Saudi Visit Visa FAQs: All You Need to Know

Introduction

In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made it possible for more travelers to enter its borders with the introduction of the Saudi electronic or Saudi e-visa. Although the process is simple to apply for a Saudi visa, you may have lots of questions about it. The following is an overview of the Saudi visit visa application process with the help of Saudi visit visa FAQs.

Visit visas are an amazing way to not just spend time with loved ones, but also to explore tourist attractions, attend business conferences, seek medical treatment, or perform pilgrimages.

The Saudi e-visa

Gone are the days when applying for a visa meant having to physically appear and queue at a Saudi embassy or lug around hard copies of documents to apply for a Saudi visa. These days, traveling to Saudi Arabia has become easier and more convenient thanks to the Saudi electronic visa or Saudi e-visa.

In 2019, the country’s Ministry of Tourism introduced the e-visa program to provide opportunities to tourists and visitors from eligible countries to explore the country’s tourist spots, take part in entertainment events, and immerse themselves in Saudi culture.

Launched in 2019, the Saudi e-visa program 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 Umrah.

Read on to find a list of Saudi visit visa FAQs on the application process, on travel and health insurance, on technical issues, and if you are applying from certain locations.

Saudi Visit Visa FAQs on Applying and Insurance:

Want to learn about the process of applying for a Saudi visa or if you need insurance? Read the following Saudi visit visa FAQs to help you plan for your trip.

What should I do if my tourist visa application is rejected?

If your tourist visa application is rejected, you must visit the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate to apply for a new visa.

My visa application status says it is “pending with applicant”. What does this mean?

This means that your application might have missing information or there is a problem with your photo.

Is the process different if you apply for a visa as an individual versus as a group?

You are free to apply either as a group or as an individual. If you would like to apply for a visa as a group, this option is just to facilitate the payment process.

Do I need medical insurance so I can apply for a Saudi tourist visa?

The tourist visa fee already includes health insurance with coverage of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals. For a list of included hospitals, contact the insurance company.

Does the selected guardian have to be with the child when entering Saudi Arabia?

The selected guardian is not required to enter Saudi Arabia with the child, so long as a first-degree relative will be accompanying the child, such as his/her father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, or grandmother.

How can I inquire about the travel insurance company?

To inquire about an insurance company, visit the website of Saudi Arabia’s Council of Health Insurance (CHI) and inquire about the health insurance with your passport number.

What data will appear when I inquire about the travel insurance?

You should see the name of the insurance company, the insurance policy number, and its expiry date.

Am I required to pay a deductible/co-payment when I visit the service provider?

No, you are not required to pay a charge (co-payment) when you visit approved service providers.

Can the service provider ask the tourist to pay in cash until the insurance approval is received?

No, this is against the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia’s Council of Health Insurance (CHI). The service provider must provide the required service and inform the insurance company within 24 hours of receiving the case.

What documents do I need to submit when I visit a medical service provider?

You should submit your passport number or your insurance policy number when you visit a medical service provider.

How do medical service providers handle emergency cases?

Emergency cases are handled according to the following levels: 1) Resuscitation, 2) Emergencies, and 3) Urgent cases that can result in the loss of life, an organ, or direct disability. This is based on the emergency doctor’s decision, without referring to the insurance company.

Do visa applicants get their health insurance over e-mail once their visa is granted?

No, the health insurance is not e-mailed once the visa is granted. Instead, this can be downloaded as a PDF file through the same account with which the application was made.

Saudi Visit Visa FAQs on Technical Issues

It’s not uncommon to encounter technical issues if you are applying online. The following is a list of Saudi visit visa FAQs on technical issues.

Can the e-visa be modified if there was a mistake in the tourist’s information?

No, it is not possible to modify an issued e-visa in case there were mistakes in the application information. If the mistake was other than nationality or passport number, then the issued tourist visa can be canceled.

What can I do if my tourist visa was issued with a mistake in my nationality or passport number?

A new visa can be issued with the corrected nationality or passport number, subject to new fees, without needing to cancel the old one or wait for the visa to expire. Note that the visa fees are non-refundable.

I made a mistake in my personal information that does not show on the visa but is reflected in the insurance policy (ex: passport expiry date, date of birth, gender). What can I do?

You will need to cancel the visa and have a new one issued with the correct personal details.

Does an error in one visa affect the validity of other visas issued as a group?

