Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents Guide

Saudi eVisa: An Easy Way to Holiday for GCC Residents

Saudi Arabia is not a country that usually comes to mind when considering a holiday. This is because the country was closed to tourism until a few years ago. Most people apply for a visit visa to take up jobs, attend business meetings, meet their family, and visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. But in 2019, Saudi Arabia announced its decision to open its doors to tourists also. Today, people worldwide can visit the country to explore its unique landscapes, culture, and historical attractions. In fact, citizens of some countries are even eligible for a Saudi Arabia eVisa, the electronic mode of visa. With minimal documentation and no visit to Embassy, Saudi evisa fro GCC residents is the easiest way to travel today. Check out all the details of Saudi Visa from Dubai through this comprehensive guide.

Saudi eVisa: An Overview

Saudi eVisa (tourist visa) is an electronic visa that one can apply online. The entire process, right from applyingto receiving the visa, happens online. The advantage of getting a Saudi eVisa is you do not have to visit a consulate or embassy to begin the visa application process. You save time as well as money. It is also very convenient as you can submit your visa application in the comfort of your home or office. All you need is a good internet connection.

The best thing about about eVisa is that it is a multiple-entry Saudi visa. It is valid for a year, and you can stay for 90 days (about 3 months) during every visit until your visa expires. However, you do not have to apply for a new visa each time you want to visit Saudi within one year.

Apply for a Saudi eVisa if you have to:

  • Explore the landmarks of Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes
  • Perform Umrah (Not Hajj)

Who is Eligible for Saudi eVisa?

Citizens of 63 countries are eligible for Saudi eVisa. Here are the nations that can apply for a Saudi visa online. We have divided the country continent-wise for your convenience.

Africa

  • Mauritius
  • Seychelles
  • South Africa

Asia

  • Azerbaijan
  • Brunei
  • China (Hong Kong and Macau included)
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • Uzbekistan

Europe

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Netherlands
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom

North America

  • Canada
  • Panama
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • United States of America

Oceania

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

You may contact a local agent or nearby Embassy to understand the suitable visa application process as per your nationality.

Even if you do not belong to one of the countries mentioned above, you can get a Saudi eVisa if you fulfill certain conditions:

If you are an Indian or any other citizen residing in the UAE (the resident visa validity must be 3 months at least), you can apply for the visa online. It is termed as Saudi eVisa for GCC residents.

Who are GCC Residents?

Saudi eVisa is a convenient program that streamlines travel for both residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and international visitors. Many times, people get confused between GCC citizens and GCC residents. A person who belongs to one of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by birth or legal process like naturalization is called a citizen, while people residing or living in the GCC countries but are not citizens are called residents. GCC residents might be working, studying, or retired. GCC residents typically hold the passport of their home country and have a residency visa permitting them to stay in the GCC country.

In simple terms, an expat in the GCC can apply for a Saudi eVisa. However, a native of Dubai with a UAE passport can get visa-free entry.

GCC countries include:
  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • Qatar
  • Oman
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia

To be considered a GCC resident, you typically need to hold a valid residency permit issued by one of these countries. This permit allows you to live and work there legally. Earlier, Saudi eVisa for GCC residents was restricted only to certain nationalities or people with a particular occupation. However, the program grew and new developments were made to expand it. With no physical documentation, Saudi eVisa for GCC residents mofa application allows you to get the visa in a short period.

Documents Required for Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents

Here are the KSA eVisa required documents :

Passport: A passport that has at least six months validity from the date of traveling to Saudi Arabia is required. Make sure that at least two blank pages

Emirates Resident Visa: If you are a UAE resident, you must submit a copy of your Emirates ID with a minimum 3-month validity while applying for a Saudi eVisa.

Photograph: A digital copy of your passport-size photo needs to be uploaded. The photo should be in PDF across the white background.

Application Form: You need to fill out an online application form where you need to provide all your personal details like name, date of birth, marital status, employment status, passport number, nationality, purpose of travel, etc. No false information should be provided in the form. There should be no spelling mistakes, too.

Health Insurance: A health insurance from Saudi Arabia that will cover your medical and emergency expenses is required while applying for a Saudi visa.

