How To Secure Your Saudi Visa Appointment

Introduction

If you’re visiting a country for the first time, you may be required to apply for a visa. When traveling to Saudi Arabia, for instance, you will need to apply for a visa. If you’re eligible, you can apply for a Saudi e-visa. Alternatively, you may also consider applying for a visa on arrival.

However, if you are ineligible for a Saudi e-visa or a visa on arrival, you may need to apply for a visa via VFS Tasheer or via a Saudi embassy/consulate, both of which require an appointment.

How can you schedule an appointment for a Saudi visa? What are the procedures involved? How early can you book an appointment and where do you arrange it? In this article, we share with you what you need to know about appointments for a Saudi visa.

Scheduling an appointment 

As mentioned, you will need to schedule an appointment for a Saudi visa if you are applying via a VFS Tasheer or a Saudi embassy/consulate.

For VFS Tasheer, you may visit https://vc.tasheer.com/ to book an appointment. For scheduling an appointment via a Saudi embassy or consulate, on the other hand, you will need to book directly via its website.

Booking an appointment

The process of booking an appointment at a VFS Tasheer is easy, simple, and straightforward. From the homepage, select the country or region you’re applying from and Saudi Arabia as the country you’re planning on visiting.

It’s a three-part process, namely: 1) Booking an appointment, 2) Submitting requirements, and 3) Tracking the status of your application. Let’s go into each of these so you can know what to expect when you schedule an appointment at a VFS Tasheer.

Booking an appointment

From there, you can indicate your nationality as well as the type of visa you are applying for. The website will generate the earliest available appointment, as well as the VFS Tasheer branch location in your country.

Confirm and book the appointment and you will receive a notification in your e-mail.
Before your appointment, make sure that you’ve collected and prepared all the requirements and documents needed for your Saudi visa application.

Submitting requirements

The next part of the visa application process is to submit the requirements for the visa you are applying for.

Before your appointment, make sure you compile all the necessary documents needed for your Saudi tourist visa application. These typically include:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining by the time of your trip,
• A completed visa application form,
• Passport-sized photos,
• Proof of your travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations,
• Proof you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses (ex: bank statement),
• Travel insurance

Before you pay for the visa application fee, you will be asked to confirm if you would prefer that your passport be delivered to your doorstep or if you would rather pick it up at the VFS Tasheer branch. Note that some VFS Tasheer may only accept cash, while others may also accept international debit or credit cards.

Getting your biometrics taken

An important part of the visa application process is to collect your biometrics such as your photo and scans of your fingerprints. You’ll be asked to remove earrings, eyeglasses, and other accessories for them to take a clear photo of your face.

Once done, you’ll receive a claim stub or invoice for when you pick up or receive your passport and visa.

Tracking the status of your application

Once your application has been submitted, you can track its progress under the VFS website’s online tracking service. Simply input your appointment reference number or the visa platform number (available on your claim stub, invoice, or receipt) and your date of birth to see the status. It will be updated once your passport is ready for pick-up or delivery.

Booking an appointment at a Saudi embassy or consulate

If a VFS Tasheer center is not available in your location, your next option is to apply for a Saudi visa at a Saudi embassy or consulate.

Booking an appointment

To book a visa appointment at a Saudi embassy or consulate, visit the website of the embassy in your location.

Typically, you will see the embassy’s calendar and the dates which are still available for a visa appointment. These dates will also show how many visa appointments it can still accommodate. Note that it may be harder to book a slot during peak travel seasons given the influx of tourist visa applicants.

Click your desired date for your visa appointment and your preferred appointment time. The embassy has dedicated days and times to accommodate visa appointments.

Next, fill out a form with your personal information, contact details, and your passport data.

If the embassy does not have a website or you are unable to search for the embassy’s website, you may need to contact the embassy directly via telephone or e-mail. Some embassies may have a dedicated customer service hotline that you can call, however, be mindful to call only during working hours.

For a complete list of Saudi embassies and their respective addresses and contact information, click here.

Prepare your documents

Before your appointment, make sure that you have reviewed the embassy’s list of requirements, including the accomplished application form, supporting documents, and any particular information for the visa you are applying for.

