View the full digital nomad guide for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia limits new firms to 5 Qiwa instant work visas
New regulations limit the number of work visas available to companies less than two years old in Saudi Arabia. This change restricts sponsorship opportunities for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs looking to join or launch early-stage ventures in the Kingdom.
Schengen carriers query EES to track 90 day stays for remote workers
The EU’s Entry/Exit System is being rolled out across Schengen states, with airline carrier-interface obligations taking effect in April 2026 and biometric border checks expanding across participating countries. For travelers, expats, and nomads in the Middle East who fly to Europe, this can mean more pre-boarding verification and slower first-time border processing.
Saudi Arabia deports 7,989 foreign nationals in June residency sweep
Saudi authorities deported nearly 8,000 expatriates between June 4 and June 10 following intensified nationwide inspections. The crackdown targets individuals with expired residency permits, labor violations, or improper border documentation, signaling a high-risk environment for those without full legal compliance.
Saudi Arabia opens Nusuk applications for 1448 AH Umrah season
Saudi Arabia has launched the electronic visa application process for the upcoming Umrah season via the Nusuk platform. International travelers can now secure entry and departure dates for religious visits to Makkah through early April 2027.
EASA flight warnings for the Middle East remain active through June 10
EASA’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin for the Middle East and Persian Gulf remains active and continues to urge caution for flights over Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, this mainly matters if you are connecting through regional airports or booking itineraries that may face reroutes, delays, or cancellations due to airspace risk assessments.
Saudi Arabia remains at Level 3 as US orders non-emergency staff to leave
The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia has reiterated a Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' advisory due to heightened regional tensions. Expats and digital nomads are urged to avoid large gatherings, maintain high situational awareness, and prepare contingency travel plans.
Saudi Arabia imposes 10 year ban and 20,000 SAR fine for Hajj violations
Foreigners attempting to perform Hajj on standard tourist or visit visas face fines of 20,000 SAR and immediate deportation. Violators will be barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years, affecting future residency or travel plans.
Russia and Saudi Arabia activate 90 day mutual visa waiver for tourists
Russian citizens can visit Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per year without a visa for tourism or family visits. This change simplifies short-term stays for Russian digital nomads and travelers, though work and residency still require specific permits.
Security Alerts and Travel Disruptions in Saudi Arabia
On April 7, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert reiterating risks from sustained Iranian missile and drone threats targeting American interests, diplomatic sites, hotels, U.S. businesses, and American-affiliated universities. Travelers (including U.S. citizens, expats, and digital nomads) are advised to reconsider travel, shelter in secure locations with supplies of food/water/medication, limit movements, maintain a low profile, enroll in STEP, and monitor for updates. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports remain operational but with frequent air traffic restrictions; travelers must check flight status directly due to possible delays and cancellations. Specific suspensions include Lufthansa/Eurowings flights to/from Riyadh and Dammam through October 24, 2026, and KLM flights to/from Dammam/Riyadh through May 17, 2026. These directly impact air travel for nomads and expats.
Managing Withholding Tax in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Tax Agency reminded entities of the April 10, 2026, deadline for filing March 2026 withholding tax declarations (affecting payments to non-residents); late payments incur penalties. This is a routine filing reminder but could affect expat businesses or employers of foreigners.
Saudi Arabia Updates Visa Enforcement and Overstay Penalties
Saudi Arabia has introduced revised visit visa validity periods and enhanced digital monitoring for all visitors. Travelers should note stricter penalties for overstaying and seasonal entry restrictions for certain nationalities during the Hajj period.
U.S. Orders Personnel to Depart Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Tensions
The U.S. Department of State has raised the travel advisory for Saudi Arabia to Level 3, ordering the departure of non-emergency government employees and their families. Expats and travelers should reconsider travel to the region and exercise increased caution due to heightened safety concerns.
Inside Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Visa and Residency Rules
Saudi Arabia has expanded eVisa eligibility to over 60 countries while maintaining specific seasonal restrictions for 14 nationalities during Hajj. While work visa processing times vary by nationality, the government confirmed there are no permanent nationality-based bans for employment visas.
Saudi Arabia and Oman Travel Alerts Reach Level 3
The elevation to Level 3 travel advisories for Saudi Arabia and Oman indicates severe security risks and likely invalidates standard travel insurance policies for those staying in these countries.