Obtaining a Saudi Visa and Checking Validity

Understanding how to obtain different types of Saudi visa, their respective documentation requirements, and status-checking processes ensures a seamless experience, whether traveling for leisure, business, employment, relocation, or religious purposes.

Saudi Arabia is among the most sought-after destinations in the Middle East, offering travelers diverse opportunities for tourism, business, pilgrimage, and work. With its growing influence on the global stage, understanding the different visa types, their validity periods, and how to check the visa status is essential for a smooth travel experience. This article will provide a guide on obtaining a Saudi visa, tracking its validity, and addressing frequently asked questions.

Visa categories for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia provides a wide array of visa categories, each catering to a different type of traveler. The type of visa an individual applies for will depend on their purpose of visit, nationality, and specific requirements. Let’s take a closer look at the various types of visas offered by Saudi Arabia:

Tourist e-Visa

The Saudi tourist e-visa is one of the most popular entry points for international travelers. It is primarily designed for those wishing to visit Saudi Arabia for leisure or to explore the cultural and historical landmarks of the Kingdom.

• Validity: The e-visa is valid for one year (365 days) from the issuance date.
• Entry: Multiple entries are allowed, with each stay lasting up to 90 days.
• Stay Limit: A total stay cannot exceed 180 days in one year, meaning the traveler can enter and exit the country multiple times, but the cumulative time spent in Saudi Arabia must not surpass the limit.

Family Visit Visa

The Family Visit Visa allows individuals to visit relatives residing in Saudi Arabia. It offers two types:

• Single-entry Visa: Valid for 30 days.
• Multiple-entry Visa: Valid for 90 days, with up to four re-entries allowed within the validity period.

This visa type is ideal for those wishing to reconnect with family members or attend important family events in the Kingdom.

Business Visa

The Saudi Business Visa allows travelers to attend meetings, conferences, or explore investment opportunities. This visa is crucial for professionals or businesspeople seeking to expand their operations within Saudi Arabia.

Requirements for a Saudi Business Visa

To apply for a Saudi Business Visa, an applicant must be sponsored by a Saudi company or organization. However, business visas do not allow individuals to engage in employment-related activities.

1. Valid Passport: At least six months valid from the travel date, with two blank pages.
2. Passport Photograph: Two recent passport-sized color photos taken within the last six months.
3. Visa Application Form: The form must be completed and signed.
4. Letter of Invitation: An invitation letter from the Saudi company to be visited. The letter must be approved by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and addressed to the relevant Saudi consulate.
5. Cover Letter: A cover letter from your company’s letterhead stating the purpose of your visit.
6. Company Registration Copy: A copy of the Saudi company’s registration document.
7. Bank Statement: A personal bank statement for the last three months, stamped and signed by the bank.

Employment Visa

This visa is essential for individuals seeking work in Saudi Arabia. Obtaining an employment visa is a complex process that requires the sponsorship of a Saudi employer.

Obtaining an Employment Visa in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s employment visa process is highly structured and involves several key steps. One of the key features of the Saudi work visa process is the Professional Verification Scheme, which applies to nationals from specific countries in certain technical fields.

1. Required Documents: A valid passport, passport-sized photographs, and proof of medical report, along with a signed employment contract and police clearance certificate.
2. Professional Verification: The Professional Verification Scheme requires certain foreign nationals to pass a qualification exam before being granted a visa. This scheme targets nationals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and may expand to other countries.
3. Process: The sponsoring employer must register with the Ministry of Interior and submit an application for the employee. Once approved, the Ministry of Labor notifies the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which issues a Visa Authorization Number. Employees then submit their visa applications to the Saudi embassy.
4. Residency Permit (Iqama): Upon arrival, workers must apply for a residency permit (Iqama) through the Ministry of Labor.

Residence Visa

For individuals planning to live in Saudi Arabia with their families, the residence visa is a crucial document. This visa category is suitable for expatriates who wish to reside in the Kingdom for work or personal reasons.

Requirements for a Residence Visa

To apply for a residence visa in Saudi Arabia, applicants must submit various documents, including a valid passport, completed visa application form, photographs, proof of employment, and health insurance. For family residence visas, additional documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for children may be required.

Hajj Visa

The Hajj Visa is exclusively for Muslim pilgrims visiting Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah for the annual pilgrimage. This visa is granted only during the Hajj season and is essential for all pilgrims who wish to perform the rites.

