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saudi-arabia /
Accessible visaDesertCulturePilgrimage

Saudi Arabia

Deserts, old towns and Umrah: the Kingdom opens up to the world.

Capital
Riyadh
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR) — 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR
Flight from Douala
~9 to 16h from Douala/Yaoundé (1 stop)
Time difference
GMT+3 (+2h vs Cameroon)

Saudi Arabia is a fast-rising destination: futuristic mega-projects, Jeddah's UNESCO-listed old town, the Nabataean tombs of AlUla and endless deserts. For many Cameroonians it is also the land of Umrah and Hajj — and good news, the tourist visa now lets you perform Umrah (Hajj still requires a dedicated visa). Note: an ordinary Cameroonian passport does not directly qualify for the standard tourist eVisa; the realistic routes are the Umrah visa (Nusuk platform), the eVisa if you also hold a US, UK, Schengen or Gulf visa/residence, or a consular visa.

Formalities

The visa, step by step

Accessible visa
How to apply
Allowed stay
Up to 90 days (tourist visa, multiple entries over 1 year)
Cost
~140 USD (visa + insurance) if e-visa eligible; otherwise variable consular fees
Processing
Minutes to a few days (e-visa if eligible); ~5–15 days via embassy

How to apply

The direct tourist e-visa is open to the Cameroonian passport only if you hold a valid US, UK, Schengen or GCC visa/residence (official portal). Otherwise apply at the competent Saudi embassy (Abuja jurisdiction). For Umrah, use the official Nusuk platform.

Required documents

  • passport valid 6 months
  • recent ID photo
  • e-visa or consular form
  • hotel booking
  • return ticket
  • proof of funds
  • medical insurance (included with e-visa)
  • if applicable: valid US/UK/Schengen/GCC visa or residence

Good to know

  • No Saudi embassy in Cameroon: consular jurisdiction is Abuja (Nigeria).
  • The direct e-visa is NOT open to the Cameroonian passport alone.
  • For Umrah: official Nusuk platform or an authorised agency.
How much it costs

A one-week budget

Backpacker
330 000 FCFA
/ week, excl. flight
Comfort
810 000 FCFA
/ week, excl. flight

Round-trip flight from Douala / Yaoundé

360 000 FCFA720 000 FCFA

No direct flight: connect via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian), Istanbul (Turkish), Doha (Qatar), Dubai (Emirates/flydubai) or Nairobi (Kenya Airways). Jeddah is often cheaper than Riyadh.

Indicative round-trip price: it varies widely by season, layover and how early you book.

Where the money goes (backpacker estimate)

🏨105 000 FCFA
🍽️63 000 FCFA
🚕42 000 FCFA
🎟️30 000 FCFA
Hostel
12 000 FCFA31 800 FCFA
Mid-range
30 000 FCFA96 000 FCFA
Nice hotel
87 600 FCFA270 000 FCFA
Tailored

Budget simulator

Comfort level
Estimated total budget
690 000 FCFA
Must-sees

What to do there

1

Riyadh

Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge, Al-Masmak fortress and Diriyah (UNESCO), the birthplace of the kingdom.

2

Jeddah — Al-Balad old town

UNESCO-listed coral houses, souks and the Red Sea corniche.

3

AlUla

Nabataean tombs of Hegra (UNESCO), Elephant Rock and oasis: a 'Petra' without the crowds.

4

NEOM

Futuristic mega-project in the north-west (THE LINE): emerging mountain, desert and sea tourism.

5

Edge of the World

Dramatic cliffs of Jebel Fihrayn near Riyadh, perfect at sunset.

6

Asir mountains (Abha)

Cool, green highlands — a refreshing alternative to the summer heat.

Itinerary

One week, day by day

  1. D1

    Arrive in Riyadh: Kingdom Centre, Al-Masmak, Najdi dinner.

  2. D2

    Diriyah (At-Turaif), Riyadh museums and souks.

  3. D3

    Day trip to the Edge of the World by 4WD, return in the evening.

  4. D4

    Fly to AlUla: Hegra tombs and Elephant Rock.

  5. D5

    AlUla old town, oasis and stargazing.

  6. D6

    Fly to Jeddah: Al-Balad, corniche and sunset over the Red Sea.

  7. D7

    Jeddah souks, Floating Mosque (optional Umrah in Makkah via Nusuk), departure.

Travel checklist

A printable list (or save as PDF) so you forget nothing.

Travel checklistArabie saoudite

Before you leave

What to pack

Visa sources: visitsaudi.com

Indicative data (June 2026), reliability moyenne. Visa rules, prices and timelines change: always confirm with official sources before booking.

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