🇰🇪 → 🇸🇦

Saudi Arabia Visa for Kenyans

E-Visa (apply online)
⚠ Visa Required — You must apply before travel
10% Rejection Rate
2/5 Difficulty
5–7d Processing
KES 21,700 Total (~$140)

Quick Facts

Requirement Visa Required
Visa Fee KES 21,700 (~$140)
Processing Time 5–7 working days
Appointment Wait ~ weeks
Stay Duration Up to 90 days
E-Visa Available online

Saudi Arabia opened tourism e-visa to Kenyan passport holders as part of its Vision 2030 tourism expansion. The e-visa is $130, processed online in 3–7 days, valid 12 months with multiple entries. Kenyan applicants report a high approval rate with clean documentation.

Key Warnings

  • The $130 visa fee is non-refundable. Ensure your travel dates are confirmed and your passport has 6+ months validity before applying.
  • Saudi Arabia has strict dress code and behavioral regulations for tourists — research cultural norms before travel, particularly if visiting Mecca or Medina areas.
  • Non-Muslim tourists cannot enter Mecca or Medina city centers. Plan your itinerary around Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea coastline.

Insider Tips

  • Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com directly — the process is straightforward and takes about 20 minutes. Most Kenyans receive approval within 3–5 days.
  • Kenya Airways and other carriers serve Jeddah and Riyadh from Nairobi with convenient connections. Book flights after receiving visa approval to avoid non-refundable ticket costs.
  • Saudi Arabia's new tourism sector offers world-class experiences at AlUla, Diriyah, and the Red Sea Project — the KES 21,700 visa cost is reasonable for a 90-day multiple-entry permit.

Required Documents

  • Valid Kenyan passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
  • Scanned copy of passport bio page Clear scan required for online application upload
  • Digital passport photo White background, clear face, taken within the last 6 months
  • Return flight ticket or itinerary Confirmed booking recommended for tourist visa applications
  • Hotel booking confirmation Accommodation details for duration of stay in Saudi Arabia
  • Bank statement (last 3 months) Demonstrates financial capacity to support the trip. Minimum KES 50,000+ average balance recommended.

Recommended (Optional)

  • Employment letter Recommended to strengthen application. Confirms stable employment and leave approval.
  • Previous travel history Prior international travel stamps significantly improve approval odds.

Why Applications Get Rejected

Saudi Arabia rejected 10% of applications. Avoid these mistakes:

  • Incomplete or unclear document uploads

    Blurry passport scans or low-resolution photos cause rejection on the automated system.

    Fix: Upload high-resolution scans (300 DPI minimum). Passport photo must have white background and meet ICAO standards.

  • Insufficient proof of funds

    Bank statements showing inconsistent or low balances raise questions about ability to fund the trip.

    Fix: Provide 3 months of statements showing regular credits. Supplement with employment letter confirming salary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Kenyans apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa?
Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com. The process takes about 20 minutes — upload your passport scan, photo, and supporting documents, then pay $130 by card. Most Kenyan applicants receive a decision in 3–5 days. The visa is sent electronically — print it or save it to your phone.
What is the Saudi Arabia visa rejection rate for Kenyans?
The rejection rate for Kenyan applicants is approximately 10% — relatively low for an African passport. Most rejections are due to incomplete documents or unclear scans. A well-prepared application with clean bank statements and confirmed travel arrangements has a strong approval probability.
How much does a Saudi Arabia visa cost in Kenyan shillings?
The Saudi tourist e-visa costs $130 (approximately KES 20,150) plus a small processing fee, bringing the total to around KES 21,700 at January 2025 rates. The fee includes mandatory health insurance for your stay. The visa is valid for 12 months with multiple entries and up to 90 days per visit.
What can Kenyans visit in Saudi Arabia as tourists?
Tourist highlights include AlUla's ancient Nabataean rock tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Diriyah historical district near Riyadh, Jeddah's Al-Balad old city, NEOM and the Red Sea Project coastline, and Riyadh's modern cultural district. Note: non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Medina city centers.

Where to Apply

Saudi Embassy Nairobi

Nairobi

Muthaiga Road, Nairobi, Kenya

Mon–Fri 08:30–14:30

Most Kenyan applicants apply online. Embassy in-person applications are for those requiring special visa categories.

Book Appointment →

Other Gulf country visas for Kenyans

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Visa on Arrival 🇶🇦 Qatar Visa on Arrival