The Saudi Arabia umrah visa came in November 2019 as part of the Saudi 2030 goal to increase visitors to Saudi Arabia, allows tourists who want to visit Saudi Arabia for a holiday, an event, see family or friends, or go on a religious pilgrimage to do so lawfully. Only nationals of 50 countries are eligible for the online umrah visa.
Is Saudi Arabia a dangerous country to travel?
Saudi Arabia is mainly safe but there are extremely unsafe areas, particularly near the border with Iraq and Yemen. Some of the biggest concerns for tourists in Saudi Arabia should be disrespecting their moral codes, as this is followed by severe punishments. Reckless drivers are a major concern in Saudi Arabia.
Do Americans need a visa to visit Saudi?
There are many options, including business visas, diplomatic visas, and religious pilgrimage visas. From September 2019, American citizens have also been able to apply for a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia through a simple eVisa application, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate to obtain travel authorization.
How to apply visit visa for USA from Saudi Arabia?
- Duly filled application form
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Health insurance must be purchased from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ...
- Proof of accommodation (hotel, residence, etc.) for the applicant’s duration of stay in Saudi Arabia
- Visa fees (SAR 300) and insurance (SAR 140). ...
- Applicants must be 18+ unless accompanied by a legal guardian
Can Saudi Arabia become a tourism destination?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is looking to become the next sustainable tourism destination with the help of ambitious projects that combine luxury hospitality and environmental conservation and revitalisation efforts, and has a target of bringing in 100 million visitors per year by 2030. Saudi Arabia has long been a place of intrigue and mystery.
How long does it take to get a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?
How long it takes to receive the tourist visa for Saudi Arabia? Time taken to issue an e-Visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases and it takes 1-2 business days to issue visa through Embassy or Consulate and it is valid for 1 year.
Which countries can get tourist visa to Saudi Arabia?
Eligible Countries*Switzerland.Ireland.Liechtenstein.Lithuania.Monaco.Andorra.Russia.Malta.More items...
What is the cost of tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?
Tourist Visa*Sl.DescriptionFees1.Tourist Visa - Valid upto 1 year from date of issue(Single/MultipleSR. 3762.Tourist Visa – More than 1 year &upto 5 years from date of issue(Multiple)SR. 751
How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia with a tourist visa?
Tourist visas are valid for 360 days from the issuance date, and one can stay in the country for up to 90 days during one visit. The e-visa is a multiple-entry one, but it does not permit tourists to spend more than 180 days in a single year in the Kingdom. Overstaying can lead to fines and immediate deportation.
Is Saudi tourist visa open now?
Saudi tourist visa Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to visitors from all over the world with its evisa program since September, 2019. Visitors can acquire a multiple-entry visa valid for a year that will allow them to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
Who are eligible for Saudi visit visa?
Only a legal Saudi resident or citizen who is an Iqama holder can apply for the MoFA family visit visa on behalf of the visitor. For this, the Iqama should be valid for at least 4 months. The Iqama holder has to initiate the MOFA family visit visa application process in Saudi Arabia.
How can a tourist visit Saudi Arabia?
Duly filled application form.Passport valid for at least six months.Health insurance must be purchased from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ... Proof of accommodation (hotel, residence, etc.) ... Visa fees (SAR 300) and insurance (SAR 140). ... Applicants must be 18+ unless accompanied by a legal guardian.More items...
Can I enter Saudi Arabia with US visa?
Holders of U.S., U.K. and Schengen visas may now travel to Saudi Arabia and obtain a visa on arrival at the airport, saving them the time it would normally take to apply for a visa at a Saudi Consulate.
How many types of visa are there for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia Visa FeesEntryPurposeStay DurationEntry Tourist Visa - NormalTourist30 daysSingle entry NormalWork90 daysSingle entry NormalBusiness90 daysvisit Single entry NormalTourist90 days
Can you extend Saudi tourist visa?
eVisa validity 7.4 If you are granted an eVisa, it cannot be extended. 7.5 If the eVisa expires before entry to KSA, you must apply again and another application fee must be paid.
