Home Visa/Immigration Requirements Saudi Arabia Visa Application and Immigration Requirements – 2019

Saudi Arabia Visa Application and Immigration Requirements – 2019

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This Article contains information on the Saudi Arabia Visa Application and Immigration Requirements: 2019.Saudi Arabia is a desert country encompassing most of the Arabian Peninsula, with Red Sea and Persian (Arabian) Gulf coastlines. Known as the birthplace of Islam, it’s home to the religion’s 2 most sacred mosques: Masjid al-Haram, in Mecca, destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, and Medina’s Masjid an-Nabawi, burial site of the prophet Muhammad. Riyadh, the capital, is a skyscraper-filled metropolis.

Yearly, many people travel to Saudi Arabia for numerous reasons either for tourism, business, study, visit or immigration. Depending on the purpose of the trip to Saudi Arabia, there are different types of visas that apply to the occasion.

So before applying for a Saudi Arabia visa, it is necessary to know the Saudi Arabia visa requirements and which of the visa category that you are eligible for.

LIST OF DOCUMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAUDI ARABIA VISA APPLICATION

The following documents are required for the Saudi Arabia visa application:

Please note that visa forms MUST be filled out completely in CAPITAL LETTERS in order for the application to be processed in a timely manner. Don’t forget to include the following information on the form:

Visa Types

  • Adding-Newborn-to-Saudi-Residence-Card
  • Business Visa
  • Commercial Visa
  • Diplomatic and Official Visa
  • Employment Visa
  • Escort Visa
  • Extension of Exit/Re-Entry Visa
  • Family Visit Visa
  • Government Visit Visa
  • Hajj Visa
  • Personal Visit Visa
  • Residence Visa
  • Student Visa
  • Supplemental Journalist Visa Application
  • Umrah Visa
  • Work Visit Visa

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE MOST FREQUENT PURPOSES OF THE SAUDI ARABIA VISA APPLICATION

Business Visa Requirements

Business visas are issued to: businessmen, investors, representatives of U.S. companies, managers, sales managers, sales representatives, etc.

Requirements:
  1. A passport valid for at least six (6) months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other.
  2. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted.
  3. A completed application form filled-out with a black ink pen or printed. Application forms  can be downloaded here. Please include your email address on the application.
  4. Please provide one of the following documents to prove the applicant’s position:
    • A letter addressed to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C. by the applicant’s employer in the U.S., which confirms the applicant’s position and that he is being sent on a business visit related to his/her company.
    • A copy of the company’s business registration, in Saudi Arabia and in the U.S
    • An electronic invitation Letter from a Saudi Company.
    • A diplomatic note from the applicant’s embassy in the U.S. identifying his/her title (for non-U.S. citizens).
    • Additional documents may be requested if needed.
  5. For non-U.S. citizens, a copy of the green card or a document confirming legal residence in the U.S.
  6. Visa fees must be paid online through Enjaz website or through any of the Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz. The visa fee is $108.00 for U.S. passport holders, for both single and multiple entries.
    For non-U.S. citizens, the visa fees will appear at Enjazit.com.sa. Please print receipt of payment which includes the order number and attach submit with documents. Log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/. Click on “Apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by individuals.” It is important to record the request number on the application and present it to the Consulate.
  7. Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent must submit a notrized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  8. To apply, Please use one of the authorized travel agencies: Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz

Commercial Visa Requirements

Business visas are issued to: businessmen, investors, representatives of U.S. companies, managers, sales managers, sales representatives, etc.

Requirements:
  1. A passport valid for at least six (6) months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other.
  2. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted.
  3. A completed application form filled-out with a black ink pen or printed. Application forms  can be downloaded here. Please include your email address on the application.
  4. Please provide one of the following documents to prove the applicant’s position:
    • A letter addressed to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C. by the applicant’s employer in the U.S., which confirms the applicant’s position and that he is being sent on a business visit related to his/her company.
    • A copy of the company’s business registration, in Saudi Arabia and in the U.S
    • An electronic invitation Letter from a Saudi Company.
    • A diplomatic note from the applicant’s embassy in the U.S. identifying his/her title (for non-U.S. citizens).
    • Additional documents may be requested if needed.
  5. For non-U.S. citizens, a copy of the green card or a document confirming legal residence in the U.S.
  6. Visa fees must be paid online through Enjaz website or through any of the Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz.  The visa fee is $108.00 for U.S. passport holders, for both single and multiple entries.
    For non-U.S. citizens, the visa fee will appear at Enjazit.com.sa. Payments will not be accepted at the Consulate. Please print receipt of payment which includes the order number and attach submit with documents
  7. Log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/ . Click on “Apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by individuals.” It is important to record the request number on the application and present it to the Consulate.
  8. All application forms must be typed in CAPITAL LETTERS.
  9. Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent must submit a notrized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  10. To apply, Please use one of the authorized travel agencies: Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz

Diplomatic and Official Visa

Requirements:
  1. A passport should have a validity of at least six (6) months.
  2. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted.
  3. A complete application form filled-out with black ink or printed. Application forms may be downloaded here. Write e-mail address on the application.
  4. A cover letter from the U.S. Department of State or the concerned Embassy specifying the applicant’s name, title, position, purpose and length of trip and the number of entries requested.
  5. Copy of itinerary with detailed flight information at the time of entering and exiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  6. Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent must submit a notrized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.

