Going to Saudi Arabia and need to know the latest Saudi visa requirements, Saudi visa application processing time or need to make a Saudi Arabia visa appointment? Use the links on this Saudi Arabia visa website to learn more.
Saudi Visa Requirements
Whether you need a Saudi visa will depend on the travel document you are using to travel to Saudi Arabia and your nationality.
Generally speaking, if you are a national of a country that is on the visa free country list for Saudi Arabia, then, you do not require a visa for a short trip such as tourist purpose.
If your country of nationality is not on the visa free country list, then you need to apply for a Saudi visa at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate or visa processing office at your country of permanent residence.
Generally, if applying for Saudi visa as a family, all family members must provide their own individual documents. Every applicant who is submitting documents is expected to attend an appointment in person at the visa office of the embassy or their appointed visa aaplication center.
Saudi Visa Processing Time
When applying for a Saudi visa, make sure you submit your application within the given time frame.
The time frame given below is a guide only as visa rules change according to your nationality and personal cirumstances.
Please contact the Saudi visa office to get more info the visa process time for visa :
- The earliest: Three months before the date of your planned departure to Saudi Arabia.
- The latest: Two weeks before the intended date of travel to Saudi Arabia.
- Recommended: at least 3 weeks prior to your trip, so you can avoid any possible delay at the embassy.
Saudi Arabia Visa Appointment
Making visa appointment with the Saudi embassy or visa application center is generally free and can be done by yourself.
Please contact the Saudi embassy or visa application center in your home country or vist the Saudi embassy website to book visa appointment.
Click here for Saudi embassy contact details and websites around the world.
Please Note: In individual circumstances, you may be asked to produce additional documents. Saudi embassy procedures and policies can and do, alter overnight. We take no responsibilty for any such changes or any transaction initiated directly between an applicant and the Saudi embassy.
Steps to Applying for Saudi visa To apply for a Saudi visa follow the steps given below:
- Check if you need to apply for a Saudi Visa.
- Know when is the right time to apply!
- Figure out what type of Saudi visa you need.
- Find out where you should lodge your application.
- Fill in the right Saudi visa form.
- Collect the documents required for Saudi visa.
- Make a visa appointment.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Submit your biometrics.
- Pay the visa fee.
Please Note: Please consult Saudi embassy in your country as visa regulations for Saudi Arabia can and often change overnight. In individual cases, additional documents required for Saudi visa. We accept no responsibility as we have no affiliation with the embassy of Saudi Arabia or their visa section.
Going for a visa interview at the embassy? The visa officer at the Saudi consulate will look over your application and ask you questions if they wish to clarify anything. It is best to answer these questions honestly.
Typical questions asked at the Saudi Arabia visa interview include:
- What is your purpose of your trip to Saudi Arabia?
- Do you know anyone living in Saudi Arabia?
- What is your current occupation?
- How long have you been in your current occupation?
- If you are a student, when will the studies finsh?
- How will you suuport yourself whilst in Saudi Arabia?
- Have you ever travelled to other countries?
- Who will pay for your trip to Saudi Arabia?
- What are your plans when you return from your trip?
- What will you do if your visa application is rejected?
- What is your marital status?
- Will you be involved in business whilst in Saudi Arabia?
Common reasons why your Saudi visa application got rejected include:
- Lack of funds – you must be able to afford your trip Saudi Arabia and you must provide documents to show that you can.
- Proof of accommodation not provided – you must be able to show where you will be staying in Saudi Arabia and you can easily do this by providing a hotel reservation in Saudi Arabia.
- The visa officer thinks you will not return to your home country – you must make it clear that you intend to leave Saudi Arabia and return to your home country before the expiry of your visa. You can do this by providing documents that show you have ties where you live, such as an employment letter or proof that you own your home etc.
- No proof of residence – you must be able to prove that you can live in the country of your residence legally, so you must provide proof of residence.