Saudi citizens typically need a visa for Schengen Area

As of 2026-08-16

Processing

15 days

Fee

€90

Max Stay

Per visa conditions

Apply At

TLScontact (Germany) / VFS Global (most other member states) →

Last updated: 2026-08-16 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

Schengen Area Visa Overview for Saudi Citizens

Saudi citizens require a visa to visit Schengen Area. Schengen visa required. EU working on visa-free agreement for Saudi citizens.. The visa application fee is €90, with standard processing taking 15 days. Saudi applicants typically apply through TLScontact in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar for Germany; VFS Global in the same three cities for most other member states.

The Schengen visa allows travel across 29 European countries on a single visa, valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Saudi applicants must apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where they will spend the most time. Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage is mandatory, and applicants should have proof of approximately €100 per day in available funds.

Once approved, Saudi passport holders may stay in Schengen Area for Per visa conditions. maximum 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.

Entry Requirements

Documents and conditions you will need when entering Schengen Area

Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least 2 blank pages
Proof of accommodation for entire stay
Valid travel insurance certificate (€30,000 minimum coverage)
Return or onward travel tickets
Proof of sufficient funds (approximately €100 per day)
Approved visa in passport (or printed e-visa approval)

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Available Visa Types for Saudi Citizens

France Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for France

15-45 days€90

Germany Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for Germany

15-45 days€90

Italy Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for Italy

15-45 days€90

Spain Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for Spain

15-45 days€90

Netherlands Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for Netherlands

15-45 days€90

Portugal Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for Portugal

15-45 days€90

Greece Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for Greece

15-45 days€90

Switzerland Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for Switzerland

15-45 daysCHF equivalent of EUR 90 (~CHF 85)

Belgium Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for Belgium

15-45 days€90

Austria Schengen Visa

Tourist, business, or family visit visa for Austria

15-45 days€90

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Schengen refusal rates for applications submitted in Saudi Arabia

Official European Commission figures, reference year 2025.

5.2%

Refused in Saudi Arabia

14.6%

Worldwide average

553,967

Applications submitted

Applications submitted in Saudi Arabia were refused less often than the worldwide average in 2025 — 5.2% against 14.6%. Of 553,967 applications, 28,467 were turned down.

The rate varies far more by which country you apply to than most applicants expect. In 2025, Austria in Riyadh refused 1.6% of applications, while Bulgaria in Riyadh refused 55.4%.

Schengen visa refusal rates by consulate for applications submitted in Saudi Arabia, 2025
Applying to	Consulate	Applications	Refused
Austria	Riyadh	18,942	1.6%
Italy	Riyadh	62,513	2.3%
France	Riyadh	146,125	2.7%
Italy	Jeddah	20,676	2.8%
Spain	Riyadh	58,670	2.8%
Czech Republic	Riyadh	17,706	3.2%
Switzerland	Riyadh	31,146	4.7%
France	Jeddah	88,206	5.6%
Germany	Riyadh	50,920	8.0%
Denmark	Riyadh	2,304	11.6%
Portugal	Riyadh	16,501	12.7%
Poland	Riyadh	1,209	12.7%
Netherlands	Riyadh	18,930	15.0%
Malta	Riyadh	621	17.2%
Hungary	Riyadh	1,724	17.6%
Greece	Riyadh	12,159	18.9%
Belgium	Riyadh	1,673	22.6%
Sweden	Riyadh	2,265	35.0%
Bulgaria	Riyadh	1,058	55.4%

Posts with fewer than 500 applications are left out, because a handful of decisions does not make a meaningful rate. These are historical figures and do not predict the outcome of any individual application. You also cannot simply pick the consulate with the best rate: Schengen rules require you to apply to the country where you will spend the most nights, or your first point of entry if the trip is evenly split.

Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, reference year 2025, published 2026-05-28. “Refused” is the Commission’s not-issued rate, calculated on decided applications. Figures cover every application lodged at consulates in Saudi Arabia, whatever the applicant's nationality — the Commission does not publish a breakdown by passport. For most countries that is predominantly Saudi passport holders; where a country hosts a large resident foreign population, the figures reflect those residents too.

How to Apply

Determine which Schengen country's embassy to apply at — apply to the country where you will spend the most time, or the country of first entry if visiting equally

Gather required documents: valid passport (3+ months beyond departure), passport photos, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum), proof of accommodation for entire trip, return flights, bank statements showing approximately €100/day

Complete the visa application form online and book an appointment at TLScontact in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar for Germany; VFS Global in the same three cities for most other member states

Pay the visa fee of €90

Attend your appointment to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and documents

Wait for processing (typically 15 days, up to 45 days in peak season)

Collect your passport with the Schengen visa decision

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Stay Rules & Conditions

Maximum 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries
Cannot work on a tourist Schengen visa
Must have valid travel insurance throughout stay
First entry should be through the country that issued the visa
Overstaying your permitted stay may result in fines, detention, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas to this and other countries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Arriving with a passport that expires too soon — the Schengen Area requires at least 3 months beyond your departure date
Submitting incomplete documents — missing bank statements, employment letters, or accommodation proof are common reasons for delays or refusal
Applying to the wrong embassy — you must apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time, not the easiest to get approved
Buying non-refundable flights before the visa is approved — use flexible bookings or confirmed itineraries instead
Waiting until the last minute to apply — standard processing can take weeks, and peak seasons add further delays

Important Notes for Saudi Applicants

Saudi citizens apply through TLScontact in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar for Germany; VFS Global in the same three cities for most other member states
The visa fee of €90 is typically non-refundable, even if the application is denied
Standard processing takes 15 days — priority or express services may be available for an additional fee
Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage is mandatory for all Schengen visa applications
Saudi Arabia is on the UK ETA list — a £20 Electronic Travel Authorisation applied for online covers stays of up to 6 months, so no UK visa is needed
Germany routes all Schengen applications from Saudi Arabia through TLScontact (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar) — most other member states use VFS Global in the same cities, so confirm the provider before booking

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Saudi citizens need a visa for Schengen Area?

Yes, Saudi citizens typically need a visa to visit Schengen Area. The visa application fee is €90. Standard processing takes 15 days. Always check with official sources for the latest requirements.

How long can Saudi citizens stay in Schengen Area?

With an approved visa, Saudi citizens may stay in Schengen Area for Per visa conditions. The exact duration is determined by the visa type and conditions. The Schengen visa allows up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

How long does the Schengen Area visa take to process for Saudi citizens?

Standard processing for Saudi applicants typically takes 15 days. Processing can take up to 45 days during peak travel season. Check with the application centre for current wait times.

Where do Saudi citizens apply for a Schengen Area visa?

Saudi citizens typically apply through TLScontact in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar for Germany; VFS Global in the same three cities for most other member states. The application process is through the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time. Book appointments early, especially during peak travel seasons.

What documents do Saudi citizens need for a Schengen Area visa?

Key documents typically include: a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure), passport-size photos, bank statements showing sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and an employment or business letter. Schengen applications also require travel insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage. Check the official application form for the complete list.

Can Saudi citizens work in Schengen Area on a tourist visa?

No. A tourist visa does not permit paid employment in Schengen Area, including freelancing or working for local employers. Remote work for overseas employers is a legal gray area that varies by country — do not assume it is permitted. Working without proper authorization can result in deportation and future visa bans. A separate work permit or visa is required for any employment.

Which countries can Saudi citizens visit with a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa allows travel across all 29 Schengen member countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania fully joined in January 2025. The list of member states is updated periodically — check the European Commission website for the current full list.