Employment Visa

  1. Passport should be valid for the length of the employment contract. Passport should have at least two (2) visa pages adjacent to each other.
  2. Separate Electronic Authorization for each speciality.
  3. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted.
  4. A completed application form filled-out in CAPITAL LETTERS with a black ink pen or printed. Application forms can be downloaded here. Please include your email address on the application.
  5. A reference note showing the number and the date of the employment visa issued from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any of its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.
  6. The original letter from the company in Saudi Arabia sponsoring the applicant, certified both by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The letter MUST indicate the block visa number, date, position and the name of the person requested. If such a letter is submitted through a visa service agency, then the letter should include an authorization from the company allowing the agency to finish all the requirements to get the visa, block visa number and date.
  7. A certified and notarized copy of the applicants university degree/diploma, which MUST be validated by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (Tel. (703) 573-7226 or (571) 327-2522).  A certified and notarized copy of the training or technical diploma must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State.  Diplomas need to be notarized by a Saudi Arabian Consulate in the United States. The fee is US $8.00 (eight dollars) per page, payable to “The Embassy of Saudi Arabia.” Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
  8. Diplomas issued by institutions outside the United States must be certified by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission and the Saudi Arabian Embassy in the issuing country.
  9. A copy of the employment contract signed by both the sponsor and the applicant.
  10. Medical report (three copies) and lab reports (two copies), along with three (3) passport size color photographs with white background.  The medical report must be issued by a licensed physician certifying that the applicant is free of any contagious diseases. The physician must sign each copy of the medical report. The physician’s license number and address should appear on each copy of the medical form.   Medical reports should be used within three (3) months from the date of issuance.  Children under the age of sixteen (16) do not need a medical report.
  11. A police report issued within six (6) months with detailed information about applicant’s criminal record, if any.
  12. $14.00 (fourteen dollars) visa fees must be paid online through Enjaz website or through any of the Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz. The Consulate will not accept payments. Please print receipt of payment which includes the order number and attach submit with documents.
  13. Select one entry rather than multiple entries, when using “ENJAZ” to apply for Employment Visa.
  14. Log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/ . Click on “Apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by individuals.” Complete the online request for an Employment visa. It is important to record the request number on the application and present it to the Consulate.
  15. All application forms must be typed in CAPITAL LETTERS.
  16. Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent must submit a notarized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  17. To apply, Please use one of the authorized travel agencies by the Embassy.
    Note: to follow up on your visa status, please contact your visa agent.

Exit / Re-Entry Visa

The Consulate does not extend an exit re-entry visa beyond 30 days from date of experation. Application for an extention of a re-entry visa can not be filed before the visa has expired and provided that the Iqama is still valid.

Requirements:
  1. A passport valid for at least six (6) months, with at least two (2) empty visa pages adjacent to each other.
  2. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted.
  3. A completed application form filled-out with a black ink pen or printed. Application forms can be downloaded here. Please include your email address on the application.
  4. A copy of the family registration, which is a printout that can be obtained from the office of the Directorate General of Passports in the city in the Kingdom in which the applicant resides. This should include complete information on the applicant.
  5. A letter from the Saudi sponsor to our Consulate requesting the extension of the re-entry visa. This letter needs to be notarized by a Saudi Chamber of Commerce if the sponsor works for the private sector; or by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the sponsor works for a government agency.
  6. Spouses and children of the person working in the Kingdom should include a letter from such person sent to our Consulate requesting an extension to their exit/re-entry visas. This letter needs to be notarized by a Saudi Chamber of Commerce if the sponsor works for the private sector; or by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the sponsor works for a government agency.
    Students should not reside outside the Kingdom for more than thirteen (13) months from the date of their first departure using the current exit/re-entry visa.
    A student must submit proof of current enrollment in school along with a notarized letter from the guardian who is a resident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  7. A copy of a valid residence permit along with a copy of the last extension if applicable; this must be provided before the extension is granted.
  8. Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent must submit a notrized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  9. Select one entry rather than multiple entries, when using “ENJAZ” to apply for exit/re-entry visa.
  10. Log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/. Click on “Apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by individuals.” Complete the online request for an Employment visa. It is important to record the request number on the application and present it to the Consulate.
  11. Mailing Passport: Include a prepaid return label and envelope (from FedEx, UPS or USPS only) with the return address label filled out completely. A proper prepaid return envelop must include a “PRE-PAID” label.  Return envelops showing only account numbers are no longer accepted as proof of pre-payment.  Credit cards, checks, money orders or cash will not be accepted for return mailing.  Any package without a proper pre-paid return envelope and label will be put on hold until a proper return envelope is received. It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine the EXACT return shipping costs. All labels must have a tracking number, and applicants are advised to keep both incoming and outgoing tracking numbers for their records. The Embassy does not send international packages.

