tourist visa saudi arabia 2023

The Complete Guide to the Saudi Tourist Visa 2024 – Updated

This article on the complete guide to the Saudi tourist visa for 2024 is one of the most popular and has been updated with all the latest information for 2024 travel, including an FAQ section at the end. 

It is a long article, but this post can help you plan your Umrah and direct you to the best possible visa, whether tourist or waiver visa, for you and your family when going for Umrah.  

Which visa is the best for you if going for Umrah? 

If you are planning on going to Umrah and considering which visa ( since Saudi Arabia now has several visas) is best for you, here are a few things to consider. I have been writing about Umrah for 10 years and have helped over a million Muslims, and here is what I always suggest. 

How many times do you plan to go for an Umrah in a year?

If you are going to Umrah only once per year and you are a UK passport holder, then the Electronic Visa Waiver is the cheapest option for you. 

Do you hold a passport from the approved country for a tourist visa? 

The tourist visa for Saudi is the best option for you, so keep reading. 

If not, do you hold a USA, Schengen or UK business and tourist visa or are you a resident so you can apply for a Saudi tourist visa?

You can issue a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia, which means keep reading below for all the details. 

If you do not hold a passport or a visa from the approved countries 

If you don’t hold a passport or a visa from the list and countries that are approved for a tourist visa, then you need to issue an Umrah visa via an agent. 

Table of content for this post: What is the updated Saudi Evisa procedure? Step-by-step issuing of tourist visa Credit card problems with issuing a tourist visa Tips to help with your Umrah and coming to Saudi Nusuk App on tourist visa what to know Umrah during Hajj season on a tourist visa Tourist visa and meningitis vaccine Various types of visas you can do Umrah with Children in Makkah and Medinah Nusuk & Rawdah for Children Zamzam Water on a tourist visa Umrah Packages examples

What is the updated Saudi Evisa procedure?

The Saudi tourist Evisa is the most popular visa option for those looking for tourism but also for Umrah. You have the option to visit Saudi multiple times in the year and stay up to 90 days. With this tourist visa for Saudi Arabia, you can also explore other parts of the country, which are also beautiful. 

Saudi Arabia announced a few years ago their Vision 2030 which basically means to expand its tourism sector to 30 million by 2030 not only for Umrah but in general.

For Muslims, this also means exploring a country that for so long we visited but have not really explored as with the Umrah visa we could only go to Jeddah, Makkah and Medinah.

Tourism chief Ahmed al-Khateeb told Reuters in an interview in the run-up to the official announcement that abayas will not be mandatory for female tourists. Still, modest dress is, including at public beaches.

If you are planning an Umrah and want to save money on your trip then make sure to check out my book with gives you tips on how to save thousands on your Umrah. Especially during Ramadan and peak travel seasons like school holidays and December The tourist visa can be applied by 50 countries through the website of Visit Saudi which have been updated over the past few years and makes it very easy to apply for the visa. It takes around 30minutes if you have all the documents set up for you and your family. The official Saudi Tourism website is here

The Tourist visa is valid for one year and you can spend up to 90 days. It is a Multi-entry visa which means you can go as many times as you want with a maximum stay combined of 90 days.

This is a total game-changer, and here is why:

• You can visit not only the three cities but also any city in Saudi
• You can issue it on your own via their site (link below)
• You pay only £120
• You can do Umrah as well
• If you are a single woman you can go alone!

The most amazing and stunning change they did is that single women who before could not do Umrah on their own now can apply for a tourist visa and actually go! Check the site here on the FAQ .

You can perform Umrah on a tourist visa according to their FAQ and by the looks of it, you don’t need specific accommodation or transport. After all, you are a tourist and not specific to Umrah.

Although the visa asks for this you can just put the intended hotel you plan on staying.

Please note that you cannot perform Hajj!!

Are you wondering the best time to book Umrah & save money?

I have created an 18-page guide to help you plan an Umrah at the best time. Sharing tips and tricks in one place to save you time & of course, money.

Visa for those not on the list but holding Residency and Visas

If your country is not on the list that can apply, there is the option which with their handy guide gives you all the visa types you can have.

I really like this tool because over the years they have updated its functionality making it easy for people to navigate.

