Saudi Arabia, home to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the vast Arabian desert, and a chop-chop modernizing economy, welcomes millions of visitors every year for tourism, work, pilgrim’s journey, and stage business. Whether you plan to execute Hajj or Umrah, research the Kingdom s rich story, or work in one of its growth industries, you will likely need a Saudi visa to enter.
This steer explains types of Saudi visas, practical application requirements, fees, and processes so you can plan your trip with trust.
1. What is a Saudi Visa?
A Saudi visa is an functionary document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, granting you permission to record, stay, and sometimes work in the country for a specified time period and resolve. The type of visa you need depends on the resolve of your travel to.
2. Types of Saudi Visas
Saudi Arabia offers several visa categories to meet the needs of different travelers:
A. Tourist Visa
Introduced in 2019 as part of the Kingdom s Vision 2030 plan to boost tourism.
Available to citizens of qualified countries through eVisa(online) or Visa on Arrival.
Valid for one year, octuple entries, with each stay up to 90 days.
Allows touristry, attending events, and visiting friends mob but not work.
B. Business Visa
For attending meetings, conferences, or exploring investment opportunities.
Issued as ace or six-fold-entry visas.
Requires an invitation varsity letter from a Saudi-registered accompany.
C. Hajj Visa
Special visa for Muslim pilgrims performing Hajj(once a year during Dhul-Hijjah).
Issued through authoritative travel agents.
Valid for a short period the Hajj temper only.
Includes demanding rules regarding jaunt dates and activities.
D. Umrah Visa
For Muslims performing Umrah outside the Hajj temper.
Can be obtained online(for pensionable countries) or through travel agents.
Now also possible to do Umrah with a tourer visa.
E. Work Visa
For naturalized nationals with a confirmed job volunteer in Saudi Arabia.
Requires a work permit from the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Valid for 1 2 years, inexhaustible.
Requires medical exam tests and play down checks.
F. Residence Visa(Iqama)
Issued to expatriates moving to Saudi Arabia for work and their crime syndicate members.
Comes with a occupant ID card(Iqama) for valid stay.
Renewable yearly.
G. Transit Visa
For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en road to another country.
Short validness(up to 96 hours).
May be obtained with a flight booking through Saudi airlines.
3. Saudi Visa Requirements
While requirements vary by visa type, park documents let in:
Valid recommendation(at least 6 months validity with space pages).
Completed visa application form.
Recent recommendation-size photographs(white downpla).
Proof of fitting(hotel reservation or host invitation).
Return ticket or forth travel proofread.
Proof of decent financial means.
Medical insurance covering Saudi Arabia(mandatory for tourer visas).
For work visas: employment undertake, work allow, medical examination examination describe.
For Pilgrim Father visas: proof of being a Muslim(for non-Muslim-majority countries), inoculation .
4. How to Apply for a Saudi Visa
A. Tourist eVisa(Online)
Visit the Saudi eVisa hepatic portal vein( https://visa.visitsaudi.com/).
Fill out the practical application form with personal and travel details.
Upload a passport photo and scan of your recommendation.
Pay the visa fee online.
Receive the eVisa by e-mail print it or keep a whole number copy.
B. Visa on Arrival
Available for citizens of desirable countries at certain Saudi airports.
Requires payment of visa fees at the port of .
C. Embassy or Consulate Application
For non-eligible countries or visa types like work, byplay, and residency visas.
Submit the application through a Saudi consulate, authorized visa delegacy, or .
5. Saudi Visa Fees
Fees vary depending on the visa type:
Tourist Visa: Around SAR 300 400(plus checkup insurance fee).
Business Visa: SAR 400 800.
Hajj and Umrah Visas: Often included in pilgrim’s journey package prices.
Work Visa: Fees reckon on contract length and arrangements.
6. Processing Times
Tourist eVisa: Often issued within transactions to 24 hours.
Work Residence Visa: Can take several weeks to months due to approvals.
Hajj Visa: Issued according to the Hajj mollify agenda.
Business Visa: Usually processed within a few days if documents are nail.
7. Rules and Restrictions
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah and certain areas of Madinah.
Alcohol and certain items are strictly forbidden.
Dress code: Modest wear is required for both men and women.
Overstaying a visa can result in heavy fines, transportation, and bans.
8. Tips for a Successful Application
Apply well before your intended jaunt date, especially for work and pilgrim’s journey visas.
Double-check requirements to keep off delays.
Keep copies of your visa approval and entry documents.
Ensure your recommendation is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
9. Conclusion
Saudi Arabia now offers a more open and accessible SAUDI VISA FOR BRITISH CITIZENS system, especially for tourists, as part of its Vision 2030 reforms. Whether you are visiting for pilgrim’s journey, byplay, work, or leisure, sympathy the visa type and application process is crucial for a smoothen journey. Always utilise through official channels or official agencies, and follow local laws and custom during your stay.