Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid transformation under its Vision 2030 initiative, opening up significant opportunities for tourists, investors, and professionals. Entry into the Kingdom has become more accessible, with streamlined visa processes and new categories designed to support both business and leisure travel.
However, with these changes come new regulations and procedures that can be complex to navigate. Understanding the different types of Saudi Arabia visas, the required documentation, and the application process is essential for a smooth experience.
As CSP Group, an award-winning corporate services provider in the Middle East, we support clients through every step of these processes. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Saudi Arabia visa system—covering visa types, requirements, and step-by-step instructions for applying—so you can approach your travel or business plans with confidence and clarity.
A New Chapter for Saudi Visas
For many years, travel to Saudi Arabia was primarily limited to business professionals with local connections, religious pilgrims, and expatriate workers. Visiting the Kingdom purely for leisure was rare and often not considered an option. However, with the introduction of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has significantly shifted its focus to diversify the economy beyond oil, placing a strong emphasis on tourism and international business.
A pivotal development in this transformation was the introduction of the Tourist e-Visa in 2019. This initiative has greatly simplified the entry process for millions of visitors worldwide. As a result, it is now more accessible than ever to experience Saudi Arabia’s rich historical sites, dynamic modern cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
Let’s Talk Visa Types: Which One is for You?
Choosing the right visa is the most important first step. Pick the wrong one, and you could face delays or even a rejection. Let’s untangle the most common options.
1. The Tourist Visa (e-Visa and Visa on Arrival)
Want to see the sights, attend a festival, or perform Umrah? This is your go-to visa. (Just remember, the annual Hajj pilgrimage needs its own special Hajj visa).
- Who’s it for? People from over 49 countries can get this, including those from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. The list keeps growing, so it’s always good to check.
- What do you get? It’s a multiple-entry visa that’s good for a whole year. You can stay for up to 90 days in total during that year.
- How do you get it? The simplest way is to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa online. The official portal is user-friendly, and the whole thing can be done in minutes. Some passport holders can also get a visa when they land at a Saudi airport, but we really recommend you apply for a Saudi Arabia visa online beforehand to make your arrival smooth and easy.
2. The Business / Commercial Visit Visa
This one’s for professionals. If you’re heading to the Kingdom for meetings, contract talks, or conferences, this is the visa for you. Just remember, you can’t be employed on this visa.
- Who’s it for? Businesspeople, investors, and consultants who have been invited by a Saudi company.
- What’s the main requirement? The key to this Saudi Arabia visa application is an official invitation letter from your host company in Saudi Arabia. This letter has to be approved by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- How do you apply? Your Saudi host company gets the ball rolling by getting that invitation letter. Once it’s approved, you can fill out your part of the Saudi Arabia visa application form and book an appointment at a visa centre like VFS Tasheel to submit your documents. For companies just starting to explore the market, this sponsorship step can be the first little hurdle. It’s an area where a partner like CSP Group can really help connect you with the right people to get those initial visits sorted.
3. The Work Visa (Employment Visa)
Now, for the big one. If you’ve landed a job and are planning to move to the Kingdom, this is your ticket. It’s what you need to get your residence permit, known as the Iqama.
- Who’s it for? Anyone who will be officially living and working in Saudi Arabia.
- What are the requirements? This is the most detailed of all Saudi Arabia visas. Your employer in Saudi starts the process. The paperwork is more involved, and you’ll typically need:
- Your signed employment contract.
- Your educational and professional certificates, properly attested.
- A full medical check-up from a government-approved clinic.
- A police clearance certificate from your home country.
- What’s the process like? Because there are so many legal steps—from getting documents stamped to medicals and final approvals—the work visa process can feel overwhelming. Making sure every piece of paper is perfect is crucial. This is where a professional team can be a lifesaver. At CSP Group, we handle this A to Z, making sure your new employees are brought on board without any hitches.
4. Other Specialized Visas
Besides these main three, there are other visas for specific situations, like the Hajj Visa for pilgrims, the Family Visit Visa for residents who want to bring their relatives over, and the Student Visa for those studying in the Kingdom.
Ready to Apply? Here’s How It Works
While the details change a bit depending on the visa, the general path is pretty clear. Following this guide on how to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa will get you started on the right foot.
Step 1: Know Your Visa and Get Your Papers in Order
First things first: be sure about which visa you need. Then, start gathering your documents. The general Saudi Arabia visa requirements usually include:
- A Valid Passport: It needs to be valid for at least six more months from when you plan to enter and have two empty pages.
- Photos: Recent passport-sized photos with a plain white background.
- Application Form: Either online for the e-visa or a paper Saudi Arabia visa application form for other types.
- A Place to Stay: Proof of your hotel booking.
- Invitation Letter: If you’re applying for a business or work visa.
- Medical Insurance: This is automatically part of the fee for the tourist e-visa. For other visas, you might need to get it separately.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application
For tourists, this is a breeze. Just go to the official Visit Saudi website, fill in your details, upload your photo, and pay. For business or work visas, you’ll likely use a platform like VFS Tasheel to fill out the form and book an appointment to give your fingerprints and photo.
Step 3: Pay the Fee
The Saudi Arabia visa price depends on the type of visa you’re getting.
- Tourist e-Visa: The cost is about SAR 535 (around ₹12,000 INR), and this price includes your mandatory health insurance.
- Other Visas: The fees can vary a lot, and you’ll pay them during the application process.
The Waiting Game: How to Check Your Saudi Arabia Visa Status
Once you’ve applied, you’ll naturally want to know what’s happening. Knowing how to check Saudi Arabia visa status is simple and gives you peace of mind.
- For e-Visas: Just pop back to the official Visit Saudi portal where you applied and log in to see the status.
- For Other Visas: You can usually track your application on the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform. You’ll need your passport number and the application number you were given.
Read Also – Saudi Arabia’s Visiting Investor Visa to Foster Investment
Your Doorway to the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia’s doors are wide open, and the country is buzzing with energy and potential. Whether you’re drawn by the ancient history of Al Ula, the business buzz of Riyadh, or the futuristic vision of NEOM, getting your visa right is the first step on an amazing journey.The process is more straightforward than ever, but for complex business setups and employee relocations, the details really do matter. At CSP Group, we’re here to offer the guidance and support to make your entry into the Kingdom a complete success. Feel free to reach out, and let’s talk about how we can help your business thrive in the new Middle East.