Here is an example of those who have a third-country visa but don’t hold eligibility on their own( UK, US, Schengen)

Information

• eVisa Price: SAR 300 (about USD 80).
• Application Fee: SAR 39.44 (about USD 10.50).
• Medical Insurance Fees: not included (price determined based on the provider).
• Entry:Multiple Entry or single entry depending on Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Validity:The multiple-entry visa is valid for a year from its issue date and allows for stays of up to 90 days.

Requirements

U.S., U.K. or Schengen Visa Holders can qualify for eVisa if the below conditions are met:

• Your visa must be a business or tourist visa.
• Your visa must have been used at least once and have an entry stamp from the issuing country (Digital entry stamp are not accepted).
• Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Saudi.

Residents from the U.K, U.S. and EU can apply for eVisa if the below conditions are met:

• You must hold a permanent residence permit from a country located in the U.K., U.S. or EU.

Here are the details .

Step by step issuing a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia

In order to make sure the process works, I actually issued my own visa! Yep, without mahram, without anything!

The process is pretty straightforward and takes around 30 minutes to complete and you can group your family together and pay for all of you together.

Make sure your photo matches the dimensions and the size as many people take a photo and upload it from their phone and don’t realise it is larger than the upload you can have on the website.

Step1: Personal Details

First, you need to register on the portal and confirm your phone and email.

Step2: Personal & Passport Details

Once logged on, you can start your passport application.

Each step gives you 10 minutes to complete, which is more than enough.

You can do a group or an individual application. I did the individual as I wanted to see if as a woman I can issue it on my own.

You enter your details such as passport, address etc.

Note: the photo needs to be on a non-busy background Just take a photo with your phone and then resize it to fit. You can adjust it as well on the application.

You will also need to provide where you will be staying. I think as with all visas you only provide your first hotel if you are planning to visit many cities.

Step 3: Medical insurance

This was an interesting process as I didn’t know if I had to book it myself. However, and congrats to them, they have integrated it.

You choose an insurance provider from the list and then they add the fee on top for the tourist visa. You cannot escape this step you have to pay for the medical insurance for your Saudi tourist visa to actually get issued. You then have the option to download the certificate. I also suggest you issue an extra one from your country just in case, I always travel with health and travel insurance abroad since I have been hospitalised. I am not sure what these insurances with the tourist visa cover but I want to be on the safe side.

You just pay for the travel insurance.

Step 4: Terms and Conditions

The terms are simple. Not to break the law, drugs and alcohol and others. If you are a genuine tourist you wouldn’t have an issue with compliance.

Step 5: Review Your Application

A simple review of your application. Before you proceed.

Step 6: Pay the fees

The total fees for the visa were 535 SAR which is about £118. I believe the fee has increased slightly now.

Once you have completed the steps, you will see that your application is under review and wait.

My Saudi Tourist Visa visa was issued less than 5 minutes later.

I was not sure how long I had to wait, however, it wasn’t long. Under the FAQ it says from 5 minutes to 30 minutes.

Credit card issue with the Saudi tourist visa portal

When applying for my husband and daughter, the visa was processed but later I saw I was charged double. I know some other people had this issue.

I didn’t raise it at the time as my credit card said they could cancel the charge but this also might cancel my visa. I decided to wait to go to Umrah and then cancel.

However 3 weeks later a refund was issued directly by Tourism for Saudi, so I assume they did an audit and found they had charged people.

I also know some people have problems with paying with credit cards, so what I suggest is to try a different browser and also a credit card. Wait a little and then try again. I initially had to try around 4 times to make it work.

Mothers can apply for their children and travel with them alone ( if this is what they want) They can apply and add a relationship “mother/guardian”. Since women are allowed to go on tourist visas, this is not a problem.

Suggestions when coming to Saudi for Umrah

I know many of you are planning trips to Saudi using tourist visas, so here are some of my suggestions. 

Start your trip with Medinah. This way, you will have the option to set up your SIM card and relax in the mosque since it doesn’t require permission for prayers. 

Also, you will be able to relax and not travel, be in Ihram and deal with the applications you will need.  The Haramain train is easy to connect you and fast. We used the train from Medinah, and I have updated the article with photos and new pricing

Since you are also in Saudi on tourism, I would recommend you explore another city in Saudia. Jeddah is the perfect gateway for a few days, and many people don’t visit it enough when here for Umrah. 

