Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of visas for tourism, work, business, study, religious travel, and family visits. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit and your eligibility.
Most foreign nationals require a visa before travelling to Saudi Arabia. However, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are generally exempt from visa requirements, while travellers from eligible countries may qualify for an eVisa or Visa on Arrival under the Kingdom’s current regulations.
Below is a simple guide to the main types of visas available in Saudi Arabia.
Tourist Visa
The Saudi Tourist Visa allows eligible visitors to travel to the Kingdom for leisure, sightseeing, events, and visiting friends. It is typically issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for one year and allows stays of up to 90 days.
Transit (Stopover) Visa
The Transit or Stopover Visa is designed for travellers passing through Saudi Arabia on their way to another destination. Eligible passengers arriving by air may obtain this visa electronically, allowing a short stay in the Kingdom during their journey.
Work Visa
A Work Visa is required for foreigners who have secured employment with a Saudi employer. It allows the holder to enter the Kingdom for work and is followed by the issuance of a residence permit (Iqama). Both permanent and temporary work visas are available depending on the employment arrangement.
Family Visit Visa
The Family Visit Visa allows Saudi citizens and legal residents to invite eligible family members to visit the Kingdom for a temporary stay. This visa is intended for visits only and does not permit employment.
Personal Visit Visa
The Personal Visit Visa enables Saudi citizens to invite friends or acquaintances to visit Saudi Arabia without requiring a family relationship. It provides an opportunity for social visits and tourism.
Business Visit Visa
A Business Visit Visa is issued to foreign nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia for business-related activities such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, training, or exploring business opportunities. It does not permit employment or paid work in the Kingdom and is intended solely for temporary business visits.
Investor Visa
The Investor Visa is available for investors and business owners who wish to establish businesses, explore investment opportunities, or complete investment-related procedures in Saudi Arabia.
Student Visa
International students accepted by recognised educational institutions in Saudi Arabia must obtain a Student Visa. This visa allows students to enter the Kingdom for academic studies under the sponsorship of their educational institution.
Medical Visa
The Medical Visa enables hospitals and licensed medical facilities in Saudi Arabia to invite patients from abroad to receive treatment within the Kingdom.
Hajj Visa
The Hajj Visa is issued specifically for Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It is available only during the Hajj season and is subject to the Kingdom’s pilgrimage regulations.
Umrah Visa
The Umrah Visa allows eligible Muslims to perform Umrah in Makkah and Madinah outside the Hajj season. Depending on eligibility, many pilgrims may also perform Umrah using a Saudi Tourist Visa.
Dependent Visa
A Dependent Visa allows eligible expatriates living in Saudi Arabia to bring their spouse and children to reside with them in the Kingdom. Dependents are sponsored by the primary resident and must comply with Saudi residency regulations.
Diplomatic Visa
Diplomatic Visas are issued to diplomats, consular staff, official representatives of foreign governments, and their eligible dependents serving in Saudi Arabia.
Government Entity Visit Visa
This visa is issued to individuals invited by government entities, public institutions, charities, or non-profit organisations in Saudi Arabia for official visits or cooperation.
Exhibitor and Speaker Visa
The Exhibitor and Speaker Visa is intended for participants invited to exhibitions, conferences, and similar events organised in Saudi Arabia. These visas are issued in coordination with the relevant authorities responsible for exhibitions and conferences.
Selecting the correct visa is important, as each category has its own purpose, eligibility requirements, permitted activities, and period of stay. Using a visa for purposes other than those for which it was issued may violate Saudi regulations.
Before applying, applicants should always review the latest requirements through the relevant Saudi government authorities or the official visa platform, as visa policies and eligibility criteria may change over time.