How to Apply for a Saudi Visit Visa from Singapore

Introduction

Singapore marked a first as it upgraded its relationship with Saudi Arabia into a strategic partnership in 2023. As part of their stronger ties, airlines from Singapore and Saudi Arabia will increase the number of flights between the two countries, as announced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on February 21, 2024.

On top of this, Saudi Arabia is also investing $800 billion in various tourist developments, such as the Red Sea Project, the Neom urban development, and even the first-ever Dragon Ball Z theme park.

Keeping this in mind, how easy is it to apply for a Saudi visa from Singapore? What is the process like, and what are the requirements? Read on as we share the Saudi visa application options and steps.

Eligibility

If you’re a Singaporean citizen and are traveling to Saudi Arabia, you’re in luck, as Singapore is 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.

Applying from Singapore

As mentioned, citizens of Singapore are among those eligible to apply for a Saudi visa, and they can either apply for an e-visa or a visa on arrival. What is this process like and what are the steps involved? Read on to learn more.

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 for an e-visa

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.

Apart from indicating whether you would like to apply for a single or multiple-entry visa, you’ll also need to 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.

Applying for a Saudi visa

Although Singaporean citizens are eligible to apply for a Saudi e-visa or a visa on arrival, this does not apply to Singaporean residents. The following are alternatives for Singaporean residents.

Option 3: Transit/Stopover Visa

Transit and stopover are two terms used interchangeably to refer to temporary entry in Saudi Arabia for a few hours to a few days as part of a layover, or when passing through Saudi Arabia via land or sea. It allows travelers of all nationalities to pass through Saudi land borders, airports, or ports for no more than 96 hours. While in the country, they can also perform Umrah.

Note that a transit visa is only required if your layover or stopover in Saudi Arabia is over 12 hours.

Transit/stopover visa with Flynas or Saudia

If your stopover in Saudi Arabia allows you to stay for more than 12 hours and you are flying via Flynas or Saudia, you’re in luck. You are eligible for a free Saudi transit or stopover visa which allows you a brief stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 96 hours.

When you book with these two airlines, your transit/stopover visa will be automatically generated and e-mailed to you once approved. It takes about just three minutes to apply for the transit/stopover visa. You may apply for the visa up to 90 days before your trip.

Note that while the transit/stopover visa is free, it is still subject to administrative and medical insurance fees.

Standard transit visa

If you are passing through Saudi Arabia on an airline other than Saudi Arabia’s Flynas or Saudia and your layover/stopover is more than 12 hours, you can avail of a standard transit visa.

To apply for this visa, visit KSA Visa and select the applicable transit visa (Land Transit Visa, Air Transit Visa, or Sea Transit Visa). Similar to the e-visa application, you’ll be asked to provide information such as your personal information, passport information, etc. before being asked to pay the medical insurance fee, visa fee, and application fees.

Visa fees

While you can avail of a free transit/stopover visa via Saudia or Flynas, it is still subject to administrative and medical insurance fees. It costs SAR 93.73 ($24.99) via Saudia or Flynas and around SAR 100 ($26.66) for a standard/transit visa (inclusive of tax and insurance fees). Note that these fees are non-refundable.

Processing time

Once you’ve paid for your visa on arrival, it’s time to wait. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes for the visa on arrival to be issued.

Option 4: VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate

A final alternative if you won’t be transiting through Saudi Arabia is to apply for a Saudi visa through a VFS Tasheer center or the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate. VFS, which stands for “visa facilitation services”, helps in the administrative tasks related to visa, passport, and consular services.

The VFS Tasheer in Singapore is located at 135 Cecil Street, Philippine Airlines Building 08-01, Singapore 069536. You may e-mail them at info.singapore@tasheer.com.

The Saudi Arabia embassy in Singapore is located at 163 Penang Road, Winsland House II, Singapore 238463. You may contact them at 006567345878 or e-mail them at sgemb@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, your photo taken, before paying the visa fees.

Requirements

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
• How much does it cost?

Note that the fees will vary per VFS location and also depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Some VFS Tasheer may only accept cash, while others may also accept international debit or credit cards.

Validity

It will depend on the type of Saudi visa you are applying for, although generally, 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, it typically takes 1 to 2 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we’ve discussed how Singaporean citizens can apply for a Saudi visa, you may still have some burning questions in mind. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

How can I apply for an Umrah visa from Singapore?

To get an Umrah visa from Singapore, you may apply for a Saudi tourist e-visa if you are eligible for it. The tourist e-visa allows holders to not just perform tourism activities, but also visit family and friends, attend business engagements, seek medical treatment, or perform Umrah.

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.

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.

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

As a gesture of their friendship, Singapore and Saudi Arabia entered a strategic partnership in 2023, with both countries growing their aviation sectors to meet the rising demands for international travel.

There are plans to increase flights between Singapore and Saudi Arabia, as well as enhance their cooperation in various fields such as defense, security, environment, agriculture, food security, digital economy, tourism, education, and health, among other fields.

Singaporeans are among those in the world eligible for a Saudi e-visa and visa on arrival. This provides them easy access to explore the wealth of tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia.

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