Want to visit your loved ones in Saudi Arabia? The Saudi Visit Visa is your ticket to making those precious memories. I know the process can seem daunting, but don’t worry, I have broken it down into simple and easy steps. Know Saudi covers everything you need to know before applying for a visit visa: who can apply, which documents to gather, and how to avoid common mistakes. Pack your bags and let’s get ready to reunite with your loved ones in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
What’s a Family & Friends Visit Visa?
Picture this: You want to see your parents, siblings, or your best friend living in Saudi Arabia. The Family and Friends Visit Visa makes that possible. It’s a short-term visa for visiting close relatives who live in KSA. You can stay for up to 90 days with a single-entry visa or visit multiple times within a year using a multiple-entry visa. Plus, you can explore Saudi Arabia’s stunning sites or even perform Umrah (but not Hajj). The process is mostly online, so it’s easier than you might think.
Who Can Get This Visa?
Here’s the deal: Only someone living legally in Saudi Arabia with a valid Iqama (residence permit) can sponsor your visa. That could be your spouse, parent, child, sibling, or even a close friend. The good news? Recent changes mean almost anyone with an Iqama, whether they’re a professional or a domestic worker, can sponsor you. The sponsor just needs to meet a few requirements, like having a valid permit and an account for online authentication.
Types of Family & Friends Visit Visas
Saudi Arabia offers two types of visit visa, so you can pick what fits your plans:
- Single-Entry Visa: Good for one trip, letting you stay 30 days (you can extend it up to 180 days if needed).
- Multiple-Entry Visa: Perfect for frequent visits, valid for 6 months or a year, with each stay up to 90 days (no extensions).
Going for a one-time family reunion? Single-entry is your best bet. Planning to visit a few times? Go for multiple-entry.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Applying for this visa is like following a recipe, get the ingredients right, and you’re good to go. Here’s how to do it without stress.
Step 1: Check Your Sponsor’s Eligibility
First things first: Your sponsor in Saudi Arabia needs a valid Iqama with at least three months left on it. They’ll also need a Nafath account, which is like a digital ID for Saudi residents. If your sponsor is a domestic worker, they can handle the application directly online. Others might need extra approval from the Chamber of Commerce or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Make sure your sponsor’s ready before you dive in.
Step 2: Round Up Your Documents
Documents are the backbone of your application. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Passport: Valid for 6 months minimum, with two blank pages.
- Proof of Relationship: Think marriage certificates for spouses, birth certificates for kids, or other papers for siblings or in-laws.
- Sponsor’s Iqama: A copy of their residence permit.
- Two Passport Photos: Recent, 2×2 inches, white background, no glasses.
- Visa Application Form: Filled out online via the MOFA portal.
- Medical Insurance: You’ll buy this in Saudi Arabia during the process.
- Consent Letter: If a minor is traveling alone or with one parent, get a notarized letter from the other parent or guardian.
If you’re applying from outside your home country, you might need proof of legal residence, like a residency card. Double-check everything to avoid hiccups.
Step 3: Submit Through the MOFA Portal
Your sponsor takes the lead here. They’ll use the MOFA online platform to start your application. Here’s the playbook:
- Head to the MOFA visa portal and switch to English.
- Log in with the sponsor’s Nafath account or set up an individual login.
- Choose “Apply” for the Family Visit Visa for Residents.
- Enter the sponsor’s details, like their address, and select “Family Visit” as the purpose.
- Add your info: full name, passport number, birth date, and relationship to the sponsor.
- Pick “Unemployed” for your job status, it’s a safe choice to avoid rejection.
- Submit and jot down the visa number for tracking.
If your sponsor works for a private company, they might need to get the application stamped by the Chamber of Commerce. Government workers can skip that step.
Step 4: Wait for MOFA Approval
Once submitted, your sponsor can check the status on the MOFA portal. If it’s approved, you’ll get a visa reference number and issuance date. This is your green light to move forward, so keep it handy.
Step 5: Visit a Saudi Embassy or VFS Tasheer Center
With MOFA approval in hand, you’ll head to a Saudi embassy or VFS Tasheer center. Book an appointment first, it saves time and efforts. Bring all your documents, including the MOFA approval letter. You’ll pay the visa fee and buy mandatory medical insurance there. Processing times vary, but it’s usually quick if your paperwork is solid.
Step 6: Track and Collect Your Visa
Check your visa status on the MOFA portal using your visa number and passport details. When it says “Approved,” pick up your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy or VFS center. Give it a quick look to make sure all details are correct before you book your flight.
Option B: Try the Saudi eVisa
Here’s a faster alternative: the Saudi tourist eVisa. It’s fully online, includes medical insurance, and works for family visits too. If you’re from one of the 66 eligible countries, you can apply in minutes and get approved in a day. Check your eligibility on the official Saudi visa website. It’s a great option if you want to skip the embassy hassle.
Why Applications Get Rejected (And How to Avoid It)
Nobody wants a rejection letter. Here are common pitfalls and how to dodge them:
- Wrong Job Status: Always choose “Unemployed” for visitors like kids, retirees, or housewives. It’s a quirk in the system.
- Missing Papers: Don’t skip any documents, especially proof of relationship.
- Expired Iqama: Your sponsor’s Iqama needs at least three months of validity.
- Typos: Triple-check names, passport numbers, and other details.
I’ve seen applications get stuck over small errors like these. Take your time to get it right.
Tips to Nail Your Application
Want to make this process a breeze? Try these:
- Start early, give yourself 2-3 weeks to handle any delays.
- Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months from your entry date.
- Book a return ticket, as it’s often required to show your travel plans.
- Know your visa’s validity: single-entry visas expire in 89 days, multiple-entry in 180 or 365 days.
- Don’t overstay, fines are SAR 100 (about USD 26.66) per day, and that adds up fast.
A little prep goes a long way. Trust me, it’s worth it to avoid last-minute stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Visa Take to Process?
Expect 4-5 days for MOFA approval. Add a few more days for embassy or VFS processing, depending on where you apply.
Can I Extend My Visa?
Single-entry visas can be extended up to 180 days. Multiple-entry visas let you stay 90 days per visit but can’t be extended.
Is Umrah Allowed with This Visa?
Yes, you can perform Umrah, but not Hajj. Check for travel restrictions during Hajj season to avoid surprises.
What If I Can’t Get an eVisa?
Not eligible for an eVisa? No problem, just follow the embassy or VFS Tasheer process outlined above.
Wrapping It Up
Getting a Visit Visa for Saudi Arabia for you friends and family is easier than it sounds. With online platforms like the MOFA portal or the eVisa option, you’re just a few steps away from seeing your loved ones. Just make sure your sponsor’s Iqama is valid, gather your documents, and double-check every detail we have mentioned above. Avoid common mistakes like picking the wrong job status, and you’ll be on your way to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in no time. Start your application today, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in KSA!
Whether it’s family or close friends, Know Saudi is here to guide you every step of the way, because reuniting with your loved ones in the Kingdom should be joyful, not stressful.
