Saudi Arabia is an increasingly popular destination for travellers seeking a unique and authentic experience. In order to gain access to Saudi Arabia, it is imperative to apply for a tourist visa. In this article, we will explain the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia, the steps to follow when applying for a tourist visa and give you some practical advice to make your task easier. You will then be able to obtain this compulsory document quickly and organise your future trip with peace of mind and legality.
Apply for a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia: Key points
- You need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia
- It is possible to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia online without going to the embassy
- A passport is required to apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia
- The average cost of a visa for Saudi Arabia is $130
- It takes between 2 and 6 working days to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia.
Requirements for obtaining a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia
Before applying for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia, it is important to be aware of the eligibility requirements to qualify for a visa. The Saudi government has strict criteria in place to ensure that travellers meet the country's security and health requirements. The application process is done directly online from the official website or through a private service provider website and is available to all under certain conditions:
- Firstly, to apply for a tourist visa, it is necessary to have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. It is also important to note that travellers with Israeli passports are not permitted to enter Saudi Arabia.
- Secondly, travellers must be at least 18 years old to apply for a tourist visa. Minors must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians and must have documents proving their relationship or guardianship.
- Finally, travellers must be able to prove that they have the financial means to support themselves during their stay in Saudi Arabia. They must also be able to provide proof of their travel itinerary and hotel reservation.
Types of e-visa for Saudi Arabia: Which option should I choose?
Saudi Arabia has launched its e-visa system to make it easier for travellers to enter the country. This digital system allows citizens of eligible countries to apply for their visa online for a variety of purposes, including tourism, business or transit. However, there are different types of e-visa, each corresponding to specific needs. To make a successful application and choose the most suitable option for your trip, it is vital to understand the different types of e-visa available and the conditions associated with them.
Overview of the different types of e-visa for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers several types of e-visa, depending on the reason for travel. Each is designed to meet different needs, and it is essential to know the details of each type before you apply. The major types of e-visa for Saudi Arabia are:
- Tourist e-visa: This type of e-visa is designed for travellers who wish to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. It allows a stay in the country of up to 90 days, with the possibility of multiple entries during the period of validity. The tourist e-visa is available to citizens of many countries and can be used to explore the country's historical, cultural and natural sites.
- Business e-visa: Business travellers can apply for a business e-visa to attend meetings, conferences or professional events. This e-visa allows short stays and can only be used for work-related activities. The period of validity is generally limited, and it is important to respect the professional objectives of your trip.
- Transit e-visa: The transit e-visa is an option for travellers stopping over in Saudi Arabia en route to another destination. This type of visa is limited to a short stay, usually 48 hours, and allows you to stay in certain Saudi cities for the duration of your connection.
- Umrah e-visa: Muslims wishing to perform Umrah (minor pilgrimage) can apply for a specially designed e-visa. This e-visa allows them to stay in the country for a limited period, generally around 30 days, and to visit the holy sites of Mecca and Medina.
What are the conditions for each type of Saudi Arabia e-visa?
Each type of e-visa for Saudi Arabia has specific conditions, which it is essential to meet to avoid applications being rejected. Here are the major conditions associated with each type:
- Tourist e-visa:
- Period of validity: The tourist e-visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days. Travellers may enter several times during the validity period.
- Passport requirements: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Geographical restrictions: Certain geographical restrictions may apply depending on the country of origin. Check whether your nationality is eligible.
- e-business visa:
- Documents required: You will need to provide an official invitation or proof of your professional activity in Saudi Arabia.
- Validity: Your stay is limited to a maximum of 30 days, with the possibility of an extension in certain cases.
- Additional conditions: You must not carry out paid work in Saudi Arabia without a specific work visa.
- e-transit visa:
- Length of stay: The transit e-visa is valid for a maximum of 48 hours.
- Flight requirements: You must prove that you have an immediate connecting flight to another destination, and you may not leave the transit zone.
- e-visa for Umrah:
- Length of stay: In general, the Umrah e-visa is valid for a period of 30 days.
- Religious documents: You must provide proof that you are travelling specifically to perform Umrah.
- Specific season: This type of visa is often available during specific periods of the year, outside the Hajj season.
Choosing the right type of e-visa for your trip to Saudi Arabia
Choosing the right type of e-visa depends essentially on the nature of your trip to Saudi Arabia. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
- Tourist travel: If your major objective is to discover Saudi Arabia, its landscapes and culture, a tourist e-visa is your best option. It will allow you to stay for up to 90 days and travel to the country's major cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Al-Ula.
