One Year Visa For Saudi Arabia

If you’re looking for a one year visa for Saudi Arabia then this post is for you. I’ve outlined the exact process I used to obtain a one year business visa in Saudi Arabia as a foreigner.

I’d imagine that you’re a little bit bored with articles about expat life in Saudi Arabia. Childcare, the weather, the traffic and how easy it is for women to buy frozen chicken legs in the local supermarket — I’ve read them all (and likely contributed to a few). Yet, what if I told you that there were still some interesting things happening here? That it’s not just another place to live and work? Would you be interested in what I had to say then?

Saudi Arabia is one of the most sought destinations by Indians and Internationals. Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has given the go-ahead for a committee to be formed that will discuss how to allow expats in Saudi Arabia to apply for citizenship or permanent residency.

One Year Visa For Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is known for its rich cultural heritage. The country has opened its doors to people across the world and offers them with an opportunity to earn a job in Saudi Arabia. It is also one of the most preferred countries when it comes to higher studies and employment opportunities.

Saudi tourist visa

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to visitors from all over the world with its evisa program since September, 2019. Visitors can acquire a multiple-entry visa valid for a year that will allow them to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The visa is relevant to tourism-related activities and Umrah (excluding Hajj season) and excludes other activities such as studying.

The visa system is a historic milestone in opening Saudi Arabia to tourism. International visitors can discover the warm hospitality of Saudi people: our rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse and breath-taking landscapes, from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea and the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter.

Visa eligibility

Tourists from the 49 eligible countries can apply for a tourist visa online through the quick and easy-to-use eVisa platform before traveling, or upon arrival in Saudi Arabia through the visa offices of the Immigration Department.

Tourists from other countries must apply for a consulate visa at the Kingdom’s representations abroad. US, UK and Schengen business or tourist visa holders can apply for a visa on arrival.

Fees and Validity

 

• The cost for the tourist eVisa is SAR 535 SAR. The visa cost includes a fee for full health insurance during your stay in the Kingdom.
• The cost for the tourist visa on arrival is SAR 480 SAR.
• The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance, and the permissible period of stay is 90 days.
• The single-entry tourist visa is valid for three months from the date of issuance, and the permissible period of stay is 30 days.
• For eVisa and visa on arrival, payment must be made in Saudi Riyals using an international credit or debit card.

Application information (Group A)

 

E-visa and visa on arrival

 

• Minimum age of applicants is 18 years old.
• Underaged applicants require an individual above 18 years old to act as their guardian.
• When applying, the passport validity must suffice for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia.*
• Refund in case of rejection is not possible. Visa fees are non-refundable
• Overstay fees: SAR100 for each day of overstay when the visa expires without leaving Saudi Arabia.
• Religion of applicant is not relevant.
• Countries with bilateral agreements can apply for the visit visa through e-Visa or visa-on-arrival, or through the consulate visa (USA, UK, South Korea and Japan).
• Documents not required to obtain a visa:
• Time taken to issue an e-Visa is 5-30 minutes in most cases.
• Visa eligibility pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.

* For citizens of the USA, they can apply for the eVisa regardless of the validity of the passport as long as it is still valid.

Application information (Group B)
 

Consulate Visa

 

• Minimum age of applicants is 18 years old.
• Underaged applicants require an individual above 18 years old to be the guardian.
• When applying, the passport validity must suffice for at least 6 months at the time of entering Saudi Arabia.
• Refund in case of rejection is not possible, visa fees are non-refundable.
• Overstay fees: SAR 100 for each day of overstay.
• Religion of applicant is not relevant.
• Sponsor is not required for the visa application.
• Documents required include:
    – Proof of accommodation;
    – Return ticket;
    – Proof of employment;
    – Financial solvency/Bank statement;
    – Flight itinerary;
    – Complete personal information; home address. 
• Time taken to issue an Visa is 1-2 business days in most cases.
• Visa pre-checks are conducted by all airlines before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.