Your ultimate guide to all the Saudi visas
All the different kinds of visas and what they’re used for…
Travelling to the Kingdom has never been easier, with multiple Saudi visas for a variety of different purposes, you can now apply for the right one and begin your journey to the wonderful country.
Business Visa
If the many massive developments Saudi Arabia has been working on lately are of interest to you, you’ll be happy to know that the Kingdom is rolling out a brand-new business visit visa to Saudi Arabia. The new online service called “Visiting Investor” allows foreign investors to apply for a digital visit visa and explore all the business opportunities the Kingdom has to offer.
eVisa
The Saudi Arabian eVisa was first introduced back in 2022 through a decree signed by the Ministry of Tourism. Residents of the GCC can apply for a tourism eVisa before arriving in Saudi Arabia via an online portal. The Kingdom’s visa-on-arrival scheme has also been extended to permanent residents of the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States are among the 63 eligible countries. Through the visa, you can get a 12-month tourism visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia without needing to apply in advance.
Family Visit Visa
For residents of the Kingdom wanting to invite their families from their home country, you can apply for a family visit visa. For this, the visitor needs to have a first-line relative in the Kingdom such as a spouse, parents, or children of the Saudi citizen. You can apply Family Visit Visa online if you are from one of 51 countries eligible for eVisa or in a KSA embassy.
Student Visa
If you want to study in the Kingdom, you’d need a Saudi student visa. In order to get it, you first need to be accepted in an accredited institute or university in the KSA first. Then the university will apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for authorization of the Saudi Student Visa.
Transit Visa
The transit visa for stopovers allows entry to Saudi Arabia for people in transit who wish to perform Umrah, visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and tour the Kingdom. Travellers can also use the stopover visa to perform the spiritual Umrah ritual. Spiritual travellers can book flights through SAUDIA and Flynas, but must also register for Umrah through the Nusuk platform. The stopover visa will allow passengers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours, enabling more visitors than ever to explore Saudi’s historical, cultural, and spiritual sites.
Saudi instant e-visa
The new e-visa will help UK, US, and Schengen visa holders and permanent residents of the UK, US, and any European country secure instant tourist visas through mofa.gov.sa. Requirements for the visa are simple: you’ll need a valid passport, a valid proof of residence, or a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa. The visa can be used throughout the year for events, conferences, exhibitions, and Umrah, provided that it is not during Hajj season.
Umrah Visa/Hajj Visa
Muslim pilgrims can obtain an Umrah visa for Saudi Arabia free of charge at the Embassies or Consulates of Saudi Arabia. If you are eligible for a Saudi Arabia eVisa, you can also use it to enter the Kingdom to perform Hajj and Umrah.
Visit: visa.visitsaudi.com