by Saudi Arabia, a hub of cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and economic transformation, attracts millions of visitors annually. Whether you’re a tourist, business professional, religious pilgrim, or expatriate, obtaining a Saudi Arabia visa is the first step toward entering this rapidly modernizing kingdom.
This comprehensive guide offers in-depth insights into the types of Saudi Arabia visas, eligibility criteria, application procedures, fees, and much more.
Overview of the Saudi Arabia Visa System
The Saudi Arabia visa system has undergone significant changes in the past few years, especially with the introduction of the Vision 2030 initiative. The kingdom now offers easier access for tourists and investors while maintaining its strong security measures.
As of recent updates, visitors from over 60 countries can apply for a Saudi eVisa online, making travel to Saudi Arabia more accessible than ever.
Types of Saudi Arabia Visas
Saudi Arabia is one of the most strategically and economically significant countries in the Middle East. As a result, the demand for various types of Saudi Arabia visas has grown substantially, whether for tourism, business, work, religious pilgrimage, or residency.
Understanding the different types of Saudi Arabia visa options is essential if you’re planning a visit or a long-term stay in the Kingdom.
1. Saudi Tourist Visa (eVisa)
Purpose: Tourism, leisure, and short-term visits.
The Saudi tourist visa, also known as the Saudi eVisa, was launched in 2019 to encourage international tourism. It allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia for recreational purposes.
Key Features:
- Multiple-entry visa
- Valid for one year
- Each stay up to 90 days
- Can be obtained online (for eligible countries)
Eligibility: Citizens from over 60 countries, including the U.S., Canada, EU countries, and Australia.
Saudi Arabia visa applicants must apply through the official eVisa portal or licensed visa agencies.
Website: https://visa.visitsaudi.com
2. Saudi Business Visa
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade exhibitions, and corporate activities.
The Saudi business visa is intended for foreign professionals and investors visiting Saudi Arabia for commercial purposes.
Types:
- Single-entry (valid for 30 days)
- Multiple-entry (valid for up to 1 year)
Requirements:
- Invitation letter from a Saudi company approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
This type of Saudi Arabia visa is ideal for entrepreneurs, consultants, and investors seeking business opportunities in the Kingdom.
3. Saudi Work Visa
Purpose: Employment with a Saudi-based employer.
The Saudi work visa is issued to individuals who have secured employment contracts in Saudi Arabia. It is the most common Saudi Arabia visa for long-term residency and career opportunities.
Requirements:
- Valid job offer from a Saudi employer
- Sponsorship by the employer
- Medical examination
- Attested academic and professional certificates
After arrival, visa holders are issued an Iqama (residency permit), which allows them to live and work legally in the Kingdom.
4. Saudi Family Visit Visa
Purpose: To allow residents or citizens in Saudi Arabia to invite close family members.
This Saudi Arabia visa is available to immediate family members of expatriates and Saudi nationals. It is a short-term visa intended for personal and non-work-related visits.
Eligible Relatives:
- Parents
- Spouse
- Children
- Siblings
Duration:
- Single-entry (30 days)
- Multiple-entry (up to 90 days per visit, valid for 1 year)
5. Saudi Umrah Visa
Purpose: Religious pilgrimage (excluding Hajj season).
The Umrah visa is designed for Muslims intending to perform Umrah, a non-mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca that can be done at any time of the year.
Key Points:
- Usually valid for 15 to 30 days
- Issued through approved travel agents
- Not valid during the Hajj season
While it’s not a commercial Saudi Arabia visa, this category attracts a high CPC audience from religious and travel sectors.
6. Saudi Hajj Visa
Purpose: To perform the Hajj pilgrimage, which is compulsory for Muslims once in a lifetime.
Hajj visas are strictly regulated and only issued during the Hajj season through approved travel agencies in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Important Notes:
- Only Muslims are eligible
- Strict quota per country
- Health vaccinations required
Due to its religious importance and high search volume during the Hajj season, content around this Saudi Arabia visa often performs well in terms of ad revenue.
7. Saudi Residence Visa (Iqama)
Purpose: Long-term stay for work, investment, or family reunification.
The Iqama is a residency permit, not a traditional visa. However, it’s directly tied to long-term Saudi Arabia visa types like the work visa or investor visa.
Categories:
- Employment-based
- Family-based (dependents)
- Investors (Premium Residency)
The Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) allows expatriates to live, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor, making it attractive for high-net-worth individuals.
8. Saudi Student Visa
Purpose: For foreign students enrolled in academic institutions in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi student visa allows international students to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in Saudi universities.
Requirements:
- Admission letter from a recognized Saudi institution
- Medical tests
- Passport validity of at least one year
- Consent from guardians (if underage)
Saudi Arabia is actively working to boost its educational sector, making this Saudi Arabia visa category increasingly relevant.
9. Saudi Transit Visa
Purpose: For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia to another destination.
Saudi transit visas are valid for short durations (up to 96 hours) and are often used by airline passengers with layovers in the Kingdom.
