Planning a visit to Saudi Arabia with family is an exciting adventure. The Kingdom offers a blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning landmarks, and modern developments, making it an attractive destination for families. However, before embarking on your trip, understanding the Saudi visit visa requirements for families is essential to ensure a smooth journey.
Here is a guide to the Saudi visit visa application process for families, including eligibility requirements, documents needed, fees, and the step-by-step procedure.
A. Types of Saudi Family Visit Visas
Saudi Arabia offers two types of visit visas for families:
- Single-Entry Visit Visa:
It is valid for 90 days, this visa allows a one-time entry into the Kingdom. The Saudi visa holder can stay for up to 30 days from the date of entry and must leave before the visa expires. - Multiple-Entry Visit Visa:
This visa allows for multiple entries over a year. The visa holder can stay up to 90 days per visit and can enter and exit the Kingdom several times during the visa validity period.
B. Eligibility Criteria for Family Visit Visa
To apply for Saudi visit visa for family, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicant’s Nationality:
Only expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia with a valid Iqama (residence permit) can sponsor their family members for a visit visa. - Eligible Family Members:
Family members eligible for a visit visa include immediate relatives such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings. - Sponsor’s Valid Iqama:
The sponsor (the expatriate living in Saudi Arabia) must have a valid Iqama and must be legally employed in the Kingdom. - Profession of the Sponsor:
Certain job categories are eligible to sponsor family members. Common professions like doctors, engineers, and teachers are usually allowed, but low-skilled job titles may face restrictions.
C. Documents Required for Saudi Family Visit Visa
The following documents are required to apply for a family Saudi Arabia visa for UAE residents:
- Completed Application Form: Fill out the application form. You can get help from Saudi visa agents to understand the documentation.
- Copy of Sponsor’s Iqama: A clear copy of the valid Iqama of the person inviting family members.
- Passport Copies: Passport copies of both the sponsor and the family members applying for the visa, with at least six months of validity remaining.
- Proof of Relationship: Legal documents proving the relationship with the sponsor (e.g., marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children, etc.).
- Photographs: Passport-size photographs for the Saudi visa of the family members.
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt:Proof of payment for the visa fee.
- Invitation Letter: The invitation letter generated from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website, stamped by the sponsor’s employer or the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
D. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Saudi Family Visit Visa
Step 1: Generate the Visa Request on the MOFA Website
- Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:
Start by visiting the official website and reach the visa section. Create an account if you do not have one. - Fill out the family visa application form:
Once logged in, select the family visit visa option and complete the online form with the required details about the sponsor and the family members. Make sure the information provided is accurate and matches official documents. - Invitation letter submission:
After filling in the form, generate the invitation letter, which will need to be stamped either by the sponsor’s employer or by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fees
- Payment of visa fees:
The next step involves paying the visa fees online through the Saudi payment system. The fee varies depending on whether you are applying for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Ensure you keep a receipt as proof of payment.
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Submit your application online:
After making the payment, submit the completed application form and relevant documents on the MOFA portal. You will receive an application number to track the status of your visa request. - Wait for approval:
The visa application is reviewed by the authorities. This process typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on various factors. Keep checking the status online using the application number.
Step 4: Send Documents to the Family Members
Once your visa application has been approved, download and send the following documents to your family members:
- Visa approval confirmation
- Invitation letter
- Copies of sponsor’s Iqama and passport
- Required supporting documents (such as marriage or birth certificates)
Step 5: Family Member Applies for Visa at the Saudi Embassy or VFS Center
Family members who are outside Saudi Arabia will need to visit the nearest Saudi Embassy or a Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) center in their home country to submit the documents in person. Some countries allow online submission through approved agents.
- Submit biometric data:
Depending on the country, family members may be required to submit Saudi visa biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, as part of the visa application process. - Receive the visa:
After successful submission and processing, the family members will receive their visit visas. The Saudi visa processing time typically takes around 2 to 5 business days, but it can vary. Indulge in family visit visa application check online in case the approval gets delayed.
If you find applying through a website or visiting an Embassy a hassle, consult a Saudi visa agent. These experts can help get visa approval from the comfort of your home.
E. Saudi Visit Visa Fees for Family
Visa fees can fluctuate depending on the type of visa, nationality of the applicants, and local processing charges. Here’s an approximate breakdown of Saudi visit visa from UAE price
- Single-entry Visa:
- It costs around AED 850.
- Valid for 90 days with a stay of up to 30 days.
- Multiple-entry Visa:
- It costs around AED 4500.
- Valid for one year with multiple entries, each stay up to 90 days.
Additional service fees may apply, depending on where you are applying, especially if you use a visa agency or a VFS center.
F. Important Considerations for Saudi Family Visit Visa
- Visa Extension:
A single-entry visit visa can be extended twice for an additional 30 days each time, provided that the total duration does not exceed 180 days. The extension can be done online via the Absher platform, but it must be done before the visa expires. - Travel Insurance:
Saudi Arabia mandates that all visitors have valid medical insurance for the duration of their stay. You can purchase travel insurance online through the MOFA portal or from an approved insurance provider in Saudi Arabia. - Strict Travel Guidelines:
Saudi Arabia follows strict laws on behavior, attire, and activities. It’s important to familiarize your family members with local customs and laws to avoid any issues during the trip. Also, learn common Arabic phrases to sort your communication well.
Conclusion
Applying for a Saudi family visit visa may seem daunting at first, but by following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. From selecting the right type of visa to gathering the necessary documents and submitting the application online, proper planning is the key to getting the visa on time.
Make sure to stay updated with any changes in visa regulations or requirements by visiting the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contacting your local Saudi embassy. By being well-prepared, you’ll be ready to enjoy an unforgettable family trip to Saudi Arabia!
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.