For an Investors visa, please follow all Employment visa requirements, except for numbers 5, 6, and 7. In addition, please provide a copy of the certificate issued by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority.

Family Visit Visa

Family visit visas do not grant the applicant the right to work or reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Requirements:
  1. A passport valid for at least six months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other. The passport must be acceptable to enter both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the applicant’s next destination.
  2. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted.
  3. A completed application form filled-out with in CAPITAL LETTERS a black ink pen or printed. Application forms  can be downloaded here. Please include your email address on the application.
  4. A reference note showing the number and the date of the visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any of its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.
  5. For non-U.S. citizens, a copy of the green card or documented proof of legal residence in the U.S.
  6. Visa fees must be paid online through Enjaz website or through any of the Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz. The Consulate will not accept payments.  The visa fee is one hundred and eight U.S. dollars ($108.00) for U.S. passport holders; for non-U.S. passport holders the fee will appear at Enjazit.com.sa.
  7. Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent must submit a notrized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  8. Log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/ . Click on “Apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by individuals.” It is important to record the request number on the application and present it to the Consulate.
  9. All application forms must be typed in CAPITAL LETTERS.

Hajj Requirements

  • The applicant must have a passport with a validity of at least six (6) months and acceptable both for entry to Saudi Arabia and entry to the next destination; the passport should have at least two empty visa pages adjacent to each other.
  • Each applicant must submit one (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. The photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted.
  • A completed application form filled-out with black ink or printed; the form must be signed and stamped by the authorized travel agency.
  • The Mahram should write his complete information on the application forms of his spouse and children or any relative with whom he is traveling. He should also provide copies of marriage or birth certificates; if these documents were issued outside the US, he should then provide copies translated and notarized by a certified translation office.
  • All women are required to travel for Hajj with a Mahram. Proof of kinship must be submitted with the application form. Women over the age of forty-five (45) may travel without a Mahram with an organized group, They must, however submits a no objection letter from her husband, son or brother authorizing her to travel for Hajj with the named group. This letter should be notarized.
  • The applicant must be in possession of a non-refundable roundtrip ticket with confirmed reservations.
  • The applicant must submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children up to fifteen (15) years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio as well as meningitis and polio. Children over fifteen (15) years of age should present the same vaccinations requested for adults.
    a. meningitis and ACYW135.
    b. The seasonal (or common) flu, which should be taken two weeks before applying for the visa.
    c. The H1N1 flu, if a vaccine is made available before Hajj season, and should be taken two weeks before
    applying for the visa.
    d. Infants and children up to fifteen (15) years of age should provide a vaccination report for meningococcal and polio.
    e. Children above fifteen (15) years of age should present the same vaccinations requested for adults.
    f.  Health experts advise the following groups to postpone their plans for Hajj and Omrah this year for their
    own safety: The elderly, the terminally ill, pregnant women, and children.
  • Each pilgrim should submit two certified checks or cashier checks payable to “Unified Agents Office” in Jeddah for pilgrimage services. These checks should include the name and the passport number of the pilgrim. Each applicant must pay the following fees:
    (a) US $158.40 (one hundred fifty-eight dollars & forty cents) for services rendered by the local Tawaf agencies and for housing at the Holy sites.
    (b) US $116.00 (one hundred sixteen dollars) for air-conditioned transportation services.
    Pilgrims have the option to submit one check combining both fees: in this case, the amount would be US $274.40 (two hundred seventy-four dollars & forty cents).
    Children between the ages of seven (7) and fifteen (15) should only pay half of the above-mentioned amount.
    Children under the age of seven (7) do not need to pay.
  • Non-U.S. citizens should submit a copy of their green card or othert proof of legal residence status in the US. Passport authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reserve the right to return (at his or her own expense) any pilgrim who has provided wrong or false information about their residence in the US at his or her expense.
  • No minor (under 18 years of age) will be granted a Hajj visa if not accompanied by his family.  Minors travelling one parent must submit a notrized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  • If the applicant has converted to Islam, an Islamic certificate must be presented; this needs to be notarized by an Islamic Center.

Residence Visa Requirements

Residence visas do not grant the right to employment.

