Saudi Arabia Visa for Minors: Documents, Process & Fees

Planning a family trip to the Kingdom? Although applying for a visa needs a lot of preparation, the situation becomes trickier for kids. As a guardian, you might have questions: Do kids need a separate visa? Should kids be always accompanied by guardians? What are the documents required for a Saudi visa for minors? Whether it’s for a holiday, pilgrimage, or visiting relatives, understanding the Saudi Arabia visa for minors is crucial. Sit back and read to discover everything you need to know before traveling to Saudi Arabia with kids.

A. Do Minors Need a Visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, all minors, including infants and toddlers, are required to have their own valid visa to enter Saudi Arabia. They must travel with a valid passport and cannot be included in a parent’s passport or visa application. Regardless of age, each child must go through the standard visa procedure to ensure compliance with Saudi immigration rules.

B. Types of Saudi Arabia Visas for Minors

The type of visa you apply for depends on the nature of your visit. If you are traveling for leisure or tourism, getting a Saudi tourist visa is appropriate. For pilgrimage trips like Umrah, a dedicated Umrah visa is required. If you’re visiting relatives who are residents of the Kingdom, you can apply for a family visit visa. There’s also the transit visa, which allows a short stopover if your journey passes through Saudi Arabia.

If you’re applying for a Saudi Arabia visa from Dubai and are a GCC resident, Saudi eVisa is your go-to option. For an easy-breezy visa process, you can apply through a licensed agency or online platform.

C. Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for Minors

The documents required to apply for a Saudi visa on behalf of a minor are quite similar to adult applications but include some additional papers for parental verification. You’ll need:

A valid passport for the child with at least 6 months’ validity remaining.
A recent passport-sized photograph of the child that meets the Saudi visa photo specifications.
A completed visa application form, filled out with the child’s details.
A copy of the child’s birth certificate to prove the relationship with the accompanying parent or guardian.
Copies of the parents’ or guardian’s passports and valid Saudi visas (if already issued).
Travel bookings or hotel reservations in Saudi Arabia.
Health insurance coverage is mandatory for most visa types.
Immunization or vaccination certificates, particularly for religious trips like Umrah or Hajj.

D. Are Kids Allowed to Travel Alone to Saudi?

It’s important to note that regardless of the visa type, children must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Saudi authorities do not allow minors to travel alone without special approvals. Here are three conditions in case a minor is traveling:

With one parent: If a child is traveling with only one parent, Saudi authorities often require legal or authorized written consent from the non-traveling parent. This helps prevent international custody disputes and ensures that the child is traveling with full knowledge and permission of both guardians.
With a guardian (not a parent): In cases where a minor is traveling with someone who is not their biological parent—such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend—a consent letter from both parents is typically mandatory. These documents must often be notarized and translated into Arabic.
Unaccompanied: Unaccompanied minors are rarely permitted to travel to Saudi Arabia unless there is an exceptional reason, which must be approved by the Saudi consulate or embassy in the child’s home country.

This ensures the safety and legal compliance of children traveling internationally.

E. Step-by-Step Visa Application Process for Minors

Here is the simple process to apply for Saudi Visa for kids:

Choose the visa type (tourist, Umrah, visit, etc.)
Gather all required documents for the child and accompanying parent(s)
Fill out the online application via the official portal or a licensed visa agent
Schedule a Saudi visa biometrics appointment if required (not mandatory for all minors)
Submit the application with fees
Track the application status
Receive the visa via email or passport stamp, depending on the type

F. Visa Fees and Processing Time for Minors

Visa fees for minors depend on the type of visa selected. Tourist e-visas typically cost around AED 750, excluding service charges or health insurance. Visit visas may have different rates depending on their validity.

Processing times are generally quick, ranging from 1 to 5 business days, but during peak seasons such as Ramadan or Hajj, delays can occur. It’s advisable to apply at least two weeks in advance of your planned departure date to avoid any last-minute issues.

G. Traveling to Saudi Arabia with Kids: Tips for a Smooth Journey

Traveling with children can be an adventure in itself. Here are a few practical tips for a stress-free Saudi trip:

Pack essentials like snacks, medication, toys, and extra clothes in your carry-on to handle unexpected delays or discomfort.
Keep documents handy, especially at immigration counters—this includes the child’s passport, visa, birth certificate, and approval letters.
Choose family-friendly airlines and flights with shorter layovers to minimize fatigue.
Educate older kids about local customs and dress codes. For example, girls over the age of 10 are generally expected to dress modestly in public.
Use family lanes at immigration, where available, for a quicker experience.

H. Common Issues to Avoid

While the process is usually smooth, some common issues parents may face include:

Incomplete or incorrect documentation: Always double-check your checklist before submitting the application. Missing birth certificates or unsigned consent letters are common reasons for rejection.
Delayed processing: If your visa status shows pending for more than 5 days, contact the agency or embassy for updates.
Rejected applications: If a visa gets rejected, review the reasons carefully and reapply with corrected details or seek help from a visa expert.
Confusion over guardianship: Always provide clear, attested, and translated documents if someone other than a parent is traveling with the child.

FAQs About Saudi Arabia Visa for Minors

Can a child travel to Saudi Arabia without both parents?

Yes, a child can travel with one parent or a legal guardian, but notarized parental consent from the non-traveling parent(s) is usually required.

Is a separate visa required for infants and toddlers?

Yes, each child must have an individual visa, regardless of age, including infants and toddlers.

Can I apply for a Saudi Arabia visa for my child online?

Yes, you can apply for a Saudi e-visa for your child online through official government portals or licensed visa agencies.

What is the minimum age for Saudi tourist visa?

18 is the minimum age for a Saudi tourist visa. If someone below 18 is traveling to the Kingdom, they must be accompanied by a guardian/ parent.

What is the difference between family visit and residence visa?

A Saudi family visit visa allows expat residents in the Kingdom to invite immediate family members for short-term stays. This includes spouses, children, and parents. The Saudi family residence visa, commonly known as Iqama, is a long-term visa that allows an expatriate worker in Saudi Arabia to sponsor their spouse and children (under 18 years old) to live with them.

Is a birth certificate mandatory?

Yes, it’s essential for verifying the child’s identity and relationship to the parent or guardian.

Conclusion

Traveling to Saudi Arabia with your children can be a wonderful experience if planned right. Knowing the Saudi visa application process for family, submitting the correct documents required for Saudi Arabia, and understanding Saudi Arabia visa biometrics requirements makes it seamless. Whether you’re applying for a Saudi Arabia visa from Dubai or any other country, ensure that your minor’s paperwork is in place. Safe travels!

Reeta Yadav