Saudi Arabia Visa Guide

Visa Information

Visa Requirements: Visa required.

• Visa Issuance: E-visas can be obtained before departure at https://visa.visitsaudi.com/. Passengers must have an e-visa confirmation.
• Tourism visit E-Visa as these visas are only allowed for some of the eligible Type A countries. List of counties are there in the link https://visa.visitsaudi.com/. Type B counties which are not there in the list can also get Tourism Visit E-visa provided they should be valid resident of any of the GCC or European countries or they should have (US,UK or Schengen).
• Note :- US, UK or Schengen visa should be used at least once before entering KSA
• Passengers holding UK, US, and Schengen visas can enter KSA, they need to the ensure below:
  
  • Passport validity should be 6 months
  • The UK, US, and Schengen visas should be utilized once i.e. (passport should have entry stamp)
  • Passenger can enter KSA till the last date of visa expiry and get visa on arrival
  • Visa exemption for citizen of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who are traveling to the Kingdom of Thailand.
  • Mutual exemption agreement for citizens of Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica holding diplomatic, service, or special passports from the visa requirement.
  • Exempting citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holding Diplomatic, Special, and Regular passports traveling to the Republic of Honduras from entry visa requirement.

Additional Information:

1. A pilgrim visa is worded in the Arab language only. Business and visitors' visas are bilingual (Arabic/English).
2. Valid visas in expired passports are accepted, if accompanied by a valid passport of the same nationality.
3. For infant’s below 6 months will be issued visa on arrival in concurrence to the father’s Iqama.
4. HAJJ AND UMRAH TRAVEL

   New Updates:  The last day to accept Seasonal Hajj work visas is June 6th, 2024. Passengers must enter KSA before 23:59.

   Customers from the Republic of Zimbabwe holding (Visit/Hajj/Umrah) visas will not be allowed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as per GACA guidelines due to the current epidemic situation in Zimbabwe.

   • Arrival phase will start from 09^th May 2024, hajj passenger arrival clearance will be from 00:01 Hrs.
   • End of arrival phase will be on 10^th Jun 2024 arrival flight should land with hajj passengers before 23:59 UTC.
   • Departure phase will start from 20^th Jun 2024, hajj passenger should depart from 00:01 Hrs.
   • End of departure phase will be 21^st July 2024 hajj passengers should depart before 23:59 UTC.
   • Hajj visa will be allowed from 04 city (Jeddah, Madina, Yanbu & Taif ) for RUH and DMM only national carrier(Saudi Airline) can carry Hajj passengers.
   • All hajj visas should be checked online.(Link to check visa Visa platform (mofa.gov.sa).
   • Hajj visa will be allowed from 04 city (Jeddah, Madina Yanbu & Taif ) for RUH and DMM only national carrier(Saudi Airline) can carry Hajj passengers.
   • As per authorities these is no restriction for Commercial, Business visit visa, Tourist Visa as per GACA circular. 
   • Last date of exiting UMRAH visa will be on 06^th Jun 2024 from KSA.
   • Umrah Visa Holders can enter KSA by 14th Dhul Hijjan (20^th Jun, 2024)
   • Last entry for Umra visa holders by 15th Dhul Qidah (13^th May, 2025)
   • Visa on arrival & Tourism Visit will not have any restriction.

Warning: Passengers without an Umrah visa issued by Saudi Arabia are not allowed to perform Umrah.

Passport Information

Passport Requirement: Passport required

Document Validity: Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date.

Admission and Transit Restrictions:

1. The following passengers are allowed to enter.

   Information 1: First degree family members of nationals of Saudi Arabia. 

   Information 2: Passengers with an exit/entry, work, residence or visit visa issued by Saudi Arabia. 

   Information 3: Passengers with a tourist visa issued by Saudi Arabia.

   Information 4: Domestic workers of nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. They must be accompanied by the sponsor. 

   Information 5: Umrah passengers.

2. Passengers arriving from Iran, Lebanon or Turkey are not allowed to enter.

Additional Information:

