From South Africa to Saudi Arabia: How to Obtain Your Visit Visa

Introduction

Saudi Arabia is poised for even more economic growth, as it partners with different nations for strategic collaboration. One nation it is fostering enhanced trade ties with is South Africa, with a focus on sectors such as vehicles, mineral resources, chemicals, machinery, as well as renewable energy.

Amid this mutual commitment to growth, Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to more countries with its e-visa program. South African citizens, for instance, can enjoy convenient access to Saudi Arabia.

With the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and South Africa, how can South African citizens apply for a Saudi visa from South Africa? What is the process like and how easy is it? What are the requirements and where can they apply? What Saudi visas are they eligible for? We explore these and more in this article.

Eligibility

If you’re a South African citizen and are traveling to Saudi Arabia, you must secure a Saudi visa. The good news, though, is that South Africa is among the expanded list of over 60 countries eligible for Saudi’s electronic visa or e-visa.

Applying for a Saudi visa

As mentioned, citizens of South Africa 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.

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.

Application

While South African citizens are eligible for a Saudi e-visa, South African residents must apply for a standard Saudi visa through VFS Tasheer or the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate. The Saudi transit/stopover visa is also an alternative as this is open to all nationalities.

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.

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 South Africa is located in two locations:

• 1st floor Rivonia Village Office Block, corner. Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Rivonia, Johannesburg, with contact number 011 784 3530 / 067 254 7356 and e-mail address info.Johannesburg@tasheer.com.
• 2 Long street, 7th floor, City Cape Town, Cape Town, 8001, with contact number 021 418 0171 and e-mail address info.captown@tasheer.com.

The Saudi Arabia embassy in South Africa, meanwhile, is located at 711 Duncan St, Hatfild 0028, with contact number 0027123624230 and e-mail address zaemb@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

Visa fees

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

You now know what types of Saudi visas you are eligible for if you are applying from South Africa. Still, you may have more questions and concerns. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

How much is the Umrah visa from South Africa?

Because each country will have its own set of local Umrah providers, the visa fees will vary.
If you were to refer to the Umrah packages available on Nusuk, these can range from as low as SAR 780 ($207.98) for a Basic Umrah package to SAR 6500 ($1,733.15) for a VIP Umrah package.

Umrah packages typically include fees for the visa, accommodation, group transportation to and from the airport, as well as health insurance.

How much is a Saudi visa for South Africans?

The visa fee will depend on what type of Saudi visa you are applying for and through which route (online, on arrival, as part of a layover, or through VFS centers or Saudi embassy/consulate) due to administrative costs, taxes, insurance, and other additional fees.

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 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.

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

Saudi Arabia and South Africa are enhancing their trade ties with a focus on certain sectors such as vehicles, mineral resources, chemicals, machinery, as well as renewable energy.

Saudi Arabia is also making it easier for travelers from South Africa and other countries to travel to its shores, with the e-visa and visa-on-arrival programs. South African citizens are among the people worldwide eligible for these. For other Saudi visa types, they may apply via Saudi embassies/consulates or VFS Tasheer centers.

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

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