So, you’re planning a trip to Saudi Arabia? Whether you’re chasing business opportunities, setting on a spiritual journey, or just itching to explore the Kingdom’s dazzling landscapes, you’ll need an understanding of Saudi visa types to enter. However, with multiple options on the table, choosing the right one can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Let’s break it down, one visa at a time, and help you uncover this like a pro. This guide covers all the details and documents required for Saudi visas.
All the Saudi Visa Types You Need to Know
1. Saudi Tourist Visa
Suitable for: Leisure travellers who want to explore Saudi Arabia.
If your travel bucket list includes marveling at the towering Jabal Al-Lawz, wandering through the historic Diriyah, or diving into the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs, the Tourist Visa is your golden ticket. With Saudi Arabia opening its doors to global travelers, getting this visa is now as easy as pie—you can even apply for an eVisa online. It is a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year. You can stay up to 90 days in a stretch.
Documents Required for Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa:
- A valid passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- A return ticket
Pro Tip: Some nationalities can enjoy a visa-on-arrival, so check before you apply.Applying for a Saudi tourist visa from Dubai? You can easily get Saudi e-visa online in just a few clicks!
2. Saudi Business Visa
Suitable for: Entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals attending meetings, conferences, or exploring business prospects.
If you’re here to strike deals, network, or attend industry events, the Business Visa is your best bet. It’s like having a backstage pass to the Kingdom’s thriving business scene. However, to get this visa, you’ll need an invitation from a Saudi company—so start building those connections. It is available in single and multiple-entry options. Based on your needs, the duration of your trip can vary.
Document Requirements for Business Visa:
- Invitation letter from a Saudi company
- Passport with six months’ validity
- Passport photos
- Completed visa application form
- Chamber of Commerce authentication
Pro Tip: For Saudi visa interviews, be prepared with all the documents. Stay confident and be honest with all financial data.
3. Saudi Work Visa
Suitable for: Skilled professionals with a job offer in Saudi Arabia.
Dreaming of working in the world’s biggest oil hub or being part of the Vision 2030 transformation? The Work Visa is your stepping stone. However, it’s no walk in the park—this visa requires a job contract, employer sponsorship, and plenty of paperwork. It is a long-term Saudi visa, whose validity and duration depends on the contract length.
Documents Required for Saudi Work Visa:
- Employment contract
- Medical fitness certificate
- Degree certificates (attested, of course!)
- Passport with six months’ validity
- Police clearance certificate
Pro Tip: Once in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need an Iqama (residence permit), so get that sorted!
4. Hajj & Umrah Visa
Suitable for: Muslims traveling for Hajj or Umrah.
If you’re planning for a spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah, this visa is your holy grail. The Hajj Visa is strictly for the annual pilgrimage, while the Umrah Visa is available year-round except during the Hajj season. So, in a nutshell, these are short-term and seasonal visas that are limited to the pilgrimage period.
Documents Requirements for Hajj/Umrah Visa:
- Passport with at least six months’ validity
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of relationship for women traveling with a Mahram
- Vaccination certificate
Pro Tip: Plan ahead! Hajj visas are highly regulated and only available through approved agents.
5. Saudi Visit Visa
Suitable for: Tourists, family visits, and short-term stays
If you’re planning a short trip to Saudi Arabia for leisure, family visits, or business meetings, this is one of your go-to Saudi visa types. This visa is a broad category that includes tourist visas, family visit visas, and business visit visas. It’s ideal for those who don’t intend to work but still want to explore the Kingdom or meet loved ones. These Saudi visit visas are available in single-entry and multiple-entry formats, valid for 90 days and 1 year respectively. With this visa, you can stay up to 90 days.
Documents Required for Saudi Visit Visa:
- Passport with at least six months’ validity
- Passport-sized photos
- Invitation letter from a Saudi sponsor
- Visa application form
- Proof of relationship (if visiting family)
- Return ticket
Pro Tip: Some visit visas can be extended, but it’s always best to check the latest rules before your trip!
6. Family Visit Visa
Suitable for: Expats in Saudi Arabia inviting family members.
If you’re working in Saudi Arabia and longing for a family reunion, the Family Visit Visa is your bridge home. It allows spouses, parents, and children to visit, so you don’t have to feel like a lone wolf in the Kingdom. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days.
Pro Tip: This short-term Saudi visa must be applied for by the Saudi resident or employer on behalf of the visitor.
6. Residence Visa
Suitable for: Expats planning to live in Saudi Arabia
If you’re moving to Saudi Arabia for work or family reasons, you’ll need a Residence Visa first. Once you arrive, this gets converted into an Iqama (residence permit), which allows you to live, work, and access essential services in the Kingdom.
Documents Required for Saudi Residence Visa & Iqama:
- Valid passport with six months’ validity
- Medical fitness certificate
- Work contract (for employment-based residence)
- Sponsorship documents (for family-based residence)
Pro Tip: Your Iqama is your lifeline in Saudi Arabia—it’s required for everything from renting an apartment to getting a SIM card!
Conclusion
Whether you’re here for business, leisure, work, or study, Saudi Arabia has a visa tailored just for you. The key is to choose wisely, apply early, and keep all documents in order—because nobody wants a last-minute airport drama!
Now that you have the lowdown on Saudi visa types, which one do you need? Let us know in the comments!
A travel influencer, adventurer and blogger on a mision to dicover the hidden gems of this beautiful planet. For me traveling isn’t a hobby, but a way of living.
