How To Apply For Saudi Visa In Dubai

Saudi Arabia is one of the most exciting places to visit in the world. There are also some restrictions on foreign nationals, particularly on those from Western countries. If you want to visit Saudi Arabia as a foreigner, you will need a Saudi Arabian visa. Saudi visas not only serve a legal purpose but also establish the rights and duties of the visitor and those of the consulate that issues the visa.

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How To Apply For Saudi Visa In Dubai

UAE citizens are not required to apply for a business or visit visa. However, they need to apply for a Hajj or Umrah visa/permit if they are visiting KSA for religious purposes. 

PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR HAJJ OR SAUDI VISA FOR UMRAH FROM DUBAI

To initiate the process to apply for a Saudi visa from Dubai, you need to reach out to a Hajj/Umrah tour operator who will apply for a visa on your behalf.

The UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) can help you find licensed operators. While you can apply for an Umrah visa anytime, the quota for Hajj pilgrims is limited, so make sure to book in advance.

Submit the following documents to your tour operator:

• Original UAE passport with a minimum validity of six months
• A recent, passport photo, with a white background
• Copy of the Emirates ID
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer on business letterhead, addressed to “The Consulate of Saudi Arabia
• Certificate of basic vaccinations issued and a negative PCR obtained not more than 72 hours before entering Saudi Arabia
• A completed Saudi Visa application form with the particulars of mahram, for women less than 45 years of age. A woman above 45 can travel with an organised group without a Mahram, provided she has a NOC from her Mahram (in case of Hajj).

Saudi Visa For UAE Residents

FOR UAE PASSPORT HOLDERS

UAE citizens are not required to apply for a business or visit visa to enter Saudi Arabia. However, they must apply for a Hajj or Umrah visa/permit if they want to visit KSA for religious purposes. 

PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR HAJJ OR SAUDI VISA FOR UMRAH FROM DUBAI

To initiate the process of applying for a Saudi visa from Dubai, you need to reach out to a Hajj/Umrah tour operator who will apply for a visa on your behalf.

The UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) can help you find licensed operators. While you can apply for an Umrah visa anytime, the quota for Hajj pilgrims is limited, so make sure to book in advance.

Submit the following documents to your tour operator:

• Original UAE passport with a minimum validity of six months
• A recent passport photo with a white background
• Copy of the Emirates ID
• A completed Saudi Visa application form
• A Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate
• If your name doesn’t reflect Islamic belief, a certificate from an Islamic centre or mosque confirming your identity as a Muslim

COST OF HAJJ AND UMRAH PACKAGES FOR UAE NATIONALS

The Hajj and Umrah package cost depends on the grade of accommodation, services, mode of transportation, airline class and proximity to the Holy Mosque.

VALIDITY OF SAUDI UMRAH OR HAJJ VISA

The Saudi Umrah Visa is valid for up to three months. Pilgrims will be allowed to freely explore the country.

WHEN ARE HAJJ VISAS ISSUED?

Hajj visas are issued from mid-Shawwal till the 25th of Dhu Al Qadah, also spelt as Dhu al-Qi’dah or Zu al-Qa’dah.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Dubai residents can enter Saudi Arabia by road as a group travelling with the tour operator.
• The tour operator is responsible for booking flight tickets and providing accommodation in the residence licensed by the Ministry of Haj and the Civil Defence in KSA for the pilgrims.

Requirements for employees, business owners and students vary.

In the case of employees:

• Applicant’s name, passport number, employment status, applicant’s monthly salary and the duration of employment
• An official statement that a leave of absence has been granted by the company

In the case of business owners:

• A valid Trade License Copy

In the case of pupils and students:

• Proof of enrollment in school or university.

Importantly, Saudi Arabia also offers e-visa to GCC residents to boost tourism. It allows residents of Dubai or any other UAE emirate to seek an e-visa instead of applying for a visa through VFS or the consulate. Therefore, getting a Saudi tourist visa from Dubai takes minimal time.

PROCESS TO APPLY FOR E-VISA FROM DUBAI

• Create an account on the Saudi Arabia e-visa portal
• Select your nationality and the type of passport
• Enter your credentials
• Submit fee

COST OF E-VISA

The E-visa to Saudi costs SAR 300 (AED 293), plus full health insurance.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO ISSUE THE E-VISA?

Although it may vary on a case-to-case basis, the e-visa is usually issued within 24-hours.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

While applying for a visa, know that:

• You should be at least 18-years-old
• Underage applicants must be accompanied by a guardian above 18-years-old
• You must have a passport which is valid for six months
• The Visa fee is non-refundable
• You need to pay SAR 100 (AED 98) per day if you have overstayed after the visa expires.

