Visas to Saudi Arabia can vary based on the length of stay, purpose of travel, country of citizenship or permanent residence, and plenty of other factors. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about applying for a Saudi Arabia visa, from the types available and the processing times required to the documentation needed and more.

Types of Saudi Arabia Visas

Saudi Arabia offers several types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and religious-based visas. Tourist and business visas are both available for up to 90 days. Religious-based visas are available for Muslims who are making the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca.

Entriva offers a range of Saudi Arabia visa services, including tourist visa applications, business visas, and eVisas. The company provides comprehensive visa-application services, from assistance with the application process to support with tracking your Saudi visa application.

Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa allows foreign passport holders to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. They are usually issued for a stay of up to 90 days within a one-year period. Holders of a tourist visa are not allowed to work in Saudi Arabia. Currently, US passport holders can obtain a tourist visa.

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Tourist Visa Validity

  • One year for US nationals
  • One year for all other countries
  • Multiple-entry visa
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Tourist Visa Required Documents

To apply for a Saudi Arabia visa, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Your passport information
  • Your contact information
  • Your travel dates
  • Your reason for travel
  • A recent passport-style photo
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Tourist Visa Costs

The mandatory government fee for a Saudi Arabia Tourist visa is ﷼‎300 (Saudi Arabian riyal; SAR).

While it’s possible to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa yourself, booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time. In addition to government fees, Entriva charges among the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just $50.

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Tourist Visa Average Processing Time

The processing time for a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa is approximately 10 days.

Business Visas

Saudi Arabia Business Visas are for those who are traveling for work-related purposes.

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Types of Business Visas:

  • Single-entry business visa: This visa allows you to enter Saudi Arabia once and stay for a maximum of 30 days.
  • Multiple-entry business visa: This visa allows you to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times and stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit.
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Business Visa Validity

  • Single-entry business visa: Valid for 3 months
  • Multiple-entry business visa: Valid for 1 year
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Business Visa Required Documents

The following are the requirements for a Business Visa to Saudi Arabia:

  • A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
  • A recent passport-style photo
  • A completed visa application form
  • A visa fee
  • An invitation letter from a Saudi company
  • An employment verification letter from the applicant’s employer
  • A copy of the company’s business registration in Saudi Arabia
  • Medical insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment
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Business Visa Average Processing Time

The processing time for a Saudi Arabia Business Visa is approximately 10 days.

Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage Visa

The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages are significant religious journeys for Muslims and require a specific visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Here are the requirements and steps to obtain a Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage visa:

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Travel with a Licensed Hajj Tour Operator: To participate in the Hajj pilgrimage, it is mandatory to travel with a licensed Hajj tour operator approved by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. These tour operators handle payment and the visa-application process on behalf of the pilgrims.

Complete the Hajj Application Form: Contact your chosen Hajj tour operator to request and complete the required application forms for the Hajj pilgrimage. The tour operator will guide you through the process and provide the necessary paperwork.

Valid Passport: Ensure that you possess a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. The passport should have at least two blank visa pages for the visa stamp.

Proof of Islamic Faith: To qualify for a Hajj pilgrimage visa, you need to provide proof of being a Muslim. This can be demonstrated through a statement of faith (Shahada) or a certification from a recognized Islamic center or mosque.

Vaccination Certificate: Obtain a valid vaccination certificate for any required vaccinations. The Saudi Arabian government often mandates specific vaccinations, such as meningitis and seasonal flu, for all pilgrims. Check the official requirements and consult with your healthcare provider or designated health authority.

Supporting Documents: Submit any additional supporting documents required by your Hajj tour operator, which may include a recent passport-sized photograph, a copy of your identification documents, and a copy of your marriage or birth certificate.

Bookings and Payments: Make all necessary bookings, including flight tickets, accommodation, and transportation, through your licensed Hajj tour operator. Payments for the Hajj pilgrimage package should be made per the tour operator’s instructions.

Hajj Visa Processing: Your licensed Hajj tour operator will handle the visa processing on your behalf. They will submit the required documents and visa applications to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This process may take some time, so it is recommended to schedule and initiate the application well in advance.

Travel Itinerary: Upon receiving your approved Hajj pilgrimage visa, the tour operator will provide you with a detailed travel itinerary, including flight details, accommodation arrangements, and other logistical information for your pilgrimage.

Follow Hajj Regulations: During your Hajj pilgrimage, it is crucial to adhere to the rules, regulations, and instructions provided by the Saudi Arabian authorities. Follow the guidance of your tour operator, religious leaders, and the instructions provided at the various holy sites.

