Saudi Business Visa For Bangladeshi Citizens

Introduction

In an era of globalization, expanding business operations internationally is a common aspiration for entrepreneurs worldwide. For Bangladeshi citizens eyeing opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, obtaining a business visa is a crucial initial step.

Saudi Arabia, with its robust economy and strategic location, offers a promising landscape for business ventures. However, understanding the intricacies of the visa application process is essential for a smooth entry into the Saudi market.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide for Bangladeshi citizens on how to obtain a Saudi business visa Saudi business visa, navigating through the requirements, procedures, and essential tips.

Understanding the Saudi business visa

A Saudi business visa is a permit issued to individuals intending to visit the country for business-related activities such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, and exploring investment opportunities. Unlike tourist visas, which are typically short-term and restrict activities, business visas offer more flexibility for engaging in professional endeavors within the Kingdom.

How can Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and professionals travel to Saudi Arabia to take part in business activities? In the following section, we’ll look into the available business visa options to Bangladeshi citizens, along with their respective eligibility, validity, application process, requirements, and more.

Option 1: The Saudi e-visa

The simplest and easiest way travelers can obtain a Saudi visa for business is to obtain a Saudi electronic visa/e-visa or visa on arrival. The great thing about it is that the Saudi e-visa allows visitors to perform a variety of purposes, from business, tourism, seeking medical treatment, visiting family and friends, to performing Umrah.

Saudi authorities have made certain nationalities eligible for a Saudi e-visa. Although Bangladesh is not among the eligible countries, other conditions allow a Bangladeshi citizen to apply for a Saudi e-visa.

Eligibility

The following can apply for an e-visa, provided they are:

1. Citizens of the following countries:

North America: Canada, Panama, USA, Saint Kitts, and Nevis

Europe: Andorra, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom,

Asia: Brunei, China (Including Hong Kong And Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Tajikistan, Turkey, Thailand, Uzbekistan

Africa: South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

2. Permanent residents in the USA, EU, or the UK
3. Holders of visit visas (Schengen, US, UK)
4. Residents in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates)

Note that dual citizenships from the mentioned countries also make you eligible for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival. This means that Bangladeshi citizens and residents who have eligible dual citizenship or have an active US, UK, or Schengen visit visa that has been used at least once may apply for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival.

Application

If you are an eligible dual citizen or a US, UK, or Schengen visa holder, all you need to do is visit KSA Visa, Saudi Arabia’s easy-to-use portal, sign up for an account, provide your visa information as well as your personal and passport information, pay for the insurance and visa application fees, and just wait for the e-visa to be e-mailed.

Requirements

To apply for a Saudi business e-visa, you will need the following:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Digital passport photo with a white background (in JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, or BMP file formats; not bigger than 100 KB; and 200×200 pixels in dimension)
• Accomplished application form
• Health insurance
• Invitation letter

Note that you will be given the option to apply for a business e-visa with or without an invitation letter. If you have an invitation letter, you’ll need to indicate the invitation letter number and the passport or Iqama (resident permit) number of your sponsor or the inviting entity in Saudi Arabia. The invitation letter must also prove your relationship with the inviting company and explain the business purpose of the invitation.

If you will be applying for a business e-visa without an invitation letter, make sure to note information about your work in the visa application form.

Validity

The Saudi business e-visa will be valid for one year from the date of issuance and it will be valid for multiple entries. You can stay for a total of 3 months or 90 days in Saudi Arabia, as long as your Schengen visa is still valid during your stay. Note that once you are granted a Saudi e-visa, it cannot be extended.

Visa fees

The fees for a Saudi business e-visa include the following:

• $ 80 visa fee (refundable)
• $10.50 Visa Digital Service Fee (non-refundable)
• $10.50 Insurance Digital Service Fee (non-refundable)
• Insurance fees (depending on the insurance company chosen)

Payment must be made in Saudi Riyals with an international debit or credit card. Note that the visa fees are non-refundable in case the e-visa is rejected.

Processing time

Now that you’ve completed your online visa application form, it’s time to wait. The processing time can take anywhere between one to two business days. You’ll know if your visa has been approved once you receive an e-mail from KSA Visa.

Option 2: Visa on arrival

The next easy and convenient option is the visa on arrival, a type of visa that is issued upon a foreign national’s entry into a country. Note that although it is a quick and easy way to get a Saudi visa, it might be more practical to apply for a Saudi business e-visa instead ahead of time to avoid any surprises at the airport.

With the visa on arrival, travelers don’t need to apply for the visa beforehand. A visa on arrival is typically issued at the airport after the traveler submits certain documents as indicated by immigration authorities.

Eligibility

The same conditions as for the Saudi e-visa apply to the eligibility for a Saudi visa on arrival: citizens of the identified eligible countries; permanent US, UK, and EU residents; holders of active US, UK, or Schengen visit visas with at least one entry stamp; and GCC nationals and residents.

Application

You can apply for a Saudi visa on arrival in two ways: using a self-service kiosk or heading to a passport control desk.

For the self-service option, you should go to the passport control area once you arrive at one of Saudi Arabia’s international airports. There, approach any of the available self-service kiosks, where you’ll scan your passport, enter your personal and passport information, and indicate details of your accommodation while in Saudi Arabia, before scanning your fingerprints for biometrics and taking your photo.

