For GCC expats, this article explains the costs, documents, and processes for obtaining a Saudi e-visa.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism announced on September 1 that residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) can now apply online for a Saudi tourist e-visa in minutes.
The official Saudi tourist website, visitsaudi.com, says GCC residents can apply for a single entry or a one-year multiple entry visa.
This article explains what you need to know about the Saudi e-visa for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council if you are planning a visit to family or friends in Saudi Arabia or wish to explore it.
Saudi tourist E-visa eligibility criteria:
For GCC residents to be eligible for an e-visa to Saudi Arabia, they must meet the following conditions
1. A residency visa should be valid for three months at least.
2. Passports must be valid for six months at least.
3. The resident's occupation should be listed on the portal as one of the eligible occupations.
4. In the case of children under 18, the parent must apply first.
Documents required for Saudi tourist e-visas
1. A passport photo with a white background.
2. A copy of your passport.
3. UAE residence visa page.
The process to apply for the Saudi e-visa for GCC residents online:
Residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council can apply for a tourist visa online through Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA's) online visa platform - visa.mofa.gov.sa. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Create an online account at MOFA official website
- Go to the following link: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/Loginindividuals.
- In the 'Login Of Individual Visitors To Saudi Arabia' category, click 'Register'.
- After that, enter your email address and create a password, then confirm it. Then enter the 'captcha code' and click the 'Register' button.
- You will receive an email with an activation link in your inbox. Simply click it to activate your account.
- Afterward, log in again with your new account and enter the captcha code. To log in, click 'Login'.
2. Apply for a new visa application
- Upon logging in, click on the white tab labelled, 'Add a new application' on the right.
- Next, you read the terms and conditions and click 'I agree'.
3. Complete the Saudi e-visa application for GCC residents
To apply for an e-visa, fill out the following details on the application form:
Enter the e-visa information:
- Select visa type: Tourist
- Transport mode: air, land, sea, or open
- Select the Saudi Mission: Dubai
Enter personal information:
- Enter your first and last name.
- Choose your nationality
After selecting your nationality, check the box that says: ‘A ‘valid’ residence for a period of no less than three months in the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Gulf Countries, including domestic workers who come with their sponsors.’
- Enter your residence visa number, which is your UID (Unified Number)
- Type in your residency visa expiration date.
- Choose the issuing country: UAE
Enter your occupation. After typing it in, you will see options from a drop-down menu. Your occupation – as listed on your visa – has to be available on the option. The reason is that only certain categories of workers can apply online for an e-visa.
Before applying, check this list to see if your occupation is covered
4. Upload your documents
Upload the documents mentioned above:
- A passport-sized photo.
- A copy of your passport.
- Copy of UAE residence visa.
5. Enter the details of your passport
- Passport number
- Issuing country
- Date of expiry
- Date of birth
- Passport type: Normal
- Date of issue
- Place of birth
Enter other details:
- Your marital status
- Gender
- Address in Saudi Arabia
6. Enter your travel details and select the type of tourist visa:
1. Select the port of entry:
- Jeddah
- Al Madinah
- Riyadh
- Dammam
- Dhahran
2. Enter your expected entry date
3. Select your tourist visa type next:
- Single
- Multiple
Single-entry visas are valid for three months from the date of issuance and allow you to reside in Saudi Arabia for 30 days.
A multiple-entry visa will be valid for one year and will allow you to reside in Saudi Arabia for 90 days.
- Next, choose whether you would like to perform Umrah. The MOFA website states that Umrah can be performed throughout the year except during Hajj season.
- Next, enter the captcha code and click 'Save'.
7. Review the application data
Afterward, you will see all the details of your application on the website. You will be asked to enter your email address and mobile number on the website.
8. Select your medical insurance
In the next step, you will be given the option of choosing between health insurance coverage options provided by Saudi health insurance providers, as well as the costs of each plan. Choose the health insurance plan that suits your needs.
9. Complete the payment
Choose a health insurance plan and pay for the e-visa by debit/credit card.
10. Obtain the Saudi e-visa
After completing the application, you can monitor your e-visa application process at https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Index.
Choose the 'visa application' inquiry type, enter the application number and passport number, and click 'Search'.
You receive your e-visa by email if MOFA approves your visa. When traveling to Saudi Arabia, visitors are advised to keep both a hard copy and a digital copy of their visa.
Maximum stay for e-visa holders in Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia's official tourism website - visitsaudi.com - explains you can stay for the following duration depending on your visa type:
- A multiple-entry tourist visa allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia for 90 days after it is issued and is valid for one year.
- A single-entry tourist visa is valid for three months from the date of issuance, with a 30-day stay allowed.
Points to consider:
1. A visa application does not guarantee its granting, and MOFA reviews each application before granting the visa.
2. The application fee is non-refundable if the e-visa application is rejected for not meeting the requirements, according to visitsaudi.com.
Cost of a Saudi e-visa for residents of the GCC
GCC residents must pay 300 Saudi riyals or AED 293.25 for the e-visa and health insurance fee. Accordingly, the total cost will vary depending on the type of health insurance you choose.