Should I apply for an e-Visa for Saudi Arabia before buying a plane ticket?

The e-Visa for Saudi Arabia is a programme introduced by the country to reduce queues at its embassies. It is issued via an online form for people who meet the conditions required to obtain it.

What are the requirements for obtaining a Saudi Arabia e-Visa?

There are a number of points to bear in mind when obtaining this type of visa. Firstly, the visa is only available to people wishing to visit Saudi Arabia. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days. During this period, the holder of this visa is authorised only for tourism, visits or pilgrimage.

It should also be noted that Saudi Arabian nationals or residents are not entitled to hold this type of visa. The same applies to residents of Australia. British citizens are entitled to longer validity periods than usual. The Saudi e-Visa is valid for six months. In some cases, proof of sufficient resources may be required before the visa is granted.

Is it essential to apply for an e-Visa before buying a plane ticket?

When you purchase your ticket to Saudi Arabia, you will not need to prove that you are in possession of a visa. This applies to all types of visa issued by the Kingdom. What's more, the time taken to issue this type of visa is relatively short. It takes no more than three days for a person to come into possession of their Saudi Arabia e-Visa. This gives you plenty of time to book your flight.

However, the reverse process may be important in some cases. People from outside Europe may have to pay for their plane ticket before their application is accepted. Non-European nationals must prove that they are able to cover the costs of their stay. They must show proof of their return booking and sometimes a copy of their bank statement. In this case, having a reserved plane ticket becomes a necessity.

However, whatever your country of origin, the best thing to do is to fill in the e-Visa form before you buy your plane ticket. This will save you from any possible inconvenience.

One of the best ways of obtaining your e-visa is to enlist the help of specialist services.