Yes, Italian citizens must hold a valid visa to enter Saudi Arabia. By far the quickest and easiest way to get a tourist visa is online, using the eVisa platform.
Simply complete a quick online form and you will receive the eVisa for Saudi Arabia by email within a few business days.
The eVisa covers all visits (of up to a total of 90 days) for tourism and leisure for one year.
The Saudi online visa also grants access to Italian Muslims who want to perform the Umrah. However, it does not cover visits for the Hajj pilgrimage or visits to Mecca.
Citizens of Italy who are thinking of visiting Saudi Arabia for longer stays and/or need to perform activities other than leisure and tourism should inquire at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Rome for the relevant type of visa.