Saudi eVisa: 4-step guide to applying for entry into the Kingdom

27 Sep. 2022

Saudi Arabia’s new regulation allows GCC residents to apply for a Saudi eVisa through the online portal. UK, US and EU residents are permitted to apply for Visa on Arrival.

Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Al Khateeb, announced that Saudi Arabia is now more accessible to tourism. Holders of a valid tourist or business visa from the UK, US or a Schengen country continue to be able to apply for visa on arrival, provided that it has been used at least once to enter the country of visa issue.

“The Ministry of Tourism leads the development of the sector in Saudi Arabia, developing policy and driving initiatives that are delivering rapid growth in the Kingdom. Tourist visas are no exception with over one million eVisas having been issued since their launch in 2019,” said Ahmed Al Khateeb.

“On track to deliver our ambitious Vision 2030 goals, this is an important step as we develop a sustainable, resilient and competitive tourism sector while also delivering for our people.” he added.

This decision come as part of the Kingdom’s initiatives for Vision 2030. Last week Wizz Air announced major extension of services to Saudi Arabia, adding multiple European destination routes expecting to bring over one million travelers. This month, Saudi also recorded an 80 percent jump in passengers with number soaring to 11.6 million.

How GCC residents can apply for Saudi eVisa

The Saudi eVisa for GCC residents (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar & United Arab Emirates) has become easy to obtain, as the Kingdom relaxes its visa entry rules.

Foreign nationals who live and have a residency permit in one of the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC), and hold an eligible passport, can obtain their online Saudi eVisa and stay in the Kingdom for up to 3 months.

Step 1:

GCC residents are required to upload a personal photo with a white background. At this step users will be notified about the non-refundable fees on the online portal.

Step 2:

Applicants will then need to register and create an account on this page – which will send you a confirmation message that requires you to activate the account.

Registration link: click here

Step 3:

Applicants would then head back to the GCC section on the portal, to this link, where they will be asked to read the terms and conditions, and make a payment of $10. Additionally, applicants will be asked to pay $10.05 for insurance processing and $12 for the insurance policy itself, along with another processing fee of $80.

Step 4:

As a final step, applicants will have to enter their personal and passport details, along with contact and residential details with their travel plans – such as flight and hotel bookings. Applicants will receive their Saudi eVisa within 24-hours of completing the steps mentioned above. The visa is valid for three months, and allows for one-time entry for a period of one month.

A multiple-entry Saudi eVisa is valid for a year, with each period of stay in the Kingdom allowed to reach three months.

Countries that can apply for the Saudi eVisa include:

Canada, USA, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Overview of Saudi eVisa rules

Entry visa rules for GCC travellers:
GCC travellers must have a 3-month valid residence visa issued by a GCC country and a passport valid for over six months, to be eligible for an eVisa. Additionally, applicants must be employed in specific occupations, those of which are listed on the portal. Visa applicants cannot choose their visa options as it will be granted on a case by case basis by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For children under 18 years, parents must apply for their eVisa first, and then reapply for minors. An application will cost 300 Saudi Riyals ($80), excluding the health insurance fee.
Visa rules for travellers from UK, US and EU:
UK, US and EU residents can apply for visa on arrival, as long as applicants hold a permanent residence permit from the US, the UK or an EU country, and a passport valid for over six months. Visas on arrival will be granted at all of the Kingdom’s air, sea and land ports. An application will cost 300 Saudi Riyals ($80), excluding the health insurance fee. Visa applicants cannot choose their visa options as it will be granted on a case by case basis by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Validity and duration of stay is the same as for GCC visitors. US, UK or Schengen visa must be valid and has been used at least once with an entry stamp from the issuing country. US, UK or Schengen visa must be either business or tourist visa.
Embassy issued entry visas:
Those who hold the nationality of a country not included in the list published on the website can apply for via through the Kingdom’s mission’s abroad or through the digital embassy on the platform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visitors must apply with proof of accommodation, a return ticket, complete personal information that includes a home address and bank statement, employment proof and a flight itinerary.

Source: Arabian Business

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