Overview of Saudi Arabia Visa Fees
Many visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will require a visa to enjoy all the country has to offer. In order to obtain a visa to enter the KSA, most applicants will be required to pay some fees. It’s important to understand how these fees work and how to pay them correctly for the visa application process to go smoothly and have a successful outcome. This will help travelers to the KSA plan ahead and avoid unforeseen hiccups or surprises.
Saudi Arabia visa fees will differ based on the type of visa, the applicant’s nationality, and other factors we cover in depth below. For instance, the price of the Saudi Arabia single entry Visit Visa (The 3-month visit visa) will differ from the price of the Saudi Work Visa. Applicants for a Saudi Arabia visa should understand the visa fees before completing their application to ensure they can meet this requirement. Failure to pay a Saudi Arabia visa fee could result in an unsuccessful application – and missing out on an incredible trip to a cultural and historical gem.
On this page, you will find a comprehensive breakdown of each visa type and its fee category. We will explain which factors determine the visa fees, and offer descriptions for each visa so you can choose the best option for your travel purposes. We also provide details for paying the visa fees correctly to ensure you have a successful outcome for your Saudi Arabia visa application and a stress-free travel experience.
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Factors Influencing Saudi Arabia Visa Fees
As you can tell, applying for a Saudi Arabia visa will cost some money. However, the exact amount you have to pay will depend on various factors. These factors include the type of visa, the number of entries allocated by the visa, the nationality of the applicant, the visa duration, and the specific Saudi Visa processing time. Applicants can be proactive by familiarizing themselves with the unique type of visa they need and preparing to pay the required visa fee. This will mitigate any last-minute surprises during the application process.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the key factors that can influence the Saudi Arabia visa fee:
- Visa Type: Applicants will pay different fees depending on the type of visa they are applying for. There are many different types of Saudi Arabia visas, including Tourist, Business, Work, Residence, Education, Hajj, and Umrah Visas. Each will require a different visa fee.
- Number of Entries: Some visa types allow multiple entries, like the Residence Visa, while others are only for single entries, like the Hajj Visa. The KSA visa fee will reflect the number of entries, with a multiple-entry visa typically costing the applicant more than a single-entry visa.
- Nationality of Applicant: The applicant’s nationality will determine which visa type they can apply for and what kind of visa application process they can use to submit their application. Some nationalities can apply for the eVisa online, while others must submit their documents to a visa center. With different types of visas come different visa costs.
- Visa Duration: The Saudi Visa price for visas with longer durations will typically be more than short-term visas. For example, the Saudi Arabia eVisa fee is generally less than the Residence Visa fee because it allows for a shorter duration of stay. This is to account for the increased time the applicant will be using national services.
- Processing Speed: Applying for Saudi Arabia Visas that are processed faster will most likely incur higher fees. Some visa types allow for expedited processing for an additional fee, which increases the final cost of the Saudi Arabia visa.
Visa Fees by Type
Many different types of visas are available for travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia.
Diplomatic Visa
As a major international center for diplomacy and a key player in the region, Saudi Arabia regularly hosts government officials from international countries. The Diplomatic Visa is reserved for government officials and diplomats traveling to Saudi Arabia for business purposes. Diplomatic or government officials are typically exempt from visa fees. However, other administrative fees may apply.
Transit Visa
Many travelers will pass through the KSA on their way to other destinations. The Transit Visa is designed to allow these travelers to pass through the country for a short period. There are three types of Transit Visa available: the Sea Transit Visa, the Land Transit Visa, and the Air Transit Visa. The Saudi Transit/Stepover visas are free; however, you might need to cover administrative and medical insurance fees.
Visit Visa
The Saudi Arabia Visit Visa is designed for travelers looking to experience some of the cultural, historical, and social offerings within the Kingdom for a shorter duration. There are four types of Saudi Visit Visas:
- Tourist Visit Visa: This visa allows travelers to come to the KSA for leisure and tourism purposes. It is available as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa for stays of up to 90 days. Below are the Saudi tourist visa fees:
- Visa fee: USD 80
- Digital services fee: USD 10.50
- Digital insurance service fee: USD 10.50 *
- Business Visit Visa: This visa is intended for travelers coming to the KSA for business reasons, including business trips or conferences. It is available as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Below are the Saudi business visa fees:
- Visa fee: USD 80
- Digital services fee: USD 10.50
- Digital insurance service fee: USD 10.50 *
- Family Visit Visa: The KSA Family Visit Visa is designed for family members of residents or citizens of Saudi to come and reunite with their loved ones for stays of up to 90 days. It is available as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Below are the family visa fees for Saudi Arabia:
- Visa fee: USD 80
- Digital services fee: USD 10.50
- Digital insurance service fee: USD 10.50 *
- Medical Visit Visa: Many travelers use this visa to come to Saudi for medical purposes, including treatments and specialist care. Below are the fees for the KSA medical visit visa:
- Visa fee: USD 80
- Digital services fee: USD 10.50
- Digital insurance service fee: USD 10.50 *
Some eligible nationalities, including Americans and most Europeans, can obtain a Saudi Arabia eVisa for tourism. The Saudi eVisa cost is 199 US dollars through Saudivisa.com. This Saudi Arabia visa price includes the application fee, which can be paid online while submitting the visa application.
