Saudi Arabia is a popular destination, attracting visitors for business, tourism, pilgrimage, and work. Hence, navigating the Saudi visa process can be complex and overwhelming. Correspondingly, this page provides comprehensive information on Saudi visas, from their types, eligibility requirements, application steps, and other practicalities. Moreover, we’ll share how our services can simplify the entire visa application process for you. Read on to learn more.
Saudi Visa Types
Saudi Arabia offers several visa types to suit various travel purposes. Below is an overview of the main types of Saudi visas, along with their respective validity period and duration:
- Tourist Visa
Purpose: Tourism and leisure
Validity: Multiple entries within a year
Duration: Up to 90 days per visit - Business Visa
Purpose: Business meetings, trade, or investment
Validity: Single or multiple entries, depending on the request
Duration: Flexible based on business needs - Work Visa
Purpose: Employment with a Saudi company
Requirements: Offer letter from a Saudi employer and relevant approvals
Duration: As per the employment contract - Family Visit Visa
Purpose: Visit family members residing in Saudi Arabia
Validity: Single or multiple entries
Duration: 30 to 90 days per visit, extendable under specific conditions - Umrah Visa
Purpose: Religious pilgrimage for Umrah
Validity: Single entry
Duration: Limited to the Umrah season; usually 30 days - Hajj Visa
Purpose: Pilgrimage for Hajj
Requirements: Only available during the Hajj season with specific quotas
Validity: Single entry; only valid during Hajj season
Eligibility Requirements
As shown above, travelers must meet certain qualifications before they can apply for a Saudi visa. By the same token, the eligibility criteria vary based on the visa type:
General Requirements for a Saudi Visa:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- Passport photos shot against a plain white background
- Proof of accommodation such as hotel reservations
- Medical insurance coverage for the duration of the stay in Saudi Arabia
Additional Requirements by Saudi Visa Type:
- Tourist Visa: The minimum age for adult travelers is 18, while minors must be accompanied by adults.
- Business Visa: Invitation letter from a Saudi company or organization
- Work Visa: Employment contract from a sponsor in Saudi Arabia
- Family Visit Visa: Proof of relationship to the relative/s to be visited such as a marriage or birth certificate
- Umrah and Hajj Visa: Appropriate vaccination certificates from an authorized religious body or travel agency
Application Process
Applying for a Saudi visa involves several steps, depending on where the traveler is submitting his or her application. Below is a helpful guide so you know what to expect.
- Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Firstly, complete an application form. Gather your passport, photos, and other supporting documents for the specific Saudi visa you are applying for. Refer to the above section for the different requirements. - Step 2: Submit the Application
- Online submission: For eligible applicants, apply to Saudi’s e-visa platform.
- Visa application centers: If you are applying in a country without e-visa options, apply at the nearest Saudi Visa Application Center.
- Embassy submission: Saudi embassies or consulates accept applications for most Saudi visas.
- Step 3: Pay the Saudi Visa Fee
Pay the application fee online, at the visa application center, or embassy/consulate, depending on the application method. - Step 4: Await Processing
Processing times vary by visa type:- Tourist Visa: Usually within 1 to 3 business days
- Business Visa: Typically processed within 5 to 7 business days.
- Work Visa: May take up to 2 weeks or more if there are additional verifications
- Family Visit, Umrah, and Hajj Visas: Timelines vary depending on the demand
- Step 5: Receive your Saudi Visa
Lastly, travelers receive their approved visas either by e-mail (for Saudi e-visas) or pick these up at the embassy or center.
Our Services
Navigating visa applications can be confusing and daunting. Thankfully, our professional services are here to support you through each step:
- Document Processing
We assist you in gathering, reviewing, and preparing all required documents. Moreover, our team ensures each document meets Saudi requirements, minimizing the risk of delays or rejections. In addition, we also provide guidance if you need to submit any special forms, letters, or photos. - Visa Submission and Tracking
Our team submits your application to the appropriate Saudi e-visa portal, embassy, or visa application center. Next, we monitor your application’s progress and update you with real-time status changes. Also, for any updates or requests for additional documents, we will communicate these to you promptly. - Visa Collection
We will handle the collection of visas processed through embassies or centers on your behalf. More importantly, we will verify the visa’s accuracy before delivering it to you, ensuring a smooth process for your travel. - Online Applications
Apart from visa applications to Saudi embassies or visa application centers, we also support online visa applications for eligible travelers. For instance, our team ensures you complete your e-visa application with the required information and documents. Furthermore, this service eliminates the need for physical paperwork and visits to the Saudi embassy/consulate. - Visa Advisory
We don’t just help you complete and submit your Saudi visa applications. We also provide insights into the visa type that best matches your travel needs. In addition, we conduct a personalized eligibility assessment and clarify any specific requirements. Furthermore, we also offer expert guidance for complex cases or specific visa queries.
Would you like us to assist you in your Saudi visa application? Click the button below to get started.
APPLY NOWFrequently Asked Questions
- Who needs a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, except citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. GCC member nations include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. - Can I work with a tourist or business visa?
No, you cannot work on a Saudi tourist or business visa as this is illegal. You must first obtain a Saudi work visa so you can work legally in Saudi Arabia. - Is there a way to extend my stay on a tourist visa?
Tourist visa extensions are generally not allowed. You must exit before your visa expires. - Can tourists visit Makkah and Al Madinah?
Only Muslims can visit the holy city of Makkah. However, many locations around Makkah welcome tourists who wish to learn about Saudi Arabia’s local culture and history. Meanwhile, Al Madinah is open to all tourists. - How soon should I apply before my planned travel date?
It is best to apply 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date to allow for any potential delays.