Is return ticket required for Saudi visit visa?
Every woman must have confirmed accommodation for the duration of her stay in the Kingdom. A woman is not allowed to drive a car and can therefore travel by car only if she is accompanied by her husband, a male relative, or a driver. All visitors to the Kingdom must have a return ticket.
How long can foreigners stay in Saudi Arabia?
90-dayLength of Stay: Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period.
How many countries are visa free to Saudi Arabia?
79 countriesAs of December 2021, Saudi citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 79 countries and territories, ranking the Saudi Arabian passport 72nd in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index. Saudi citizens do not need a visa to enter other GCC states and reside permanently.
How many countries are visa free for Saudi Arabia?
79 countriesThe Saudi Arabian passport currently ranks on the 68th place according to the Guide Passport Ranking Index. It provides visa-free access to 79 countries.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia with US visa?
Holders of U.S., U.K. and Schengen visas may now travel to Saudi Arabia and obtain a visa on arrival at the airport, saving them the time it would normally take to apply for a visa at a Saudi Consulate.
Can Pakistani apply for Saudi tourist visa?
Saudi Arabia tourist visa is required for Pakistani citizens. The stay is usually short with a period of 30 days and visa expires in upto 2 years. Applicant is required to be present when applying for Saudi Arabia tourist visa. A total of 7 documents are required for applying Saudi Arabia tourist visa.
How long is a passport valid in Saudi Arabia?
A valid passport for a minimum of 6 months taking into consideration the agreements between Saudi Arabia and the other countries regarding the passport validation (example: US citizens).
Is Saudi Arabia open to the world?
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. Visitor will have the chance to discover and experience the warm hospitality of the Saudi people, the rich heritage, the vibrant culture, and Saudi Arabia's diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
How long does it take to get a visa for Saudi Arabia?
However, on the new Sharek events portal, it takes only up to 15 minutes before it is issued.
Who is eligible for the Saudi E-Visa?
Citizens of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman can travel freely in Saudi Arabia. Other nationalities should apply online using the new Sharek (pronounced Share rik) online International E-Visa system.
How to apply for Saudi Tourist Visa?
Just fill out an Saudi Arabia e visa application form, make the payment using a valid credit/debit card, and provide a valid email address to receive the eVisa. The Saudi government has designed a simple process to ensure that foreign travelers can apply for an electronic visa quickly from anywhere in the world without needing to visit and spend hours at their local KSA embassy. Tourists can complete the entire process online as it only requires you to have access to the internet and necessary documents to complete the online application process.
How long does it take to get a Saudi visa?
If you have the required documents ready, the entire process of applying for a Saudi visit visa requires less than 20 minutes to complete.
How old do you have to be to get an evisa in Saudi Arabia?
Travelers under 18-years of age can only apply for an eVisa Saudi Arabia after presenting details of their guardian/parents at the time of application.
Do I need a passport to travel to Saudi Arabia?
Upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, you must present a printed copy or digital copy of the approved Saudi tourist visa along with the same passport you used to apply for the eVisa.
Can I apply for a Saudi visa from anywhere?
It is possible to apply for a Saudi visa from anywhere in the world.
Does Saudi Arabia require travel insurance?
The Saudi government has made travel insurance mandatory for all applicants wishing to visit the country. Those applying for Saudi Arabia visit visa will be granted a Mandatory Insurance Policy with their electronic visa. The government will randomly assign an insurance provider to the applicant when processing the visa application.
Can I get a Saudi visa?
Foreign travelers can safely and securely apply for a Saudi tourist visa, which was previously not possible.
How to get a tourist visa in Saudi Arabia?
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, you can get your tourist visa from electronic kiosks or immigration counters. You would be asked to make payment via a credit card so make sure to bring in a valid credit card that can be used internationally.
