Online Saudi Visa from South Africa

Saudi Visa for South African Citizens

Apply for Saudi Visa from South Africa
Updated on Oct 28, 2024 | Saudi e-Visa

Online Saudi Visa for South African citizens

Saudi e-Visa Summary

  • » Application for apply for Online Saudi Visa is now open to South African Citizens
  • » The Saudi eVisa allows South African nationals to stay for up to 90 days
  • » South African citizens must submit the application for the Saudi eVisa at least 3 days before scheduled departure to the Kingdom

Other Saudi Visa Requirements

  • » Saudi Visa Online Application is open for South African nationals
  • » South African Citizens can arrive by all three methods of transport using Saudi Visa Online, i.e. Land, Air or Sea
  • » Saudi Visa Online is for short visits such as Tourist, Umrah, Event, Transit
  • » A valid email and online method of payment like a Debit or Credit card

Saudi Visa for South African citizens

For South African nationals, Saudi Arabia can appear like a remote location, yet it is the ideal emerging nation for adventurous visitors.

Whether it's scuba diving in the Red Sea, experiencing great outdoors of AlUla's stunning desert or undertake heritage and historical tour in Jeddah, this emerging Middle Eastern nation has plenty to offer everyone.

A valid Electronic Visa (eVisa) is now required for all South African citizens planning short-term visits to Saudi Arabia. Don't risk denied boarding - ensure you apply online and obtain your eVisa before your trip. The Saudi eVisa program offers a hassle-free way to secure travel authorization. Skip the embassy visit and complete the entire application process online.

This eVisa is ideal for South African travelers planning tourism or business trips to Saudi Arabia. For extended stays or work/residence purposes, a different type of visa may be required.

You must, however, secure a visa before visiting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Visa from South Africa is not optional, but a traveling to the country for short stays. Before travelling to the Middle East, South African nationals can swiftly and simply get travel permission online.

Types of Saudi eVisas Available

There are three types of Saudi Arabia eVisas available for South African citizens:

Tourist eVisa

Saudi Tourist eVisa most common type of Saudi eVisa for South African citizens, allowing them to visit the country for tourism or leisure. A multiple-entry visa grants travelers the flexibility to enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times within the visa's validity period.

Umrah eVisa

Saudi Umrah electronic Visa is specifically for South African citizens who wish to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. A single-entry visa permits travelers to stay in Saudi Arabia for a limited period to complete their religious obligations.

Business or Events

Your visit may be commercial in nature like attending a technical workship or a business meeting or participating in a conference. Saudi e-Visa for Business is ideal for short-term business or event focussed trips.

Saudi eVisaApplication Process for South African Citizens

South African citizens can conveniently apply for a Saudi eVisa from the comfort of their homes or offices without having to visit a Saudi embassy or consulate . The application procedure is straightforward and includes a few easy steps:

Step Description
Complete the Saudi eVisa Application Form Start by visiting the Saudi eVisa website. Complete the online application form with the necessary data. You will need to give the following details:
Personal Details: Full name (as it appears on your passport), Gender, Nationality, Date of birth, Place of birth
Passport Details: Passport number, Issuing country, Date of issue, Date of expiration
Contact Information: Home address, Telephone number (including country code), Email address
Travel Plans: Purpose of your trip to Saudi Arabia (e.g., tourism, business, Umrah), Date of Arrival
Upload Required Documents You will have to during the application process upload digital copies of the required documents (see the Required Documents for Applying section for details).
Pay the Saudi eVisa Processing Fee Pay the Saudi eVisa processing fee using a valid credit or debit card. The fee includes medical insurance for Saudi Arabia, which is mandatory for all travelers.
Receive the Saudi eVisa by Email After submitting your application and paying the processing fee, you will receive your Saudi eVisa by email. Make sure to print it out and present it to immigration officials upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi eVisa Fees and Payment Methods

The Saudi eVisa for South African citizens comes with a processing fee, which includes mandatory medical You will have to pay during the application process.

  • For the duration of your visit to Saudi Arabia, purchase insurance. The charge may be paid using a
  • Please be aware that the processing charge is not transferable or exchangeable valid credit or debit card.
  • Please be aware that the processing charge is not transferable or exchangeable your application is denied or you decide not to travel.

