If you’re living in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country and planning to visit Saudi Arabia, you can now apply for an e-Visa entirely online. The digital application system is straightforward and built for fast approvals, often processing applications within minutes.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: who qualifies, what the visa allows, how much it costs, and the exact steps to complete your application successfully.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Saudi Electronic Visit Visa (e-Visa) is available to residents of any GCC member country. This includes people living in:
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Oman
Once approved, the visa is sent directly to your email. There’s no need to visit an embassy or consulate.
Understanding Visa Types and Validity
Saudi Arabia offers two e-Visa options for GCC residents, depending on your travel needs.
Single-Entry Visa
This visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days during that period.
Multiple-Entry Visa
Valid for one year, this visa lets you enter Saudi Arabia multiple times. Each visit can last up to 90 days.
What Does It Cost?
The Saudi visa portal breaks down costs as follows (amounts in USD):
- Visa fee: $80 (this is refundable in certain circumstances)
- Digital services fee for visa processing: $10.50 (non-refundable)
- Digital services fee for insurance: $10.50 (non-refundable)
- Medical insurance: Cost varies depending on the provider you select
You must purchase medical insurance as part of the application process. The system will guide you through selecting an approved provider.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Most e-Visa applications are processed quickly. Approval times range from as little as one minute to up to three business days. Many applicants receive their visa almost immediately after submitting the application.
Once approved, the visa arrives via email, so make sure the email address you provide is correct.
Basic Requirements You Must Meet
To qualify for a Saudi e-Visa as a GCC resident, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old (minors can apply if accompanied by a legal guardian)
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months from your planned entry date
- Have a valid residence permit in a GCC country
- Show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
- Agree to follow all Saudi laws and regulations while visiting
What Can You Do on This Visa?
The e-Visa is designed for short visits and allows you to:
- Travel for tourism and sightseeing
- Visit family members or friends
- Attend cultural or touristic events
- Perform Umrah (the Islamic pilgrimage)
Please note that this visa does not permit Hajj. If you plan to perform Hajj, you’ll need to apply through a different visa category.
Documents You’ll Need
Before starting your application, gather the following:
- A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background
- A clear copy of your passport
- A copy of your GCC residence visa
Make sure all documents are legible and up to date.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s how to apply for your Saudi e-Visa from start to finish.
Step 1: Begin Your Application
Go to the official Saudi visa platform at ksavisa.sa.
Select the following options:
- Choose Visit, then Tourism
- Under nationality, select GCC Resident
- Click Show Eligible Visas
- Choose Electronic Visa (e-Visa) and proceed to the next page
Step 2: Provide Travel Information
You’ll be asked to enter:
- The type of visa you want (single or multiple entry)
- Your expected date of arrival in Saudi Arabia
- The GCC country where you currently reside
- The nearest Saudi Embassy to your location
Step 3: Fill in Personal Details
Enter your personal information, including:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Mobile phone number
- Current residential address
- Marital status
- Occupation (this field is required)
You’ll also need to upload your passport-sized photo. The system accepts JPG or PNG files under 5 MB. Make sure the photo shows a neutral expression and a plain white background.
Step 4: Add Passport Information
Upload a copy of your passport and provide:
- Passport number
- Issue date and expiry date
- Place of birth
Double-check these details carefully to avoid delays.
Step 5: Enter GCC Residency Details
Upload a copy of your GCC residence visa and fill in:
- Residency number
- Expiry date of your residence permit
- City and full address of residence
Step 6: Review and Confirm
Take a moment to review all the information you’ve entered. Make sure everything is accurate, then accept the terms and conditions to move forward.
Step 7: Select Medical Insurance
You’ll be asked a few required questions, after which you can choose from a list of approved Saudi medical insurance providers. Compare options and select the one that suits your needs.
Step 8: Complete Payment and Track Your Application
Pay the visa fees online using a debit or credit card. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation and an application reference number.
Your e-Visa will be sent to your email once it’s approved. You can also track the status of your application anytime by visiting ksavisa.sa, selecting Track Application, and entering your application number and passport number.
A Word of Caution
To ensure a smooth and secure application experience:
- Always apply through the official Saudi visa platform at ksavisa.sa
- Avoid using third-party agents or companies that claim to expedite the process
- If you need help, contact official support channels provided by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Visa policies, fees, and eligibility criteria can change without notice. It’s always a good idea to check the official portal for the most current information before you apply.
This guide is based on information from the official Saudi unified visa platform and is intended to help GCC residents navigate the e-Visa application process with confidence.