How many times can I visit Saudi Arabia?
As it is a multiple-entry tourist visa, so you can visit Saudi Arabia as many times as you want during the validity period of the visa.
Can I overstay my Saudi Arabia visa?
As it is a multiple-entry tourist visa, so you can visit Saudi Arabia as many times as you want during the validity period of the visa. It is also important to note here that there is no extension of this class of visa. In case you overstay, you will be fined SR 100 for each over-stayed day.
Can I bring my passport to Saudi Arabia?
In case you applied for the tourist visa on one passport which has changed now, you should bring both passports to the Saudi immigration counter. Recommended: 4 Airport Etiquettes to maintain while Entering to Saudi Arabia
Does Saudi Arabia have a medical visa?
It is important to mention that Saudi Arabia has not designed a tourist visa to get medical treatment from Saudi hospitals. In case of some emergency cases, your medical insurance will cover the visa holder to undertake any treatment from the government hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Medical insurance will only cover emergency cases.
Can I apply for a Saudi visa alone?
If you are applying for a Saudi tourist visa for a family, you need to apply for a group. If you are applying for it all alone, you need to select the individual option.
Can a non-Saudi travel to Saudi Arabia?
Eligibility Criteria. If you are a non-Saudi, then you are required to hold a visa to enter and exit Saudi Arabia. Only Saudi citizens, Saudi residents, and GCC citizens are exempted from holding visa to enter Saudi Arabia. The only eligibility criteria to apply for a Saudi tourist visa is that you need to be a national of any ...
How do I get a tourist visa to Saudi Arabia?
To obtain a visa, you’ll need to go to this site and enter some personal details as well as some information about your travels. They will also ask you a series of security questions in your application.
How does a Saudi Tourist Visa work?
Saudi visas must be used within 90 days of being issued. They are valid for one year and allow mulitple visits as long as you do not stay in the kingdom for more than 90 days total. It is issued to your email, so upon entry you must show proof of a purchased evisa.
What is there to see in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest countries in all of Asia, and holds a massive amount of history and beautiful places. You really need to read this article about the 10 most amazing places to visit in Saudi Arabia ! Here’s a few quick ideas to get you started (seriously, you NEED to read this!)
Can foreign women drive in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, women can now drive in Saudi Arabia and have been able to since 2018. To drive in Saudi, you need a locally issued drivers license, or if you’re a visitor you’ll need a valid international driving license if you are a woman renting a car in Saudi.
Can I visit Mecca as a tourist in Saudi Arabia?
No, you cannot visit the holy cities of Mecca (Makkah) or Medina as a tourist to Saudi Arabia, unless you are a Muslim. As you approach both of these cities, there are signs to reroute non-Muslims around the city.
How does prayer time work in Saudi Arabia?
Prayer time is strictly observed in Saudi Arabia. While you are not required to pray, every store shuts down for 30-45 minutes for every prayer time (there are 5 each day). It can make shopping a major hassle, so you must plan your whole day around it. If you are inside a restaurant before prayer time, they almost always let you stay inside and eat, but you are literally locked in. The tricky part is that prayer time is based on the sun, and is slightly different every day. Download a prayer time app before you go so you know exactly when to expect shops to close.
Can a woman visit Saudi Arabia alone?
Yes, in fact, with the new rules allowing women to drive, it’s easier than ever for solo women travelers to visit Saudi Arabia. In the past, there have been issues of guardianship and ideas that a woman needed a man to be able to travel. However, those ideas are mostly customs of the ultra-conservative sects of Islam and are really just rules that families enforce. Traveling solo as a woman is not breaking any sort of rule or law, no matter what people tell you.
What are the requirements to apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia?
