How to Travel to Saudi Arabia via Road from Qatar in 2025?

Traveling from Qatar to Saudi Arabia by road is a convenient and exciting journey for residents and visitors. The land border at Abu Samra provides direct access to Saudi Arabia via Salwa Road. The trip requires essential documentation, compliance with visa and vehicle regulations, and knowledge of border crossing procedures. This guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Documents Required to Travel from Qatar to Saudi Arabia by Road

Before traveling, ensure you have the necessary documents to avoid delays or entry refusals at the Abu Samra border.

Personal Documents

• Valid QID (Qatar Identification Document)
• Passport with at least six months validity
• Valid Saudi Arabia Visa
• Valid Driving License
• Exit and Re-entry Visa (if applicable for Saudi residents)
• Hayya Card (if required for specific events)

Vehicle Documents

• Vehicle Registration (Istimara)
• Authorization Letter (if the vehicle is not registered under your name)
• Vehicle Insurance (available at Abu Samra Border or via Najm Manafith app)

How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa?

GCC residents can apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa (e-visa) either online or at the Tasheer Visa Center in Doha.

Visa Application Online

• Apply via Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
• Check eligibility on the Visit Saudi Visa Requirements page.
• Visa fees: QR 290.59 (SAR 300) (excluding medical insurance).
• Medical insurance starts from QR 36.5 ($10).
• The e-visa allows tourism and Umrah (not Hajj).

Visa Application via Tasheer Visa Center

• Location: Ezdan Mall Gharaffa, 2nd Floor
• Required Documents:
  • Original Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
  • Recent Photograph (white background)
  • QID Copy (valid for at least 3 months)
• Application Process:
  • Book an appointment online or visit the center directly.
  • Submit documents and complete biometrics.
  • Receive the passport with the visa in 1 day.
• Visa Fees: Approximately QR 522 (inclusive of visa fees, medical fees & service charges).
• Payment: Cash only.

Vehicle Insurance and Registration

Before driving to Saudi Arabia, ensure your vehicle documents are in order.

Vehicle Registration Requirements

• If your vehicle is registered under your name, carry your Vehicle Registration (Istimara).
• If driving a borrowed vehicle, provide a notarized authorization letter from the owner.

Purchasing Vehicle Insurance

• Available at the Abu Samra border or online via Najm Manafith app.
• Cost: Starts at QR 116.48 (SAR 120) per week.
• Rates vary based on vehicle type and duration of stay.

Border Crossing Procedure at Abu Samra

The border crossing process involves immigration, customs clearance, and biometric procedures.

Exiting Qatar

1. Arrive at Abu Samra border and proceed to Qatar Immigration.
2. Present passport, QID, and visa for validation.
3. Proceed to Qatar immigration office (photo capture required).

Entering Saudi Arabia

1. Drive to the Saudi Immigration and Customs checkpoint.
2. Complete biometric verification (fingerprints & eye scan).
3. Present visa, passport, and vehicle documents.
4. If necessary, purchase vehicle insurance at the border.
5. Upon clearance, proceed into Saudi Arabia.

Tip: If traveling for the first time, visit Abu Samra a day before to complete biometrics and avoid long queues.

Returning to Qatar

When re-entering Qatar, the procedure depends on your residency status.

• Qatar Residents: Scan Qatar ID and passport at the immigration counter.
• Visitors: Undergo the full immigration clearance process.
• Multiple return routes include Al Uqayr-Salwa Coastal Road (from Dammam to Qatar in ~2 hours).

Travel Considerations and Costs

Travel Time and Border Processing

• Doha to Abu Samra border: 40 min to 1 hour.
• Border crossing time: 2 – 5 hours (varies based on day and queue length).
• Weekend/holiday border processing times are longer.

Cost Breakdown

• Saudi Visa (e-visa): QR 290.59
• Tasheer Visa Center Visa: QR 522
• Vehicle Insurance: QR 116.48 per week
• Fuel Cost: QR 150 – QR 200 (depends on vehicle efficiency)
• Toll Fees: None on major routes

Payment Methods

• Payments at Abu Samra border can be made using Qatari credit/debit cards or QAR cash.

Important Travel Tips

1. Plan your journey during off-peak hours to avoid long border queues.
2. Carry cash in both Qatari Riyals (QAR) and Saudi Riyals (SAR).
3. Ensure fuel availability at the last Woqod station before the border.
4. Check Saudi traffic rules and road speed limits.
5. Download maps offline to avoid connectivity issues.
6. Women drivers: Saudi Arabia now allows women to drive.
7. Check weather conditions before traveling.

Attractions and Scenic Routes

Qatar Attractions

• Al Zubarah Fort (UNESCO site)
• Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)

Saudi Arabia Attractions

• Al-Ahsa Oasis (World’s largest oasis)
• King Abdulaziz Center (Ithra) in Dhahran
• Al-Qara Mountain (famous caves)

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Qatar to Saudi Arabia by road is a convenient and cost-effective option for visitors, workers, and religious travelers. Ensure you have all required documents, vehicle insurance, and a valid visa to avoid delays. Plan your trip wisely to have a smooth journey!