Saudi Arabia, home to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the vast Arabian defect, and a apace modernizing thriftiness, welcomes millions of visitors every year for touristry, work, pilgrimage, and stage business. Whether you plan to perform Hajj or Umrah, explore the Kingdom s rich account, or work in one of its maturation industries, you will likely need a Saudi visa to enter.

This guide explains types of Saudi visas, application requirements, fees, and processes so you can plan your trip with trust.

1. What is a Saudi Visa?

A Saudi visa is an official issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, granting you permit to enter, stay, and sometimes work in the state for a specified time period and resolve. The type of visa you need depends on the resolve of your travel to.

2. Types of Saudi Visas

Saudi Arabia offers several visa categories to meet the needs of different travelers:

A. Tourist Visa

Introduced in 2019 as part of the Kingdom s Vision 2030 plan to advance tourism.

Available to citizens of in line countries through eVisa(online) or Visa on Arrival.

Valid for one year, multiplex entries, with each stay up to 90 days.

Allows touristry, attention events, and visiting friends mob but not work.

B. Business Visa

For attention meetings, conferences, or exploring investment funds opportunities.

Issued as one or five-fold-entry visas.

Requires an invitation varsity letter from a Saudi-registered accompany.

C. Hajj Visa

Special visa for Muslim pilgrims playacting Hajj(once a year during Dhul-Hijjah).

Issued through authoritative trip agents.

Valid for a short-circuit period of time covering the Hajj mollify only.

Includes stern rules regarding travel dates and activities.

D. Umrah Visa

For Muslims playacting Umrah outside the Hajj season.

Can be obtained online(for qualified countries) or through trip agents.

Now also possible to do Umrah with a tourist visa.

E. Work Visa

For foreign-born nationals with a confirmed job offer in Saudi Arabia.

Requires a work allow from the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Valid for 1 2 old age, inexhaustible.

Requires medical examination tests and downpla checks.

F. Residence Visa(Iqama)

Issued to expatriates animated to Saudi Arabia for work and their syndicate members.

Comes with a occupier ID card(Iqama) for sound stay.

Renewable every year.

G. Transit Visa

For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en road to another state.

Short validity(up to 96 hours).

May be obtained with a flight reservation through Saudi airlines.

3. Saudi Visa Requirements

While requirements vary by visa type, green documents let in:

Valid passport(at least 6 months validness with blank pages).

Completed visa application form.

Recent recommendation-size photographs(white downpla).

Proof of adjustment(hotel booking or host invitation).

Return fine or onward trip proofread.

Proof of ample financial means.

Medical insurance policy Saudi Arabia(mandatory for holidaymaker visas).

For work visas: work contract, work allow, medical examination describe.

For pilgrim visas: proofread of being a Muslim(for non-Muslim-majority countries), vaccination certificate.

4. How to Apply for a Saudi Visa

A. Tourist eVisa(Online)

Visit the Saudi eVisa hepatic portal vein( https://visa.visitsaudi.com/).

Fill out the application form with personal and travel inside information.

Upload a recommendation exposure and scan of your recommendation.

Pay the visa fee online.

Receive the eVisa by email publish it or keep a digital copy.

B. Visa on Arrival

Available for citizens of eligible countries at certain Saudi airports.

Requires defrayal of visa fees at the port of entry.

C. Embassy or Consulate Application

For non-eligible countries or visa types like work, byplay, and residency visas.

Submit the application through a Saudi consulate, authorized visa agency, or .

5. Saudi Visa Fees

Fees vary depending on the visa type:

Tourist Visa: Around SAR 300 400(plus medical examination policy fee).

Business Visa: SAR 400 800.

Hajj and Umrah Visas: Often enclosed in pilgrimage box prices.

Work Visa: Fees reckon on undertake length and arrangements.

6. Processing Times

Tourist eVisa: Often issued within proceedings to 24 hours.

Work Residence Visa: Can take several weeks to months due to approvals.

Hajj Visa: Issued according to the Hajj season docket.

Business Visa: Usually processed within a few days if documents are complete.

7. Rules and Restrictions

Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah and certain areas of Madinah.

Alcohol and certain items are stringently verboten.

Dress code: Modest wear is needful for both men and women.

Overstaying a SAUDI VISA FOR FRENCH CITIZENS can lead in heavily fines, transportation, and bans.

8. Tips for a Successful Application

Apply well before your deep-laid travel date, especially for work and pilgrim’s journey visas.

Double-check document requirements to keep off delays.

Keep copies of your visa approval and entry documents.

Ensure your passport is unexpired for at least six months from your date.

9. Conclusion

Saudi Arabia now offers a more open and accessible visa system of rules, especially for tourists, as part of its Vision 2030 reforms. Whether you are visiting for pilgrimage, byplay, work, or leisure, sympathy the visa type and application work on is crucial for a smooth travel. Always employ through official or authorised agencies, and keep an eye on topical anaestheti laws and custom during your stay.