The main requirement to apply for the e-Visa ( online visa) is to belong to a nationality within the programme. If so , we must have a valid passport with an expiry date of more than 6 months from our entry to the country. We will need to attach a recent colour passport photo and have a credit card for payment of fees. When we apply for a visa, the Arab government will require us to take out medical insurance with one of the Saudi Arabian companies , which will cover us for any medical problems that may arise during our stay in the country.
How far in advance do I need to apply for a Saudi Arabian visa?
There is an option for selecting an express visa which has a processing time of 1-2 business days. It is still advisable to apply for a Saudi visa at least 15 days before your entry to the country. This will avoid any last-minute mishaps, or delays if having to send additional documentation requested by government authorities.
When is the best time to travel to Saudi Arabia?
The best time to travel to Saudi Arabia is from January to May and from September to December. These months have a pleasant climate with little to no rainfall. The average maximum temperature in Saudi Arabia is 42°C in July and 20°C in January.
Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is a very safe part of the Middle East. Although you should always be aware of your belongings, theft is not common. The area bordering Yemen should be avoided as there are often altercations. The biggest threat you will likely find in Saudi Arabia is the drivers. You will need to be more vigilant than usual when walking on a busy road, as drivers are known to use the side of the road.
What are the laws of Saudi Arabia?
It is essential never to forget that you are travelling to a Muslim country. You must be aware of local laws and customs, so as not to have any mishaps. Some specific laws to bear in mind:#N#- Saudi Arabian women must be dressed in abaya (traditional long black cloak), which is the local dress that covers the body but not the head. Tourists are not required to wear the local women's dress, but must be covered up to the ankles and wear long sleeves. It is not necessary for tourists to cover their hair.#N#- Men must wear long trousers and may wear a short-sleeved T-shirt.#N#- The form of greeting must be with a handshake, and never kisses or demonstrations of affection in public.#N#- It is not customary to enter a shop or restaurant during the hour of prayer.#N#- Alcohol is illegal, and you will not be able to drink even in 5-star hotels.#N#- No drugs of any kind are allowed as you may risk the death penalty.#N#- We should not speak out about our religious beliefs. Mention of being an atheist can lead to problems, as it is considered blasphemy and can be punished with imprisonment, or even death.#N#Some laws have taken a small step forward, such as:#N#- Men and women who are not immediate family members can now be together in public places. Previously this was not possible.#N#- Foreign women can travel independently throughout the country on their own or with whomever they wish.#N#- Women can now drive, and this includes renting a car alone. Previously, neither was possible.#N#Tips for all tourists in general:#N#- Tipping is not mandatory but is customary in restaurants and taxis (10%).#N#- In almost all souks, the prices quoted are usually double what a Saudi Arabian would pay, so travellers are expected to haggle. A good strategy is to start by offering half. If they let you go, you're already over the limit.#N#- In all Arab countries, they eat with their hands. If you intend to do the same, then it customary to do so exclusively with the right hand.#N#- Islam is widely misunderstood by Western cultures. Remember that people only want to live in peace with their people and their customs, regardless of religion. If you remove the prejudices, you will see that most Saudi Arabians love to receive tourism and to learn more about your culture.#N#Saudi Arabia is a very exotic country, with a very different culture than your own. Many things will undoubtedly be new and exciting, so it is important to look at the Arab-Muslim world as it is and not through the lens of our western culture. Be respectful when approaching its people and their customs, and only then draw your own conclusions.
Can a Muslim woman travel to Saudi Arabia alone?
The application must be made at a Saudi consulate. Muslim women cannot travel to Saudi Arabia alone. They must have a close male relative, aged 18 or older, to accompany them. Muslim women over age 45 may travel with a group of women of that age or older, if they are bringing a male group leader. Non-Muslim women do not have this restriction. They can travel alone or accompanied by whomever they wish.
Can I get a Saudi Arabian visa for business?
It is relevant for business persons, investors, managers, or representatives of a company from outside of the country. This visa can only be applied for through the Saudi Arabian consulate or embassy in the country where your legal residence is located.
