In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has revamped its visa policies to promote tourism and businesses. This is part of its aim to have a well-diversified economy away from its reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia is a great destination for tourism and business, and it is also one of the easiest places to travel in 2025.
A good understanding of the Saudi visa process is needed when planning a trip to the country. This article discusses the Ksa visa process including the specific requirements and steps needed to have an excellent travel experience.
Types of Saudi Visas
Saudi Arabian visas come in different categories to serve different visitors. The different visa types are explained below:
- Tourist Visa: This visa is for those who want to come to Saudi Arabia for leisure. With the Tourist visa, visitors are allowed to explore the country’s cultural heritage as well as other attractions. The visa can be obtained online at $131, and it can be obtained within minutes.
- Hajj Visa: It was designed for Muslims undertaking religious pilgrimages. Hajj Visa is free and it is applicable only within the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. However, visitors will need to cover all other expenses like accommodation, food, and other costs incurred. Meanwhile, Umrah visas are available all year round except during Hajj. You can apply through the Nusuk Hajj portal.
- Family Visit Visa: Residents and citizens are allowed to invite their family members for short-term visits with the Family Visit visa. It typically costs $80, and it will be processed within 4 to 5 days.
- Student Visa: For those who want to come and study in Saudi Arabia, this visa is designed for them to facilitate their education. The prize for this visa ranges from $100 to $500. Proof of enrolment and sponsorship from the institution as well as a medical report is required for application.
- Transit Visa: This visa is designed for people who are briefly passing through Saudi Arabia for layovers. It allows travelers to explore the country for up to 96 hours before continuing their journeys. Saudi Transit visa is free, but there may be administrative and medical insurance fees attached.
- Golden Visa: Also known as the Premium Residency Visa. It allows investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals to reside and do business in KSA. There is the annual residency going for SR100,000 (about $26,000), and permanent residency going for a one-time fee of SR800,000 (about $213,300)
- Business Visa: Suitable for short business visits which can include attending conferences, negotiations, and business meetings. Usually, the visitor will need an official invite from a company in Saudi Arabia authenticated by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
- Work Visa: A work visa allows you to take on employment and reside in the country. Applicants must submit a job offer from a Saudi employer who will serve as the person’s sponsor. A work permit from the Saudi Ministry of Labor, medical report, and other required documents are needed along with the application.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: To apply for a Ksa visa, the applicant needs to be at least 18 years old.
- Passport Validity: A passport with at least 6 months of validity before the travel date is required.
- Application Form:
- Passport Photograph: A recent passport-sized color photograph that meets the specified dimension is needed.
- Health Insurance: Applicants will need to obtain health insurance from Saudi-approved providers during the application process.
- Travel Insurance: Proof of travel insurance is required along with the application.
- Functional Email Account: Your e-Visa will be sent to your email address. It is the platform that will be used for communicating with you.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Saudi Visa Application Process
The following steps will help ensure that you are following the process correctly.
- Choose the Right Visa Type: This is by far the first thing to settle when planning a trip to Saudi Arabia. You should determine the appropriate visa that matches the reason for your visit. In any case of skepticism, consult the Saudi consulate website or a travel agency.
- Compile the Required Documents: The necessary documents include the following.
- A completed Saudi Visa Application Form
- Recent passport photograph
- A valid passport
- Proof of financial sufficiency
- Proof of accommodation
- A booked return flight ticket or travel
- Health insurance covers your duration of stay.
Note that other documents like proof of business invitation, employment, or enrollment in a school, may be requested depending on the kind of visa.
- Submit Your Application: Your application can be submitted online through Saudi Arabia’s official website. You can also submit physically at the Saudi Embassy or consulate.
The application process for e-visa
The application process for Saudi e-Visa involves:
- Visit the official e-Visa website at
- Click the “Apply Now” button
- Fill out the e-Visa application form
- Attach the required documents and submit
- Make payment
- Wait for approval
- Print the e-visa for presentation at the Saudi Airport.
Visa on Arrival
In 2025, visitors from eligible countries can get a visa upon arrival at Saudi airports. Below are the requirements:
- Eligibility: Only citizens of countries that are eligible for the e-Visa can get a visa on arrival. There are 66 of them.
- Documentation: a valid passport must be presented.
- Payment: Visa fee must be paid upon arrival.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
There are various reasons why a visa application can be rejected including the following:
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Application: This is the most common reason for denying one’s visa. If your application form is incomplete, your application is likely going to be denied. Hence, you should ensure all required information is filled out. If something is not applicable, it is better to write ‘NA’ than to leave it blank.
- Issues with Passport: A passport with less than 6 months validity or a damaged passport will not be accepted.
- No Accommodation: If you do not have an accommodation waiting for you, your application may not be approved. You should include your accommodation details such as a hotel reservation or an invitation from a Saudi resident.
- Incomplete Documentation: If you do not submit all the required documents, your application will be denied. Thus, you should cross-check that you have submitted all the required documents.
- Health Issues: In the case of certain serious health conditions, a work visa amongst others may be rejected.
- Incorrect Visa Category: For instance, if you apply for a Tourist Visa instead of a Business Visa, your application will not be approved.
- Insufficient Funds: You will be denied a visa if your proof of financial capacity seems to be insufficient to cover your travel expenses including accommodation, feeding, and movement around the country.
- Criminal Record: Having a serious criminal history will likely lead to rejection.
Also Read: Types of UK Visas for US Citizens