The final steps include selecting your medical insurance provider in Saudi Arabia and paying for the visa-on-arrival fees.

Alternatively, you can go through an immigration officer at passport control, go through the same process, provide the same information, and pay the corresponding fees to receive a Saudi visa on arrival.

Requirements

If you’re eligible for a Saudi visa on arrival, you’ll just need the following:

• If you are a holder of an active US, UK, or Schengen visa, you should have at least one entry stamp in your passport using the visa).
• A passport has a validity period of at least 6 months at the time of the trip

Visa fees

The total visa application fee amounts to SAR 480 ($127.98), which already includes the cost of health insurance and taxes. Note that visa fees are non-refundable.

Validity

The Saudi visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from its issuance date. The multiple-entry visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. It allows the traveler to stay for a maximum of 90 days. The single-entry visa on arrival, meanwhile, is valid for 3 months from its date of issuance, and travelers can stay for up to 30 days.

Processing time

Once you’ve gone through the application process, and assuming there are no issues with your information, it only takes between 5 to 30 minutes for your Saudi on-arrival visa to be issued.

Option 3: Business visa Via VFS Tasheer or the Saudi embassy

If you are ineligible for an e-visa, you might be eligible to apply for a Saudi visa by applying through the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate. Note that many Saudi embassies or consulates may no longer accept visa applications and will refer you instead to a VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) Tasheer or the KSA Visa platform.

The following is a list of VFS Tasheer locations in Bangladesh:

• Plot no. GA – 37, Jamalpur Twin Tower, 1 Nurerchala Rd, Dhaka 1212, with e-mail address info.dhaka@tasheer.com
• World Trade Center Chittagong, (2nd Floor) 102/103 Agrabad C/A. Commerce College Road, Chittagong 4100, Bangladesh, with e-mail address info.dhaka@tasheer.com

The Saudi Arabia embassy in Bangladesh, meanwhile, is located at House 5 (NE) L,Road 83,Gulshan-2,Dhaka-1212, with contact number 0088028834056 and e-mail address bdemb@mofa.gov.sa.

Eligibility

People of all nationalities are welcome to apply for a Saudi visa via a VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate.

Application

To book a Saudi visa via a VFS Tasheer, you’ll need to book an appointment at https://vc.tasheer.com/appointment. Select your nationality and the visa you are applying for. On the day of your appointment, submit your supporting documents, get your fingerprints scanned and your photo taken, before paying the visa fees.

Similar to the VFS, you will need to schedule an appointment at a Saudi embassy/consulate to submit your supporting documents, your fingerprints to be scanned, and your photo taken, before paying the visa fees.

Requirements

When applying for a Saudi business visa through a VFS Tasheer or a Saudi embassy/consulate, you will typically need to prepare the following:

• Clear photocopy of your passport (with at least 6 months’ worth of validity remaining)
• 2 copies of a passport-sized photo
• Birth and/or marriage certificate of the applicant
• Invitation letter from inviting company

Visa fees

Note that the fees will vary per VFS location or Saudi embassy/consulate. Some VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate may only accept cash, while others may also accept international debit or credit cards.

Validity

Generally, standard Saudi visit visas have a total stay duration of 90 days, whether for a single-entry visa (valid for 90 days) or a multiple-entry visa (valid for 365 days).

Processing time

Depending on your location and the volume of VFS customers, it may take a few business days to a few weeks for your visa application to be processed. Note that the processing time may be longer if the VFS Tasheer asks you for additional supporting documents or information.

For the embassy/consulate, meanwhile, visa processing times will vary and can take a few days to a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

While we’ve exhausted the different routes to obtaining a Saudi business visa, you may still have other related topics that were not covered. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about Saudi business visas.

How can I cancel my Saudi business visa?

Once a visa has been issued, its visa fees cannot be refunded and cannot be canceled. If you would like to cancel a business visa before it is issued, an automatic refund request will be submitted and processed within 45-60 business days.

Can I work in Saudi Arabia under a business visa?

No, you may not work in Saudi Arabia under a business visa. A business visa is different from a work visa. A work visa is required for you to legally work in Saudi Arabia, while a business visa allows you to engage in business activities in Saudi Arabia.

How long can I attend a business conference if I have a Saudi business visa?

There’s no set period for attending conferences. Just make sure that you do not sign any type of employment contract.

Are there any restrictions on business activities allowed under a Saudi business visit visa?

While a Saudi business visit visa allows visitors to engage in legitimate business-related matters within the Kingdom, they must refrain from seeking employment, taking part in any illegal activities, or getting into unauthorized business activities.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Saudi business visa as a Bangladeshi citizen is a pivotal step towards exploring opportunities and expanding your professional network in the Kingdom.

By understanding the requirements, procedures, and essential tips outlined in this guide, you can navigate the visa application process with confidence and pave the way for a successful business venture in Saudi Arabia.

Remember to plan meticulously, prepare your documents diligently, and maintain clear communication with your sponsor to maximize your chances of obtaining a Saudi business visa smoothly.

For more information on how to obtain a Saudi business visa for Bangladeshi citizens, visit KSA Visa.

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