Saudi Family & Friends Visa through VFS Centers

Introduction

In 2022, Saudi Arabia was reported to have over 13 million foreign residents. With its fantastic career offerings, attractive compensation packages, tax-free salaries, and travel opportunities. Following the ease of restrictions due to the pandemic, more and more expatriates are seeking employment in the kingdom. For families separated by borders, the Saudi family & friends visit visa helps facilitate reunions and cherished moments together. Leveraging Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) centers, the process of obtaining a family & friends visit visa becomes streamlined, efficient, and hassle-free.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the steps involved in obtaining a Saudi family & friends visit visa via VFS centers, empowering families with the knowledge to navigate the process with ease.

Understanding the family and friends visa

VFS centers play a pivotal role in facilitating visa application processes for various countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Through these centers, you can access expert guidance, streamlined procedures, and convenient services, enhancing the overall visa application experience. When it comes to Saudi family & friends visit visas, VFS centers serve as authorized intermediaries, assisting applicants at every stage of the process.

Benefits of using VFS centers

There are several benefits of applying for a Saudi family & friends visit visa via a VFS service center, primarily, the added convenience of a streamlined visa application process and the convenience of your documents being collected and submitted to the Saudi embassy.

1. Expert assistance
   VFS centers employ trained personnel who are well-versed in visa application procedures and requirements. They provide personalized assistance to applicants, addressing queries, and guiding them through the application process.
2. Streamlined procedures
   VFS centers streamline the visa application process, minimizing paperwork, and ensuring that applications are submitted correctly. This helps expedite processing times and reduces the likelihood of errors or delays.
3. Convenient services
   VFS centers offer a range of convenient services, including document collection, biometric data capture, and courier services for passport return. Applicants can benefit from these services, saving time and effort in the application process.
4. Enhanced communication
   VFS centers serve as a communication channel between applicants and the relevant authorities, providing updates on application status and addressing any additional requirements or inquiries.
5. Eligibility
   Only legal Saudi residents or citizens with an Iqama (residence permit) can apply for a Saudi family & friends visit visa for their relatives. Note that the eligible relatives for the visa must be the resident or citizen’s friends or first-degree relatives such as their parent, spouse, child, or sibling.
6. Requirements
   There are several requirements needed if you would like to apply for a Saudi family & friends visit visa. Once your sponsor in Saudi Arabia has initiated the visa application process, you may start collecting the documents for submission to a VFS service center.
7. Sponsorship
   As mentioned, a Saudi citizen or resident with a valid iqama (residence permit) must act as the sponsor for the family & friends visit visa. The sponsor initiates the visa application process and assumes responsibility for the visitor during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
8. Invitation letter
   The sponsor must provide an official invitation letter addressed to the Saudi embassy or consulate, detailing the purpose of the visit, the duration of stay, and the relationship between the sponsor and the visitor.
9. Valid passport
   Applicants must possess a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended duration of stay in Saudi Arabia. The passport must have blank visa pages for stamping.
10. Passport-sized photographs
    Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the Saudi visa photo specifications are required. These photographs should have a white background and clearly depict the applicant’s facial features.
11. Proof of relationship
    Documentary evidence of the relationship between the sponsor and the visitor, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or family registration documents, must be provided.
12. Proof of travel arrangements
    You may submit flight tickets and hotel reservations. Make sure these match the indicated travel dates in your visa application form.
13. Proof of sufficient funds
    Produce a bank statement showing you have enough funds to pay for your travel expenses while in Saudi Arabia.
14. Medical insurance
    Health insurance is a must for traveling to Saudi Arabia. Make sure to select a package that suits your needs and budget.
15. Validity
    Once you have a Saudi family & friends visit visa, you can enter the country for a total stay duration of 90 days, whether you applied for a single-entry visa (valid for 90 days) or a multiple-entry visa (valid for one year).

Applying for a family & friends visa via VFS

The process of applying for a Saudi family & friends visit visa at a VFS service center is fairly straightforward. Below is a guide to the steps involved.

Documents submission to MOFA

Your sponsor must first submit documents to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) such as their passport, Iqama, passport-size photos, apostilled national ID card, marriage certificate if they are inviting a spouse, and a notarized letter in Arabic signed by the parent or legal guardian if they are inviting a minor.

They must also fill out an e-form available on the e-services page of the MOFA website. Once approved by the Chamber of Commerce, the sponsor can send the scanned signed, and stamped application form to you. That’s the time when you can submit your documents to a VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate.