Application: Usually processed through airlines or embassies.
This visa type is not for tourism or business activities but may include religious transit for Umrah.
10. Saudi Government Visa
Purpose: Issued to foreign government officials, diplomats, and those on official state missions.
This Saudi Arabia visa is arranged through diplomatic channels and typically involves coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eligibility Requirements for a Saudi Visa in 2025
To obtain a Saudi Arabia visa, applicants must generally meet the following:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Passport-size photograph
- Completed application form
- Proof of accommodation and return flight
- Financial proof (bank statement or credit card)
- Travel insurance (mandatory for tourists)
Saudi Arabia Visa Fees and Processing Time
| Visa Type | Approximate Fee | Processing Time |
| Tourist eVisa | $130 | Instant to 24 hours |
| Business Visa | $200–$400 | 2–7 business days |
| Work Visa | $500+ | Up to 1 month |
| Umrah Visa | $100–$300 | 1–2 weeks |
| Hajj Visa | Varies (via agents) | 2–4 weeks |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Visa
Follow these steps carefully to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa based on your category:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Visit the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal or visa.visitsaudi.com to check if your nationality qualifies for an eVisa or needs a consular visa.
Step 2: Choose the Visa Type
Select the appropriate visa depending on your travel purpose:
- Tourism: Apply for an eVisa.
- Business or Work: Apply through the Saudi embassy.
- Umrah/Hajj: Coordinate with a licensed travel agent.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Flight and hotel bookings
- Proof of financial means
- For work visas: employment contract and medical report
Step 4: Apply Online or Through Embassy
For eVisa (Tourist):
- Visit the Saudi eVisa Portal
- Fill in personal details, upload documents.
- Pay the visa fee (approx. $117 USD including medical insurance).
- Receive your eVisa via email within minutes to a few hours.
For Embassy Visa:
- Submit documents to the nearest Saudi consulate or through an approved visa agent.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fees
Visa fees vary depending on visa type:
- Tourist Visa (eVisa): $117 (approx.)
- Business Visa: $80 – $270
- Work Visa: Processed by employer
- Hajj/Umrah Visa: Free but service fees apply via agency
Always pay through official channels to avoid scams.
Step 6: Track Your Application
If applied through an embassy, track your application on the MOFA portal using your application number.
Step 7: Receive and Print Your Visa
Once approved:
- Print your eVisa or collect your stamped passport.
- Carry both printed and soft copies while traveling.
Saudi Arabia Visa for GCC Residents
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents with specific professions can apply for a Saudi eVisa even if they’re not citizens of a visa-eligible country.
Requirement: Valid GCC residence permit and passport
Profession restrictions: Doctors, engineers, teachers, and certain other skilled professionals are eligible
Visa on Arrival vs. Pre-Approved Visa
Some travelers can obtain a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival, especially citizens of the US, UK, and EU who hold a Schengen or US visa.
Visa on Arrival: Available at select airports; costs the same as eVisa
Recommendation: Apply for an eVisa beforehand for guaranteed entry and faster processing
Saudi Arabia Visa Extension and Renewal
Tourist and family visit visas can often be extended once via the Absher platform.
Absher portal: https://www.absher.sa
Conditions: Must apply at least 7 days before expiry, no traffic violations
Saudi Arabia Visa Rejection Reasons and Solutions
Common Reasons for Rejection:
- Incomplete documents
- Previous visa overstay
- Criminal background
- Incorrect information
What to Do:
- Review the rejection letter
- Correct any errors and reapply
- Consult with the Saudi embassy or visa agent
Tips for a Successful Visa Application
- Double-check all information before submission
- Apply early, at least 2–4 weeks before travel
- Use official portals only (e.g., VisitSaudi, MOFA)
- Include all required documents, particularly proof of insurance
- Respect local customs in your application photos and documents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a Saudi Arabia visa required for all travelers?
Yes, except for nationals from GCC countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
2. Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes, but not during Hajj season. For Hajj, a specific Hajj visa is mandatory.
3. How long does it take to process a Saudi visa?
eVisas are usually instant, while embassy-issued visas may take several days to weeks.
4. Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, especially for tourist and family visit visas. It’s included in the eVisa fee.
5. Can I apply for a Saudi visa online?
Yes, if you’re eligible for an eVisa. Visit visa.visitsaudi.com.
6. Is there a visa on arrival for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, for some countries. However, applying online in advance is recommended.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia visa process has been streamlined in recent years to welcome tourists, professionals, and expatriates. With various visa types available, it is easier than ever to explore the Kingdom’s diverse offerings, from the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to the futuristic landscapes of NEOM. Always ensure your visa application aligns with the official guidelines to avoid delays or rejections.
For the most accurate and updated information, visit the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Visit Saudi.
References
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – https://visa.mofa.gov.sa
Saudi Arabia eVisa Portal – https://visa.visitsaudi.com
Absher Platform (for residents and locals) – https://www.absher.sa