Nusuk App for Umrah on Tourist Visa

For those going to Umrah on a tourist visa ( or any other type), you will need to download the Nusuk App via the online store. The app is what great in general and now you even book Hajj through it.

Nusuk is not really required for Umrah bookings although it is encouraged so they can monitor how busy it gets in the Haram. It works like a traffic system and when they were limiting numbers it was required to have a booking and they would check each one.

Now with the crowds back to normal, it is very hard, so they don’t for Umrah. However, they do check and require this for Rawdah bookings. You cannot visit the Rawdah in Medinah without having a Nusuk slot booked. I have an updated YouTube video with all the latest on this and many more for Umrah 2024 here.

They are very strict on this, and I like it because I had a horrible Rawdah experience my first-time years ago and almost got stampeded.

Tip : Rawdah slots are very limited, they open four weeks in advance. I highly recommend once you get to the four weeks before your trip start looking for your Rawdah slot on the days you are visiting Medinah. Keep checking several times a day morning and evening as they add slots and people cancel.

Umrah during Hajj Season on Tourist Visa

I have a full article on whether you can do Umrah after Ramadan and during Hajj for more details check it out. However, to keep things simple, Umrah is allowed on tourist and waiver visa and transit visas but not during the Hajj season.

As a standard, I suggest stopping booking yourself Umrah 6 weeks before Arafat day and then 4 weeks after. Just to be on the safe side.

In 2023, they did shorten the period, but due to the value of people reading this post, I like to be cautious. Updated dates can be found on the link above.

You can check out my DIY Umrah book: Plan Your Umrah like a Pro & Save Big

Non-Muslims visiting Makkah and Medinah on Tourist visa

Non-Muslim tourists are allowed to visit Saudi Arabia anywhere except Makkah and Medinah.

With regards to how much you can spend in Saudi on a tourist visa, the below is mentioned under their FAQ:

• The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance, and the permissible period of stay is 90 days.
• The single-entry tourist visa is valid for three months from the date of issuance, and the permissible period of stay is 30 days.

Tourist visa and Meningitis Vaccine for Umrah

One of the very common questions I receive is always about the meningitis vaccine which was always required for an Umrah visa, and people are confused.

For the last 3 years since they started the tourist visa for Saudi Arabia and consequently, for Umrah, you do not need the meningitis vaccine even if you are going for Umrah. This includes all other types of visas such as transit, waiver and tourist to Saudi. This is a question I asked and got the reply, it is from a few years ago, but this stands today for Umrah in 2024 with a tourist visa.

Also if you want up-to-date changes please sign up for my mailing list and follow me on social media where I post the most updates straight away. 

You also don’t need to wear masks, but I would 100% recommend you keep your mask on during Umrah, especially at busy times. 

It is very busy now and gets crowded and there are diseases. Several times I have gotten sick after Umrah, so as an extra precaution I actually still wear a mask.

Umrah with the New Transit Visa 2023

A game changer and a much cheaper option for those wanting a quick Umrah in under 4 days is to use the new free transit visa by Saudi. You do need a ticket with Saudia or Flynas, but other than that, you can save yourself some money, especially if you don’t want to stay too long. This is aimed as a stopover and also a great choice for those going on a holiday to let’s say Dubai. Read the full article here

Umrah Visa VS Tourist Visa

Umrah visas are more expensive and with more restrictions than tourist visas or any other type. Saudi wants tourists from affluent countries who won’t overstay and are there to spend money. Sorry if this is too blunt but it is the reality.

Sadly even from the eligible list, you can see that people in large pooper countries are excluded.

The tourist visa costs £93, and the Umrah visa costs £230, you need to issue it with an agent and book accommodation and transport, whereas with the tourist visa, this is not required. You can book them independently.

Umrah with the New Visa Waiver for UK citizens

You can now issue a visa for up to 6 months’ stay in Saudi Arabia with the EVW, which offers once single entry at a cost of £40. You can perform Umrah, tourism, business and study in the Kingdom.

For those who come to the country with the purpose of Umrah in the year, you will be able to save money on visa costs. You can read the full article here.

Are children allowed in Masjid Al Haram when for Umrah?

Children are allowed to enter the mosque and perform Umrah with their parents. There is no age restriction on this, and my daughter came with me during Ramadan (she is 4 and performed Umrah). 