A mistake in one visa does not affect the group.

I didn’t receive the activation email in my inbox. What should I do?

If you didn’t receive the activation e-mail in your inbox, check your spam (junk mail) folder. If you still can’t find the application, contact KSA Visa.

I received an e-mail from the embassy confirming the cancellation of the tourist visa. Is it enough or do I still need to visit the embassy in person?

A confirmation e-mail from the embassy is enough and you don’t need to visit the embassy. Once the cancellation has been confirmed, it will take up to 72 hours to remove the canceled visa from the portal after the request has been raised.

General Saudi Visit Visa FAQs:

You may be curious or interested about a lot of things as you plan your trip to Saudi Arabia. The following is a list of general Saudi visit visa FAQs for your reference.

Can tourists visit Makkah and Al Madinah?

The holy city of Makkah may only be visited by Muslims. Meanwhile, Al Madinah is open to all
tourists. Many locations around Makkah are also open to tourists to learn about Saudi Arabia’s local culture and history.

Do I need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia as a tourist?

Unless you are a Saudi national, a resident of Saudi Arabia, or a citizen of a GCC country, then you must have a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Depending on your nationality, there are different options for issuing the tourist visa, including issuing it electronically, upon arrival to the Kingdom, or through Saudi missions abroad.

What should I do if I have any questions about the tourist visa?

You can contact KSA Visa through the online chat portal, by phone, or by filling out the contact form on our website.

When and how can I check the status of my application?

After applying for the e-visa, you can check the status of your application by logging onto your account on KSA Visa. If you are applying for a visa through Saudi missions, you can check the status of your application from the mission you applied through.

Can an organization or other individuals apply for a Saudi visa on my behalf?

Yes, an organization or other individuals may apply for a Saudi visa on your behalf as long as you answer “yes” to the question: “Are you applying on behalf of someone else?”.

Can I visit Saudi Arabia for medical treatment with a tourist visa?

No, you cannot use a tourist visa to seek medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

Can I apply for a tourist visa to perform Umrah/Hajj?

You can use the tourist visa to perform Umrah but not during the Hajj season. To perform Hajj, you must apply for a specific visa through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Can I apply for another type of Saudi visa if I already have a valid tourist visa?

Yes, you may obtain more than one Saudi visa at a time.

Can I use a tourist visa to come to work in Saudi Arabia?

No, you cannot replace the Saudi work visa with a Saudi tourist visa. But you can use it for short business trips that include meetings, short conferences, workshops, and other activities that don’t require a business contract.

How long can a visa holder attend a business conference?

There is no set period for attending conferences, but you should not sign any kind of work contracts while under a Saudi tourist visa.

Can I apply to extend the period of my tourist visa?

You are not allowed to extend the tourist visa. You must leave Saudi Arabia and apply for a new visa after the existing one expires.

What do I need to do if I had a previous visa and the permitted period of stay has ended?

You must wait until your visa expires and apply for a new one.

Do I have to submit a separate application for my family members?

Each family member must submit their own application form. Visas for individuals under 18 years old are dependent on the guardian obtaining the visa.

Do I have to print my e-visa on arrival?

You do not need to show a hard copy of the visa because it will be connected electronically to the passport application system. However, it’s best that you keep an electronic copy on your mobile phone.

What if I issue a new passport after getting a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia?

When entering Saudi Arabia, you must carry your new passport along with the old one linked to your visa.

Can I apply for a visa as an unaccompanied woman?

Yes, women can come to Saudi Arabia without an escort. Any woman entering Saudi Arabia is not required to wear an abaya or hijab. However, women must dress modestly.

If my visa application is rejected, can I get a refund?

The amount paid is non-refundable.

Which currencies are accepted?

For the electronic visa and the visa on arrival, the payment will be by credit card or an international bank card in Saudi riyals.

Is my personal information safe?

Only data required to process your application will be collected and will be securely stored on servers.

Can I save a draft of my application and make changes later?

Yes, you can save a draft to complete your application later.

Is Saudi Arabia safe?

Saudi Arabia is a very safe destination with a welcoming culture and low crime rate. Based on our research about our visitors, they are consistently delighted with the hospitality and friendliness of the Saudi people.

Are LGBT visitors welcome to visit Saudi?

All individuals are welcome to visit Saudi Arabia. However, they must follow and respect its culture, traditions, and laws.