*The price of the insurance may vary depending on the provider.
Work Visa
With plenty of short and long-term employment opportunities, Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for international workers. Popular sectors for work in Saudi include engineering, healthcare, teaching and education, hospitality and tourism, finance, and information technology (IT). A Saudi Arabia Work Visa allows foreign individuals to work legally anywhere in the KSA. Seasonal, Temporary, and Permanent Work Visas are available to suit various types of employment contracts. The Saudi Arabia work visa cost will vary depending on the type of employment, the applicant’s nationality, and the duration of stay, but it often ranges from 500 to 1500 US dollars. In many cases, the employer will cover the cost of the work visa application as part of their sponsorship of the applicant.
Hajj Visa
The Saudi Arabia Hajj Visa is intended for Muslim travelers from around the world to participate in the holy pilgrimage of Hajj. This visa allows for a single-entry visit to Saudi Arabia for the express purpose of participating in the pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The Hajj Visa is only available during the Hajj season, so applicants are advised to plan ahead for their visa application process.
Fortunately, the Hajj Visa is free of charge for all pilgrims traveling to Mecca for this holy pilgrimage. However, travelers must be aware of other fees such as travel insurance and service fees.
Education Visa
Saudi is a popular destination for international students due to its array of high-quality educational institutions and study programs. The Saudi Arabia Education Visa allows students enrolled in a national university or other eligible degree program to travel to Saudi to pursue their studies. The duration of the visa typically depends on the length of the program. The Saudi Student Visa fee will vary depending on the type and length of the course. Typically, the fee ranges between $100 and $500.
Application Process and Fee Payment Methods
Some visa applications, such as the Saudi eVisa application, can be submitted online, while others must be submitted in person to a Saudi Arabia embassy or visa center. The application process and method of submission will depend on the applicant’s nationality, country of residence, and the type of visa they are applying for.
Applicants submitting their visa applications online can use a valid credit or debit card to pay the Saudi Arabia visa fee. This is an efficient process, but the applicant must have sufficient funds in their account before starting their application. Applicants submitting their application through an authorized center can usually pay using a credit or debit card or cash, depending on the visa center’s available methods. Other payment methods may be accepted, but checking with the visa center or embassy before the submission appointment is essential.
Additional Costs to Consider
While the Saudi Arabia visa fee is a key requirement, applicants should be aware of other visa charges for Saudi Arabia. These might include travel insurance fees, urgent visa processing fees (if applicable), or service charges. Travel insurance is an excellent way to protect yourself and fellow travelers from unexpected injury, property loss, or other accidents. There are typically affordable and efficient insurance packages that travelers can access through their airline or a third-party provider.
Some applicants may choose to pay for urgent visa processing. You might opt for this if you suddenly have to be in Saudi Arabia for business or to visit family members. It can also help travelers who need to expedite their visa to make it to an event or gathering on time. Expedited processing will usually add to the visa application total, so it’s up to applicants to decide whether it is necessary for their trip.
Service charges may also apply to a Saudi visa application depending on where and how the application is completed. Some countries might offer third-party services or packages to assist in the application process. Visas submitted in person to a visa center or embassy may also need to be shipped for an additional fee. There may also be processing fees for printing documents or applying stamps.
We advise applicants to do their research or seek the guidance of a team of experts to ensure they are prepared to pay the proper visa fee. Planning can help avoid any surprise fees during the application process.
Visa Fee Refunds
The Saudi Arabia visa fee is usually nonrefundable even if the visa is rejected. Applicants should plan ahead and do their best to submit all other visa application materials accurately and on time to avoid losing their visa fee payment. Exceptions might be granted, but they are typically considered individually. Such cases are rare, and applicants must directly contact the appropriate visa authority or service provider to request one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The cost of a Saudi Arabia visa depends on several variables including the type of visa, your nationality, the visa duration, and the number of entries. The fee may also change according to the method of submission and whether the application is submitted online or in person. Applicants are advised to research the particular specifications of their visa type before paying the visa fee to ensure they know exactly how much they need to pay.
The Hajj and Umrah visas cost differ in several ways, including the visa fees required to obtain them. The Hajj visa is specifically intended for those traveling to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage from outside the KSA during the appropriate season. There is a specific visa for the Hajj that is free of charge for pilgrims. On the other hand, the Umrah visa is a Visit Visa intended to allow foreign pilgrims to attend this shorter pilgrimage in Mecca. Since it is a Visit visa, the Umrah Visa price is USD 80, plus an additional USD 21 for digital service fees.