1. Application submission
   Submit your visa applications, along with the required documents, to the nearest VFS center. The center verifies the completeness of the application and accepts the documents for processing.
2. Payment
   After submitting your requirements, pay for the visa fee. You’ll be given a claim stub or invoice for when you pick up or receive your passport and visa.
3. Biometric data capture
   Depending on the visa category, you may be required to undergo biometric data capture, including fingerprinting and facial recognition, at the VFS center.
4. Document collection
   Upon completion of the application process, you can collect your documents from the VFS center or opt for courier services for the return of your passport.
5. Application tracking
   VFS centers provide you with tracking facilities to monitor the status of your visa application and receive updates on the progress.
6. Visa issuance
   Once the visa application is approved, the Saudi embassy or consulate affixes the visa stamp to your passport. You can then travel to Saudi Arabia within the specified validity period.
7. Visa fees
   The cost for both a single or multiple-entry Saudi family & friends visit visa can range from USD 50 to USD 200. Note that the visa fee can vary depending on the VFS location and typically includes a medical fee, service fee, and sales taxes.
8. Processing time
   It takes around three days for a Saudi family visit visa to be processed.

Tips for a Smooth Application Experience

To ensure that you have a smooth and hassle-free experience submitting your visa application documents, make sure to follow the following tips.

1. Plan ahead: Initiate the visa application process well in advance of the intended travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing and potential delays.
2. Follow instructions: Adhere to the instructions provided by the VFS center regarding the application process, document requirements, and fees.
3. Maintain communication: Stay in touch with the VFS center for updates on your application status and to address any queries or concerns.
4. Double-check documents: Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and meet the Saudi visa requirements before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we’ve covered the basics of applying for a Saudi family & friends visit visa via VFS service centers, you may still have other questions about the process. The following are answers to frequently asked questions.

How can I cancel my Saudi family & friends visit visa?

If there is a mistake in your visa information other than your nationality or passport number, then the issued visa can be canceled.

First, the issued visa will be canceled by the embassy. Once you are notified about the confirmed cancelation, you may contact KSA Visa so they can cancel the visa from the platform. It should take up to 72 hours.

When applying for a Saudi family & friends visit visa, do I need to submit separate applications for my family members?

Yes, each adult family member must submit their own application form. Visas for minors must be taken care of by the guardian obtaining the visa.

How can I apply for a Saudi family & friends e-visa on behalf of my children?

If applying for a Saudi e-visa on behalf of children, the guardian should apply for the children’s e-visa using his/her account. Simply tick the box “apply on behalf of someone else” and indicate your name as their guardian. Note that the child’s nationality must match that of the guardian and the guardian must have first secured his/her own e-visa before he can apply for the child’s e-visa.

Do I need to keep a hard copy of my Saudi family & friends visit visa?

It won’t be necessary to present a hard copy of your visa because it will show up in the Saudi travel authorities’ system. But it is best to save a digital copy on your mobile phone.

If you did not receive a copy of your visa and would like to print it, visit https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/visaservices/searchvisa to print it from the platform.

What if my family & friends visit visa application is rejected?

In the event of a visa rejection, VFS centers may provide guidance on possible reasons for rejection and options for appeal, if applicable.

Can I use VFS services for other visa types besides family & friends visit visas?

Yes, VFS centers typically offer services for various visa types, including tourist visas, business visas, and work visas, depending on the country’s immigration policies.

How many times can I change my VFS appointment date?

You can make changes to your VFS appointment date up to five times only. You may either visit the VFS service center as a walk-in applicant or choose to book a “Lounge” appointment. The Lounge service provides a more personalized visa application experience, with benefits such as added privacy and comfort, quicker visa application submission, courier return of your passport, and real-time notifications about the status of your visa application.

Do I have to apply for a family & friends visa personally?

Yes, you have to submit your visa application documents personally and have your biometrics captured as per the requirements of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Can I speed up the VFS visa application process?

No, the VFS service center only provides administrative support to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia and cannot influence its decision-making process for visa applications.

However, you may avail of the benefits of the VFS’ lounge service, which facilitates quicker submission of your visa application documents to the Saudi embassy.

Conclusion

Over 13 million foreign expatriates call Saudi Arabia their second home. The kingdom offers fantastic career prospects, handsome compensation packages, as well as travel opportunities.

Obtaining a Saudi family & friends visit visa via VFS centers offers a streamlined and efficient approach, enabling families to reunite and create lasting memories together. Their services help facilitate the easy collection of visa application documents, biometrics enrollment, and visa issuance, so applicants no longer need to make a physical appearance at a Saudi embassy or consulate to obtain a family visit visa.

By understanding the requirements, procedures, and benefits outlined in this guide, applicants can navigate the visa application process with confidence and ease. Whether reuniting with loved ones or embarking on a memorable family vacation, the assistance provided by VFS centers ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.

To check if there is a VFS service center near your location, visit https://vc.tasheer.com/ or https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html.

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