For travelers from Greece, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has transformed from a mysterious, closed-off nation into one of the most exciting new destinations on the global map. Whether you are drawn by the ancient Nabatean tombs of Hegra (a sister city to Petra), the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea, or the futuristic vision of NEOM, the doors are now wide open.
As a Greek citizen, you are in a privileged position. You are among the select nationalities eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa, a streamlined digital entry permit that eliminates the need for Embassy visits in Athens.
This comprehensive guide answers the most “Saudi eVisa for Greek Citizens” questions by Greek travelers, covering everything from costs in Euros to driving rules and safety tips.
Do Greek citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, a visa is mandatory. You cannot enter Saudi Arabia with just your Greek passport (Hellenic Passport).
However, the days of complex paperwork are over. Greek nationals have two primary options:
- The eVisa (Recommended): Applied for online before you travel.
- Visa on Arrival: Available at kiosks upon landing.
Our Advice: Always choose the eVisa. It secures your entry before you leave Athens, allowing you to breeze through immigration without the stress of potential system down-times or queues at the “Visa on Arrival” counters.
Am I Eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa?
If you hold a valid passport from Greece (Hellenic Republic), you are fully eligible. The program was designed to encourage tourism from the EU, and Greece is a key partner.
Key Conditions:
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
- Purpose: Tourism, leisure, family visits, events, or Umrah. (Not for paid work).
- Age: Travelers under 18 must apply with a parent or guardian.
Why Should You Choose saudi-arabia-evisas.com?
Applying for a visa shouldn’t be a headache. While the official government website provides the basic forms, we provide the expert oversight needed to ensure your visa is approved without issues.
How Does saudi-arabia-evisas.com Compare to the Government Site?
The Government Site: You are responsible for everything. You fill out the forms and upload documents yourself. If a photo is blurry or a number is wrong, your application is rejected or delayed, often with no explanation and no support.
saudi-arabia-evisas.com: We don’t let you fail. Our team meticulously reviews your details and documents before submission. If we see a problem, we help you fix it immediately. This keeps your approval chances high.
What else do we offer?
- Need help at 2 a.m.? We offer 24/7 email and chat support.
- Worried about payment security? We use encrypted, secure payment gateways.
- Want to know where your visa is? We provide real-time status updates.
- Hate long forms? Our simplified form takes only minutes.
- Want certainty? We boast a 99% approval success rate.
Why Do We Charge a Service Fee?
You might wonder why our fee is higher than the standard government fee. This small extra cost covers the professional services that keep your application safe:
- Expert Review: Real humans check your application for errors.
- Document Correction: We fix format issues so you don’t get rejected.
- Secure Submission: We handle the interface with the government portal.
- Ongoing Support: We track your status and answer your questions until the visa is in your hand.
The Bottom Line?
The government site is cheaper, but risky. saudi-arabia-evisas.com offers safety, support, and peace of mind.
Which documents are required for a Saudi Arabia visa?
The Saudi Arabia Visa requirements are minimal. You do not need physical photos or bank statements.
- Valid Greek Passport: Ensure it is an ordinary passport (not emergency/diplomatic) valid for 6+ months.
- Digital Photo: A clear, recent photo with a white background. (You can take this with your phone against a white wall, provided there are no shadows).
- Email Address: The visa will be sent here as a PDF.
- Payment Method: A credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard) to pay the fees in SAR/EUR.
- Accommodation: The name of your hotel in Saudi Arabia (e.g., “Hilton Riyadh”).
How to Apply Saudi eVisa from Greece
The process is 100% online and takes about 15 minutes.
- Enter Details: Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your Greek passport.
- Tip: If your name has Greek characters, use the Latin transliteration found on the main photo page of your passport.
- Upload: Attach your passport bio-page scan and your photo.
- Pay: Complete the secure payment.
- Download: Once approved (usually quickly), you will receive the visa via email. Print it out to show at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).
How much time for visa processing for Saudi Arabia?
