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.
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.
