Pack your bags, adventure seekers! Your Saudi Arabian escape is just a visa away, and guess what? If you’re a UAE resident, scoring that golden ticket is easier than mastering the perfect shakshouka! Whether you’re dreaming of Riyadh’s futuristic skyline, Jeddah’s coastal charm, or the mystical dunes of AlUla, I’ve got the ultimate step-by-step guide to turn your Saudi wanderlust into reality. So, grab your ghutra, dust off your passport, and let’s dive into the hassle-free way to unlock the Kingdom’s wonders!
Are You Eligible For A Visa
In Saudi Arabia, any UAE resident of any nationality can apply for a Saudi tourist or visiting visa. To be eligible for the visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Valid UAE Residency Visa: Your UAE residency permit should have at least three months of validity remaining.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply independently. Minors need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Nationality: While GCC residents generally qualify, it’s always wise to double-check if your specific nationality is among the eligible countries for the eVisa. The official Visit Saudi website is your best friend here.
- Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph is mandatory.
Types Of Visas UAE Residents Can Apply For
It’s essential to determine the right type of visa based on your travel purpose. Here are the many visas we can apply for:
- Tourist Visa: This is a popular option for UAE residents looking to explore Saudi Arabia for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting attractions.
- Umrah Visa: This visa is specifically for performing the Umrah pilgrimage, typically outside of the Hajj season.
- Family Visit Visa: This visa is for visiting family members residing in Saudi Arabia.
- Business Visa: This visa is for individuals attending business meetings, conferences, or engaging in other business-related activities.
- Multiple Entry Visa: This one-year visa allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia within the validity period, typically with a 90-day stay limit per entry.
The E-Visa Journey
UAE residents can apply for a Saudi visa through three common methods:
1. Online (E-Visa Portal)
Step 1: Search ksavisa.sa
- On the homepage, click on the ‘Visit’ category and select the following options from the drop-down menu:
- Select ‘tourism’ as the purpose of the visit.
- Enter your nationality.
- Select ‘Valid residence in the GCC countries (No less than three months)’ from the drop-down menu.
- Click on ‘Show Eligible Visas.’ You will be provided with two options: a transit visa and an Electronic Visa (e-visa).
- Click on ‘Apply Now’ under the eVisa option.
Step 2: Travel Details
- Select the visa type (single or multiple) and the duration.
- You must enter the following details:
- Enter the expected date of arrival in Saudi Arabia. Enter the country of residence.
- Select the nearest embassy to you – Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
- You can also enter the transport mode and port of entry, but these are optional entries. Click on ‘Next.’
Step 3: Personal Information
- Type in your full name exactly as it is stated on your passport.
- Enter your mobile number and address.
- Enter your gender and marital status.
- You can enter your occupation, but this is optional. You also have the option to select ‘I do not work at the moment.’
- Enter your occupation title – this is mandatory. If you selected the ‘I do not work at the moment’ option, you do not need to enter anything.
- Enter your date of birth.
Next, answer the question –‘What do you plan on doing during your stay?’ but this is optional. You can select Umrah, leisure, or visit friends and family from the drop-down menu. Then, upload a recent, coloured passport-sized photograph with a white background. When you are uploading the photo, it must meet the following requirements:
- Photo size – 35x45mm
- Use a plain background
- Face the camera directly with your head straight
- Maintain a neutral facial expression.
- No smiling, and the mouth should be closed
- Ensure proper lighting to avoid shadows
- Dress appropriately for the visa application
- You must upload the photograph in PNG or JPEG format, with the maximum file size being 5MB.
Step 4: Passport Details
- Upload your passport copy scan.
- Select your passport type.
- Enter your passport number.
- Select the country of issuance.
- Enter place of birth.
- Enter the passport issue and expiry date.
- Click ‘Next’.
Step 5: UAE residency visa details
- Upload your UAE residency visa.
- Enter your visa number.
- Enter your UAE residence visa expiry date.
- Enter the emirate you reside in and your address.
Step 6: Agree And review your application
- Once that is complete, click on ‘Agree’ for the terms and conditions. Then, review the details in your application and click ‘Next’.
Step 7: Choose a Medical Insurance:
- Next, answer a few questions about the medical insurance coverage by selecting ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
- Click ‘Next’ and select a medical insurance provider in Saudi Arabia. You will also be able to view the cost of each provider.
Step 8: The Fees
- Once you have selected a medical insurance company, you will be able to review the cost of the visa application, including the insurance cost. Click on ‘Pay Now’ and pay for the application online with your credit or debit card.
- After the payment is confirmed, you will receive a transaction number to track the application.
- To track your application, visit ksavisa.sa and select ‘Track Application’ and enter your transaction number or passport number.
2. Visa through Service Centres or Embassies
Visas can be obtained through visa service centres or Saudi embassies worldwide for citizens of countries not eligible for the electronic visa. The application process varies based on the applicant’s place of residence as follows:
- Visa through Saudi Embassies: In case visa service centres are not available in the applicant’s country, visitors can apply for a visit visa through the KSA Visa platform and then proceed directly to the Saudi Arabian embassy in their country of residence.
- Visa through Service Centres: This option is available in certain countries where visa service centres are present.
3. On-Arrival
Visitors from eligible countries or individuals meeting specific requirements can obtain a visa upon arrival at Saudi Arabia’s entry points.