As with other governments around the world, visitors are not required to disclose their personal information and their right to privacy will be strongly respected.

Can unmarried couples visit Saudi Arabia?

Anyone can visit Saudi Arabia, including unmarried couples who wish to share their accommodation. As is the case when visiting other countries, it is important to respect local customs and act in a culturally sensitive manner when in public. Public displays of affection are not culturally appropriate in Saudi, even including among family members.

Is it possible for women to wear swimsuits in public?

Visitors must wear modest clothing on public beaches, however, on private beaches, spas, pools, and cruises, it will be the discretion of the private establishment to determine its policy.

Can I get alcohol in Saudi Arabia?

No, alcohol isn’t available in Saudi Arabia. It is illegal to consume alcohol in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia offers unique, authentic experiences that visitors can enjoy without alcohol.

Can I drive in Saudi Arabia using my country-issued driver’s license?

Yes, visitors may drive with an international or foreign license valid for one year from the date of entry into the Kingdom or its expiration, whichever is earlier.

What is the tourist visa price in my currency?

The total cost of the tourist e-visa is SAR 535.

I was asked by the embassy to apply through a visa services office. What’s the right procedure?

Please follow the embassy’s instructions. You may be asked to apply through a visa services office following their internal procedures.

Can we get married in Saudi Arabia if we are tourist visa holders?

Yes, you can. Please check with your embassy for details on the detailed process and approvals.

Is Saudi a good option for a holiday, given people’s comments on Saudi’s human rights record?

Saudi’s cultural values are not fundamentally at odds with Western values, such as respect and hospitality. Citizens’ and visitors’ safety, dignity, well-being, and rights are protected by the law, which is based on justice, consultation, and equality. Protecting human rights is fundamental to the kingdom as stated in clause thirty-eight of its Basic Law of Governance.

How accommodating is Saudi to female travelers?

Saudi Arabia is extremely welcoming to all visitors. While female visitors don’t need to wear an abaya or headscarf when in Saudi Arabia, they must dress and behave in a culturally sensitive manner.

Are Israelis welcome in Saudi Arabia?

Everyone is welcome to visit Saudi Arabia. Currently, its tourism e-visa is available to visitors from 63 countries through KSA Visa. Meanwhile, nationalities not yet included on the e-visa eligible country list may apply for a visa via the nearest Saudi Arabian embassy.

Do I need to book an appointment to visit the embassy for visa application/cancellation?

Each embassy will have different procedures, so it is best to check with them.

I went to the embassy to apply/cancel a tourist visa and I wasn’t allowed to enter. What should I do?

You must avail of the services of VFS Tasheer center if it is available in your country.

How does the Saudi e-visa work?

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.

What are the 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

How can you apply for a Saudi e-visa?

To apply for a Saudi e-visa, visit KSA Visa–Saudi Arabia’s unified platform for visa applications–and select the e-visa of your choice, and fill out the online application form. Provide your personal information and passport details, upload a digital passport-size photo, submit the accomplished application form, and pay for the e-visa fee.

How much does it cost to apply for a Saudi e-visa?

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.

How long is the processing time for a Saudi e-visa?

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, so make sure you get an e-visa ahead of time. You’ll know if your visa has been approved once you receive an e-mail from KSA Visa.

How can you check 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.

How can you check the validity of your Saudi e-visa?

A visa’s validity will be displayed on the visa on your passport. This is the easiest way for you to check if your visa is still valid. Look for the expiration date to check if you can still use your visa. You may also try the following:

1. Muqeem portal
   An easy way to check your Saudi visa’s validity is through the Muqeem portal. Enter your visa number and the platform will show your visa’s validity. You can also choose to cross-match your visa number with your Iqama number (applicable if you are a Saudi resident), passport number, name, date of birth, Iqama expiry date, or visa expiry date. Note that the Muqeem portal will soon be replaced by https://vv.muqeem.sa/#/, which will validate exit and return visas.
2. Absher portal
   If you are a Saudi resident, you can also check your visa’s validity through the Absher portal. Simply input your visa number, your sponsor’s ID number (if applicable), and the visa-issuing authority.
3. MOFA website
   Another way to check your Saudi visa’s validity is through Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website. Just visit MOFA’s Visa services platform and look for the Enquiry field, select “Visa document number, indicate your visa number, and your passport number, followed by your nationality and the image code for the Captcha. Once verified, you’ll see the status of your Saudi visa.

