Saudi Arabia Visa for UAE Residents: Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re a UAE resident, you’re in for a treat – the Land of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia, is calling your name. Whether you’re itching to explore its ancient history, towering modern cities, or vast desert landscapes, Saudi Arabia has something for everyone. The only catch? You need a visa to enter this captivating kingdom
But worry not; we’ve got your back. In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia visa for UAE residents. Whether you’re a UAE local or an expat, you will find all the valuable details on the visa process right here.
We’ll explain the visa application process, lay out the costs, and give you the lowdown on how long you can stay.
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Latest Updates on Saudi Arabia Visa for UAE Residents
GCC residents can now apply for an entry visa to Saudi Arabia regardless of their profession and job. All GCC residents with a valid residency permit of at least 3 months can apply for an e-visa for Saudi Arabia through their e-visa portal.
This applies to all foreign nationals and expats residing in the UAE. UAE expats can now visit Saudi for Umrah and tourism purposes by obtaining an e-visa online with just a few clicks.
Do UAE Residents Need a Visa to Enter Saudi Arabia?
GCC nationals and UAE locals with an Emirati passport do not need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia. They can visit the holy land visa-free just by presenting their national ID cards upon arrival.
However, UAE expats and foreign nationals need to prearrange a visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. The visa application can be made online or through a trusted travel agent.
General Requirements for Saudi Arabia Visa for UAE Residents
The specific requirements for a Saudi Arabia visa for UAE residents may vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. However, here are the general requirements for a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa, which is commonly sought by UAE residents:
- Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date into Saudi Arabia. It’s also recommended that you have at least one blank visa page in your passport.
- Visa Application Form: You’ll need to complete an online application form, typically available on the Visit Saudi website or through authorized travel agencies.
- Residency Permit: The UAE residency permit must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
- Photographs: You’ll be required to provide recent passport-sized photographs as part of your visa application. Typically, the photographs should meet Saudi Arabia’s specific photo requirements, which are usually mentioned on the application portal.
- Visa Fee: You’ll need to pay the visa fee, which can vary based on the type and duration of the visa you’re applying for. Visa fees are usually paid online as part of the application process.
- Proof of Accommodation: You might be asked to provide proof of your accommodation in Saudi Arabia. This could be a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Saudi Arabia.
- Travel Itinerary: In some cases, you may need to submit a copy of your round-trip flight itinerary, showing your entry and exit from Saudi Arabia.
- Bank Statement: A copy of your recent bank statement may be required to demonstrate your ability to cover the cost of your trip.
- Employment Letter (for Expats): If you are an expatriate resident in the UAE, you may need to provide an employment letter from your UAE employer.
- Purpose of Visit: Clearly state the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, or pilgrimage.
Also, if you plan to visit with family, a separate application for each of the family members must be submitted for approval. Visitors under the age of 18 must submit a parent application when requesting an e-visa.
The e-Visa Application Process:
Getting your hands on a Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa is a straightforward process. You can apply online, usually through the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or by contacting authorized travel agencies.
The online application typically involves filling out a form, uploading some documents (like a passport copy and a recent photograph), and paying the visa fee.
Once you’ve submitted your application and it’s approved, you’ll receive an electronic visa (e-Visa) via email. Just print it out and voilà, you’re ready to explore!
Tips and Extras:
A couple of pro tips:
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date.
- Double-check visa requirements before you travel, as rules and processes can change.
How long does it take to get a Saudi E-visa for UAE residents?
In general, it takes about 1 to 2 days to get approval for an e-visa for Saudi Arab. All UAE expats and foreign nationals living in the country can apply for an entry visa online from the comfort of their homes.
The visa processing time sometimes can take longer depending on a lot of factors such as peak travel times.
Cost and Validity of Saudi Arabia Visa for UAE Residents
The cost of a Saudi Visa for UAE residents is AED 293. You may have to pay for health insurance fees too along with visa fees when applying for an e-visa. The visa fee is non-refundable and will not be returned in case of visa rejection.
The multiple-entry tourist visa for Saudi Arabia stays valid for a year from the date of issuance. The maximum you can stay at a time is 90 days. The single-entry tourist visa stays valid for 3 months from the date of issuance and the maximum you can stay at a time is 30 days.
Find more about free visas for UAE residents like Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Georgia.
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