If you have a baby and you need a pram, then you can take a pram in Haram and use the ramps on either side of the mosque to enter the first-floor mataf area and perform your tawaf there with your child. The same applies to Sai.

Are children allowed in Masjid Al Nabawi in Medinah?

Children with prams are allowed in the courtyard of Masjid Al Nabawi but not in the mosque in 2024. If your child is old enough and doesn’t need a pram then they can go in the mosque.

If they are young you can pray with them in the courtyard without a problem.

Rawdah Booking with Nusuk for Kids

A popular question is if children need their own booking for Rawdah. The simple answer is depends on their age, if they are very young they go with their parents without a problem. However, teenagers and older-looking kids might be required to have their own permission.

I say might because it depends on the guard and what their mood is. I have many stories from people where some were allowed and others not. This is mostly however for older children and not younger ones. For example, a 15-year-old going with their mother rather than a 7year old which is ok.

Brinigng Zam Zam water on Tourist visa

For several years there was a debate about bringing Zamzam on a tourist visa from Saudi Arabia.

You can now bring Zamzam with a tourist visa and all other types of visas without a problem. Since the last quarter of 2023, people have reported to me that they have managed to bring for each person a box. Here is something to remember. Those on direct flights and tickets with one airline even with a connection won’t have any issue bringing ZamZam with them from Umrah.

However, if you are travelling with budget airlines for Umrah like WizzAir you might have a problem if your connecting staff don’t allow you to check it in. You will also have to pay for this as luggage allowance for example from Italy to the UK.

Just something to keep in mind. I usually put a 500ml bottle in my checked bag when I don’t want the full box. Just something to consider.

I have also flown with Flynas which is the budget airline of Saudi Arabia, and they did allow everyone a bottle to France. However again it is your connection onwards that might be an issue.

I hope this article is beneficial check out some of our other popular posts like the DIY Umrah Package examples I put for you each month.

More posts you might enjoy DIY Umrah E-Book Saving you Thousands The Ultimate Guide on How to Do a DIY Umrah; (Do-It-Yourself) Umrah The Best Hotels to Book In Makkah for Your Next Umrah Here is the Best Hilton Hotel In Makkah For Umrah How to use the Train from Makkah to Medinah DIY Umrah: How to Get from Jeddah to Makkah and Medinah for Umrah The Best Apps for Umrah You Will Need in 2023 DIY Umrah E-Book Save 70% of 5 star hotels in Makkah and Medinah during peak season. Imagine the best Umrah possible. Buy the book

Share with Friends

Monday 11th of March 2024

Thank you for the information that you provided in the article. I do have a question, my mother and i are US citizens but my father is a US Permanent Resident. I believe we do not need a visa? But my father does? What kind of visas do you think we should apply for? We are planning on staying in Madinah or Jeddah (not sure where to go first) because we also want to do umrah, but not right away probably the last days that we are there. What do you think is the best way of doing everything. I have looked everywhere not sure what to do.

Thanks for you help! :)

Muslim Travel Girl

Tuesday 12th of March 2024

Salams sis, you need tourist visa for all of you. also depending on how many days you stay in saudi? i advice for umrah from us to go medinah relax do umrah and then go jeddah to enjoy in peace.

Wednesday 14th of February 2024

What does this "Multiple Entry or single entry depending on Ministry of Foreign Affairs" really mean?

I went to Saudi with Visa on Arrival about 7 months ago, and now I am planning to come back to Saudi next month (less than one year from when my visa on arrival was issued).

I am wondering, should I apply a new visa for my next month visit (for a family, that add up pretty costly), or rely on visa from 7 months ago?

How do I know if my Visa on Arrival that I got 7 months ago, is a multiple or single entry?

I know the validity is one year, but still not sure about multi/single entry part.

Thursday 22nd of February 2024

If you have tourist visa - it is multi entry you can go, if you have visa waiver it is single entry. Which one did you get?

Wednesday 24th of January 2024

AOA, First I am highly impressed by your wonderful and truly informative web site. Congratulations. My Question: Saudiaairlines is offering ONE night FREE stay in Jeddah to all travelling for Umrah.

Does anyone had this experience? If so then where is or are the hotels ( if the name is known ) located and what services they offer( buffet Breakfast etc ).

Does the airline fully guarantees this or is it based on if and when available basis .

Thank you in advance

Thursday 1st of February 2024

Yes, there is. I have a post im editing froma reader who did this trip. You have to do this once you book your flights through manage your booking.

