Saudi Arabia Visa Guide
Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is not only famous for being the host of one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world but also as the world’s largest exporter of oil. If you’re planning to visit this vibrant nation, you’ll need to obtain a Saudi visa.
What is a Saudi Visa? A Saudi Arabian visa is a mandatory endorsement required to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Unless you belong to the list of visa-exempt countries for Saudi Arabia, you must possess a valid visa in addition to your passport. Regardless of the purpose of your visit, a visa is essential. Visas are categorized into various types based on the nature and duration of the visit, with the number of entries allowed depending on the type of visa.
How to Get a Visa for Saudi Arabia Obtaining a Saudi visa for Indian citizens is a relatively straightforward process. The specific process may vary depending on the type of visa required. Here are the general steps for applying for a Saudi visa:
- Determine the type of visa you require and check your eligibility.
- Gather the necessary documents as per the Saudi Arabia visa requirements for Indian citizens.
- Visit the website of the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and create a visa application account.
- Complete the online visa application form.
- Pay the visa fee online and download the form, which will include the MOFA number/reference number.
- Attach your visa documents to the form.
- Submit your application to the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy through a registered agent.
It’s crucial to note that Saudi authorities are strict about visa applications, so accuracy and honesty in the application process are essential. Any errors can lead to visa rejection or delays, which could impact future visa applications.
Saudi Arabia Visa Types Saudi Arabia offers various visa types to accommodate different purposes of travel. The most common types include:
Saudi Tourist Visa: Intended for tourists, this visa category was recently introduced. Currently, only 49 countries can apply online, while others must apply offline.
Saudi Business Visa: Issued for short-term business visits, this visa allows individuals to engage in various business activities, such as meetings, sales, and exploring potential business opportunities. It is typically valid for up to 3 months, with options for single or multiple entries.
Saudi Visit Visa: Designed for individuals visiting first-degree family members in Saudi Arabia, this visa requires an invitation letter from the family member and other supporting documents. It also has a duration of 3 months and a validity of 6 months.
Saudi Arabia Work Visa: For those coming to Saudi Arabia for work, a work permit is issued. Unlike a work permit, this visa has a limited duration, and non-commercial work is permitted.
Religious Tourism Visa: Also known as the Hajj/Umrah visa, this category is exclusively for religious pilgrimages, specifically Hajj and Umrah.
Please note that Indian nationals are currently not eligible for tourist visas. The only tourism allowed for Indians is religious tourism. However, the Saudi government is planning to introduce tourist visas for Indians in the near future.
Saudi Arabia Visa Documents Required While the exact documentation may vary depending on the type of visa, the general set of documents required for all Saudi Arabia visa types includes:
- A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and a validity of at least 6 months from the intended travel date.
- A completed and signed visa application form.
- Two passport-sized photos with a white background.
- A covering letter.
Saudi Visa Photo Size Requirements According to Saudi visa regulations, the photo specifications are as follows:
- Two identical passport-sized photos.
- Taken within the last 3 months.
- Colored photos with a white background.
- Photo size: 35mm x 45mm.
- Face coverage: 85%.
- Neutral expression.
- Head position centered.
- Eyeglasses are not permitted, except for religious reasons.
- Headwear is allowed only for religious purposes.
Saudi Arabia Visa Fees The visa fees for Saudi Arabia vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of origin. The fees must be paid online and cannot be paid in cash at the embassy.
Where to Apply for Saudi Arabia Visa For Indian nationals, visa applications must be submitted directly to the embassy, except in the case of Hajj/Umrah visas, which require designated Hajj agencies. Applications for other Saudi visas should be completed online, and the documents, along with the application form, should be submitted through a registered agent. The Saudi embassy insists that applications be submitted via an agency.
Saudi Visa Processing Time Saudi visa processing is typically fast, with a well-prepared application taking about 4-5 days to process. However, in cases involving other factors or complications, processing times can extend to up to 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia does not issue tourist visas for several reasons, including cultural and legal considerations. The country follows Islamic laws and traditions, and opening up to global tourism could pose challenges to maintaining these traditions. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s robust petroleum industry has historically provided substantial revenue, making tourism less of an economic necessity. For these reasons, Saudi Arabia does not issue tourist visas.
Yes, Saudi Arabia announced plans to introduce full-fledged tourist visas. The government had initially announced this plan in 2016, and by 2019, it began issuing visitor visas for specific events, such as the F1E Grand Prix and the Jeddah festival. These developments indicate Saudi Arabia’s intent to open up to global tourism gradually.
A medical test is typically required for resident visas but is not necessary for short-term visas like business visas or family visit visas. The medical screening for a residence permit usually includes tests for Hepatitis A/B, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and blood count, among others.