Saudi Visa For GCC Residents

How to apply for the Saudi e-visa for GCC residents online

GCC residents can apply for a tourist visa online through Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MOFA) online visa platform – visa.mofa.gov.sa.

Here is a step-by-step process on how to apply for the visa:

Step 1: Create an online account

1. Visit the link here: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/Loginindividuals.
2. Next, click on ‘Register’ under the ‘Login Of Individual Visitors To Saudi Arabia’ category.
3. Then, type in your email address and create a password and confirm it. After that, type in the ‘captcha code’ and      click on the ‘Register’ button.
4. Next, go to your email inbox, and click on the link to activate your account.
5. Then login again with your new account and enter the captcha code. Click the ‘Login’ button.

Step 2: Create a new visa application

1. After you have logged in, click on the white tab labelled, ‘Add a new application’ on the right of your screen.
2. You then go through the terms and conditions and click on ‘agree’.

Step 3: Fill out the Saudi e-visa application for GCC residents

Next, fill e-visa application form with the following details:

Enter the e-visa information:

• Select visa type: Tourist
• Transport mode: Air, land, sea or open
• Select the Saudi Mission: Dubai

Enter personal information:

• Type in your first and last name.
• Select your nationality

After you have selected your nationality, check the box which states: ‘A ‘valid’ residence for a period of no less than three months in the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Gulf Countries, including domestic workers who come with their sponsors.’

• Type in your residence visa number which is your UID (Unified Number) number 
• Enter the expiry date of your UAE residence visa.
• Select the issuing country: UAE
• Type in your occupation. Once you type it in, options from a drop down menu will show up. You need to ensure that your occupation – as listed on your visa – is available as an option. This is because only certain categories of workers are allowed to apply for the e-visa online.

Step 4: Upload the documents

• Passport-sized photograph
• Passport copy
• UAE residence visa copy

Step 5: Enter your passport details

• Passport number
• Issuing country
• Date of expiry
• Date of birth
• Passport type: Normal
• Date of issue
• Place of birth

Enter other details:

• Select your marital status
• Gender
• Address in Saudi Arabia

Step 6: Enter your travel date and select type of tourist visa:

1. Select the port of entry:

• Jeddah
• Al Madinah
• Riyadh
• Dammam
• Dhahran

2. Enter your expected entry date

3. Next, select your tourist visa type:

• Single
• Multiple

The single entry visa will be valid for three months from the date of issuance and you will be allowed to stay in Saudi Arabia for 30 days.

The multiple entry visa will be valid for one year and you will be allowed to stay in Saudi Arabia for 90 days.

• Next, select if you want to perform Umrah, the MOFA website states that a visitor can perform Umrah throughout the year apart from the Hajj season.

• After that, enter the captcha code, and click the ‘Save’ button.

Step 7: Confirm the application data

The website will then provide you with all the details of your application and ask you to fill in your email address and mobile number.

Step 8: Select your medical insurance

You will then be asked to pick a health insurance coverage provided by Saudi health insurance providers, along with the cost of each insurance plan. Pick the health insurance coverage that is suitable for you.

Step 9: Make the payment

After selecting the health insurance, pay for the e-visa via debit/credit card.

Step 10: Receive the Saudi e-visa

Once you have completed the application, you can track your e-visa application process on the link here: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Index.

Select inquiry type as ‘visa application’, enter the application and passport number and click the ‘Search’ button.

If your visa is approved by MOFA, you receive the e-visa by email. The ‘Visit Saudi’ website advises visitors to keep a hard copy of the visa, along with the digital version, at the time of travel.

E Visa Saudi Arabia Check

How long can e-visa holders stay in Saudi Arabia?

According to Saudi Arabia’s official tourism website – visitsaudi.com – the duration of stay depends on the type of visa you apply for:

• The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance, and you can stay in Saudi Arabia for a period of 90 days.

• The single-entry tourist visa is valid for three months from the date of issuance, and you can stay in Saudi Arabia for a period of 30 days.

However, it is important to note the application does not guarantee the granting of the visa and MOFA will grant the visa after reviewing the each application.

Also, according to visitsaudi.com, if the e-visa application is rejected because it does not meet the requirements, the application fee is non-refundable.

Saudi Visa From Dubai Price

The e-visa for GCC residents costs 300 Saudi riyals (Dh293.25) along with the cost for the health insurance fee. So, the total cost will vary depending on the health insurance coverage you select.