Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa Guide

With over 13 percent of the population in Saudi Arabia being of Indian origin, it’s common for Indians to have family members residing in the country. To visit your family in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need a Family Visit Visa for Saudi Arabia. In this definitive guide, we will walk you through the process of obtaining a Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa for Indian citizens.

What is a Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa? The Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa allows individuals, other than those from GCC countries and a few visa-exempt nations, to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This visa is specifically designed for visiting first-degree family members and is typically valid for a maximum of 90 days. In certain cases, with approval from the Saudi Ministry of External Affairs, longer stays may be granted. This visa permits you to visit family members and engage in tourism activities in the country. It is issued as a vignette in your passport.

How to Obtain a Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa? Applying for a Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia involves a unique process, particularly for Indian citizens. While it is possible to apply online, the mode of application for Indians is offline, and the Saudi embassy does not accept direct applications. You must engage a travel agency to facilitate the application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining a Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa:

  1. Collect all the necessary documents required for the application.
  2. Visit the MOFA Saudi website and download the application form.
  3. Complete the application form, either by typing it and printing it out or by filling it in by hand. Attach your photographs and sign where necessary.
  4. Pay the visa fees online to the travel agency as direct payments to the embassy are not accepted.
  5. Submit the completed application form and documents to the Saudi Embassy via the travel agent.

Ensure that you provide accurate information and submit original documents, as incorrect details or forged documents can lead to visa rejection.

Eligibility for Saudi Family Visit Visa To be eligible for a Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.
  • Plan to visit first-degree family members, such as children, parents, siblings, spouse, or in-laws. Visiting uncles, aunts, and other relatives is not covered.
  • The inviting family member must hold a valid Family Visit Visa invitation letter approved by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • The inviting family member must possess a valid Iqama (residence permit).
  • Your sole purpose for visiting must be to spend time with your family.

When You Have this Visa Upon receiving your Family Visit Visa, keep these key points in mind for a smooth journey:

  • Note the visa’s expiry date; you must leave Saudi Arabia before this date. Overstaying is considered a criminal offense and may result in fines and deportation.
  • Working or engaging in work-related activities is strictly prohibited while on a Family Visit Visa.
  • Respect and adhere to Saudi Arabia’s rules, regulations, culture, and traditions during your stay.

Documents Required for Saudi Family Visit Visa As per the Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa requirements, you must provide the following documents during the application process:

  • Original passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, along with any old passports.
  • Two passport-size photographs.
  • Family Visit Visa invitation letter approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, KSA.
  • Copy of the sponsor’s Iqama (residence permit).
  • Passport copy of the sponsor.
  • Travel insurance issued by the Saudi embassy according to your application.
  • Proof of your relationship with the inviting relative.

Saudi Family Visit Visa Photo Specifications The photographs submitted for the Saudi Family Visit Visa must meet the following specifications:

  • Two identical passport-size photos.
  • Recently taken (within the last 3 months).
  • Colored photos with a white background.
  • Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
  • The face should cover 80% of the photo.
  • Facial expression should be neutral.
  • The head should be centered.
  • Eyeglasses are not permitted, but headwear is allowed for religious reasons.

Saudi Family Visit Visa Processing Time Family Visit Visas in Saudi Arabia are typically processed relatively quickly, often within 4-5 working days. However, processing times may vary based on factors such as the time required for invitation approval, the volume of applications, and the season.

Saudi Family Visit Visa Fees The total fees for a Family Visit Visa depend on several factors, including the number of entries and service charges by the travel agency. Since fees can change without prior notice, it is essential to confirm the exact amount with the travel agency before applying.

How to Check Saudi Family Visit Visa Status? After submitting your visa application, you will receive your visa through your travel agent within the stipulated processing time. While offline tracking is generally unavailable, you can inquire about your Saudi Family Visit Visa status by contacting the agency or emailing the embassy directly with your application number.

Frequently Asked Questions

You cannot renew it, but you can extend your visa easily. The Saudi government accepts visa extension requests, allowing you to extend your visa for a duration equal to your current permit. For example, if you have a 90-day visa, you can extend it for an additional 90 days. Ensure you apply for an extension at least a week before your current visa expires, and note that the maximum visitor stay duration is 180 days.

No, you cannot apply without proof of the relationship. Proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, is a vital part of the required documents for the Family Visit Visa. Without this evidence, there is no confirmation that the person you are visiting is your relative.

No, you cannot work or engage in work-related activities while on a visitor permit in Saudi Arabia. The primary condition for this visa is that your purpose of visit is solely to spend time with your relatives. However, you can participate in sightseeing and tourism activities during your visit.

You cannot stay beyond the visa’s expiry date. It is essential to leave the country on or before the expiration date. Staying beyond this period is considered an offense and may result in penal charges. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension.

Since it is a short-term permit, there is no mandatory medical test. However, for long-stay permits like the Family Visa, a medical check-up is required. Nonetheless, it is advisable to undergo a medical check-up before traveling to any country for your own safety.

No, short-term visas like the Family Visit Visa cannot be converted into another type. Once your visa expires, you must leave the country. If you intend to obtain a work permit, you can apply for jobs in Saudi Arabia and find a sponsor. After your Family Visit Visa expires and you return to your home country, you can then apply for a new work permit.

 
 
 
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