Requirements:
  1. A passport valid for at least twelve (12) months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other.
  2. Electronic Authorization from the Saudi Employer for each type of job separately.
  3. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted.
  4. A completed application form filled-out in CAPITAL LETTERS in black ink or printed. Application forms. Please include your email address on the application.
  5. A reference note showing the number and the date of the residence visa issued from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.
  6. Proof of kinship when accompanied by a family member: for spouses, a copy of the marriage certificate; for children, a copy of the birth certificate.
    The age of an accompanying male child should not exceed eighteen (18) years; an accompanying daughter should not be married.
  7. For non-U.S. citizens, a copy of the green card or other documented proof of legal residence in the U.S.
  8. Three (3) copies of the medical report and two copies of lab reports, along with three (3) passport size color pictures with a white background.
    This medical report must be issued by a licensed physician who must sign each copy and certify that the applicant is free of any contagious disease. The license number and address of the physician should appear on each copy. Medical reports must be used within three (3) months from the date of issuance.
    Click here to download the medical report form (PDF format).
    Children under the age of sixteen (16) do not need a medical report.
  9. $14.00 (fourteen dollars) visa fees must be paid online through Enjaz website or through any of the Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz. Please print receipt of payment which includes the order number and attach submit with documents. The Consulate will not accept visa fee payments.
  10. Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent must submit a notrized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  11. Select one entry rather than multiple entries, when using “ENJAZ” to apply for Employment Visa.
  12. Log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/. Click on “Apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by individuals.” Complete the online request for an Employment visa. It is important to record the request number on the application and present it to the Consulate.
  13. All application forms must be typed in CAPITAL LETTERS.

Student Visa

Student visas do not grant the right to employment.

Requirements:
  1. A passport valid for at least twelve (12) months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other.
  2. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted.
  3. A completed application form filled-out in CAPITAL LETTERS in black ink or printed. Application forms can be downloaded. Please include your email address on the application.
  4. A reference note showing the number and the date of the student visa issued from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.
  5. The applicant’s original birth certificate plus one (1) copy.
  6. The applicant’s original High School Diploma plus one (1) copy. The copy must be authenticated by the Saudi Cultural Mission (telephone 703-573-7226 or 571-327-2522).
  7. Three (3) copies of our medical report, along with three (3) passport size color pictures with a white background.
    The medical report must be issued by a licensed physician who must sign each copy and certify that the applicant is free of any contagious disease. The license number and address of the physician should appear on each copy. Medical reports must be used within three (3) months from the date of issuance.
    Click here to download the medical report form (PDF format).
    Children under the age of sixteen (16) do not need a medical report.
  8. A recent police report, with detailed information about applicant’s criminal record, if any.
  9. Approval to travel from the applicant’s government.
  10. For married students wishing to take along their spouses or their children, proof of kinship: for a spouse, a copy of the marriage certificate; for a child, a copy of the birth certificate.
  11. Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent must submit a notrized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  12. Log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/. Click on “Apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by individuals.” Complete the online request for an Employment visa. It is important to record the request number on the application and present it to the Consulate.
  13. All application forms must be typed in CAPITAL LETTERS.

Work Visit Visa Requirements

Requirements:

  1. A passport valid for at least six (6) months, with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other.
  2. One (1) recent passport size color photograph with a white background. Photograph(s) must be full-face shots in which the applicant is facing the camera directly.  Side or angled-views are NOT accepted.
  3. A completed application form filled-out in CAPITAL LETTERS in black ink or printed. Application forms can be downloaded. Please include your email address on the application.
  4. Please provide one of the following documents to prove the applicant’s position:
    • A letter addressed to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C. by the applicant’s employer in the U.S., which confirms the applicant’s position and that he is being sent on a business visit related to his/her company.
    • A copy of the company’s business registration, in Saudi Arabia and in the U.S
    • An electronic invitation Letter from a Saudi Company.
    • A diplomatic note from the applicant’s embassy in the U.S. identifying his/her title (for non-U.S. citizens).
    • Additional documents may be requested if needed.
  5. For non-U.S. citizens, a copy of the green card or a document confirming legal residence in the U.S.
  6. Visa fees must be paid online through Enjaz website or through any of the Visa Offices Registered with Enjaz. The visa fee is $108.00 for U.S. passport holders, for both single and multiple entries.
    Visa fees for non-US citizens will appear at Enjazit.com.sa.
  7. Log on to https://enjazit.com.sa/ . Click on “Apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by individuals.” It is important to record the request number on the application and present it to the Consulate.
  8. All application forms must be typed in CAPITAL LETTERS.
  9. Minors (under 18 years of age) traveling alone or with one parent must submit a notarized letter of authorization, in either in Arabic or English, signed by both parents or legal guardians.

*Note: When applying at the Saudi Arabian embassy/consulate in home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their under-age children.

Please consult the Saudi Arabian Embassy in your country for the updated Saudi Arabian Visa requirements!

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