Step-by-Step Guide to the Saudi Visa Application Form
Want to travel to Saudi Arabia? Use the Saudi Arabia Visa Application Form for an online application to get your visa approved quickly and enjoy a user-friendly process. Being the hub of luxury as well as culture, Saudi Arabia attracts tourists and businessmen alike. No matter your reason for travel, visiting the nation is now simple with the Saudi Arabia eVisa application form.
Introduction to the Saudi Visa
The Saudi Arabian visa can be obtained for multiple purposes ranging from tourism to business and work. With the launch of a user-friendly platform for the Saudi Arabian visa application form, you can easily apply online, track your application, make changes if required, and avail a quick visa approval.
The Saudi Arabian online visa or the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) permits travelers from eligible countries to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism and business for 90 days or less. It is also applicable if you are in transit (you need to stop at Saudi Arabia on your way to another country).
You are advised to apply at least 3 days in advance (processing time is 3 working days), but it is best to apply at least a week prior. It will remain valid for one year.
Why You Need a Visa for Saudi Arabia?
The eVisa allows you entry into Saudi Arabia. This can be either obtained on arrival, via the online portal, or by applying with the local embassy. Without a valid visa, your entry upon arrival will be restricted.
Types of Visas Available for Saudi Arabia
For an eVisa, the categories include:
With the consular route, you can opt for:
- Residence Visa
- Employment Visa
- Student Visa
- Companion Visa
- Personal Visa
- Family Visa
- Work Visa
- Extension of Visa
Who Needs to Apply for a Saudi Visa?
Each traveler, irrespective of their purpose, needs to avail of a visa when visiting Saudi Arabia. Based on the passport you hold, multiple visa approval routes can be availed.
Nationalities That Require a Visa
Citizens of 60 countries from all over the world can opt for the eVisa when traveling to Saudi Arabia. Further, 79 nations have a Visa On Arrival treaty in place.
If you do not belong to any of these countries, opt for a Consular Visa.
Exemptions and Special Cases
If you belong to one of the GCC countries, you are allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia for a short stay by using your passport and official ID.
Understanding the Saudi Visa Application Form
The online visa form for Saudi Arabia allows one to visit the country once or multiple times over a year or for 90 days based on their visa type. When working on any visa application, we are requested to submit both official documents like a copy of our ID and passport as well as necessary documents. Keep the following at hand:
- A valid passport
- Email ID
- Payment option
- Passport-size photo
- Supporting documents
Further, you will have to provide the following information:
- Purpose of travel
- Your travel itinerary
- A statement of finances
- Accommodation arranged
- A return ticket
You might have to provide additional documents depending on your visa type. Application for the business visa should have documents supporting your purpose of visit (invitation letter, for instance). Similarly, to avail of a medical visa, a letter from the hospital should confirm your treatment plans.
Process of Filling Out the Saudi Arabian Visa Application Form
Submitting an online form for the Saudi Arabia Visa is now simplified with the below steps:
- Open the eVisa online application form
- Choose the visa option you need to avail
- Supply your personal data (as per your passport)
- Upload associated documents
- Review the form and retain a copy
- Pay for your application
Once your form is submitted along with the payment, you will need to wait for a confirmation email from the visa authorities. This will contain your approved visa application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Saudi Visa Application
Inaccuracies in a visa application can lead to an instant rejection while severe inconsistencies in the supporting documents can also lead to a ban on your travels. Hence, attention to detail and accuracy are important when filing a visa application.
When working on your Saudi Arabia Visa Application Form, make sure to avoid the below:
Errors in Personal Information
Ensuring your name and other details (like your address) are spelled correctly is essential for every official form. Further, it is advised to make sure that each spelling is the same as that on your passport and official ID.
Any discrepancies between the form, your passport, and your official ID can be treated as an error and lead to a cancellation. So, if there are currently any deviations between your passport and ID, make sure to get it corrected well before you start on your visa application.
Delays Due to Missing Documentation
Supporting documents act as proof of travel and verify your intent. Before you begin, go through the list of documents specific to your visa category. Further, make sure to note the format and language in which these papers need to be submitted.
In case of missing documents, you are often asked to provide clarification and submit additional papers. Your application might also face cancellation due to inadequate documentation. To add, make sure to upload the correct document pertaining to each entry field.
Processing Time Needed for the Saudi Arabia Visa
This will vary significantly based on your visa category and your approval route. The shortest time frame for getting your eVisa approved is 1-3 days. You can check the status as soon as 30 minutes from filling out and submitting the Saudi Arabia visa application form.
While you can apply while accounting for the official time taken to receive an approval, we would advise you to submit an application as early as possible. Not only does this ensure that you receive your application well before you travel, but also ensures that you have some leeway in case the application is delayed due to clarifications being asked for or some other unforeseen circumstances.
Visa Fees and Payment Methods
No visa application is complete unless you have paid the fees. Hence, even if you have entered all the information, and provided the necessary documents your application will not be reviewed without confirmation of payment.
The amount you need to pay will vary as per your visa category, if the visa allows single or multiple entries, and the approval route. To pay for your Saudi Arabia visa application online, you can use either a credit card or a debit card issued against an account that has sufficient balance.
Which approval route should you opt for: Online vs. Offline Application Process
While both have their own benefits, our advice is an early online application if your country is eligible for an eVisa. Not only do you have some peace of mind that your travel approval is already in hand, but you can also avoid long queues at the airport for the VOA.
Apply early even when you need to visit the consulate/embassy.
Checking the status of your visa application
You can track the status after submitting the Saudi Arabia visa application form. Simply log on to the website, enter the necessary details pertaining to your application, and fill in the prompt. You will be able to track your application.
File Your Visa Application for Saudi Arabia Today
Visit our website and fill in your Saudi Arabia visa application form today. The eVisa makes traveling easy, so that you only have to plan your itinerary. Get in touch with us for any queries!
Check your eligibility for Saudi e-Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Turkish citizens, Panamanian citizens, Swiss Citizens, Spanish Citizens and British citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.