A Complete Guide About Types of Saudi Arabia Visas

Saudi Arabia is a fascinating country for people around the world. Its oil reserves, deep-rooted Islamic history, striking landscapes, and vast deserts are the reasons for the attraction. The country has always welcomed expats looking for employment. In recent times, Saudi Arabia has also started welcoming tourists. UAE citizens and residents can visit Saudi Arabia quite easily, as the travel time is short Most UAE residents require a Saudi Arabia to visit the country; however, those with a valid UK visa are exempted. So, if you are looking for countries that UAE residents can visit on a UK visa, Saudi Arabia lets you travel here without applying for a visa.


CHOOSE THE RIGHT SAUDI ARABIA VISA

Different types of Saudi Arabia visas are available. The type of visa you need is solely related to the purpose of your visit. You can choose among 17 types of Saudi visas.

Government Visa

You need a government visa if you are invited by a Saudi government department, institution, or ministry. An invitation letter provided by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs is mandatory for this visa.

Employment Visa

This visa is for those traveling to Saudi Arabia for employment purposes.  It offers a validity period of 90 days. 

Residence Visa

If you enter Saudi with a work visa, you need to apply for a residence visa almost immediately. This is important to stay and work in Saudi on a long-term basis.

Premium Residence Visa

This visa is for wealthy and talented foreigners who want to work, invest, and live in Saudi Arabia. If you meet all criteria, you don’t need a sponsor to apply for a premium residence visa.

Tourist Visa

This visa is especially for foreign nationals visiting the country for tourism. It is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to one year. It is also issued for 90 days, allowing for a maximum stay of 90 days.  Nationals of 40 countries are eligible for Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa.

Diplomatic and Official Visas

This Saudi Arabia visa is for official and diplomatic passport holders of different countries. This visa is not available as an e-visa. It must be applied through the Saudi Arabia embassy or visa application center. 

Business Visit Visa

Saudi Arabia business visa is for foreign nationals, managers, or representatives of foreign countries who need to visit Saudi for business meetings or negotiations. A Saudi Arabia company needs to apply for this visa on behalf of a foreign national.

Diplomatic Missions & Organizations

The diplomatic missions and organizations visa is for those who want to visit one of the Saudi Arabia missions or organizations. This must be done through the Saudi Arabia embassy and needs an invitation letter from the Saudi host approved by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Newborn Visa

If your newborn accompanies on your Saudi Arabia visit, you must comply with specific rules to enter the country with your baby. First of all, your baby should be under 12 months, and you must possess a valid work visa. The child’s mother should have a Saudi Arabia re-entry visa with enough validity.

Family Visit Visa

As a legal resident and citizen of Saudi Arabia, you can host your direct relative for a short-term visit with a family visit visa. This relative can be your spouse, children, parents, or direct in-laws. Both single entry and multiple entries are available for this visa.

Companion Visa

A companion visa is usually given to spouses and children (18 years) of legal residents of Saudi Arabia. It is important to establish the relationship of the person with the main traveler while applying for this visa.

Personal Visit Visa

The personal visit visa is a short-term visa for someone who does not have a direct relative or family member in Saudi. This visa is for those who want to visit their friends living in the country.

Student Visa

A student visa is for foreigners who want to enroll in a short-term or long-term course in Saudi Arabia. This visa is available as a self-sponsored Saudi student visa and a “Study in Saudi Arabia” program (aims to attract extraordinary skills and foreign talent). This visa will be issued based on the course, training, or degree the student enrolls in.

Extension of Exit/Re-Entry Visa

This visa is for those existing foreign employees working in Saudi and their dependents who want to travel to the country for a certain period. It is important to have a valid work permit for the same.

Hajj Visa

If you want to visit Saudi Arabia for the holy pilgrimage of Hajj, you need this visa. Only Muslims can apply for Hajj visa. GCC nationals are exempt from getting a Hajj visa, but they still need to get a Hajj permit.

Umrah Visa

If you plan to visit Saudi for Umrah pilgrimage purposes, this is the visa you need. Muslims with any other type of Saudi Arabia visa can also perform Umrah during their visit to the country. Umrah visa is not issued during the Hajj season. During this season, you can perform Umrah with the Hajj visa itself.

Transit Visa

Saudi Arabia transit visa is for foreigners who are traveling through the country and would be staying in the country for more than 12 hours. A transit visa is not required if you are transiting through the country within 12 hours.

SAUDI ARABIA VISA DOCUMENTS REQUIREMENTS

Here are the documents needed to apply for any kind of Saudi Arabia visa from Dubai:
  • Original passport with six months of validity and two blank pages
  • Valid UAE resident visa (minimum validity of 90 days)
  • Three colored photographs (recent) with white background
  • Application form, depending on the visa type
  • Letter from the sponsor for employment visa, government visa, business visit visa, family visit visa, and personal visit visa
  • Three copies of medical reports stating that the applicant is free of all kinds of contagious diseases
Not all documents will be required for every visa. You may also have to submit additional documents for some of the visas.

The Saudi Arabia visa fee is different for different visas. Only a few nationals are eligible for Saudi e-visas. Most others must visit the embassy or visa center to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa. Submit all the documents to ensure a smooth visa process.

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