Many people have been finding it increasingly difficult to travel to countries outside the United States for personal and professional reasons. Thankfully, there are ways that make international travel more accessible, such as the E-Visa program from Saudi Arabia.Saudi Arabia recently announced that they have eliminated the need to obtain Residence Permit (Iqama) for E-Visa holders. This is a huge step forward and should save you from being one of the many that takes advantage of my research service!
Saudi Arabia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The country boasts of pristine, white-sand beaches and fecund deserts. Apart from that you can enjoy yourself, go shopping after doing activities like skiing or horse riding etc. Saudi Arabia has started Saudization Program to provide more job opportunities to Saudi Nationals. Saudis living in Saudi Arabia who have an E-Visa easily get a job permit. Saudi Vision 2030 is the centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s reform agenda and roadmap for diversifying its economy, enhancing quality of life and providing a better future for all Saudis. But this plan alone is not going to work untill it targeted youth of Saudi Arabia. As a result of this vision, many young people are now opening their businesses or using their academic qualifications in highly skilled jobs in various sectors like education, health care and others.
E Visa For Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Online Visa
Is Saudi Arabia Visa Open?
Saudi Arabia is now open to international visitors. Tourists can apply for a Saudi Arabia visa online and visit the country for up to 90 days. There are no quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated travelers.
What is the eVisa to Saudi Arabia for Tourist?
The Saudi Arabia eVisa is a multiple-entry travel authorization. Citizens from eligible countries can apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa online and visit the country for up to 90 days.
The electronic system simplifies the visa application process. Tourists can apply for a Saudi Arabia visa online and receive the approved permit by email, they do not need to visit an embassy.
Do You Need a Visa to Go to Saudi Arabia?
Most foreign nationals need a visa to go to Saudi Arabia. Only passport holders from Gulf Cooperation Council countries are exempt.
Travelers from eligible countries can get a visa for Saudi Arabia online. It is the most convenient option for eligible tourists traveling to Saudi Arabia for 90 days or less.
It takes just a few minutes to complete the Saudi Arabia eVisa form online. Applicants do not need to visit an embassy or consulate at any point during the application process.
Successful applicants receive their Saudi Arabia eVisa by email.
Saudi Arabia launched its tourist visa in September 2019. Previously, foreigners had to apply for a visa at a local KSA embassy or consulate.
Countries Eligible for the Saudi Arabia eVisa
The Saudi Arabia Visa allows travelers from eligible countries to visit the kingdom. The online application process is quick and simple to complete.
The Saudi Government has announced that, so far, the eVisa is available to citizens of:
- Australia
- Austria
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Cyprus
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Ireland
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
There are some basic requirements that must be met by candidates. Applicants need to make sure they accurately complete every section of the eVisa application form.
Saudi Arabia Visa Types
The Saudi Arabia eVisa is the first visa to be released for tourism in the country. There are also other short-term visas for Saudi Arabia, details are provided below.
Tourist e-Visa for Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabia tourist visa is for people visiting the country for:
- Tourism
- Transit
- Short business trips
Short business trips include meetings, short conferences, workshops, and any professional participation that does not require a contract. For any other paid business trips, travelers will need a business or work visa.
To apply for a tourist visa, travelers need:
- Passport from an eligible country, valid for 6 months
- Digital photograph
The 3-step application is 100% online. Tourists complete the eVisa form, pay the fees, and receive the approved visa for Saudi Arabia by email.
Visa for Pilgrims: Hajj and Umrah
Hajj visas are for religious pilgrims who travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. Applications are accepted between the 15th day of Shawwal and the 25th day of Dhu’l-Qaeda (in accordance with the Hejirah calendar).
Hajj visas are not issued to anyone who has completed the pilgrimage within the last 5 years. Female pilgrims must be accompanied by an immediate family member who is 18 or over. Women over 45 don’t need to be accompanied.
Those who intend to perform Umrah can apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa and do not need a specific permit. The Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca can be carried out with this visa at any time during the year except during the Hajj season.
Foreign citizens who wish to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage and travel to Mecca during that time of the year must apply for the dedicated visa through the Ministry of Hajj.
Business visa for Saudi Arabia
This type of visa is for people visiting Saudi Arabia on business. To qualify for a Saudi Arabia business visa, applicants require the following documents:
- Official invite from the Saudi Chamber of Commerce or Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Employer support letter
- Passport from an eligible country, valid for 6 months
- 2 passport-style photographs
- Completed Saudi Arabia business visa application form
Additional documents may be requested.
Family visit visa for Saudi Arabia
This visa is issued to immediate family members of legal residents or citizens of KSA. To qualify for a Saudi Arabia Family visit visa, applicants need:
- Official invite from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The family must contact the MOFA to issue the invite
- Passport from an eligible country, valid for 6 months
- 2 passport photographs
- Completed Saudi Arabia family visit visa application form
Travelers must meet all the family visa requirements.
Work visa for Saudi Arabia
Foreign nationals need a visa to work in Saudi Arabia. The following documents are required to apply for a Saudi Arabia work visa:
- Official invite from the Saudi Chamber of Commerce or Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Letter from the employer and work contract
- Educational certificates
- Medical report
- Digital power of attorney
- Passport from an eligible country, valid for 6 months
- 2 passport photographs
- Completed Saudi Arabia work visa application form
Work visa applications are processed through the embassy. Additional supporting documents could be requested.
Traveling to Saudi Arabia with a KSA eVisa
Historically, Saudi Arabia has not offered a tourist visa. However, the eVisa marks the beginning of a new chapter for the country, opening up foreign tourism for the first time in its history. As the birthplace of Islam, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is full of places of cultural interest including mosques, castles, and museums.
Visitors need to apply online for the tourist visa before traveling to the KSA. On approval for an eVisa the traveler only needs to print a copy of the electronic visa to present to the Saudi authorities on arrival.
Visiting Saudi Arabia with a Tourist eVisa During COVID-19
Saudi Arabia is now open to foreign tourists. Online tourist visa applications for Saudi Arabia are now open.
To travel to Saudi Arabia during COVID-19, overseas visitors need:
- Valid tourism visa
- COVID-19 insurance (included with eVisa fee)
- Tawakkalna online registration
There are currently no COVID-19 vaccine or test requirements for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.