Skip to main content
Independent travel resource

Schengen Visa for Saudis

Last verified: 3 min read

Comprehensive guide for Saudi Arabia citizens applying for a Schengen visa

Schengen Visa Required

Saudi citizens must obtain a Schengen Visa to visit Europe's Schengen Area. The visa costs €80, allows stays as long as 90 days, and must be applied for in person at an embassy or consulate.
Quick Facts

Saudis must obtain a Schengen Visa for short stays in Europe. Submit your application at the embassy of your main destination no later than 6 weeks before travel.

Visa Type Schengen (C)
Cost €80
Processing 15-45 days
Max Stay 90 days in 180
Passport Rank #100 of 199
Visa Cost €80 €40 for children 6-12, free under 6
Processing 15-45 days Apply at least 6 weeks early
Application In person Embassy, consulate, or VFS Global
Refusal Rate 3% Based on 2024 data

Document Checklist for Saudis

  • Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years)
  • Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background)
  • Completed Schengen visa application form
  • Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
  • Return flight reservation
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements from last 3 months)
  • Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary

Visa Statistics & Passport Strength

The Saudi Arabia passport ranks #100 out of 199 globally, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 83 countries. Since Europe's Schengen Area requires a visa for Saudi citizens, applying with strong documentation is important.

In 2024, Schengen consulates processed 310,000 applications from Saudis, with a refusal rate of 3%. To boost your approval odds, ensure your financial documents, travel insurance, and cover letter are well-organized and detailed.

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Determine your main destination

    Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time.

  2. 2

    Collect documents

    Passport, photos, insurance, flight/hotel bookings, bank statements, cover letter.

  3. 3

    Reserve appointment

    Reserve at embassy, consulate, or VFS Global. Book early — slots fill quickly.

  4. 4

    Submit & wait

    Attend in person, submit documents. Processing takes 15-45 days.

3%
Refusal Rate
310,000
Applications
#100
Passport Rank
Required

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Saudis must provide travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage as part of the Schengen Visa application.

  • Medical emergencies
  • Trip cancellation
  • Baggage protection
Get Travel Insurance Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Visa Guides

Requirements

Full document checklist

Cost Breakdown

Fees by age & type

Cover Letter

How to write one

Travel Insurance

Required for visa

Visa FAQs for Saudis

How much does a Schengen visa cost for Saudis?
€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6.
How long does processing take?
15-45 days. Plan to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before travel. Some countries offer express processing.
Can I visit multiple countries?
Yes. A Schengen visa grants access to all 30 Schengen countries within its validity period. Submit your application to the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time, or — if equal — the country of first entry.
Which embassy should Saudis apply at?
Apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country that is your main destination. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first. Many countries use VFS Global or TLS Contact as external service providers.
What if my Schengen visa application is denied?
You will receive a written explanation of the refusal reason. Common reasons include not enough financial proof, lack of travel insurance, or incomplete documents. You can reapply after addressing the issues, or appeal the decision within the timeframe specified in the refusal letter.
What is the Schengen visa refusal rate for Saudis?
The Schengen visa refusal rate for Saudis was 3% in 2024, based on 310,000 applications. Middle Eastern applicants should provide detailed travel purpose documentation. Business travelers need invitation letters from European partners. Tourist applicants benefit from a day-by-day itinerary and proof of accommodation for every night.

Travel Checklist for Saudis

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
Schengen Visa submitted
Travel insurance (min. €30,000 coverage) Get covered
eSIM for mobile data in Europe Get Saily
VPN for public WiFi security Get NordVPN

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Learn More

Schengen Visa Guide Schengen Area 90/180 Day Calculator Travel Insurance

Last updated: