Thinking about heading to Saudi Arabia? Maybe you want to visit family, see the desert landscapes, or do Umrah. Whatever the reason, you’ll probably need what’s called a Saudi visit visa or KSA family visit visa.
Getting one might sound complicated at first. But once you know the basics, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Let’s dig into what a visit visa is and how you can get your hands on one.
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What’s a KSA Visit Visa?
A Saudi visit visa is your official pass to enter the Kingdom for a short stay. It’s not for living there permanently or working a job. It’s mainly the Saudi tourist visa meant for things like tourism, seeing family, or doing Umrah outside of Hajj season.
The government lays it out clearly. You can get a Saudi Arabia visit visa for:
- Tourism and exploring places like AlUla or Jeddah’s old town
- Visiting friends or family
- Performing Umrah if it’s not during the Hajj season
- Business meetings or events, in some cases
- Passing through Saudi Arabia as a transit stop
- One thing you can’t do is work in Saudi on a visit visa. That’s a different visa entirely.
Types of Visit Visa KSA
Saudi Arabia offers two main ways to get a visit visa. You’ve got the Saudi eVisa or you go through an embassy.
Saudi eVisa
The Saudi eVisa is an electronic visa you apply for online. It’s simple and often processed pretty quickly. According to the eVisa site, the eVisa:
- Stays valid for one year
- Lets you enter multiple times while it’s valid
- Allows you to stay up to 90 days per visit
- Covers tourism, visiting friends and family and Umrah (but not Hajj)
The eVisa automatically includes health insurance. You pay for it all at once when you submit your online application.
Embassy Visit Visa
If your country isn’t eligible for the eVisa, you’ll have to go through a Saudi embassy or consulate to get your Saudi Arabia visa.
The embassy visit visa can be used for:
- Visiting family members
- Personal visits
- Business trips
- Doing Umrah
You usually need an invitation letter if you’re visiting family. The embassy or visa center might ask for extra paperwork depending on your country. Embassy visas are often single entry but in some cases you can get a multiple-entry visa.
So those are your two routes. Either online with the Saudi eVisa or through the embassy.
Who’s Eligible for a Saudi Visit Visa?
Eligibility depends on your nationality, why you’re going and a few basic rules. The Saudi government says you need:
- A passport that’s good for at least six months past your travel date
- To be from a country that’s allowed to apply for the eVisa if that’s your route
- No current travel bans or unresolved legal issues in Saudi Arabia
- A reason that fits the rules, like tourism, visiting family, or Umrah
- Valid health insurance if you’re going the eVisa route
Not everyone can use the eVisa. The official site lists which nationalities qualify. If yours isn’t on that list, you’ll have to go through the embassy.
Documents You’ll Need for Visit Visa KSA Application
Here’s what Saudi authorities require for a Ksavisa. It’s not a huge list, but it’s important to get it right.
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A clear passport photo with a white background
- A visa application form (online for eVisa or paper for the embassy)
- Proof of where you’ll stay, like a hotel booking or the address of the family you’re visiting
- A travel plan or basic itinerary if you’re going for tourism
- Documents proving family relationships for a KSA family visit visa or Saudi family visit visa, like a birth or marriage certificate
- Proof you’ve paid the visa fees
- Health insurance that meets Saudi requirements (especially for the eVisa)
That’s the standard list. Embassies can sometimes ask for extra documents, so check with the one you’ll apply through.
How to Apply for a Family Visit Visa in KSA?
How you apply depends on the type of visa you’re getting.
Applying for the Saudi eVisa
This is the fastest option for many travelers. Here’s how it works:
- Fill in the online application form
- Upload your photo and a scan of your passport
- Pay the fee, which includes insurance
- You will receive the decision in an email within as little as a few minutes to a couple of days.
- Print out the eVisa once it’s approved so you can show it at the airport
- The entire process is online. No embassy visit is needed if you are a national of an eligible country.
Applying for an Embassy Visit Visa
If you’re not eligible for the eVisa, here’s the embassy route. The official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlines the steps:
- Gather all your required documents
- Complete the visa form from the MOFA website
- Book an appointment at the nearest Saudi embassy or visa center if needed
- Submit your papers in person or through an approved visa service
- Pay the visa fees
- Wait for your visa decision, which can take several days to weeks
Some countries have authorized visa centers that handle most of this process for you. Check locally to save time.
Saudi Visit Visa Fees
So how much will a Saudi Arabia visit visa cost you? Here’s the breakdown.
For the eVisa:
- Total cost is 535 SAR, which includes mandatory KSA visit visa insurance.
- Valid for one year
- You can stay up to 90 days each time you enter
If you’re going through the embassy, it’s a bit less clear. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs doesn’t post a single global price list for embassy-issued visas. Costs can vary depending on your country and sometimes even the purpose of your visit.
A few other possible fees for a Visit Visa KSA:
- Extra charges from visa centers for handling paperwork
- Separate health insurance costs if you’re applying through an embassy visa rather than the eVisa, which includes insurance automatically
- So just make sure you check your local embassy or visa center for the exact price for your nationality.
How Long Does the Visa Take?
Processing time is usually pretty quick if you’re using the eVisa:
- eVisa can come through in minutes or up to 72 hours
Getting a Saudi family visit visa through the embassy takes longer:
- A few days to several weeks, depending on your nationality and how busy the embassy is
- No official rule guarantees a specific processing time for embassy visas, so plan ahead if you’re on a tight schedule.
How Long Can You Stay in Saudi Arabia?
Here’s the official word from Saudi government sources:
- An eVisa is valid for one year from the date it’s issued
- Each stay under the eVisa can last up to 90 days
- Embassy visa validity can vary a lot based on what the consulate decides
- Some visas are single-entry, while others let you enter multiple times
Be careful about overstaying. Saudi authorities charge 100 SAR per day for overstays and it can affect future visas.
Can You Extend Your Visit Visa?
Yes, in many cases you can extend your visit visa. Official rules on the Absher platform say:
- Single-entry visit visas can often be extended up to 180 days in total
- Each family member’s visit visa extension is for 30 days.
- You need to apply for the extension before your current visa expires.
- Multiple-entry visas usually can’t be extended beyond their set 90 days per visit
- Overstaying leads to fines and possibly being barred from future visits
You can handle a KSA visit visa extension directly through the Absher website or app. It’s pretty user-friendly if you’re already registered.
Entry Rules and Arrival Tips
Once your Saudi visit visa’s sorted, there are a few things to check before you hop on the plane.
Your passport should be good for at least six months from when you arrive. Don’t leave that to chance.
Keep a printed or digital copy of your visa handy. People sometimes forget and it slows everything down at immigration.
If you applied through the embassy instead of online, you’ll probably need proof of insurance too. And if you’re there for Umrah or to see family, bring any extra documents that show why you’re visiting.
A few quick tips when landing:
- Dress modestly. Saudi Arabia’s conservative, especially outside big cities.
- Have your travel details easy to show, like your hotel booking or a local address.
- Don’t bring stuff that’s banned, like alcohol or pork products.
- Keep your documents close. Nothing’s worse than rummaging through your bag in a long line.
- If you’re prepared, getting through customs is usually pretty smooth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for a Saudi visit visa isn’t rocket science. Still, people make the same mistakes over and over.
One of the biggest mistakes is applying too late. Most visas get approved pretty quickly, but sometimes paperwork or online portals hit a snag. It’s smart to start your application well ahead of your travel date.
Another thing folks miss is insurance. If you’re getting the eVisa, it comes bundled in. But if you’re going through the embassy, you’ll need to buy insurance separately from an approved company. Don’t assume your regular travel insurance will cut it.
Overstaying your visa is another headache. Even one extra day can lead to fines or problems leaving the country. Just make sure you know your exit date.
And don’t use the wrong visa for your plans. If you’re going to visit family, apply for the family visit visa, not a tourist visa. Immigration officers do check.
What to Do if Your Application Gets Rejected
Nobody likes getting a visa rejected. But if it happens, don’t panic.
Usually, rejections come down to missing documents, incorrect info, or applying for the wrong visa type. Sometimes your passport might be too close to its expiry date.
First thing to do is find out why you were rejected. The system or embassy will usually tell you.
If it’s a small error, fix it and apply again. If you’re not sure what went wrong, it might help to ask a licensed visa service for advice. They can’t guarantee approval, but they’ll help spot mistakes.
Saudi authorities don’t really have an appeal process for visit visas, so reapplying is your best bet.
Staying Connected and Getting Around in Saudi Arabia
Once you arrive in Saudi Arabia, staying connected is straightforward. The major networks, STC, Mobily and Zain, have prepaid SIM cards you can buy at the airport, malls, or convenience stores. Plans start around 30 SAR and go up depending on data and call limits. Bring your passport because registration is mandatory for SIM purchases.
Wi-Fi is reliable in hotels and big cities, but mobile data is your safest bet for seamless browsing. It’s especially handy if you’re using apps like Nusuk, Absher, or ride-hailing services.
Getting around is easy. Uber and Careem operate in most cities and are reliable for English-speaking travelers. If you prefer taxis, insist on using the meter to avoid surprises.
Renting a car is an option if you’re exploring beyond city limits. Saudi Arabia drives on the right, roads are modern, but speed limits are strictly enforced with automated cameras. Women can drive freely now, so that’s opened up travel flexibility for everyone.
Wrapping It Up
Getting your Saudi Arabia visit visa doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re heading there for Umrah, to see family, or just to explore, there’s a visa type that’ll work for you.
Start early. Keep an eye on the latest news on the family visit visa in Saudi Arabia. Gather the right documents. And double-check whether you’re eligible for the eVisa because it’s usually the quickest way in.
If you hit a bump and your application gets rejected, don’t give up. Often it’s just a missing detail you can fix on the next try.
Travel’s always a bit of work, but with the right info, you’ll be on your way pretty quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the validity of a Saudi family visit visa?
A family visit visa usually lasts 90 days. You can extend it up to 180 days if you apply in time.
What’s the difference between a family visit visa and a tourist visa?
A family visit visa is only for visiting close relatives and needs an invitation. A tourist visa’s more flexible and doesn’t require a local sponsor.
How do I pay the visa fee?
You pay through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs online system or via Absher. Sometimes the embassy will collect payment too.
Is the Saudi visit visa open right now?
Yes. The Saudi visit visa program is open, but always check the latest official info before you apply.
How much does a three-month Saudi visit visa cost?
The eVisa is around 535 SAR. Embassy visas can vary in price depending on services and country.
How do I apply for a KSA visit visa?
If you’re eligible for the eVisa, head to https://ksavisa.org/apply/ and fill it out online. If not, you’ll need to apply through your nearest Saudi embassy.
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?
Tourist visas let you stay up to 90 days at a time, within a one-year validity.
How many times can I extend a visit visa?
Single-entry visit visas can often be extended a few times, but not past 180 days in total. Multiple-entry visas usually can’t be extended.
Who’s eligible for a Saudi family visit visa?
It’s meant for close family like parents, spouses, kids, or sometimes in-laws. You’ll need an invitation from your relative who lives in Saudi Arabia.
What do I need for a visit visa extension after 90 days?
You’ll need to apply before your visa expires, pay a fee and keep your insurance valid.
What’s the cheapest KSA visit visa insurance?
If you’re using the eVisa, insurance is included. For embassy visas, approved providers offer plans starting around 40 SAR, though prices vary.
What’s the Saudi electronic visa?
It’s a digital visa you apply for online. If you’re eligible, it’s usually the fastest and simplest option.
Can I use the eVisa for Umrah?
Yes, but only outside the Hajj season. You’ll still have to register your trip through the official apps.
Can I go for Hajj on a tourist or visit visa?
Nope. Hajj requires a special visa issued through authorized travel agents.
Do GCC residents have a different process?
Sometimes yes. If you’re a resident of a GCC country with a valid permit, you might qualify for an easier application. Always check current rules before you apply.
