How to Make Saudi Visa Inquiries

Introduction

Having a visa is a fantastic way to experience and immerse yourself in a different culture and environment. You get to indulge in local flavors and soak in all the energy that a new place gives you.

If you have a Saudi visa or are planning to get one, you will likely have a question or two about the process, especially if it’s your first time applying for one. You may also be a frequent traveler to Saudi Arabia or are in the country for work, studies, or medical treatment.

What are ways you can make a Saudi visa inquiry? How can you ask questions or make clarifications about the status of your visa? In this article, we share with you ways to inquire about your Saudi visa.

Where to apply for a Saudi visa

Different processes will have different ways for you to inquire about your visa, so it’s vital to learn the different ways you can apply for a Saudi visa. The following is a guide to the different types of visas which require different ways of applying.

Option 1: KSA Visa

Eligibility

The Saudi e-visa allows foreign nationals entry into Saudi Arabia for various travel purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, seeking medical treatment, or performing Umrah. If you meet the following criteria, you are eligible for a Saudi e-visa:

1. Citizens of the following countries:

• North America: Canada, Panama, US, 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 visa, USA visa, UK visa)

4. Residents in one of the 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.

How the e-visa system works

Under the new e-visa system, 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.

The e-visa can be accessed via KSA Visa, a new unified national platform for visa applications, and it will be instantly delivered via email.

Applicants can simply select their preferred visa, accomplish and submit the online application form, pay for the visa fee, and await the decision from KSA Visa.

Processing time

Once you’ve paid for your Saudi e-visa, it’s time to wait as these have varying processing times. Having an idea of the processing times will help manage your expectations as to when you should check your Saudi visa application status. Here’s an overview:

• Tourist visa: 1 minute to 3 business days
• Family visit visa: About 3 business days
• Personal visit visa: Around 3 business days
• Medical visa: Approximately 3 business days
• Umrah visa: 5 to 30 minutes
• Business visa: 1 to 2 business days

Checking the status of your Saudi e-visa application

To check the status of your e-visa application, log in to your KSA Visa account and check out the “Order Tracking” tool at the top. Just enter your application or visa number and your passport number so the system can generate the status of your e-visa application.

Inquiring about your Saudi e-visa

If you applied for a Saudi visa via the KSA Visa platform, you may contact them by making a call to the following numbers:

• Unified Call Center: 920011114
• From outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 00966920011114, +966114077777, or 966114414588

You may also send an e-mail to customercare@mofa.gov.sa. Alternatively, you can send an inquiry with the field provided on https://ksavisa.sa/contact-us.

Option 2: Via VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate

The other ways you can apply for a Saudi visa are via a VFS Tasheer center or through the Saudi embassy or consulate in your location.

VFS, which stands for “visa facilitation services”, helps governments and diplomatic missions. It’s the largest visa outsourcing and technology specialist in the world. Specifically, they assist in the administrative tasks related to visa, passport, and consular services. They help in the collection of visa applicants’ documents and requirements so that embassies and consulates can focus solely on the task of assessing applications and approving or rejecting them.

Application via VFS Tasheer

To apply at a VFS Tasheer, you’ll need to visit the designated branch indicated in your online appointment to personally submit your documents, get your biometrics taken, and pay for your visa fee.

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.

Checking the visa application status via a VFS Tasheer

If you applied via a VFS Tasheer, you can check the Saudi visa application status by accessing the VFS portal and using the “Track Status” tool. Just input your appointment reference number or your visa platform number and date of birth to generate the status online.

Inquiring about your visa if you applied via a VFS Tasheer

To make a Saudi visa inquiry, you may visit https://vc.tasheer.com/static/faq, choose which VFS center you applied at in your location, select “General enquiry”, and send your message to VFS. You may attach a file such as a Microsoft Word document, PDF file, or a JPEG or PNG file if necessary. Make sure to add as well your e-mail address and mobile number so you can receive their response.

Application via Saudi embassy/consulate

Similar to applying for a Saudi visa via a VFS Tasheer, you’ll need to also make a physical appearance at the Saudi embassy/consulate on the date you selected in your online appointment booking. The embassy/consulate may or may not interview you to ask you about details of your trip.

Just like the VFS Tasheer, you will leave your passport, accomplished visa application form, and supporting documents with them until you are notified that your passport is ready for pick-up or delivery.

Processing time

Just like the other visa application options, the processing time will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, so it can range from a few days to a few weeks.

Checking the Saudi visa application status if you applied at a Saudi embassy/consulate

If you applied for a visa via a Saudi embassy/consulate, you check the Saudi visa application status by checking online. Typically, embassies will have their website where you also schedule a visa appointment. You will just need to access the same platform and enter information such as your application number and passport number to retrieve the status of your visa application.

Making a Saudi visa inquiry if you applied via a Saudi embassy/consulate

It will depend on the contact information available for the Saudi embassy or consulate where you applied for your Saudi visa. You may make a telephone call or send an e-mail if applicable. Alternatively, some Saudi embassies or consulates have a dedicated customer service hotline which you may contact for any queries.

For a list of Saudi embassies and their locations and contact details, click here.

Option 3: Authorized service provider

Typically, you will need to apply for a Saudi visa via an authorized service provider such as a travel agent if you are applying for a Hajj visa.

To make a Saudi visa inquiry, you may get in touch directly with them for details about your visa. They can assist in obtaining the information that you require.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are a frequent traveler to Saudi Arabia, are based in the country for work, or are traveling there for the first time, you’ll surely have questions in your mind about your visa. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about a Saudi visa.

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.

Is there a specific period for processing a visa application?

Once you have completed the Saudi visa application process and paid for the visa fees, the application will be processed. Note that it can take anywhere between one minute to a maximum of three business days. In some cases, more time will be necessary for processing the visa if there is insufficient information or supporting documents.

Is it possible to refund the visa fees after issuance?

No, it is not possible to refund the visa fees once the visa has been issued, as these are non-refundable and cannot be canceled.

Is it possible to amend my personal 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.

Conclusion

Having a visa is a great way to open your eyes to new sights and immerse yourself in a new culture. A Saudi visa, for instance, provides you access to its wealth of natural wonders and rich heritage.

Whether you’re in the country for tourism, reuniting with family or friends, engaging in business activities, seeking medical treatment, taking up studies, or performing Umrah, you will likely have a question or two about your visa. It may be about its validity if you can ask for an extension, or other concerns. Whatever the matter, there are various ways to make a Saudi visa inquiry.

The most practical way to inquire about your Saudi visa is to get in touch with the platform, supplier, or Saudi embassy/consulate with which you applied for a visa. Alternatively, you may reach out directly to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to get clarification on your inquiry.

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