- Business travel: If you are travelling for business reasons, such as to attend conferences or meet business partners, a business e-visa is required. Make sure you have an official invitation or valid business documents.
- Transfer between flights: If you have a stopover in Saudi Arabia before continuing your journey, the transit e-visa is the best option. It allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia for a few hours or days without having to go through a longer visa process.
- Pilgrimage: If you wish to perform Umrah, the Umrah e-visa is specially designed for this type of religious journey. Don't forget to respect the specific dates authorised for this type of visa.
To sum up, choosing the right type of e-visa for Saudi Arabia depends on the reason for your trip. Whether for tourism, business, transit or pilgrimage, each type of visa has specific conditions and advantages. Take care to examine your needs carefully before applying to avoid complications or visa refusals.
Documents required for the tourist visa application
To apply for a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia, travellers must provide certain mandatory documents. Make sure you have all these documents ready before you go to the website where you will apply for your visa.
- First of all, it is of course necessary to fill in an online tourist visa application form. The form asks for information about the traveller's identity, travel itinerary and accommodation in Saudi Arabia as well as other elements which we will detail below with the different steps of the procedure.
- Secondly, travellers must provide a copy of their passport, as well as a recent passport photo in digital format. It is important that the photo meets international standards for passport photos. Your passport must of course be valid at the time of your application and its validity should ideally cover 6 months after your arrival date in the country.
- Travellers must also provide proof of travel insurance covering medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation in case of need. This insurance must be valid for the duration of the stay in Saudi Arabia.
- Finally, travellers must provide proof of their return air ticket and hotel reservation in Saudi Arabia. It is therefore necessary to book your return flight and accommodation before starting the visa application process for this country.
Steps to follow when applying for a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia
Once you understand the eligibility requirements, you can begin the process of applying for a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia. Here are the steps to follow to apply for this visa online in just a few minutes and on a secure website.
Step 1: Complete the online tourist visa application form
The tourist visa application form is available online from the official Saudi government website, but there are sites that offer assistance in filling it in, such as the private provider site we recommend on this page. Travellers should fill in the form with all the required information, including personal information, passport information and travel details.
It is important to fill in the form carefully and to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and consistent with the required documents. Errors in the form may result in a delay in the processing of the visa application.
Step 2: Prepare and upload the documents required for the tourist visa application
In addition to the tourist visa application form, travellers should prepare all required documents, including passport, proof of accommodation, return flight tickets and proof of ACWY vaccination.
The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of intended entry into Saudi Arabia. Travellers must also provide proof of accommodation, which may be in the form of a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host resident in Saudi Arabia. Return air tickets are also required to prove that travellers will leave the country at the end of their stay.
Finally, travellers must provide proof of vaccination against ACWY meningitis. This vaccination is required for all travellers to Saudi Arabia, regardless of the length of their stay. Travellers from countries at high risk of infectious diseases may also be required to provide proof of vaccination against other diseases.
Step 3: Submit the tourist visa application online and pay the processing fee
Once you have completed the tourist visa application form and prepared all the required documents, you can submit the visa application online via the official Saudi government website. It is important to note that processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and the tourist season.
Travellers are also required to pay the visa processing fee at the time of submitting the application online. Visa fees may vary depending on the length of stay and the type of visa requested.
Step 4: Wait for visa confirmation
Once the visa application is submitted, travellers can track the status of their application online. Once the visa application is approved, travellers will receive a visa confirmation by email or post.
It is important to note that approval of the visa application does not guarantee entry into Saudi Arabia. Travellers must still be able to prove their eligibility for entry by presenting the required documents on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
How long does it take to get a visa for Saudi Arabia?
The time required to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia depends on the type of visa requested and the applicant's country of origin. However, it is strongly recommended that you apply for a Saudi Arabia visa well in advance to avoid disappointment during your trip. To help you choose the right time to apply for your Saudi Arabia visa, here are some deadlines to be aware of:
In general, the process can take from a few days to several weeks. The following are estimated processing times for the different types of visas:
- Visitor Visa: Processing can take 2-7 working days.
- Business Visa: Processing may take 2-7 working days.
- Work visa: Treatment may take 1 to 2 months.
- Student Visa: Processing may take 2-4 weeks.
It is important to note that the visa application process may take longer in case of incomplete applications or if additional checks are required. It is therefore recommended to start the visa application process as early as possible to avoid any potential delays. Similarly, it is recommended that you apply from a quality website that will provide you with online help if you have any questions or difficulties in completing the form.
