Common Reasons for Saudi Visa Rejection

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Saudi Arabia is its large reserves of oil. After all, it is the largest oil producer in the world. This has also made it possible for the country to generate jobs, and people from all over the world are attracted to Saudi Arabia for its job opportunities. Saudi Arabia is also known for religious tourism. As the country is known as the birthplace of Islam, Muslims from all corners of the world are keen to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina at least once in their lifetimes. Apart from all these, a few years ago, Saudi Arabia also opened its doors to tourism. For the first time, the country started offering Saudi visa to foreign tourists. 

Whatever might be the reason for your visit, be it work, religion, or tourism, you need to get a Saudi Arabia visa beforehand (there are a few exemptions). And anyone who has applied for a visa before knows that there is always a chance of rejection. The reason could be a small one or a big one. Here are some of the common Saudi visa rejection reasons.

Why Visa Gets Rejected?

A visa rejection can be saddening, even heartbreaking, especially for those who are looking forward to visiting Saudi Arabia for any reason. Knowing the common reasons for Saudi visa rejection will help two groups: one who is preparing to apply for a visa and the second who has already applied but has faced rejection. In the first case, you will know the things to do and things to avoid while applying for a Saudi visa, and in the second case, you will know how to avoid the mistakes that you made previously.

1. Insufficient Documentation

The documents you submit are the backbone of your visa application process. A single wrong step can lead to the rejection of your visa application.

• If you have not filled out the Saudi visa application form completely, then that can cause rejection. No section of the form should remain blank. If something does not apply to you, it is important to write NA rather than leaving it blank. 
• Insufficient documentation also means not submitting all the required documents. For instance, if you submit all the other documents but not your business, you may not get your multiple-entry Saudi Arabia visa.
• If your passport is damaged or certain pages are missing, it will lead to rejection of your visa application. Also, if your passport does not have the minimum validity, that can also lead to rejection of your visa application.
• It is extremely crucial to provide details about your accommodation while applying for a visa. This could be a hotel reservation or an invitation from a resident of Saudi Arabia. Visa rejection can happen if this important detail is missing.
• Submitting passport photographs is mandatory for every visa application. Saudi Arabia requires applicants to follow certain rules when submitting photos. If the Saudi visa photos are not as per these rules, this can become a reason to get your Saudi work visa, Saudi tourist visa, or Saudi eVisa rejected.
• Iqama documentation is different than other visas and is a longer process. It needs a police clearance certificate besides the biometric details.

2. Incomplete/Inaccurate Personal Information

• If there is a mismatch between the information provided on the application form and your documents, you will not get a visa approval. This discrepancy can be a minor spelling error or a major factual error. Make sure your name, address, passport number, and date of birth are accurate and the same as provided in your documents.
• Applicants must avoid providing false travel history while applying for a Saudi Arabia visa. One of the reasons for the rejection of your Saudi visa can be inconsistencies in your travel history. If you cannot provide proper details of your previous travels, including entry and exit stamps, you may not receive your Saudi visa. This includes previous visits to Saudi Arabia as well as other foreign countries.
• If there is a discrepancy between your declared financial situation and employment status/qualifications, this can lead to your visa rejection. The visa duration you apply for should match your financial means and the vacation time approved by your employer.
• Another reason a Saudi visa is not approved is if the intent of the traveler is not clear. Whatever might be the reason for traveling to the country, you need to mention it clearly in your visa application. You cannot apply for a tourist visa if you plan to work or look for a job in Saudi Arabia.

3. Criminal Records

• If you have a criminal record in your home country, there is a high chance that your visa application will be rejected. The chances of getting a visa are a bit higher if the severity of the crime is minor and if the duration of when it happened is longer. If you are in such a situation, it is best to opt for legal consultation before you begin the visa application process. 
• People who submit false documents like forged passports will not get visa approval. Such individuals are usually considered a threat to internal security, public policy, and public wealth. The visa officers have access to advanced security databases, which make it possible to verify all kinds of documents. If you are caught in such fraudulent acts, not only will your visa application be rejected, but you will also be banned from traveling to Saudi Arabia forever.

4. Past Visa Violations  

• If you have visited Saudi Arabia in the past and have overstayed your visit, approval of your Saudi visa application is highly unlikely. Foreigners who have overstayed their visas in the country are likely to face deportation, fines, and even a permanent ban from entering the country again.
• If you have violated some visa rules and policies during your past visits or indulged in illegal activities, this can also lead to the rejection of your visa application. For instance, if you took up some work while on a Saudi Arabia tourist visa, then you may not be allowed entry into the country again. 

5. Health Issues

• One of the reasons why a Saudi work visa is rejected is the presence of some health issues. People applying for a work visa must undergo medical checkups. In case you have some contagious diseases, your visa will be rejected.
• All foreigners planning to visit Saudi Arabia must have taken a list of vaccinations. If you cannot provide proof that you have taken the required vaccinations, the chances of your visa approval are very low.

6. Fund Shortage/Sponsor’s Credibility

• Submitting bank statements is mandatory for a Saudi visa. This ensures that you have the funds to sustain yourself in Saudi. Lack of the required funds in your bank account will also lead to visa rejection. 
• Alternatively, if a Saudi citizen or resident is sponsoring your trip, the person’s credibility, in terms of income, legal status, and tax obligations, will be scrutinized. If any discrepancy is found, Saudi visa will not be granted to you.

7. Ineligibility

One of the main causes why the Saudi eVisa gets rejected is that the applicant is not eligible to recieve the eVisa. If the applicant belongs to a country that is not listed in the eVisa category or doesn’t meet the eVisa eligibility requirements, then the application won’t be pushed forward.

What to Do When Saudi Visa Gets Rejected?

When your Saudi visa is rejected, you will receive a notification in your mail. You can check the Saudi visa status online. You will be notified of the reasons for the refusal of your Saudi visa. According to it, you might be asked for additional documentation. The only issue is you cannot edit the submitted application form. So, you must reapply for the visa application with the necessary documents. In case you have an eligibility issue,  reapplying for eVisa won’t help; rather, you must apply for another type of visa.

If the reason for rejection is unclear, consider contacting the Saudi embassy or consulate politely requesting more details. You can always consult a professional visa expert to handle this complicated situation easily. Don’t rush to reapply immediately. Wait for a reasonable amount of time (usually a few weeks) to demonstrate you’re a serious traveler and haven’t made the same mistake. Submit a strong, zero-error application.

Tips for Avoiding Saudi Visa Rejection

Some of the additional tips that can save you from the visa rejection fuss are:

• Be Honest and Transparent: Throughout the application process, be straightforward and upfront about your travel plans and background. Full up the form sincerely.
• Meet Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you fulfill all the eligibility criteria for the specific visa type you’re applying for. Research properly to gather all the supporting documents.
• Follow Instructions Carefully: Read and follow the application instructions to avoid any errors.
• Maintain Patience: The visa application process can take time. Be patient and persistent, and eventually, you’ll get your Saudi visa.

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Tisca

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.