Full List of Saudi Visa Ports of Entry

When traveling to Saudi Arabia, knowing exactly where you can enter the country is just as important as having your visa ready. Whether you're planning a pilgrimage, a business trip, or just a quick layover with a Saudi Transit Visa, understanding the approved Saudi visa ports of entry will help ensure your journey goes smoothly.

This post is a straightforward, no-fluff breakdown of all the entry points travelers can use with a valid Saudi visa. So if you're preparing for travel and need clarity, this guide is here to help.

What Are Saudi Visa Ports of Entry?

A Saudi visa port of entry refers to any airport, land border, or seaport where travelers are officially allowed to enter Saudi Arabia using their visa. Not all crossing points are authorized, so entering from the correct location is crucial.

This applies to everyone — from tourists and business travelers to those with a Saudi transit visa. Picking the wrong port of entry could lead to delays, rejections, or even being denied entry entirely.

Entry by Air: International Airports in Saudi Arabia

Airports are the most common and preferred method of entering Saudi Arabia. Most international visitors will land in one of the following major airports:

1. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Riyadh

The capital city’s primary airport. It handles a large volume of international flights and is fully equipped for customs and immigration processing.

2. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Jeddah

One of the busiest airports in the country, especially for those performing Umrah or Hajj. It’s near Mecca and very active year-round.

3. King Fahd International Airport (DMM) – Dammam

This airport serves the Eastern Province. It’s also one of the largest in terms of land area.

4. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) – Madinah

Ideal for travelers heading to Madinah, especially during the Hajj season.

5. Abha International Airport (AHB) – Abha

Serves the Asir region and offers connections to several international destinations.

6. Taif International Airport (TIF) – Taif

Another option near Mecca, often used as an alternative to Jeddah.

7. Al-Qassim International Airport (ELQ) – Buraidah

Serving central Saudi Arabia with increasing international traffic.

All these airports are official Saudi visa ports of entry. They have the immigration infrastructure to process all types of Saudi visas, including Saudi transit visas.

Entry by Land: Border Crossings

For those traveling by car or bus, there are land borders that serve as legal entry points for Saudi visa holders. These are especially relevant for residents or visitors from neighboring countries like the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Qatar.

1. Al Batha Border (UAE – Saudi Arabia)

The most popular and busiest land border crossing, especially for travelers from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

2. Al Khafji Border (Kuwait – Saudi Arabia)

Used frequently by those commuting between Kuwait City and the Eastern Province.

3. Salwa Border Crossing (Qatar – Saudi Arabia)

Reopened in recent years, this point is now active again and serves travelers from Doha.

4. Al Hadithah Border (Jordan – Saudi Arabia)

Ideal for travelers coming from Amman or northern Jordan.

5. King Fahd Causeway (Bahrain – Saudi Arabia)

Connects Manama to Al Khobar and is a major entry route for those coming from Bahrain.

All these land crossings are recognized Saudi visa ports of entry, and visa checks are conducted thoroughly. If you have a Saudi transit visa, you’ll need to ensure your stay doesn’t exceed the permitted timeframe at these checkpoints.

Entry by Sea: Approved Seaports

Although less commonly used by tourists, Saudi Arabia has several commercial seaports that are designated entry points for travelers and cargo ships. These include:

1. Jeddah Islamic Port

The country’s largest and busiest seaport. Sometimes used by cruise ships and ferry passengers.

2. King Abdulaziz Port – Dammam

Serves the Eastern region and can handle passengers coming in by sea.

3. Yanbu Commercial Port

Used mostly for industrial and business purposes, but still a legal entry point for those arriving by vessel.

If you’re arriving by sea and holding a valid visa or Saudi transit visa, these ports have the required immigration procedures in place.

Which Port Should You Choose?

It depends on your destination and the type of visa you hold:

• Tourists usually arrive by air at Jeddah, Riyadh, or Dammam.
  
  

• Pilgrims on Umrah or Hajj visas often use Jeddah or Madinah airports.
  
  

• Transit visa holders can enter through any international airport but must exit within the allowed time (usually 96 hours).
  
  

• Land travelers must use the official land crossings mentioned above.
  
  

• Maritime travelers should stick to Jeddah or Dammam seaports.
  
  

Just make sure your visa clearly states where you’re permitted to enter. This small detail can make or break your trip.

Final Tips Before You Travel

• Double-check your visa details before booking your entry point.
  
  

• Avoid unauthorized border points — they won’t accept your visa.
  
  

• If on a Saudi transit visa, plan your route to make sure your stay is within the allowed duration.
  
  

• Use international airports if you want the smoothest entry experience.
  
  

Conclusion: Know Before You Go

Understanding the official Saudi visa ports of entry is essential to avoid unnecessary complications. Whether you’re flying in, driving across a border, or arriving by ship, knowing your legal entry points is just as important as holding a valid visa.

Especially for those on a Saudi transit visa, being aware of where you can legally enter helps ensure your journey is stress-free and compliant.

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Planning your trip to Saudi Arabia?
Before you pack your bags, make sure you know your designated port of entry. It’s a small step that guarantees a smooth arrival and a successful start to your visit. Safe travels!