How to Avail the Visa on Arrival (VoA) Facility in Saudi Arabia
The travel and tourism market of Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly with each passing year. Individuals from different parts of the world are coming to the country to experience its rich history and vibrant culture.
This explains the expected growth of the industry to US$4.70 Billion by 2029. Well, if you too are planning to experience the tourism of the industry, then you will be required to apply for a visa for the country for your travel.
However, if you are traveling on a short notice, then applying for a visa online or through the embassy might delay your trip. In such situations, it is best to get an on-arrival visa for Saudi Arabia. But even for applying for this visa, you will be required to learn the basics so that you do not face any issue.
Who is Eligible for a Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival?
Although Saudi Arabia offers visas to many countries, not all of them are eligible to get a visa on arrival. This is why it is very important to understand the eligibility for this visa before you proceed to apply for it.
Nationalities Eligible for VoA
The option of visa on arrival is made accessible to only a few countries. For instance, individuals from Australia, Canada, and France can apply for this type of visa. Apart from this, there are more than 60 nationalities that are eligible to apply for an on-arrival visa for Saudi Arabia. You will be required to check the list of all the countries before you proceed to plan your trip around this visa.
Other than that, residents of the GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council countries like Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and UAE will not need any kind of visa to enter Saudi Arabia. They will just be required to use their passport. However, if you are someone who is just living in these countries and not a resident, then you will be required to apply for a visa.
Eligibility for Holders of Valid US, UK, or Schengen Visas
Well, if you are a holder of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa then you can easily apply for a visa on arrival for Saudi Arabia. However, you will have to ensure that the visa is used at least once, and it has an entry stamp from the country that has issued the visa.
Purpose of Travel Allowed Under VoA
One can get an on-arrival visa for Saudi Arabia if they are visiting the country for tourism or business. Any purpose other than that does not qualify for a visa on arrival. So, in that case, you will be required to apply for a different type of visa through the online portal or the embassy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Availing a Saudi Arabia VoA
Applying for a visa on arrival for Saudi Arabia is easier than it seems. It also involves a few easy steps that can be easily followed by gaining some basic understanding. Some of the steps that you will be required to follow are:
Step 1: Arriving at a Designated Entry Point
Visa on arrival is offered at airports and border crossings. So, the first thing that you will be required to do is reach the entry point designed for the visa on arrival facility.
Step 2: Preparing Required Documents
Getting an on-arrival visa for Saudi Arabia involves using a few necessary documents. These are necessary for the process and you will not be granted the visa if you fail to provide these documents. Some of these documents are:
- Have a valid passport that comes with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date your stay ends and at least 2 blank pages for it to get stamped.
- Share copies of your return flight ticket and proof of accommodation.
- Provide your recent bank statements to prove you are capable of funding your stay in the country.
- Provide any additional documents that might be related to your travel purpose.
Step 3: Pay the Fee for Your Visa
In this step, you will be required to pay the fee required for the visa on arrival application. This fee depends on the visa type and your country of origin. So, remember to check that while paying and pay that using your debit or credit card. Other than that, you can also take your travel insurance if you want to stay secure in case of any uncertainties.
Step 4: Receiving Your Visa and Entry Approval
After completing all the above listed steps, you will easily receive your visa. This visa comes with a validity of 1 year from issuance. However, the maximum stay period on this is 90 days. During this 1-year period, you are allowed to make multiple entries into the country without facing any need to apply for another visa.
Important Travel Tips for VoA Holders
Well, choosing a last-minute travel permit option like an on-arrival visa for Saudi Arabia can bring in some stress. This is why it becomes important for all travelers to figure out ways in which they can simplify the journey. Some of the travel tips that are helpful for visa on arrival holders are:
Ensuring a Smooth Immigration Process
The Immigration process can seem a little tricky. However, as a traveler who plans to enter Saudi Arabia with a visa on arrival, you will be required to ensure that you simplify this process. This way you will be able to experience a smooth immigration process. Ensure you avoid chances of a visa rejection. Provide all necessary documents and make no mistakes in the application.
Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Entry Rules & Regulations
Entering Saudi Arabia involves you to work according to the set rules and regulations of the country. For instance, you should not carry alcohol or any harmful objects in your bag. Plus, drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited in the country. If someone is found consuming these, they will have to face legal repercussions. Other than that, Saudi Arabia follows a modest dress code. So, all visitors are required to cover their shoulders and knees when they are visiting the country. Plus, women should also carry headscarves. In general, individuals from all genders should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover all parts of the body.
Extending Your Stay or Converting to another Visa
It is important to remember that an on-arrival visa for Saudi Arabia cannot be extended beyond its validity. On top of that, the maximum stay period can’t be altered. So, if you want to stay in the country beyond the validity of the visa on arrival, then you will have to get a new visa. But you must leave the country before validity ends. Otherwise, you will have to face legal issues for overstaying your visa.
Alternative Visa Options if You Are Not Eligible for VoA
Well, in case your country does not make the list of the countries eligible for a visa on arrival, then you will be required to apply for another visa. Similar to other countries, Saudi Arabia also offers visas through other mediums. These are:
Saudi Arabia eVisa
An eVisa for Saudi is applied online. This comes with an added convenience that lets you apply for the visa from anywhere you want. The Saudi Arabia government has designed many types of eVisas for different purposes. You will just be required to choose one that matches your travel purpose the best. This visa takes around 3-4 working days to get processed and approved.
Traditional Saudi Arabia Visa
This is the oldest way of applying for a Saudi Arabia visa. For this one, you will be required to visit the Saudi Arabia embassy or consulate located near you and carry out the required processes. However, processing this visa tends to take around 5 to 10 business days. So, it's not for those traveling on short notice.
Ready to apply for an on-arrival visa for Saudi Arabia?
Getting an on-arrival visa for Saudi Arabia is great for anyone who is coming to the country on a short notice. Moreover, this is also good for people who do not want to apply for the visa online or through the embassy. For getting this, you will just be required to carry the required documents and apply for the visa upon reaching, and that will be more than enough.
Other than that, you will just be required to ensure you make no mistakes during the process, otherwise your application will get rejected. For any other additional information, you can contact the Helpdesk.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, US citizens, Australian citizens, French citizens, Tajikistan Citizens, Dutch Citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.