How to Apply for a Saudi Visa from Malaysia

Introduction

Each year, millions of Muslims visit Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah or Hajj pilgrimages. In 2023 alone, the country welcomed a record 13.55 million Umrah pilgrims.

One of the countries with a considerable number of pilgrims is Malaysia. Because of the strong influx of Muslim pilgrims from Malaysia, there are plans to position Malaysia as a preferred transit hub for Umrah pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia.

This being said, how easy is it for Malaysians to travel to Saudi Arabia, and not just for Umrah or Hajj? How can they apply for a Saudi visa? What are the requirements and where can they submit these?

In this article, we take a look at the different ways Malaysians can obtain a Saudi visa and the procedures for these.

Eligibility

If you’re a Malaysian citizen and are traveling to Saudi Arabia, you are among the expanded list of over 60 countries eligible for Saudi’s electronic visa or e-visa and visa on arrival. These two visa options are easy and convenient ways to gain access to the country.

Malaysian residents, meanwhile, are not eligible for the two visa options. More on this later.

Applying from Malaysia

There are several ways Malaysian citizens can enter Saudi Arabia. The easiest and most convenient options are to apply for an e-visa or a visa on arrival.

Option 1: Saudi e-visa

The Saudi e-visa is the easiest and simplest visa you can apply for.

The Saudi e-visa program, launched in September 2019, makes it easier for citizens from eligible countries to secure a Saudi visa. It allows foreign nationals entry into Saudi Arabia for various purposes such as tourism, business, and even Umrah.

Under Saudi Arabia’s new e-visa system, eligible travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia no longer need to get a visa sticker stamped on their passports. Instead, these are replaced by a printed e-visa featuring a QR code. This QR code will contain all the essential data and information about the passenger, effectively functioning as a digital visa.

Apart from eligible nationalities (including dual citizens from eligible countries), permanent residents in the US, EU, or the UK; holders of visit visas (Schengen, US, UK); and residents in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).
What’s great about the e-visa is that it already covers tourism-related activities and Umrah (excluding Hajj season).

How the Saudi e-visa works

Now that we know who is eligible for a Saudi e-visa, let’s understand how it works.

Under the new e-visa system, eligible travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia don’t need a visa sticker stamped on their passports. Instead, these are replaced by a printed e-visa featuring a QR code. This QR code will contain all the essential data and information about the passenger, effectively functioning as a digital visa. The e-visa can be accessed online and will be instantly delivered via email. Under an e-visa, you can typically stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days.

Requirements 

To apply for a Saudi e-visa, you will typically need to prepare the following:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• A completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photos (in JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, or BMP file formats; not bigger than 100 KB; and 200×200 pixels in dimension)
• Travel Insurance

Application

To apply for a Saudi e-visa, visit KSA Visa, select the e-visa of your choice, and fill out the online application form.

Provide your personal information and passport details, as well as upload a digital passport-size photo with a white background.

Based on your submitted application, the form will generate the corresponding visa validity: 365 days or 1 year for a multiple-entry visa and 90 days for a single-entry visa. Both single and multiple-entry visas are valid for a total of 90 days.

Visa fees

The visa application fee includes $80 for the visa fee (refundable), $10.50 for the visa digital service fee (non-refundable), $10.50 for the insurance digital service fee (non-refundable), and the insurance fees.
Note that the insurance fee will vary depending on your chosen medical insurance provider). You can pay via international debit or credit card.

Processing time

Now that you’ve completed your online visa application form, it’s time to wait. The processing time can take anywhere between 1 minute to 3 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 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 e-visa ahead of time to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Similar to the e-visa, those who hold eligible citizenship (including dual citizens); have active US, UK, or Schengen visit visas; are permanent residents of the US, UK, or the EU; as well as GCC nationals or residents can avail of a Saudi visa on arrival.

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.

Option 3: Transit/Stopover Visa

There’s another way you can easily enter Saudi Arabia: the Saudi transit or stopover visa, which is open to all nationalities. It allows travelers to pass through Saudi land borders, airports, or ports. This is probably not the most ideal option for all, but it’s a good option if you are staying for less than four days in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers may opt to apply for a transit/stopover visa via Saudi Arabia’s Saudia or Flynas Airlines by booking two flights with a suitable layover of between 12 to 96 hours. While the transit/stopover visa is free, it is still subject to administrative and medical insurance fees. Alternatively, travelers may apply for a standard transit/stopover visa via KSA Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now you know all about your options to travel to Saudi Arabia. We’re sure you still have burning questions, though. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Do Malaysians need a visa to visit Jeddah?

Yes, Malaysians will need a visa to visit Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. They are eligible to apply for a Saudi e-visa or a Saudi visa on arrival.

Can I apply for another tourist visa?

You may not apply for another tourist visa if you are currently under a valid Saudi tourist visa. You may re-apply for a new tourist visa once the current one expires.

If I have a Saudi tourist visa, can I visit Makkah and Al Madinah?

Note that you may only visit Makkah if you are a Muslim visitor, while Al Madinah is open to all tourists. As an alternative, you may want to check out the many sites around Makkah to learn more about Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage.

Can I extend my stay in Saudi Arabia with an e-visa?

Note that if you are granted a Saudi e-visa, it cannot be extended.

How can you print your Saudi visa?

To print a copy of your Saudi visa, open and print the copy you received in your e-mail inbox. It is advisable to carry a copy of your Saudi visa with you at all times throughout your trip in Saudi Arabia.

What’s the time difference between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia?

Malaysia follows the Malaysia Time (MYT), while Saudi Arabia follows the Arabian Standard Time (AST). Therefore, Saudi Arabia is five hours behind Malaysia. For example, if it is 12:00 PM (noon) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it would be 7:00 AM in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What’s the exchange rate between Saudi Riyals (SAR) and the Malaysian Ringgit MYR)?

As of April 23, 2024, 1 Saudi Riyal (SAR) is worth 1.2739 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

Is it possible to amend my data after submitting the visa application?

You cannot make changes to a Saudi e-visa if there is a mistake in the visa holder’s declared information apart from his/her nationality or passport number. As you cannot modify an e-visa, it will need to be canceled and you will need to re-apply for a new e-visa.

If, however, the embassy issued the visa with an incorrect nationality or passport number, then a new visa with the correct nationality or passport number can be issued for a fee. It won’t be necessary to cancel or revoke the old visa.

What should I wear while I’m in Saudi Arabia?

Both men and women should dress modestly while in Saudi Arabia, otherwise they potentially face penalties. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or clothes displaying profane language or images. Women should cover their shoulders and knees when in public.

Generally, wearing long, loose tops, long pants or trousers, or long skirts up to the ankle is safe. The only time you should not abide by this rule is when the situation calls for different attire, such as when swimming. Similarly, choose to wear modest swimming attire.

Conclusion

Among the millions of Muslim pilgrims who travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj yearly, a sizeable number come from Malaysia. As such, there are plans of positioning Malaysia as a preferred transit hub for Muslim pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia.

Malaysian citizens are among those in the world who are eligible to apply for a Saudi e-visa and a Saudi visa on arrival. For other Saudi visa types, they can apply for these via Saudi embassies or consulates, VFS Tasheer centers, or through authorized service providers.

For more information on applying for a Saudi visa from Malaysia, visit KSA Visa.

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