1. Minors: Minors younger than 1 year with their own passport can obtain a visa on arrival if traveling with one parent. The parent must have a residence permit issued by Saudi Arabia.
2. Visitors are required to comply with local laws in respect of general appearance and behavior. Those not complying could be refused entry.
3. The Approved Airports for Hajj travel in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia are Jeddah, Madinah, Yanbu and Taif. For UMRAH, customers can arrive and depart through any International Airport in the Kingdom.
4. Tourists who are permitted for on arrival visa to KSA are as follows:
   • Anyone holding one of the three visas (American – British – Schengen), they can obtain a tourist visa from the airport for parents, grandparents, and children up to age of 18 provided their visa should be used once. They must have visited these countries once on these visas. 
   • Has a valid residency permit in one of the gulf countries. However, before entering the country they should apply for online e visa where they need to mention all the details of the resident document, which further shall be verified by the Airline staff.
   • For those, travelling with a pre-approved tourist visa online and do not meet at least one of the conditions mentioned above, will not be allowed to enter KSA.
   • Nationalities of Group A countries (Thailand, Turkey, Panama, Saint Kitts and Navis, Seychelles, Mauritius, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados, and Grenada) can obtain E-Visa or upon arrival in the Kingdom’s airports. 
   • Mutual exemption agreement for citizens of Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyz Republic holding diplomatic, service, and special passports from the visa requirement
   • Mutual exemption agreement for citizens of Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica holding diplomatic, service, or special passports from the visa requirement
   • Saudi Citizen to travel to Republic of Gambia without requiring any entry visa.
   • Saudi citizen can travel to the Republic of Sri Lanka without requiring an entry visa for the period of six months starting from October 01st 2024.
   • Exempting citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holding Diplomatic, Special, and Regular passports traveling to the Republic of Honduras from entry visa requirement.
5. The Cancelation of (Work- Visit- Residence) visa sticker in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:

   Work, Visit, Residence visas sticker by the Kingdom’s Embassies are discontinued and Diplomatic Missions for all the Kingdom’s abroad and replacing it with the digital visa form. The service will be activated on the remaining type of visas (Diplomatic, Special, Education, Transit) as of the date of 20/02/2024.

   Stickers visas issued before the date 20 Feb 2024, are considered valid.

   All passengers coming to kingdom holding (Diplomatic, Special, Education, Transit) visa from all the Kingdom’s mission are allowed.

Warning:

• Passengers who in the past 14 days have been in Iran, Lebanon or Turkey are not allowed to enter.
• Passengers must download and register on the TAWAKKALNA app before departure or on arrival.
• Passengers with a visit visa must have medical insurance to cover COVID-19 expenses.

Welcome to Saudi Arabia, a country that is home to Masjid al-Haram, the Great Mosque of Mecca and one of the most famous mosques in the world, and a confluence of history and modernity. Riyadh, the capital, is a cultural hub adorned with fortresses and modern skyscrapers adorning the skies. No matter what your idea of travel is, the country caters to everyone's needs. From tourist attractions to luxury hotels, and even amusement parks, there is something for everyone.

Tourism in Saudi Arabia is effortlessly blooming and you can get a visa without much difficulty. So, if you are planning to travel to this Arabian country, and need information about applying for a Saudi Arabia visa, here’s what you need to know.

Saudi Arabia's visa process is straightforward and hassle-free. If you have your documents and funds, you need to apply either through a trusted travel agency, approved by the government of Saudi Arabia, or visit their official website.

• Create an account for visa application on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Choose the type of Saudi Arabia visa you need
• Fill the visa application, mention accurate details, and pay the fee
• Download the form and print it out
• Attach the supporting documents for your visa and visit the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy

Once you have applied for the visa, you can check your Saudi Arabia visa application status by visiting their e-services website. This website enables you to enquire about a submitted application. Or, you can contact the travel agency from where you applied.

• Traveller must have a valid passport
• Traveller should be above 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian
• Have a health insurance recognised in Saudi Arabia

There are around 15 Saudi Arabia visa types you can apply for. Their information is listed below.

1. Tourist Visa
2. Business Visa
3. Government Visa
4. Diplomatic and Official Visa
5. Diplomatic Missions and Organisations
6. Employment Visa
7. Residence Visa
8. Premium Residence Visa
9. New Born Visa
10. Family Visa
11. Companion Visa
12. Personal visa
13. Hajj and Umrah Visa
14. Student Visa
15. Exit or Re-Entry Visa

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months validity
• A minimum of two empty passport pages
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Confirmed return ticket
• Hotel reservation for your stay

Tourist visa has separate requirements for different countries:

Passport holders from the following countries can obtain an e-visa through the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage website.

If you are applying for a visa at the Saudi Arabia consulate in the United States, you need to follow the consular district distribution list under the consular and travel services& website.

Passport holders from all other countries applying for Saudi Arabia tourist visa must have the following documents:

• Completely filled visa application form
• Passport with at least six months of validity
• Health insurance recognised by the country or purchased from Saudi Arabia
• Hotel accommodation proof
• Proof of paid visa fees and insurance
• Traveller must be at least 18 years old
• Confirmed round trip ticket
• Detailed travel itinerary
• Employment proof
• Bank statement

Kindly note that U.S. visa and Schengen visa holders can receive Saudi Arabia visa on arrival at the entry port. This is provided that the U.S. visa/Schengen visa has been used before.

Documents required:

To fill an online application for a Saudi Arabia business visa and make a payment, you can log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/.

