What is a Saudi Arabia Tourist visa?
A Saudi Arabian tourist visa is an official travel document that grants foreign nationals permission to enter or transit through Saudi Arabia for a specific duration for tourism purposes. It serves as a primary entry requirement and indicates that the bearer has been authorized to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Table of Contents
Who needs a Saudi Arabia visa?
All international travelers are required to have a Saudi Arabia visa, with the exception of citizens from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries. These countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The other exception is for travelers from countries eligible for a visa on arrival or e-visa. Countries under this category include Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Uzbekistan.
Saudi Arabia Tourist visa application process
To increase your chances of getting a Saudi Arabian tourist visa, it’s important to understand and follow the correct application process.
Saudi Arabia eVisa
The visa application process starts with filling out an application form, which is available on the official Saudi Arabian visa website. Accuracy is key when filling out the form. Make sure all the information you provide is correct and matches your travel documents to avoid delays or rejection of your application.
You’ll also be required to upload a personal photograph. Additionally, it’s important to note that your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry to Saudi Arabia.
Once you’ve filled out the form and attached the necessary documents, the next step is to submit the application online. The Saudi Arabian eVisa process is fully digital, meaning that you don’t need to book an appointment or physically visit the embassy or consulate.
Upon completing your application, you’ll be directed to pay the eVisa fee for Saudi Arabia. This fee can be paid online using either a credit or debit card. The amount is usually around 535 SAR (143 USD), including insurance.
Saudi Arabia Tourist visa requirements
Saudi Arabia eVisa
Passport
Applicants must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the planned entry date into Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the immigration officer.
Personal photo
A digital photograph is required. The photo should be recent (not older than six months), clear, and taken against a white background. It should also show your full face while you are looking directly at the camera.
Application form
The application form should be completed accurately and honestly. Any discrepancies or false information could lead to the denial of your visa application.
Saudi Arabia Tourist visa fees
The visa fee for a Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa is typically around 535 SAR (143 USD). This cost covers the provision of complete health insurance throughout the applicant’s stay in the Kingdom.
Where to apply
The Saudi e-visa application can be completed and submitted online through the Saudi Arabia visa portal. This makes the process convenient and easy as applicants can submit their applications from anywhere.
Saudi Arabia Tourist visa processing time
The processing time for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa is usually within 24 hours. However, it is recommended that you apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date. This allows enough time for the processing of your application and helps to cater for any unexpected delays.
Saudi Arabia Tourist visa validity
A Saudi Arabian tourist visa is valid for one year from the issue date, allowing for multiple entries. Total duration of stay should not exceed 90 days. This visa strictly caters to tourism and does not permit other activities such as work or study.
Saudi Arabia visa extension
The Saudi Arabian tourist visa cannot be extended beyond its initial validity period. Travelers are advised to make arrangements to leave before their e-visa expires to avoid any complications.
Approved visa applications
If your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa via email. This document should be printed out and kept with your travel documents as you may be required to present it upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Denied visa applications
If your Saudi Arabia tourist visa application is denied, you may reapply, ensuring that you address the reasons that led to the denial in your initial application. There’s no formal appeal process.
FAQ
The processing time for a Saudi Arabia visa application can vary depending on the type of visa and the specific circumstances of the applicant. On average, it may take from 2 to 7 working days. However, it is recommended to apply at least a few weeks prior to your intended travel date to allow for any potential delays or additional requirements.
Yes, you can apply for a Saudi Arabia visa online. The Saudi government has implemented an e-visa system that allows travelers to apply for tourist visas online. For other types of visas, such as work or student visas, you may need to apply through the Saudi embassy or consulate in your home country. It’s advisable to check the latest information from official Saudi government resources.
For some types of visas, such as work visas or family visit visas, a sponsor in Saudi Arabia is required. The sponsor is typically an employer or a family member who is a resident in the country. However, for a tourist visa, a sponsor is not needed. Instead, you can apply directly through the e-visa system.