Documents required to apply for a Saudi Arabia Visa for South African citizens

Before they are allowed to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lawfully, all South African citizens must obtain visas. Visitors have access to a wide range of visas, including but not restricted to business visas, job visas, student visas, and more.

The electronic visa for tourism is the simplest type of visa to get (also known as a Saudi Arabia eVisa). To increase the number of tourists travelling to Saudi Arabia, this authorization went into effect in 2019 for nationals of more than 65 different nations.

It is good for numerous trips to the nation for up to 90 days at a time during the first year following the date of acceptance. There are no lines, no in-person interviews, and no long commutes to the closest embassy. Anything can be done online.

READ MORE:
Complete your application with confidence by following Online Saudi Visa Application Process guide.

How to apply For a Online Saudi Visa for South African Citizens?

The Saudi Visa Application Form enables visitors from certain nations to enter the country. The online application procedure may be finished quickly and easily. South African nationals may enter Saudi Arabia with ease and quickly thanks to a straightforward visa application process. Candidates may complete the online application while they relax in their own homes.

Candidates can first learn about the pertinent information that will be sought by researching the Saudi Arabia online application form. The Saudi Visa application form can be finished in a short amount of time.

The primary prerequisites outlined above must be followed fully and accurately to finish this. If you don't, your application for the visa may be rejected or processed slowly. Travelers must wait for their eVisa to be accepted after submitting their application and payment. When the authorities receive the application, this typically takes between 24 and 72 hours. However, the wait time may be significantly longer owing to demand and other factors. The tourist will receive the eVisa in their email inbox when it has been completed.

Note: A copy of the eVisa must be shown together with the traveler’s passport when they arrive in Saudi Arabia to gain entry. The traveler is required to abide by Saudi Arabian legislation once within the country. This includes adhering to their visa's restrictions, such as not overstaying it.


Saudi eVisa Processing Time for South African Citizens

The normal processing time for a Saudi eVisa for South African citizens is between 1 and 5 business days. However, it is strongly advised to apply for the Saudi electronic Visa as early as possible so that your authorization for travel is received.

In some circumstances, extra processing time might be needed to be required due to errors in the application form or other factors. Make sure to double-check your application before submitting it to avoid any delays.

Validity and Duration of the Saudi eVisa

The Saudi eVisa for South African citizens is from the date of issuance, it is valid for 365 days (one year) issue. During this period, travelers can enter Saudi Arabia multiple times, with each stay not exceeding 90 days (3 months).

Please note that if your South African passport expires before the end of the eVisa's validity period, your Saudi eVisa will automatically become invalid. In such cases, you must obtain a new passport and apply for a new Saudi eVisa.

Entering Saudi Arabia with an eVisa

South African citizens holding a valid Saudi eVisa can get entry to the country through any of the following ports of entry:

Land Checkpoints

  • King Fahd Bridge at the Bahrain border
  • Al Batha crossing at the United Arab Emirates border

Airports

  • King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
  • Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina
  • King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah
  • King Fahd International Airport, Dammam

Seaports

  • All Saudi Arabia seaports are open for eVisa holders arriving from South Africa.

Upon arrival, present your printed Saudi eVisa to the immigration officials at the port of entry, along with your valid passport.

Extending the Saudi eVisa for South African Citizens

Suppose you are planning to elongate your stay in Saudi Arabia beyond the 90-day limit allowed by your Saudi eVisa. In that case, you must apply for an extension at the nearest General Directorate of Passports office (Jawazat) in Saudi Arabia. Please note that extensions are granted at the discretion of the Saudi authorities and are not guaranteed.

Important Tips and Information

To ensure that you have a smooth and hassle-free trip to Saudi Arabia, keep the following tips and information in mind:

  • Always carry a printed copy of your Saudi eVisa and a valid passport during your stay in Saudi Arabia.
  • Make sure to follow the local customs, traditions, and laws in Saudi Arabia to avoid any misunderstandings or legal issues.
  • Familiarize yourself with the current travel bans and restrictions in Saudi Arabia before planning your trip.
  • If you are a dual citizen with multiple passports, use the same passport to apply for the Saudi eVisa and travel to Saudi Arabia.

In case your Saudi eVisa application is denied, you can reapply after addressing the reasons for the rejection. However, you must again pay the processing fee for each new application.

With this comprehensive guide on the Saudi eVisa for South African citizens, you are now well-prepared to plan your trip to Saudi Arabia and enjoy a memorable experience in this fascinating country.

Overview of Online Saudi Visa Application

Fill out the application: The online e-Visa form for Saudi Arabia will take just minutes to complete. It is advisable to double-check the data to prevent any further issues or barriers in the visa-granting procedure. To apply for a Online Saudi Visa, you must provide personal details like name, place of birth passport details as well as your contact information and date of birth.

Pay the Online Saudi Visa Application registration charge: To pay the Saudi visa online or the e-Visa fee and cover the cost of the e-Visa, use a credit card or debit card. The Saudi Arabia visa application will not be reviewed or processed without payment. To proceed with submitting the e-Visa application, the requisite payment must be made.

It is mandatory to pay for health insurance as part of Online Saudi Visa. Visitors from South Africa are covered by health insurance through the Saudi Arabia eVisa for up to SAR 100,000 in the event of a medical emergency while they are in the Kingdom.

Saudi e-Visa delivery through email: Once your Saudi e-Visa has been authorized by Saudi Government, you will receive an approval email containing your Saudi e-Visa in PDF format. The Saudi e-Visa could be rejected if there is any spelling error or if the information does not match the government's data submitted to the embassy.

Note: Your application may also be rejected if insufficient supporting documentation or material is submitted. To enter Saudi Arabia, you must present your e-Visa at the airport along with a passport that won't expire in the next six months, your ID card, or a bay form if you're a child.

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Saudi Visa

Saudi Arabia Visa Online Requirements

To receive their eVisa online, tourists who desire to enter the Kingdom must have the following documents ready:

  • South African nationals coming to Saudi Arabia must have valid passports.
  • A valid South African passport that is still valid at least six months after the intended entry date into Saudi Arabia
  • Accurate email address to get information about your application and the Saudi Arabia eVisa
  • Pay the fees with a debit or credit card.

As a s citizen of South Africa, you are not required to visit Saudi Embassy or get sticker on your passport. You are eligible to obtain eVisa or electronic Visa by email. In case your situation is complex and some of your family members or group are not eligible for electronic visa, then please apply for a regular visa from the nearest Saudi Embassy.

Also, although a booking confirmation is not required, South African travelers seeking a Saudi Arabia eVisa will need to submit accommodation located in the Kingdom. Note: You may apply for an eVisa for Saudi Arabia online if you plan to go to Saudi Arabia on vacation, business, or to see friends and relatives. Any smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer may be used for this.

South African Embassy in Saudi Arabia registration

South African are recommended to register with the closest embassy whether they are visiting temporarily or spending a long time. The South African Embassy in Saudi Arabia provides a service called Registration of South African Abroad. South African visitors can register online before their trip to the nation. After they have registered, the Embassy will be able to get in touch with South African nationals there in an emergency or to deliver crucial information. This is advantageous in the following situations:

  • Natural catastrophes
  • Public unrest
  • International crises that might impact the return trip
  • Personal emergency situations (the Saudi Embassy will assist the relatives of tourists in reaching them)

Things to do and places of interest for South African Citizens

  • A symbol of Jeddah’s rich past, the Nassif House Museum was built in 1880 and is one of Balad’s most majestic ancient mansions
  • Al Shallal Theme Park, the largest theme park in the Middle East
  • Marjan Island is a small beautiful island, flaunting dense mangroves, mudflats, and palm trees
  • The Half Moon Bay is a beautiful beachside area
  • The Sky Zone Dammam is an indoor amusement park which has numerous games
  • The Al Faisaliah Garden is one of the best natural parks in the city of Taif
  • Muawiyah Dam is one of the many ancient dams located in the ancient city of Taif on the Arabian Peninsula
  • Taif Zoo is located in the Sadad district of the city of Taif
  • Ayun AlSeih also termed as 'Eyes of Al-Seeh', created because of heavy meteor showers around a thousand years ago
  • Al-Baijan Amusement Park is one of the most famous and economical amusement parks in Riyadh
  • Al Shoullah Club or stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Al Kharj

South African Embasy in Saudi Arabia

Address

7184 Mohammad Al Abdary Street, Al Khuzama District, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA

Phone

+966-11-482-8515

Fax

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Please apply for a Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.