Saudi Arabia Visa Types
Saudi Arabia, a prominent travel and business destination, offers various visa types to accommodate different purposes of travel. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, work, or religious purposes, understanding the visa requirements is essential. In this guide, we’ll discuss the types of Saudi visas, eligibility criteria, and required documents.
Types of Saudi Visas
1. Tourist Visa
Saudi Arabia now welcomes tourists from various countries under its new e-visa program. This visa is suitable for leisure travelers.
- Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries (check the official Saudi visa website for an updated list)
- Validity: Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 1 year
- Stay Duration: 90 days per visit
- Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Completed online application form
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of accommodation
- Return flight ticket
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee payment
2. Business Visa
For professionals and businesspersons visiting for meetings, trade fairs, or other commercial activities.
- Eligibility: Businesspersons invited by a Saudi company
- Validity: Single or multiple-entry, up to 1 year
- Stay Duration: Varies, typically 30 to 90 days
- Requirements:
- Invitation letter from a Saudi company attested by the Chamber of Commerce
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photographs
- Business cover letter from applicant’s company
- Visa fee payment
3. Work Visa
Issued to foreign professionals hired by Saudi companies.
- Eligibility: Individuals with a job offer from a Saudi employer
- Validity: Based on employment contract
- Stay Duration: Depends on the contract and residency permit
- Requirements:
- Valid passport (at least six months)
- Work visa authorization from the Saudi Ministry of Labor
- Medical examination report
- Attested academic/professional certificates
- Employment contract
- Visa fee payment
- Police clearance certificate
4. Family Visit Visa
Allows expatriates in Saudi Arabia to invite their immediate family members.
- Eligibility: Family members of expatriates working in Saudi Arabia
- Validity: Single or multiple entry, up to 1 year
- Stay Duration: Varies, typically 90 to 180 days
- Requirements:
- Invitation letter from Saudi-based sponsor (family member)
- Copy of sponsor’s Iqama (residence permit)
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Completed visa application form
- Relationship proof (e.g., marriage or birth certificate)
- Visa fee payment
5. Hajj and Umrah Visa
For Muslim pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes.
- Eligibility: Muslims worldwide (Hajj visa is restricted to specific months, Umrah visa is available year-round except during Hajj season)
- Validity: For the pilgrimage duration
- Stay Duration: Depends on the visa type
- Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Proof of confirmed Hajj/Umrah booking
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Vaccination certificate (meningitis & COVID-19, if required)
- Visa fee payment
6. Transit Visa
For travelers stopping in Saudi Arabia for a short period before continuing to their final destination.
- Eligibility: Passengers with a layover in Saudi Arabia
- Validity: Short-term, typically 48 to 96 hours
- Stay Duration: Up to 96 hours
- Requirements:
- Confirmed onward travel ticket
- Valid passport (at least six months)
- Visa fee payment (for non-exempt travelers)
- Hotel reservation (if required)
How to Apply for a Saudi Visa
- Online Application – Visit the official Saudi visa portal and apply for an e-visa (for eligible categories).
- Through an Embassy/Consulate – Submit the required documents to a Saudi embassy or consulate.
- Via an Authorized Travel Agency – Some visa types require processing through an authorized agency.
- Sponsorship Requirement – Some visas require a Saudi-based sponsor (e.g., work and business visas).
Conclusion
Obtaining a Saudi visa is now more accessible with digital processing and streamlined requirements. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, work, or pilgrimage, ensuring that you have the correct documents and meet the eligibility criteria will make your application process smoother. Always check the latest requirements from the official Saudi government sources before applying.
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