Saudi Arabia, a captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern innovation, has emerged as a global travel destination, welcoming over 2.7 million visitors in the first half of 2025. For travelers from the Pacific and Scandinavia, the kingdom’s eVisa system offers seamless access to its deserts, Red Sea shores, and vibrant cities. The SAUDI VISA FOR NEW ZEALAND CITIZENS provides Kiwis with a streamlined digital process to experience Saudi’s cultural and economic treasures. Similarly, the SAUDI VISA FOR NORWEGIAN CITIZENS ensures Norwegians can effortlessly plan journeys, from spiritual pilgrimages to business ventures in Riyadh. Aligned with Vision 2030’s ambition to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, these visas reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accessibility and hospitality. This article explores the application processes, eligibility details, and practical tips tailored for New Zealanders and Norwegians ready to embark on an Arabian adventure.
Saudi Visa for New Zealand Citizens: A Pacific Gateway to Arabia
New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant multicultural society, finds a compelling counterpart in Saudi Arabia’s blend of tradition and progress, making it an appealing destination for Kiwi travelers. The Saudi visa for New Zealand citizens, introduced under the 2019 eVisa initiative, simplifies entry for tourism, family visits, or short-term business, offering multiple entries over a one-year period with each stay up to 90 days, totaling 180 days annually. Eligible Kiwis need a passport valid for six months beyond entry, a recent digital photo, and proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter. The application, processed through the official Visit Saudi portal, includes a fee of approximately $80 to $150, covering mandatory health insurance for medical emergencies.
The process is efficient, with approvals typically arriving within 24 to 72 hours, though peak seasons like Ramadan may extend this to five days. New Zealanders can present their eVisa digitally or printed at entry points like King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or King Khalid in Riyadh, where smart gates with facial recognition streamline immigration to under 10 minutes. For Muslim Kiwis, the eVisa supports Umrah outside Hajj season, with bookings managed via the Nusuk app for seamless Mecca access. Health requirements, such as meningitis vaccinations for coastal regions, ensure safety in a climate where summer temperatures often exceed 40°C. New Zealand’s passport, ranked 5th globally in 2025, supports visa-on-arrival options at major ports, though pre-application is advised to avoid delays. This visa enables Kiwis to explore Al-Ula’s archaeological wonders, dive in Yanbu’s coral reefs, or engage in trade summits, leveraging the growing economic ties between Saudi Arabia and New Zealand.
Saudi Visa for Norwegian Citizens: A Scandinavian Path to Arabian Horizons
Norway, with its fjords and innovative spirit, shares Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking ethos, drawing Norwegians for cultural exploration and business opportunities. The Saudi visa for Norwegian citizens mirrors the eVisa framework, accessible to over 60 nationalities, offering the same one-year multiple-entry structure with 90-day stays per visit. Requirements include a passport valid for six months, a digital photo, and accommodation proof, with applications submitted online via the Visit Saudi portal. The fee, inclusive of health insurance, ranges from $80 to $140, and approvals typically land in 1 to 3 days, ideal for Norwegians planning trips from Oslo or Bergen.
Visa-on-arrival options at hubs like Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport cater to spontaneous travelers, though online applications minimize wait times. For Muslim Norwegians, the eVisa facilitates Umrah, with 2025 reforms streamlining Mecca access through Nusuk-integrated bookings. Health protocols, including digital declarations via the Tawakkalna app, align with global standards, and vaccinations may be required during flu season. Norway’s passport, ranked 3rd globally, enhances regional mobility, with land borders like Al Batha from the UAE enabling overland entries. Norwegians can wander Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad, network at Riyadh’s LEAP tech conference, or explore Abha’s misty highlands, supported by Saudi’s upgraded infrastructure, including high-speed trains and new Red Sea resorts opening in 2025.
Practical Strategies for a Seamless Journey
Both New Zealanders and Norwegians navigate a unified eVisa process: complete the online form with personal and travel details, upload documents, and pay securely, with no interviews required. Accuracy is critical—mismatched passport data can lead to rejections, though corrections are possible within 30 days. Entry ports, from Jeddah’s cruise-friendly seaports to Riyadh’s smart-gate airports, streamline arrivals with technology, reducing wait times significantly. Budget travelers benefit from affordable transport—Riyadh’s metro costs $2 per ride—and free sites like the National Museum, though premium attractions like Al Rajhi Grand Mosque tours average $20.
Cultural preparation enhances the experience: respect prayer times, when public life pauses, and wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Women travelers enjoy relaxed guardianship rules since 2023, but carrying ID is advised. Hydration is vital against arid heat, and apps like Careem offer rides from $5. For Umrah, book early via Nusuk, especially for winter months. Business travelers should verify event-specific rules, as conferences like LEAP require precise documentation. Saudi’s infrastructure, from Haramain trains to new coastal resorts, elevates accessibility for all.
Embracing Saudi Arabia’s Global Welcome
The Saudi visa for New Zealand citizens and the Saudi visa for Norwegian citizens embody a kingdom eager to connect with the Pacific and Scandinavia, inviting travelers to its heart. As Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, contributing 7% to GDP in 2025, flourishes with heritage sites and futuristic hubs like NEOM, these visas ensure effortless access. Whether Kiwis trace ancient trade routes or Norwegians explore modern skylines, preparation transforms logistics into gateways for discovery. With hospitality at its core, Saudi Arabia welcomes both nations to craft unforgettable narratives amid its sands, seas, and skyscrapers.
