Did you know that Saudi Arabia has an e-visa? Saudi e-visas were introduced in 2019. It lets you apply for a Saudi visa without visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia embassy or consulate. Even if you are a UAE resident living in Dubai, you can apply for this e-visa online without returning to your home country. But before you check out the portal to apply for a Saudi e-visa, it is important to collect all the important information about it. Here is a complete guide on Saudi Arabia e-visa, including details like eligibility, documents required, application process, and more.
What is E-Visa?
E-visa means electronic visa. It is also referred to as an online visa. Unlike a regular visa, you do not have to visit the country’s embassy or consulate to get this visa. The entire process is done online. E-visas are short-term visas meant for those who want to visit a foreign country for a short period of time. Similarly, a Saudi e-visa is for those who want to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism or to visit family and friends. You can also perform Umrah with this visa (except during the Hajj season). With an e-visa, you can enter Saudi through any of its airport and seaports.
Saudi Arabia E-Visa Eligibility
The Saudi e-visa was introduced around five years ago. However, not all countries are eligible for this e-visa. 62 countries can apply for a Saudi e-visa. The countries eligible for Saudi Arabia e-visa are as follows:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Panama
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- San Marino
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- Ukraine
- United States of America
- Uzbekistan
Saudi E-Visa Application Process
You can apply for a Saudi e-visa in three simple steps. The entire process will not take more than five minutes:
- Step 1: Fill in the application form by adding details like name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, etc. Attach the soft copies of all the documents.
- Step 2: Pay the Saudi e-visa fee after verifying the information filled in the application form.
- Step 3: Click on the submit button. Your e-visa will arrive at your email address if all your papers are in order.
Documents Required for Saudi E-Visa
While applying for a Saudi Arabia e-visa, you need to submit digital copies of a few important documents.
- A passport with a validity of 6 months from the date you enter Saudi Arabia.
- A photograph (passport size) of 200 pixels x 200 pixels should be uploaded in PDF format. The photo should be in color, and the background should be white. Seventy percent of the photo should show your face.
- Bank statements of last three months to prove that you have enough financial resources to support your stay in Saudi.
- Accommodation proof like hotel reservation or invitation letter from host (family member or friend).
- Health insurance valid in Saudi Arabia to support you financially during unforeseen situations and emergencies.
- Yellow fever certificate if you are coming from a country where it persists.
Important Details About Saudi E-Visa
- Saudi e-visa is a multiple-entry visa with a validity of one year. You can stay in the country for 3 months (90 days) at a time.
- The e-visa arrives in your email. Hence, provide your correct email ID so that you get your visa on time.
- Saudi e-visa processing takes 24-72 hours. You must apply for the visa at least three days before your departure date.
- Saudi e-visa can only be used for tourism and Umrah purposes. You cannot study or work in Saudi with this visa.
- You cannot extend the Saudi e-visa. If your visa expires, you must apply for a new one.
- Minors (children under 18 years old) also need a separate Saudi e-visa. Parents or guardians must apply for an e-visa on behalf of the children.
- While traveling to Saudi with this visa, you must carry a printout of your Saudi e-visa and passport. After verification, the Saudi visa will be stamped on your passport at the Saudi entry point.
Applying for a Saudi Arabia Visa from Dubai
Citizens of UAE can travel and stay in Saudi for a short term without any visa. The same rule applies to GCC countries like Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. If you are a resident of UAE, you can apply for a Saudi e-visa only if you are a citizen of one of the 62 countries eligible for e-visa. If not, you can apply for a regular Saudi Arabia visa from Dubai through the Saudi embassy/consulate/visa center in Dubai or any other emirate of the UAE.
Getting a Saudi e-visa is simple and quick. Yet, if you are confused, you can consult a visa agent who will complete the visa process for you.
World Visa Information 