Saudi Arabia Visa: Validity, processing time and travel duration

If you are planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, it is important to understand the rules and deadlines for obtaining your visa. Visa requirements for Saudi Arabia can vary depending on your nationality, reason for travel and length of stay. On this page, we will provide you with essential information on the validity and timeframe of your Saudi Arabia visa to help you plan your trip with peace of mind.

Saudi Arabia visa validity and processing time: key points

• The average time taken to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia is 6 working days.
• Visa application processing time may vary depending on the time of year
• It is possible to make an urgent application to shorten the processing time for a visa to Saudi Arabia to 2 days.
• A tourist visa for Saudi Arabia is valid for between 30 and 90 days.

How long does it take to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia online?

The processing time for an online visa to Saudi Arabia may vary depending on the type of visa requested and the way the application is handled by the relevant Saudi authorities.

For a tourist or visit visa, it can take from a few hours to several working days. The online visa application process is relatively quick, but it can take time if additional documents are required or if further checks need to be carried out.

It is advisable to apply for the visa several weeks before your planned departure to allow for any potential waiting time and to avoid any last-minute problems. It is also important to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality and visa type to ensure that you have all the necessary documents before you start your application.

How long are the different visas valid for Saudi Arabia?

The duration of validity of different visas for Saudi Arabia depends on the type of visa and the specific conditions attached to each type of visa. Some examples are given below:

• Tourist Visa: Validity can vary from 30 days to 90 days. Some visas can be extended for an additional period for an additional fee.
• Work visa: The duration of validity can vary from 90 days to 2 years, depending on the employment contract and the employer's requirements.
• Business visit visa: The validity period can vary from 30 days to 180 days, depending on the conditions of the invitation.
• Pilgrimage visa (Hajj or Umrah): The period of validity is generally limited to the specific pilgrimage period for which the visa was issued.

It is important to note that the length of validity of the visa does not represent the maximum time you can spend in Saudi Arabia. The maximum length of stay allowed for each type of visa may vary and depends on the immigration rules in force. It is therefore important to check the specific requirements of each visa before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

What length of stay is authorised on a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

The length of stay authorised in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa depends on the type of visa and the specific conditions attached to each visa. In general, Saudi tourist visas are valid for 30, 60 or 90 days.

However, the maximum length of stay authorised may vary depending on the immigration rules in force and the specific conditions of each visa. It is therefore important to check the details of the visa you have obtained to find out how long you can stay in Saudi Arabia.

It is also important to note that if you wish to extend your stay in Saudi Arabia, you must apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Otherwise, you risk paying fines and other penalties for an unauthorised stay in Saudi Arabia.

What factors can affect the time it takes to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia?

The time taken to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia depends on a number of factors, which may extend or reduce the time taken to process applications. Here are the major factors to consider:

• Type of visa applied for: The type of visa plays a crucial role in processing time. A tourist visa is often quicker to obtain, particularly via the eVisa system. On the other hand, work, religious or family visas require more detailed checks, which means longer processing times.
• Quality of the file submitted: An incomplete file or one containing errors can cause major delays. The authorities require specific documents such as a valid passport, a passport-size photo and supporting documents specific to the type of visa requested. Any omissions or inaccuracies require corrections, which will slow down the process.
• Nationality of the applicant: Some nationalities benefit from simplified procedures thanks to bilateral agreements, while others have to go through a longer process. Citizens eligible for eVisa often have an advantage in terms of speed.
• Time of application: The time of year also influences application times. During the high season, such as Ramadan or the Hajj, the large number of applications for religious visas can clog up administrative systems and lengthen processing times.
• How to apply: Applications made via the eVisa system are generally processed more quickly, sometimes within a few hours. Conversely, going through a consulate or embassy can take several days or even weeks, depending on the workload of the offices.
• Specific supporting documents: Some visas require additional supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation, proof of family relationship or an employment contract. Validation of these documents by the relevant authorities can cause delays, especially if in-depth checks are required.
• Geopolitical or health context: Geopolitical crises, health restrictions or other external events can have an impact on processing times. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down visa application procedures due to temporary border closures and administrative restrictions.
• Workload of the authorities: Processing times may vary depending on the workload of the offices handling applications. An administrative overload or shortage of staff may lengthen delays, even outside periods of high demand.
• Urgent applications: Some travellers can benefit from accelerated procedures for an additional fee. However, these options are not always available for all types of visa or all nationalities.
• Length of security checks: For certain types of visa, particularly professional or long-stay visas, the Saudi authorities may carry out longer security checks. These in-depth checks can delay the process, even if the application is complete.

Taking these factors into account, it is essential to prepare your application carefully, anticipate busy periods and submit a complete file from the outset. This will help to reduce processing times and avoid unnecessary delays.

When should I apply for a visa, depending on the period of validity and the deadline for obtaining it?

The ideal time to apply for a visa for Saudi Arabia depends on a number of factors, such as the period of validity of your visa and the time taken to obtain it.

If you have already set your travel dates, it is advisable to apply for your visa as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application. Visa processing times vary depending on the type of visa requested and can take up to several weeks. It is therefore important to take these times into account when planning your trip.

In general, visas for Saudi Arabia are valid for 3 months from the date of issue. This means that you can apply for your visa up to 3 months before your planned date of travel. However, it is advisable not to wait until the last minute to apply for your visa, as this could lead to delays or complications.

In summary, it is advisable to apply for your Saudi Arabia visa as soon as possible, depending on your planned travel dates and visa processing times. If you have specific questions about the visa application process or processing times, it is advisable to contact the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate for up-to-date information.

Can the validity of a Saudi visa be extended?

Extending the validity of a Saudi visa is possible in certain cases, but the rules vary depending on the type of visa. To comply with local laws, it is vital to follow the legal procedures and respect the deadlines. Here are the essential points to know:

• Tourist visas can often be extended for multiple-entry stays of up to 90 consecutive days. Extensions can be applied for via the official Absher platform.
• Family visit visas can be extended several times, generally for periods of 30 days each time, up to the total authorised duration.
• Religious visas, such as those for Umrah, are not usually extended, except in exceptional cases approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
• Applications for extensions should be submitted online via the Absher portal or via the Passport Services Offices (Jawazat).
• Documents required include a valid passport, a copy of the current visa, and proof of stay, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation.
• Fees for extensions vary according to the type of visa and the duration requested. For a tourist visa, they are generally between SAR 100 and SAR 300, while fees for family or religious visas can be higher.
• Extension applications generally take between 1 and 5 working days to process, depending on the volume of administrative work and the standard turnaround time.
• It is essential to submit an application before the visa expires to avoid penalties such as fines or bans on returning to Saudi Arabia.

Extending the validity of a visa for Saudi Arabia is therefore an option, but requires careful preparation and compliance with local rules to ensure a legal and trouble-free stay.

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.