Temporary Work Visa

The Temporary Work Visa allows foreigners to work in Saudi Arabia for a limited period, typically up to three months, with a possible extension of 30 days.

Requirements for a Temporary Work Visa

This visa requires sponsorship from a Saudi employer and submission of several key documents, including a passport, employment contract, medical certificate, and police clearance certificate.

Exit/Re-Entry Visa: E-Governance Services in Saudi Arabia

The Muqeem system in Saudi Arabia streamlines residency-related services for residents, foreign employees, and business owners, including the issuance of exit/re-entry (ERE) visas/permits.

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Log in to the Muqeem system.
2. Navigate to Electronic Transactions.
3. Select Electronic Exit/Re-Entry Visa.
4. Click on Issue Exit/Re-Entry Visa.
5. Enter the security code sent to your mobile phone.
6. Provide the resident’s Iqama number and specify the exit/re-entry period.
7. Verify the entered data.
8. Click Issue Visa.
9. Select Print to obtain a hard copy.

Requirements:

• The employer (sponsor), worker, or family members applying for the visa must not be listed as deceased, absconding, or having a recruitment-related offense.
• Visa fees must be paid.
• All traffic fines for the worker must be cleared.
• There should be no violation for not canceling a previously issued but unused visa.
• The worker must not have an active, valid visa.
• The worker must be present within Saudi Arabia at the time of visa issuance.
• The worker’s passport must have a validity of at least 90 days.
• A fingerprint record is required for male applicants aged 18 and above.
• Dependents included in the passport must travel with the primary visa holder.

Cancellation of the Exit/Re-Entry Visa Permits

The Saudi General Directorate of Passports (SGDP) has announced that employers in Saudi Arabia can now cancel exit/re-entry permits for expatriates through the online Absher platform.

Previously, ERE permit cancellations were processed exclusively via the employer’s Muqeem portal.

It is important to note that fees paid for the issuance of an ERE permit are non-refundable upon cancellation. The SGDP has also urged expatriates to utilize the digital services offered on the Absher platform instead of visiting its offices in person.

Checking Saudi Visa Validity

Once a visa has been obtained, it’s essential to track its status and validity to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Using the Enjazit Portal

The Enjazit portal, connected to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), is the primary platform for checking visa status. Here’s how to check your visa validity:

1. Visit the Enjazit Portal: Go to the Enjazit website.
2. Fill in Required Details: Enter your visa type, passport number, and nationality.
3. Enter Security Code: Input the displayed security code.
4. View Details: After clicking ‘Perform the Search,’ the portal will show your visa status, including the issue and expiry dates.

Via the MOFA Website

Another way to check your visa validity is through the MOFA website:

1. Navigate to the MOFA Website: Go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official website.
2. Scroll to the Inquiry Section: Locate the section to inquire about your visa status.
3. Enter Required Information: Provide your application number, Iqama (residence number), or national identity number.
4. Click ‘Inquire’: View your visa details on the next page.

Key Tips for E-Visa Management

1. Apply Early: Start the visa application process at least two weeks before your planned travel date.
2. Track Validity Period: The validity of an e-visa begins from the issue date, not the entry date.
3. Maintain Documentation: Always keep both digital and printed copies of your visa and passport.
4. Apply for Extensions: For stays exceeding 90 days, apply for an extension via the Absher platform at least three days before your visa expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if my visa expires? If your visa expires, you must reapply for a new one. It is advisable to start the reapplication process well in advance.
2. Can I use an e-visa for business activities? Limited business activities, such as attending meetings, are allowed on a tourist e-visa. For more extensive business engagements, it’s best to apply for a business visa.
3. What if my passport expires before my visa? You will need to apply for a new visa using your renewed passport, as e-visas cannot be transferred to a new passport.
4. How can I track my visa status if I’m already in Saudi Arabia? If you are inside Saudi Arabia, you can use the Absher app to track your visa status or use the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ online portal.

Conclusion

Understanding the various types of Saudi visas, their requirements, and how to manage and track your visa status is crucial for ensuring a smooth entry into the Kingdom. Whether you are visiting for business, pilgrimage, family, or work, obtaining the correct visa and ensuring it remains valid throughout your stay is a key step in your travel planning. By following the outlined procedures and utilizing online platforms like Enjazit and MOFA, you can stay informed about your visa status and avoid unnecessary travel disruptions.

• Previous Article Turkey Revised VAT Rates: Impact on Healthcare and Telecom Sectors
• Next Article Understanding the KSA National Address System