The visa policy of Saudi Arabia is a bit of a strict one. Only a few countries are visa-exempt such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and UAE. If you come from those countries then you will not need a visa as you can easily enter with just an ID card.
However, not every country is eligible to apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia. The following countries are the only ones that can apply for one online:
| Andorra | Australia | Austria |
| Belgium | Brunei | Bulgaria |
| Canada | China (including Hong Kong and Macau) | Croatia |
| Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark |
| Estonia | Finland | France |
| Germany | Greece | Hungary |
| Iceland | Ireland | Italy |
| Japan | Kazakhstan | Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg |
| Malaysia | Malta | Monaco |
| Montenegro | Netherlands | New Zealand |
| Norway | Poland | Portugal |
| Romania | Russia | San Marino |
| Singapore | Slovakia | Slovenia |
| South Korea | Spain | Sweden |
| Switzerland | Ukraine | United Kingdom |
| United States | Holders of Schengen visas, US visas, or UK visas |
How to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa?
Applying for a Saudi Arabian visa can be done in two ways:
- Applying online (evisa) or when you arrive
- Applying at an embassy or consulate
Saudi Arabia eVisa application
If you want to apply for an eVisa to Saudia Arabia then you must first meet the following criteria to be qualified for it:
- The minimum age to apply is 18 years old
- Have an email address
- Have a valid passport
- Travel to Saudi Arabia with the passport that you used to apply
If you are eligible and meet the criteria then you can apply for the eVisa at the official website of tourism of Saudi Arabia.
The process is as follows:
- Go to the website
- Select ‘Apply now’
- Fill in the application form
- Be patient for the process to finish
- Once you receive it you can then print it
Saudi Arabia eVisa requirements
Apart from the above-mentioned criteria to determine whether one is eligible to apply for an eVisa or not, you do not need to submit any other documents. All you have to do is to include the right passport details and answer the questions in the application form sincerely.
If you provide false information, you will immediately be disqualified.
Saudi Arabia eVisa validity
The validity of an eVisa to Saudi Arabia can be for up to one year and you can enter the country multiple times. However, each entry is limited to 90 days, for a total of 180 days annually.
Saudi Arabia visa application at an embassy or consulate
In the cases when you are not qualified to apply for an online visa then you can apply at an embassy or consulate. That is, only if your country is eligible for a Saudi Arabian visa.
Applying at an embassy or consulate is different than applying for a visa online. You will be required to send a certain number of supporting documents.
If you’ve submitted your application, you’ll have to wait 1-2 days for it to be processed, but the period can take longer depending on a few factors.
Note: We first recommend that you schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate in order to find out more about the requirements and the application process. You could also ask any other questions that you are uncertain of.
General documents for a Saudi Arabia visa at an embassy/consulate
The documents that you may be asked to submit at the embassy or consulate for the Saudi Arabia visa are:
- Completed visa application form
- A biometric photo that should meet its own photo requirements
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Accommodation evidence
- Return ticket
- Itinerary of your travel
You will also need to submit additional documents depending on the type of visa you applied for.
Saudi Arabia visa types
A visa to Saudi Arabia can be granted if you want to travel:
- for tourism purposes
- to do business in the country
- to visit a family member
- for transit
- for the Hajj/Umrah
- to study there
- to work in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia tourism visa
This visa is issued to visitors who want to remain in Saudi Arabia for a limited period of time for purposes of tourism.
Saudi Arabia business visa
A business visa will be issued if you travel to Saudi Arabia for business purposes.
For this type of visa you will need to also submit the following:
- A statement from the employer indicating that you are traveling for business
- An invitation letter
- Company’s registration letters/business license
Saudi Arabia family visit visa
If you’re looking to visit a relative of yours who lives in Saudi Arabia, then you will need a family visit visa.
You can also apply for an eVisa if you are eligible, if not then you have to contact the embassy or consulate.
Saudi Arabia transit visa
The transit visa will be issued only if you are going to a third destination from Saudi Arabia. Keep in mind that once you arrive at an International Airport in Saudi Arabia, you will not be allowed to exit and roam freely in the country. You must wait inside the airport.
Hajj and Umrah visa
This visa is a special type of visa granted to Muslim pilgrims who wish to visit Saudi Arabia only for the purpose of performing the Hajj or Umrah. This visa is free of charge.
You may be asked some specific requirements if you need such a visa, so it’s better for you to contact the embassy or consulate.
Additional documents required:
- You must be vaccinated against meningitis
- If you are a child below the age of 15 then you will also need a vaccination against polio
- If you are over 15 years of age you will also need a vaccination against the flu
- You must send at least two approved checks for pilgrimage services
Note: You must not have been issued this type of visa in the previous 5 years
Saudi Arabia work visa
The work visa will be granted if you have found a job position in Saudi Arabia and are going to work in the country for a certain period of time.
Besides the visa, your employer must also submit an application to obtain a work permit.
Saudi Arabia study visa
To obtain this visa you should be admitted into a Saudi Arabian educational institution. The school must then apply for your Student visa authorization. Once it is approved then you are eligible to apply for a student visa.