Like the application process at a VFS Tasheer, you will need to submit similar documents to the embassy.

Attend your visa appointment

On the day of your appointment, make sure that you arrive on time and that you have your complete documents with you. You may need to be interviewed at the embassy. Prepare to be asked questions about your flight details, accommodation, and itinerary, as well as your financial capacity to pay for your travel expenses while in Saudi Arabia.

Once done, submit your documents and pay for the visa application fee. You will then await the decision of the embassy if your Saudi visa has been granted.

There are cases when the embassy or consulate might require you to submit additional documents or provide additional information. Make sure to comply and provide these as soon as possible to avoid any delays with the processing of your Saudi visa.

You will receive a notification once your passport is ready for pick-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you apply for a Saudi visa at a VFS Tasheer without an appointment?

There are certain countries where the VFS allows walk-in applicants who do not have an appointment. If this is not the case for the country where you are applying, you’ll need to book an appointment.

Can you cancel or reschedule your VFS appointment?

Yes, you may. The terms may vary per VFS Tasheer, but generally, you may cancel and reschedule your appointment within a certain timeframe. For some VFS Tasheer, you may reschedule your appointment under an upgraded appointment category.

What should you wear during your VFS appointment?

Female applicants should not wear sleeveless or revealing tops, skirts, or open-toed footwear such as sandals, slippers, or heels. Male applicants, on the other hand, should not wear sleeveless tops, slippers, or open-toed footwear.

What documents do I need to schedule a visa appointment?

You typically don’t need any particular documents to book a visa appointment. However, you will need to present specific documents when you attend your visa appointment, such as your passport, completed visa application form, and other supporting documents.

Is it mandatory to schedule an appointment for a visa application?

Yes, it is typically mandatory to book an appointment for a visa application. Note that walk-in applicants will not be entertained. The scheduling of visa appointments is done to ensure a systematic process behind the processing of visa applications.

How far in advance should I schedule my visa appointment?

Although there is no standard best time to schedule your visa appointment, it is recommended to book it as early as possible, such as several weeks before your travel dates. This helps you prepare for any possible delays when it comes to the processing of your visa.

What is the procedure for rescheduling or canceling a visa appointment?

Each VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate will have its own set of rules and guidelines when it comes to the rescheduling or the cancellation of a visa appointment. Generally, though, it is possible via the same online portal with which you scheduled your visa appointment. Check with the VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate for the

Can I walk in for a visa appointment, or is an appointment mandatory?

Generally, appointments are compulsory to apply for a visa and walk-in appointments may not be recognized. To ensure that you are complying with the VFS Tasheer or the Saudi embassy/consulate, make sure that you check their guidelines for visa appointments.

How do I check the availability of visa appointment slots?

To check the availability of visa appointment slots, check it using the portal of the VFS Tasheer or the Saudi embassy/consulate. It typically shows the number of slots available per day.

What should I do if there are no available appointment slots?

If there are no available visa appointment slots, check back again now and then as there may be cancellations or new open slots.

Are there any specific requirements or instructions for scheduling a visa appointment?

The guidelines or requirements for booking a visa appointment may vary depending on the VFS Tasheer or the Saudi embassy/consulate. Make sure that you check the instructions on the VFS Tasheer online appointment booking portal or the Saudi embassy’s website.

How long does it typically take to get a visa appointment confirmation?

It typically takes only a few minutes to receive a confirmation for your scheduled visa appointment. Once you’ve selected your preferred Saudi visa appointment date and time, you should receive an e-mail notification confirming that it has been successfully booked online.

Conclusion

In case you are ineligible to apply for a Saudi e-visa or a visa on arrival, your next best option is to apply for a Saudi visa via a VFS Tasheer or through a Saudi embassy/consulate.

Scheduling an appointment is easy, simple, and straightforward as it is done online. Make sure you have reviewed the required documents for the visa you are applying for before heading to your appointment.

For more information on setting a VFS Saudi visa appointment, visit https://vc.tasheer.com/static/faq.

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