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months validity
• A minimum of two empty passport pages
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Confirmed return ticket
• Hotel reservation for your stay
• Have an electronic invitation letter from the company in Saudi Arabia
• A verification letter from your employer stating your reason of visit

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months of validity
• A minimum of two empty passport pages
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Confirmed return ticket
• Hotel reservation for your stay
• Bank statement, as a proof of your income/funds
• Have a visa referral note, which indicates the date of visa, issued by the MOFA

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months of validity
• A minimum of two empty passport pages
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Confirmed return ticket
• Hotel reservation for your stay
• A letter from the relevant embassy or the Department of State specifying your information, and the purpose and length of your trip
• Flight tickets to and from the country

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months validity
• A minimum of two empty passport pages
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Confirmed return ticket
• Hotel reservation for your stay
• Completely filled online application and visa payment proof
• A letter from the relevant embassy or the Department of State specifying your information, and the purpose and length of your trip

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months validity
• A minimum of two empty passport pages
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Confirmed return ticket
• Hotel reservation for your stay
• Visitors with employment visa must have a visa referral note, wherein the number and date of visa issued by the MOFA, or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam, is mentioned
• Have a letter from the Saudi Arabian company sponsoring the applicant which mentions the block visa number, date, position, and name of applicant
• Employment contract (copy)
• To know more, click here.

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months validity
• A minimum of two empty passport pages
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Confirmed return ticket
• Hotel reservation for your stay
• Visitors with employment visa must have a visa referral note, wherein the number and date of visa issued by the MOFA, or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam, is mentioned
• When accompanied by family member/s, you will need a proof of kinship, like birth certificate or marriage certificate
• To know more, click here.

Established in conjunction with a Royal decree, with the approval of the Council of Ministers, the Premium Residency Centre is an independent administrative and financial agency. The system coordinates with all sectors and state agencies to implement the Premium Residency System which is distinguished for people who want to get a particular residence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its electronic services system, its numerous departments, and its direct contact with the applicants.

To apply for the Premium Visa, visit this website - https://saprc.gov.sa

This visa is for adding a newborn baby to an existing Saudi Arabia residence card. For this you need the following documents.

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months validity
• A minimum of two empty passport pages
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Infant’s parents’ passports/residence cards
• Birth certificate of the infant

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months validity
• A minimum of two empty visa pages
• Passport size photograph with white background
• Visitors with employment visa must have a visa referral note, wherein the number and date of visa issued by the MOFA, or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam, is mentioned
• Proof of relationship between the applicant and the inviting party

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• The passport must have at least six months validity
• Proof of kinship - marriage certificate or birth certificate
• If you are a non-U.S. citizen, provide a copy of the green card or relevant documents
• A letter requesting the addition of the family member (applicant) to his/her visa
• Original and copy of Saudi Arabia ID of the family member residing in the country

Note: This visa is applicable only to the spouses and children of Saudi Arabian citizens. A companion visa does not allow an individual to either work or reside in Saudi Arabia.

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• It must be valid for at least six months
• The passport must have a minimum of two empty pages
• Visitors with employment visa must have a visa referral note, wherein the number and date of visa issued by the MOFA, or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam, is mentioned
• Minors under 18 years of age, travelling alone, need to be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian

For Hajj and Umrah visa, you need to apply through a registered travel agency website recognised by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• It must be valid for at least six months
• The passport must have a minimum of two empty pages
• Visitors with employment visa must have a visa referral note, wherein the number and date of visa issued by the MOFA, or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam, is mentioned
• Applicant’s birth certificate
• Educational certificate (the copy must be authenticated by the Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission)
• Medical certificate
• School/university invitation letter
• Police clearance report (issued within six months of the date of application)

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• It must be valid for at least six months
• The passport must have a minimum of two empty pages
• A copy of the original residence permit and previous extension, if applicable
• A copy of family registration with detailed family information (issued by the Directorate General of Passports wherein the applicant resides in Saudi Arabia)
• A letter from Saudi Arabia (sponsor or consulate) requesting visa extension. If the sponsor is a private sector entity, the letter must be notarized by a Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce, or by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if sponsored by a government agency.

To get more information regarding exit and re-entry visa, please refer to this website.

• Travellers are not permitted to overstay their visa
• S/he needs to abide the laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Respect the traditions and social values of Islamic culture
• Violators disrespecting the country’s laws, especially on drug trafficking, are subject to strict penalties

For all Saudi Arabia visa applications, the processing time by the Consular Wing of the Embassy in India may take between 4 to 7 days

• Tourist visa arrivals need to show complete vaccination. Currently, Saudi Arabia recognises doses of the Oxford/Astra Zeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination.
• Moderna vaccines are also accepted. If you have not received all the doses, a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is accepted.
• Two doses of Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccines are also accepted, only if you have received an additional dose of one of the four recognised vaccines by Saudi Arabia, as listed in the first point.
• Travellers are required to submit a negative report of the PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
• No quarantine is needed for completely vaccinated travellers.
• Check with the airline/travel agent for updated requirements before travelling.
• Saudi Arabia has a web portal - https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home - to register travellers’ vaccination status.