How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa?

One assured way to get a Saudi Arabia eVisa is to consult our visa agents. They guide you through the process, gather information, and potentially handle communication with Saudi authorities on your behalf. Here are the simplest steps:

  • Collect and submit the necessary documents to our experts through a registered mail ID.
  • We check the online form duly and verify that all the requirements are met.
  • Pay the required fees through secured payment gateways.

Once the visa is generated, we will forward the Saudi eVisa to your mail.

Another way is to do it yourself. The entire application process takes place through the official website of Saudi Arabia, eVisa. Here are the steps you need to follow to get your Ministry of Foreign Affairs or MOFA Saudi visa online.

  • You need to create a Saudi eVisa login ID and password by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab. You need to log in to your account every time you want to do something related to the Saudi eVisa application, like completing the form, uploading the documents, checking your visa status, etc.
  • Once you have logged in, you will be asked to enter your nationality and the type of passport you have. Depending on your nationality, you will also be asked whether you have a GCC residency or a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa. If you have any of these, you can move ahead with the eVisa application.
  • The next step is to fill in the application form. All the details must be filled out carefully. There should be no errors or blank spaces.
  • You must upload all the documents mentioned above to support your application form.
  • After uploading the documents, you must pay the Saudi eVisa fee. This can be done through a credit card or debit card. The visa process does not begin if you do not pay the fee.

After your application and documents are verified, the visa will be sent to your email id. It is important to provide an accurate email ID to ensure that you receive your visa without any issues and right on time.

Saudi eVisa Processing Time

The processing time of Saudi eVisa for GCC residents is usually 1-2 days. You will receive your eVisa in your email within a day of applying for the same. Although it’s the fastest visa approval, unforeseen circumstances and complexities may delay the process. It's always recommended to plan your trip accordingly and apply for your eVisa well in advance, especially during peak travel times.

Saudi eVisa Fees

Get Saudi eVisa at the best rates with our guided services and 100% guaranteed approval.

Visa Type Visa Fees (3 to 4 Working Days)
1 Year Saudi E-visa (Tourist) GCC AED 750

Saudi eVisa Validity

Saudi eVisa is valid for a year from the date it is issued. For each visit, you can stay in the country for three months (90 days). This means it is a multiple-entry visa, and you can enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times during that year.

Saudi eVisa Extension

It is not possible to extend your Saudi eVisa. You need to apply for a new one once the old one expires.If it expires before you enter Saudi Arabia, you will need to apply for a new one and pay the application fee again.

Get Saudi eVisa with our seamless services

Travel to Saudi Arabia with eVisa. With our assistance, obtaining your Saudi eVisa is hassle-free, ensuring that you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming travels and plan the itinerary. Our 24*7 available visa experts guide you through every step, ensure all documentation is accurate, and answer any questions you may have. We remain up-to-date with the latest visa guidelines. So, don’t waste time going through complex rules and regulations - let our expertise ensure a smooth and successful journey to Saudi Arabia.

Still unsure about where to start your Saudi eVisa application? Mail us at info@saudivisa.ae ave a quick chat on WhatsApp at +971501639408.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having an eVisa guarantee entry into Saudi Arabia?

No, the right to allow entry into the country rests on the immigration officer at the border. In short, you may be denied entry even if you have the eVisa if the immigration officer thinks that you do not meet all the conditions or requirements.
You need to carry your valid passport and the printout of your Saudi eVisa. You can also carry copies of the documents you submitted.
Yes, you can still apply for a visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate. You may also consult a local visa agent.
The Saudi eVisa isa multiple-entry visa, allowing multiple visits within the validity period.
No, having an eVisa does not give you the right to work in the country. The eVisa is only for tourism or Umrah purposes. It can also be used to visit family and friends in the country.
You should apply for a Saudi eVisa at least a few days before traveling to the country.
No, rectifying and resubmitting the same application is not possible. Mostly, in such cases, your visa application will be rejected. Alternatively, the processing time will become longer. You may have to submit some additional documents. However,checking all the information thoroughly before pressing the submit button is always better.
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