Types of Saudi Visa
Due to the strict requirements of Saudi Arabia, women entering the Kingdom alone must be met by a sponsor or male relative and have confirmed accommodation for the duration of their stay. Additionally, entry may be refused to any visitor judged as behaving indecently, according to Saudi Arabia law and tradition.
Travelling to Saudi Arabia? If so, you'll need a Saudi Arabia visa. Click here to make applying for a Saudi Arabia visa easyTravelling to Saudi Arabia? If so,you'll need a Saudi Arabia visa. Click here to make applying for a Saudi Arabiavisa easy.
If you are going to be working in Saudi Arabia then you will need a Saudi Arabia Work visa or a Business Visa. There are 5 main types of Visa that you can apply for when looking to enter The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for either work or just to visit;
Business Visa, this is for business men working for companies outside Saudi Arabia so that they can come into the Kingdom to work with or for a Saudi company. The duration can be one, three or 6 months. It can also be used by companies to bring you into the kingdom to work on a short term contract or to try you out during your trial period, although this is not what the visa is for.
Work Visa, this is for those that have been offered a contract to be working in Saudi Arabia, you will require to have medicals and submit educational certificates, all of which have to be legalized. Use an agent to do this as you will have to complete a large amount of paperwork.
Holiday Visa - It is available, but unless you are Muslim with family in Saudi Arabia to sponsor your visit you are unlikely to get it! They do however want to develop the tourist industry so it will be interesting to see how this develops.
Dependent visa for Saudi Arabia (KSA), this is for the family of those that have an approved work visa. Please note however that only legalized marriage will be recognized, you can't bring your girlfriend even if you have been together for 20 years.
Umrah/Haj Visa, this is for those that wish to visit to make Umrah/Haj, religious pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). This is only for Muslims and the visas are limited by number and through approved travel agents only.
Country-Specific Requirements
Applicants from all countries require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, except for: Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 18 hours, provided they hold valid onward or return documentation, do not leave the airport and make no further landing in Saudi Arabia (except nationals of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria who always require a transit visa).
Processing Times
When applying for a Saudi Arabia visa, processing time and fees are very dependent on the visa class, as well as the nationality of the applicant and the time of year. Both the time taken to process the visa application and the cost are subject to change, but by having an understanding of each Saudi Arabia visa class and seeking professional assistance when making an application, you can be assured the most time and cost efficient process possible
