Guest visa Saudi Arabia
Guest visa
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is dedicated to transforming itself into a top-tier destination for travelers, entrepreneurs, and families worldwide. In pursuit of this objective, the country provides three variations of short-term Saudi visit visas tailored for those coming to see family and friends, or to engage in business activities: these include the Family Visit Visa, the Business Visit Visa, and the Personal Visit Visa.
Saudi nationals and legal residents wishing to host first-degree relatives in Saudi Arabia can apply for a Saudi visit visa on behalf of the foreign relative. Saudi companies and entities wishing to host a manager of a foreign company or needing to conduct commercial meetings or negotiations can apply for a Saudi business visit visa on the foreign national’s behalf.
Saudi nationals wishing to host a friend in Saudi Arabia can apply for a Saudi personal visit visa on the foreign national’s behalf. Saudi visit visas are normally issued as a multiple-entry visit visa valid for 6 months or 1 year, allowing a 90-day stay in Saudi Arabia (non-extendable). In some cases, a Saudi visit visa can be issued as a single-entry visit visa valid for 90 days, allowing for a 30-day stay in Saudi Arabia (extendable). Saudi visit visas are processed on a case-by-case basis and applicants do not have the option to choose their desired stay duration or number of entries. It is advised to check the Saudi Arabia visit visa that you have been issued, in order to avoid overstays in Saudi Arabia that will subject Saudi visit visa holders to penalties and fines.
Saudi visit visa applications are usually processed and issued within 4 to 5 days. It is always recommended that you apply early for your Saudi visa, in case of unforeseen delays. The 3 categories of Saudi visit visas are as follows:
- Family
- Business
- Personal
The 3 types of Saudi visit visas should be applied for by a Saudi national on the foreign visitor’s behalf, except for the Saudi Arabia family visit visa, which can also be applied for by a legal Saudi resident on behalf of their first-degree relative.
In order to apply for the Saudi Arabia visit visas, the following documents are required from the foreign visitor:
- Passport
Foreign nationals must hold a passport that is valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. A passport must have at least 2 successive blank pages for official use.
- Personal photos
Foreign nationals should take 2 recent color photographs; against a white background; 2×2 inches; natural facial expressions; 80% face; no eyeglasses; no headwear, except for religious reasons.
- Application
Applicants should fill out the relevant Saudi visa application form for the Saudi visa being applied for through the Saudi MOFA portal.
The Saudi Arabia visit visa application process is as follows:
- Fill out visa application The Saudi host fills out an online Saudi visit visa application form at the Saudi MOFA portal, complete with personal data and other requested information. Print and sign the Saudi visit visa application form.
- Pay visa fees The Saudi host pays the Saudi visit visa fees online at the Saudi MOFA portal, using a valid credit or debit card. A visa approval number is generated for the invitee to then use.
- Submit visa application Invitee should mail or visit the nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office to submit the visa application, based on their visa approval number.
- Receive approved visa If approved, your Saudi visit visa will be mailed to you or can be retrieved from the Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office where you applied. Check that all the visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport.
Applying for certain Saudi visas may involve steps not listed in the above general Saudi visa application process. It is advised to review the information for the specific Saudi visa you are applying for. Saudi Arabia visit visas that are issued as single-entry, valid for a 30-day stay, can be extended. Saudi Arabia visit visas that are issued as multiple-entry, valid for a 90-day stay each visit, cannot be extended. In all cases, foreign nationals cannot exceed 180 days in Saudi Arabia, unless permitted by a long-term residency visa that allows otherwise.