Visa Types Available to Foreigners

Saudi Arabia offers various visa categories for non-Saudis. The most common ones are:

• Tourist e-Visa (Multiple-entry, 1-year validity) Allows stays of up to 90 consecutive days per visit. Valid for tourism, leisure, family visits, and Umrah (excluding Hajj season). Citizens of more than 50 countries are eligible.

• Umrah Visa (Single-entry, short-term) Specifically for performing Umrah. Requires a pre-booked Umrah package and valid medical insurance.

• Business Visa (Short-term or multiple-entry) For meetings, conferences, or business negotiations. Requires an invitation letter from a Saudi company.

• Work Visa / Residency (Iqama) Long-term residency tied to employment. Requires a job offer from a Saudi employer, medical examination, and sponsorship.

• Family Visit Visa For visiting Saudi citizen or resident relatives. Requires an invitation letter and proof of relationship.

• Premium Residency (Iqama Mudhama) Long-term residency without a sponsor. Available to investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals (details below).

Entry and Travel Requirements

All foreigners must meet these basic entry conditions:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry

• Return or onward flight ticket (proof of exit within 90 days)

• Confirmed accommodation address in Saudi Arabia (hotel booking or host address)

• Valid medical insurance covering the entire stay (automatically included in official e-Visa applications)

• Clean criminal record with no previous entry bans (checked during application)

Step-by-Step Immigration Process

1. Determine your visa type Check eligibility on the official MOFA portal or trusted partners.

2. Apply online Submit passport details, photo, accommodation address, and flight information through the official e-Visa portal or authorized service provider.

3. Pay Your Fee Select your processing speed to complete the application. All packages include official government fees, mandatory medical insurance, and our professional application support:

   • Standard Processing 200 USD Typically completed within 3–9 business days Ideal for standard travel plans.

   • Urgent Processing 250 USD Priority processing – usually completed within 24 hours For those needing fast results.

   • Super Rush Processing 300 USD Ultra-priority processing – typically completed within 2 hours (subject to government system availability) Perfect for urgent and last-minute travel.

4. Receive your visa The approved e-Visa is sent via email as a PDF. Print it or save it on your phone.

5. Arrival at the airport Present your passport + e-Visa + return ticket. Biometric scan and entry stamp will be issued.

Premium Residency (Iqama Mudhama) – Long-Term Option

For foreigners who want to live in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor:

• Eligibility: Investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, property owners (minimum property value varies by region)

• Benefits: Multiple-entry visa, right to work and start businesses without sponsorship, family sponsorship, property ownership rights

• Requirements: Clean criminal record, medical certificate, proof of financial stability or investment (e.g., property purchase, company setup)

• Cost: Annual fee starts from 100,000 SAR (≈26,600 USD, depending on category)

• Application: Through the Premium Residency Center portal or authorized partners

Important Restrictions and Notes

• Mecca and Medina: Non-Muslim foreigners are not allowed to enter these cities (visa restrictions remain in place)

• Hajj season: Tourist e-Visa cannot be used for Hajj; a special Hajj visa is required

• Overstay penalties: SAR 500 per day after visa expiry (plus deportation risk)

• Medical insurance: Mandatory for all visas – must cover emergency treatment and repatriation costs

• Vaccinations: Proof of meningitis and polio vaccination required for some nationalities

Practical Advice for Foreigners

• Book round-trip flights early (return ticket is mandatory)

• Confirm hotel or host address before applying (fake addresses lead to rejection)

• Apply at least 7–10 days before travel for standard processing (urgent options available)

• Keep digital copies of your visa and passport on your phone

• Use only official portals to avoid scams

 

This guide is for informational purposes only. Immigration rules may change. Always check the latest requirements on the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal or through licensed partners.