How can you get a Saudi visa?

The fastest, simplest, and most convenient way to obtain a Saudi visa is to apply for a Saudi electronic visa or Saudi e-visa. Travelers—if they are eligible for a Saudi e-visa—must log on to KSA Visa, Saudi Arabia’s unified platform for visa applications, and apply for their preferred Saudi visit e-visa. Those eligible for a Saudi e-visa are also eligible for a Saudi visa on arrival.

Alternatively, travelers may avail of a Saudi transit/stopover visa, if they are passing through Saudi Arabia on a layover between 12 to 96 hours. This or apply for a standard Saudi visit visa via a VFS Tasheer center or the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate.

How can you extend your Saudi visit visa?

If you are a tourist visa holder, unfortunately, it is not possible to extend your tourist visa. You will need to leave Saudi Arabia within your visa’s validity and if you wish to visit the kingdom once more, you must apply for a new Saudi visa.

Those under a single-entry visit visa, meanwhile, are eligible for a visa extension through their host or sponsor. Their sponsor must apply for the visa extension via his account on Absher, the electronic platform of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior.

The visa can be extended six days before the visitor visa expires up to three days after it expires, after which visa extension is no longer possible. The visa extension period must not be more than 180 days. The visitor must meet certain conditions.

How can you cancel your Saudi visit visa?

Note that you cannot cancel a Saudi e-visa application once it has been submitted and paid for. The Saudi e-visa application is also non-refundable.

Can you get a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?

If you are eligible, you can apply for a tourist e-visa via KSA Visa, Saudi Arabia’s unified visa applications platform. You may also apply for a visa on arrival. The visa on arrival allows you to perform tourism activities.

If you are not eligible for a Saudi tourist e-visa, you may avail of a Saudi transit/stopover visa if you have a 12 to 96-hour layover in Saudi Arabia. You may also apply for a standard tourist visa via a VFS Tasheer center or the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate.

How can I apply for a Saudi family visit visa?

To apply for a Saudi family visit visa, you’ll need to apply via a VFS Tasheer center or the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate. Note that for a family visit visa, your sponsor must first submit documents to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and fill out an e-form available on 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 book an appointment and submit your documents to a VFS Tasheer or Saudi embassy/consulate.

How long is the validity of a Saudi family visit visa?

Once you have a Saudi family 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).

Location-based Saudi Visit Visa FAQs

The process of applying for a Saudi visa will vary depending on where you are located. Here’s a list of location-based Saudi visit visa FAQs.

How can I apply for a Saudi visit visa from Pakistan?

If you have eligible dual citizenship or if you have an active US, UK, or Schengen visit visa, then you may apply for a Saudi visit visa from Pakistan via KSA Visa, Saudi Arabia’s unified visa applications platform. If you are not eligible, you may consider obtaining a Saudi transit/stopover visa if you are passing through Saudi Arabia with a 12 to 96-hour layover, or apply for a standard visit visa through a VFS Tasheer center or the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate.

How much is a Saudi tourist visa in the UK?

A Saudi tourist e-visa will cost the same if applied from any other part of the world than the UK. The visa 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.

How can you get a Saudi visit visa from India?

If you have eligible dual citizenship or if you have an active US, UK, or Schengen visit visa, then you may apply for a Saudi visit visa from India by logging onto KSA Visa, Saudi Arabia’s unified visa applications platform.

If you are ineligible for the above, you may want to acquire a Saudi transit/stopover visa if you are passing through Saudi Arabia with a 12 to 96-hour layover, or apply for a standard visit visa through a VFS Tasheer center or the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate.

How can I apply for a Saudi visit visa from Qatar?

If you are a Qatari citizen, you may visit Saudi Arabia anytime you wish as people from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries don’t need to apply for a Saudi visit visa. If you are a Qatari resident, on the other hand, you are eligible for a Saudi e-visa.

Conclusion

The Saudi visit visa is a great option for travelers who wish to perform tourism activities or visit family and friends in Saudi Arabia.

Those eligible may avail of a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival. If ineligible, they may wish to obtain a transit/stopover visa if they are passing through Saudi Arabia on a 12 to 96-hour layover. They may also apply for a standard visit visa via VFS Tasheer centers or the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate.

We hope this article on the most common Saudi visit visa FAQs has been helpful for you in planning your next trip.

For more information on Saudi visit visas, visit KSA Visa.

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