E-visa

An eVisa is the fastest and easiest way of obtaining a visa for Saudi Arabia because travelers can submit their applications and supporting documents online. Once the application is approved, travelers receive their confirmation electronically.

 

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To apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Your passport information
  • Your contact information
  • Your travel dates
  • Your reason for travel
  • A recent passport-style photo
  • A government-mandated visa fee of approximately ﷼‎535.

The visa processing time typically only takes one working day, but it is still advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date.

What to Know Before Applying for a Visa

Before you apply for a Saudi Arabia visa, there are some things to know and documents to get in order.

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  • Passport: All visitors to Saudi Arabia must have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
  • Vaccinations: It is recommended that you be up-to-date on your routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, as well as COVID-19. You may also want to consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid.
  • Documents: In addition to your passport, you may also need to present the following documents when entering Saudi Arabia:
    • A visa (required for all non-Saudi citizens)
    • A completed visa application form
    • A recent passport-style photo
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Proof of onward travel
    • A medical certificate (if you are traveling from a country with a high risk of yellow fever)
    • Proof of medical insurance for treatment of COVID-19

Average Processing Time

The average processing time for a Saudi Arabia visa depends on the type of visa you’re seeking. Generally, it takes 10 days to process a visa application. However, some visa types, such as eVisas, are usually processed more quickly.

How to Track Your Visa Application Process on Entriva

When planning a trip, few things are more stressful than waiting for your visa to arrive without knowing if it will get there in time. At Entriva, we take the stress out of the equation by letting you monitor your application in real-time. Here’s how:

After registering and setting up your profile, you’ll get your own personal Traveler Hub, and once you have submitted your visa application to Entriva, you can track the progress of your application online. To track your application, log in to your Entriva account and click on the “My Applications” tab.

On the “My Applications” tab, you will see a list of all of your visa applications. You can click on the “View Details” link for an individual application to see the status of your application.

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The status of your application will be updated as it progresses through the processing system. The possible statuses for your application are:

  • Pending: Your application is currently being processed.
  • Approved: Your application has been approved, and your visa will be sent to you.
  • Denied: Your application has been denied. You will receive an email explaining why your application was denied.

In addition to checking your Traveler Hub for updates about processing, approval, and more, you can also use it for things like organizing to-dos before your trip and checking out our other New Zealand travel resources to answer all your questions.

If you have any questions about your visa application, please contact Entriva customer support.

FAQs about Saudi Arabia Visas and Visa Applications

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Can I travel to Saudi Arabia without a visa?

Most travelers require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, though there are some exceptions . Your nationality, purpose of travel to Saudi Arabia, and desired length of stay in the country are all factors in determining which visa is appropriate for you.

How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia with my visa?

The duration of stay allowed on a Saudi Arabia visa varies depending on the type of visa obtained. Tourist visas typically allow visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days per visit. Business visas can range from 30 to 90 days. However, it is important to check the validity and duration of stay mentioned on your visa.

Can I extend or renew my Saudi Arabia visa?

In general, tourist visas cannot be extended or renewed. If you wish to stay longer in Saudi Arabia, it is advisable to plan your visit within the allowed duration mentioned on your visa and apply for a new tourist visa if that length of time is insufficient. For other types of visas, such as business visas, extensions or renewals may be possible  through the appropriate authorities.

Can I travel to Saudi Arabia with a different or separate passport than the one I used to get my visa?

It is important to travel with the same passport that was used to obtain your Saudi Arabia visa. The visa is typically linked to a specific passport, and using a different passport may lead to complications and entry issues. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.

Where can I find the Government of Saudi Arabia’s official visa and eVisa portal?

The official visa portal for Saudi Arabia is managed by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the eVisa portal is available on the government’s official tourism website.

Please note that visa requirements and procedures can change over time. It is crucial to check the official government sources, such as the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in your country, for accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific situation.

Where should I keep my Saudi Arabia visa while traveling?

If you received a regular or paper visa, it’ll be put directly into your passport.

For eVisas, you will receive a digital copy by email. It’s never a bad idea to carry a printout to show immigration officers and any other authorities who may ask to see it while traveling.

Didn’t find the answer you needed? Reach out to us directly —we’re happy to help.

Preparing for Your Saudi Arabia Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Saudi Arabia visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to Saudi Arabia,  including travel restrictions, travel requirements, local laws, and culture and traditions, visit our Saudi Arabia content hub.