Hajj on a tourist visa is illegal and can lead to deportation and fines.
How long is the Saudi eVisa valid for?
The Saudi eVisa is very generous with its validity:
- Validity: The visa is valid for one full year (365 days) from the date of issuance.
- Stay Duration: You can stay in the Kingdom for up to 90 days per visit.
- Entries: As mentioned, it is a multiple-entry visa. You can travel back and forth between France and Saudi Arabia as many times as you like within that year, provided no single stay exceeds 90 days.
Can I convert my tourist eVisa to a long-stay or work visa?
No, the tourist eVisa cannot be converted into a residence (Iqama) or work visa while you are inside the Kingdom. If you find employment or decide to study in Saudi Arabia, you must exit the country and apply for the appropriate long-stay visa through the Saudi Embassy in Paris. The tourist visa is strictly for short-term visits.
Do I need a transit visa for a layover in Saudi Arabia?
If you are flying with Saudia Airlines or Flynas and have a layover in Saudi Arabia (perhaps connecting to Asia or Africa), you might be eligible for a Stopover/Transit Visa. This allows you to leave the airport and explore the country for up to 96 hours (4 days). It’s perfect for a quick tour of Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad or a short Umrah. Often, the visa fee is waived if you book the ticket correctly, though insurance fees may still apply.
Visa requirements for minors from France
If you are traveling with your family, remember that children need visas too.
- Separate Applications: Every child, regardless of age, needs their own visa application.
- Guardian Application: Minors (under 18) cannot apply for themselves. A parent or legal guardian must create the application on their behalf.
- Accompanied Travel: Minors must generally be accompanied by an adult when entering the country.
Photo requirements for the Saudi visa application
Don’t let a simple photo error delay your trip. Follow these rules:
- Background: Must be plain white. No patterns or shadows.
- Expression: Neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open looking at the camera.
- Format: JPG or JPEG format.
- Quality: Clear, sharp image with no blur.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory for all tourists entering Saudi Arabia. The good news is that you don’t need to shop around for a policy. The insurance is automatically included when you pay the government fee for your eVisa. The system assigns you a local Saudi insurance provider that covers emergency medical costs (including COVID-19 treatment) during your stay.
Common reasons for Saudi visa rejection
While rejections are rare for French citizens, they can happen due to simple mistakes:
- Blurry Scans: If the system can’t read your passport details, it will reject the file.
- Data Mismatch: Typing a name or passport number incorrectly.
- Passport Validity: Applying with a passport that has less than 6 months of validity left.
What to do if I lose my French passport in Saudi Arabia?
It is a traveler’s nightmare, but if you lose your passport:
- Police Report: Immediately go to the nearest police station to report the loss and get a written report.
- Contact Embassy: Contact the French Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate General in Jeddah. They can help issue an Emergency Travel Document (Laissez-Passer) for your return home.
- Immigration: You will likely need to visit the Saudi passport office (Jawazat) to transfer your visa status to the new document before you can exit the country.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia eVisa for France citizens opens up a world of contrast and culture that is vastly different from Europe. Whether you are exploring the futuristic vision of NEOM or the ancient history of Diriyah, the process to get there is now digital, fast, and secure. Whether you need your visa in 2 days or in just 1 hour via urgent processing, the system is ready for you. So, get your passport ready, apply online, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
Bon voyage!