Saudi Arabia, home to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the vast Arabian desert, and a apace modernizing thriftiness, welcomes millions of visitors every year for tourism, work, pilgrimage, and byplay. Whether you plan to perform Hajj or Umrah, search the Kingdom s rich history, or work in one of its ontogeny industries, you will likely need a Saudi visa to enter.
This steer explains types of Saudi visas, application requirements, fees, and processes so you can plan your trip with trust.
1. What is a Saudi Visa?
A Saudi visa is an functionary document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, granting you license to record, stay, and sometimes work in the nation for a specified time period and resolve. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit.
2. Types of Saudi Visas
Saudi Arabia offers several visa categories to meet the needs of different travelers:
A. Tourist Visa
Introduced in 2019 as part of the Kingdom s Vision 2030 plan to boost touristry.
Available to citizens of eligible countries through eVisa(online) or Visa on Arrival.
Valid for one year, binary entries, with each stay up to 90 days.
Allows tourism, attention events, and visiting friends crime syndicate but not work.
B. Business Visa
For attention meetings, conferences, or exploring investment funds opportunities.
Issued as ace or aggregate-entry visas.
Requires an invitation letter from a Saudi-registered companion.
C. Hajj Visa
Special SAUDI VISA FOR FRENCH CITIZENS for Muslim pilgrims performing Hajj(once a year during Dhul-Hijjah).
Issued through authorised travel agents.
Valid for a short time period the Hajj temper only.
Includes demanding rules regarding trip dates and activities.
D. Umrah Visa
For Muslims performing Umrah outside the Hajj mollify.
Can be obtained online(for desirable countries) or through jaunt agents.
Now also possible to execute Umrah with a holidaymaker visa.
E. Work Visa
For nonnative nationals with a unchangeable job volunteer in Saudi Arabia.
Requires a work let from the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Valid for 1 2 eld, inexhaustible.
Requires medical examination tests and play down checks.
F. Residence Visa(Iqama)
Issued to expatriates animated to Saudi Arabia for work and their family members.
Comes with a occupier ID card(Iqama) for sound stay.
Renewable yearly.
G. Transit Visa
For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en road to another res publica.
Short validity(up to 96 hours).
May be obtained with a flight booking through Saudi airlines.
3. Saudi Visa Requirements
While requirements vary by visa type, common documents admit:
Valid recommendation(at least 6 months validity with blank pages).
Completed visa practical application form.
Recent recommendation-size photographs(white play down).
Proof of accommodation(hotel booking or host invitation).
Return ticket or forward jaunt proofread.
Proof of ample commercial enterprise substance.
Medical policy covering Saudi Arabia(mandatory for holidaymaker visas).
For work visas: work contract, work allow, medical examination testing account.
For Pilgrim Father visas: proof of being a Muslim(for non-Muslim-majority countries), inoculation certificate.
4. How to Apply for a Saudi Visa
A. Tourist eVisa(Online)
Visit the Saudi eVisa portal vein( https://visa.visitsaudi.com/).
Fill out the practical application form with personal and jaunt details.
Upload a recommendation photo and scan of your passport.
Pay the visa fee online.
Receive the eVisa by e-mail publish it or keep a integer copy.
B. Visa on Arrival
Available for citizens of in line countries at certain Saudi airports.
Requires payment of visa fees at the port of .
C. Embassy or Consulate Application
For non-eligible countries or visa types like work, stage business, and residence visas.
Submit the practical application through a Saudi , authorized visa representation, or employer.
5. Saudi Visa Fees
Fees vary depending on the visa type:
Tourist Visa: Around SAR 300 400(plus checkup policy fee).
Business Visa: SAR 400 800.
Hajj and Umrah Visas: Often included in pilgrimage package prices.
Work Visa: Fees reckon on undertake duration and employer arrangements.
6. Processing Times
Tourist eVisa: Often issued within proceedings to 24 hours.
Work Residence Visa: Can take several weeks to months due to approvals.
Hajj Visa: Issued according to the Hajj temper docket.
Business Visa: Usually processed within a few days if documents are nail.
7. Rules and Restrictions
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah and certain areas of Madinah.
Alcohol and certain items are stringently impermissible.
Dress code: Modest habiliment is needed for both men and women.
Overstaying a visa can result in heavy fines, transportation, and bans.
8. Tips for a Successful Application
Apply well before your premeditated travel date, especially for work and pilgrimage visas.
Double-check requirements to avoid delays.
Keep copies of your visa favourable reception and documents.
Ensure your passport is unexpired for at least six months from your entry date.
9. Conclusion
Saudi Arabia now offers a more open and accessible visa system, especially for tourists, as part of its Vision 2030 reforms. Whether you are visiting for pilgrimage, stage business, work, or leisure time, understanding the correct visa type and practical application process is crucial for a smoothen travel. Always utilise through functionary channels or authorized agencies, and keep an eye on local anaesthetic laws and impost during your stay.