Getting a Saudi visa for LEAP 2026 is far less complicated than many international founders expect, but it is not identical for everyone. There is no special LEAP visa and no separate event permit. Every founder enters Saudi Arabia using the Kingdom’s existing visitor visa system, which has been expanded significantly over the last few years to support tourism, business travel, and large global events like LEAP.
The single most important thing to understand is this: your passport decides your process. Some founders can complete everything online in minutes, some can get a visa on arrival, and others still need to apply through an embassy. Saudi Arabia treats all three as valid routes for attending LEAP.
All visa applications begin at one place: You can apply through the official Saudi government visa portal. This is the only website founders should use. No invitation letter is required in most cases, and third-party agents are unnecessary for the majority of applicants.
For founders from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Turkey, and South Africa, the Saudi eVisa is the most common and recommended option. This visa is issued electronically, sent by email, and linked digitally to your passport. It is valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days per visit. This makes it ideal not only for LEAP itself, but also for follow-up meetings with investors, partners, or government entities after the event.
The Saudi eVisa is designed to be simple. Founders do not need to visit an embassy, attend an interview, or submit physical documents. A LEAP registration confirmation is usually sufficient if travel purpose is ever questioned, though in practice most applicants are never asked.
Some founders are also eligible for visa on arrival, depending on nationality. While this option exists, experienced travelers often prefer applying online in advance. Airlines sometimes request proof of eligibility at check-in, and applying beforehand removes any uncertainty. For a high-stakes event like LEAP, most founders choose certainty over convenience.
Founders whose passports are not eligible for eVisa or visa on arrival must apply through a Saudi embassy or consulate. This route involves additional documentation, longer processing times, and varies by country. These founders are advised to apply early, as demand increases significantly in the weeks leading up to LEAP.
Regardless of which category a founder falls into, the actual application process follows a clear sequence.
What founders need to do, step by step:
- Ensure the passport is valid for at least six months beyond the travel date.
- Visit visa.visitsaudi.com
- Start a new visa application.
- Select Tourist eVisa if the option appears for your nationality (this is the most commonly used visa for LEAP attendees).
- Enter personal details exactly as shown on the passport. Even small spelling differences can cause delays.
- Upload the required documents, typically a passport scan and a passport-style photo.
- Provide basic travel information if requested. Listing Riyadh as the destination is sufficient.
- Pay the visa fee online using a debit or credit card.
- Wait for approval, which often arrives within minutes and rarely takes longer than 24 hours.
- Receive the visa as a PDF by email, save it on your phone, and keep a printed copy.
- Present the passport and visa at airline check-in and on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The total cost for the Saudi eVisa is usually around SAR 535 (approximately USD 140–145). This amount typically includes mandatory medical insurance, which is automatically bundled into the fee. Founders should be cautious of websites or agents quoting lower prices, as insurance is compulsory.
For founders from GCC countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar entry is even simpler. Many GCC nationals do not need a visa at all or can enter using national ID under regional agreements, making LEAP one of the easiest global tech events for founders in the region to attend.
Saudi Arabia’s visa system has been intentionally simplified as LEAP grows into one of the world’s most influential technology gatherings. Lowering entry barriers for international founders is part of a broader push to position Riyadh as a global innovation hub. For most founders today, visas are no longer the obstacle they once were. The real challenge begins after landing, turning four days at LEAP into long term market access.
How International founders can easily get a Saudi Visa for LEAP 2026