Greek travelers value efficiency. The Saudi eVisa system offers three tiers of speed, depending on how urgent your trip is:
- Super Rush Processing: For emergencies or last-minute trips, get approved in 1 Hour.
- Rush Processing: Perfect for next-day travel, taking 6 – 12 Hours.
- Standard Processing: For planned holidays, the visa is typically issued within 1 – 2 Working Days.
Do I need a visa for stopover in Saudi Arabia?
Many Greek travelers connect through Riyadh or Jeddah en route to Asia.
- Under 12 Hours: If you stay in the international transit zone for less than 12 hours, you typically do not need a visa.
- Stopover Visa (96 Hours): If you are flying with Saudia or Flynas, you can apply for a special Stopover Visa. It allows you to leave the airport for up to 96 hours (4 days) to explore. It is often free (excluding insurance/admin fees) when booked with your ticket.
- Over 96 Hours: You must apply for the standard Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa.
Can Greek Citizens Perform Umrah on a Tourist eVisa?
Yes. The Saudi government now allows tourists to perform Umrah on the standard Tourist eVisa. You do not need a specific “religious visa” for this.
- Restriction: You cannot perform Hajj with this visa.
- App Required: You should download the Nusuk app to book your Umrah time slot or to visit the Rawdah in Madinah.
Is medical insurance mandatory for a Saudi visa?
Yes, it is compulsory. You cannot enter the Kingdom without it.
- Do I need my own? No. The Saudi government automatically assigns you a local insurance policy (from providers like Tawuniya or Bupa Arabia) during the eVisa application process.
- Coverage: This policy covers emergency medical treatment and hospitalization (up to SAR 100,000) while you are in Saudi Arabia.
How long is a Saudi eVisa valid for?
The visa is very generous for tourists:
- Validity: 1 Year (365 days) from the date of issue.
- Entries: Multiple Entries. You can travel back and forth between Greece and Saudi Arabia as often as you like.
- Duration of Stay: You can stay for up to 90 days per visit.
What happens if you overstay your visa in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi immigration laws are strict.
- Fines: Overstaying your visa can result in a fine of up to SAR 50,000 (approx. €12,500).
- Deportation: You may face deportation and a ban from re-entering the Kingdom.
- Check Your Date: Always check the “Duration of Stay” on your visa (usually 90 days) and ensure you exit before it expires.
Can I Drive in Saudi Arabia with a Greek License?
Yes, for short visits.
- Tourist Rules: Visitors can drive using a valid Greek (EU) Driving License for up to 3 months (some rental agencies allow up to 1 year).
- IDP Recommendation: While your Greek license is often accepted, it is highly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). It translates your details into Arabic/English and helps avoid issues at police checkpoints.
- Traffic Rules: Driving is on the right side of the road (same as Greece). Speed cameras are everywhere—stick to the limits!
Direct Flights: Athens to Saudi Arabia
Connectivity between Greece and Saudi Arabia is excellent:
- Aegean Airlines: Offers direct flights from Athens (ATH) to Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED).
- Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines): Also operates direct routes connecting the two capitals.
- Flight Time: It is a short flight, approximately 4 hours.
What Items Are Strictly Prohibited?
To avoid fines or jail time, do not pack:
- Alcohol: Strictly forbidden. Even duty-free bags from Athens will be confiscated.
- Pork: Do not bring pork products.
- Narcotics: Check if your prescription medication is allowed. If you carry psychotropic drugs, you must have a certified medical report.
- Drones: Requires a special permit; otherwise, they will be confiscated at customs.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Saudi Arabia is a desert country, so timing is everything.
- Best Season: November to February. The weather is mild and pleasant (similar to a warm Greek spring), with temperatures around 15°C–25°C.
- Shoulder Season: March and October.
- Avoid: June to August. Temperatures regularly exceed 45°C, making outdoor activities difficult.
Ready for your Arabian Adventure? From the bustling souks of Jeddah to the quiet grandeur of the desert, Saudi Arabia offers a travel experience like no other. With your Greek passport and this guide, your eVisa is just a few clicks away. Kalo Taxidi! (Safe Travels!)