- Available for eligible nationalities (e.g., UAE citizens and GCC residents with specific professions).
- Obtain the visa at Saudi airports or land border checkpoints.
- Ensure you have the required documents and payment ready.
Saudi Visit Visa Requirements
1. For UAE Citizens
The good thing for the people of the UAE is that they can move to Saudi Arabia without a visa. However, here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Travel Advisory: It is also important to ensure that when planning for a journey, you make sure you check the new regulations on travelling.
- No Visa Needed: The citizens of the UAE are free to travel to the country without having to make a visa application.
- Passport Validity: Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity left.
2. For UAE Residents With Indian Passports
Any citizen of India holding an Indian passport that is valid and current can obtain a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia while living in the UAE. Here’s what they’ll need:
1. General Requirements:
- A passport that is still valid, a UAE residency visa, and a duly filled application form.
2. Additional Documents:
- Copy of UAE residence visa.
- A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer of the candidate, as per the revised format from the respective employer’s association.
What Are The Fees
- AED 294 ($80) visa fee (refundable)
- AED 38.57 ($10.50) visa digital services fee (Non-refundable)
- AED 38.57 ($10.50) insurance digital services fee (Non-refundable)
- Insurance fees vary based on the selected insurance provider.
What Is The 30-Day Grace Period?
Oops, overstayed your Saudi visa? No panic – just a 30-day pass to pack up and peace out! Starting 26 June 2025, Saudi Arabia is rolling out a traveller-friendly grace period, giving visitors a full month to wrap up their desert adventures, family visits, or business trips without the usual fines or future entry bans. Whether you got stuck due to flight chaos, an impromptu camel-riding detour, or just lost track of time under Riyadh’s glittering skyline, this new rule ensures a smoother (and penalty-free) exit. Just clear any dues, hop on Absher, and bid the Kingdom ma’a salam – the right way!
Eligibility Criteria For Extension
To be eligible for extending the visit visa in Saudi Arabia, visitors must meet certain conditions, including:
- The visa to be extended must be valid for a week or less.
- The visitor must have no traffic violations logged against them.
- The visitor must be present inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- The visitor’s passport must be valid.
- Payment of the visa extension fees is required.
The extension of the visit visa depends on the approval of the General Directorate of Passports. Eligible visitors can apply for an extension on the Absher platform or at the nearest Jawazat office.
How To Apply
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers both online and offline options for visitors who wish to extend their visit visas. This is to provide convenience and flexibility to visitors who require additional time to stay in the country.
Online Extension
Account Creation:
- Visitors must first create an Absher account and log in.
- The Absher platform allows them to access a range of government services, including visa extensions.
- Once logged in, visitors can initiate the visa extension process by selecting the appropriate option and providing the required information.
Uploading Documents:
- Applicants must provide personal details, passport information, and previous visits to the Kingdom during the online application.
- They also need to upload supporting documents, including a copy of their passport and proof of medical insurance.
Paying The Fee:
- After submitting the application and paying the required fees, applicants can track their application status online.
- Once approved, the visitor’s visa will be extended, and they can continue to stay in the country for the approved duration.
Offline Extension
For travellers who prefer to apply for a Saudi visa extension offline, the embassy or consulate is the best option. Visitors can visit the embassy or consulate in person to initiate the visa extension process.
Required Documents:
- Visitors should first gather all required documents, including their passport and medical insurance.
- They should also ensure that their visa is eligible for an extension and that they meet all eligibility criteria.
Application Submission:
- Once at the embassy or consulate, visitors can complete the application form and provide all required documents.
- It is important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
- Any errors or omissions may result in delays or issues with the visa extension process.
Fee Payment:
- After submitting the application and paying the required fees, visitors will be issued a receipt as proof of payment.
- They can then track the status of their visa extension application and collect their extended visa when it is ready.
Cost Of Extending Your Visa
Visitors who want to extend their stay in Saudi Arabia on a visit visa must pay a SAR 100 (USD 26.59) extension fee. This applies to all visit visas, including family and tourist visas. The amount may vary based on visa type and length of extension. If a visitor applies for an extension more than three days after the visa expires, an extra fine of SAR 500 (USD 133) is charged, as required by Saudi visa rules.
Important Guidelines
Before you dive into Riyadh’s buzzing souqs or the Red Sea’s turquoise waters, dodge delays, fines, and awkward “oops” moments with these pro tips:
- Apply Early, Travel Smoothly – The eVisa is quick (hello, digital magic!), but why risk it? Apply 1-2 weeks before your trip, especially during peak seasons like Eid or Riyadh Season. Pro move: Avoid last-minute panic!
- Typos = Trouble – One wrong digit in your passport number or residency details could mean delays or rejection. Triple-check your application like it’s a golden ticket! (Because it is.)
- Umrah? Yes! Hajj? Not So Fast – Tourist eVisas cover Umrah (outside Hajj season), but Hajj requires a special visa. Don’t mix them up – Saudi immigration won’t be amused.
- Pack Respect (& Modest Clothes) – Leave the beachwear at home! Saudi Arabia adores its traditions, so dress modestly (think loose-fitting clothes) and save the crop tops for Dubai brunch. Bonus: You’ll blend right in!
- Rules Change – Stay Sharp! – Visa policies can update overnight. Before you jet off, quick-check Visit Saudi or the Saudi Embassy UAE website. Better safe than turned away at the border!
Happy Travelling!
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