Saudi Arabia has introduced an eVisa system to make it easier for visitors to enter the country. However, eligibility for this eVisa depends mainly on the applicant's nationality rather than their residency status in another country.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for a Saudi eVisa, applicants must :
- Be a national of one of the 57 authorised countries
- Travelling for tourism, events, family visits or pilgrimage (Umrah only)
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia
- Have a residence permit valid for at least 3 months after your trip
Using your residence permit to apply for an eVisa
In order to use your residence permit to apply for an e-Visa, it must be valid for at least 3 months after your trip. A receipt proving that a new valid residence permit will be sent to the traveller can be a valid document for obtaining your e-Visa, but only if it bears the words " This certificate is only valid if accompanied by the long-stay visa or residence permit previously held. "
Special cases
Certain exceptions may apply for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries or for holders of visas valid for the United States, the United Kingdom or the Schengen area. In these cases, it is possible that the residence permit may be taken into account in the eVisa application process.
eVisa application process
If you are eligible for a Saudi eVisa, here are the steps to follow:
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- Fill in the online form with your personal details
- Upload a colour passport photo and a copy of your passport
- Paying visa fees
- Wait for confirmation of your eVisa
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Important to know
Passport validity
The traveller's passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia. The traveller must present the passport used for the eVisa declaration. This may be an ordinary, diplomatic or special passport.
Minors' travel
Minors must be accompanied by an adult (parent, grandparent or sibling) to enter Saudi Arabia with an eVisa. The documents to be submitted for a minor are identical to those required for an adult traveller, i.e. :
- Passport
- Passport photo
- Residence permit
Travel restrictions
Certain restrictions may apply during the Hajj period, generally between May and June. During this period, only certain types of visa are accepted to enter Jeddah and Medina.
Having a residence permit for an eVisa to Saudi Arabia is crucial if you do not have an eligible nationality to travel to the country for the following reasons: tourism, events, family visit or pilgrimage (Umrah only). Each type of eVisa has its own requirements and procedures.
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