Friday 19th of January 2024

Assalamualikum. I live in UK. I want to go to Umrah in February. My question is, can I just apply for visa waiver. My trip would be for 5 days only. Makkah ,Medinah and back home. Also as this visa doesn't have medical insurance. Do I have to buy medical insurance from Saudi government. Do I still need to book Umrah slots? Thank you

Monday 22nd of January 2024

You can yes, the insurance just buy yourself one general from the UK like post office etc. You do need to book Rawdah if you only doing Umrah no

Shoaib Rashid

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Assalamualaikum, I am living in the UK and have work visa in the UK. So I just want to know that am I eligible for saudi tourist visa to perform umrah. Thanks.

Friday 5th of January 2024

Yes you are

The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Tourist Visa

For more information about the Tourist Visa and how to apply, please, Visit Saudi  website.

The only verifiable source for the tourist visa is the link provided on the Embassy’s website. Please do not use outside links as they cannot be verified and will not be accepted.

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Saudi Arabia introduces new visa-on-arrival scheme for 13 countries

The new visa allows visitors from sea, air, or land ports…

Travelling to the Kingdom keeps getting more and more hassle-free, and now it’s that much easier as Saudi Arabia introduces a new visa-on-arrival scheme.

The major change was announced on August 18 2023 for Umrah visitors from over a dozen countries.

أداء العمرة عبر التأشيرة عند الوصول، للعديد من دول العالم. #في_القلب_يا_مكة pic.twitter.com/b6PaN2NiTz — وزارة الحج والعمرة (@HajMinistry) August 18, 2023

The change applies to visitors from the  United States, the United Kingdom, various European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Brunei, and China.

Visitors will be able to enter through sea, air, or land ports and enjoy a 90-day stay within the Kingdom. Travellers can pay a visa fee of $117, inclusive of health insurance coverage. With the visa, visitors to the Kingdom can head off on spiritual journeys and then also enjoy tourism experiences all over the Kingdom too.

If you’re travelling for Umrah though, you do need to wear a mask when performing the pilgrimage.

More recently introduced visas…

As reported by  The National , British and Irish nationals can now obtain a single-entry e-visa to visit Saudi Arabia, whether they’re travelling for business, educational studies, or tourism. The single-entry Saudi e-visa is valid for stays of up to 6 months.

Applications for the e-visa waiver can be done at least two days prior to travel, but within 90 days, with approved visas returned within 24 hours. To apply, nationals of the UK and Ireland should complete the application form on the Unified National Visa Platform at the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has also announced that nationals from eight new countries will now be granted electronic tourist visas as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to boost the tourism sector.

The countries include Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Nationals of these countries can  apply for a visitor visa electronically  or upon arrival at one of the Kingdom’s ports.

Visit: haj.gov.sa

Images: Social/Getty

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Saudi Arabia launches unified platform for visa applications

Kingdom streamlines entry approvals for hajj, umrah, education, business and tourism as it seeks more visitors.

A Saudi guide shows American tourists round Al Shaf'i Mosque in the Old City of Jeddah. AP

Saudi Arabia has launched a unified platform for visa applications as it continues to expand its hospitality, tourism and travel industries to diversify its economy from oil.

The new portal, ksavisa.sa , involves more than 30 ministries, authorities and private sector organisations handling and processing visa applications for Hajj, Umrah, education, tourism, employment and business, among other categories.

Its launch was announced at the Digital Government Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The new platform provides information on each type of visa and uses a smart search engine to help users submit their applications.

Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff at Soundstorm 2023, Riyadh. All photos: MDL Beast

Users can create a personal profile to save time when applying for visas again.

Previously, the Nusuk app was the only digital platform for issuing visas to Saudi Arabia but only to people seeking to perform the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages.

People seeking tourist visas had to apply through local agencies, which obtained the entry permits through relevant government agencies.

The new portal also caters to foreign residents, who make up about 13 million of the kingdom's 32 million population, by accepting applications for re-entry in case they have stayed out of the country beyond the permitted time period, or for their family members to come and live them.

Other categories available include e-visas, which Saudi Arabia introduced in May for citizens of seven countries – the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Transit visas are offered in three categories: land, for people travelling through the kingdom to neighbouring country by road; sea, for travellers on board a ship seeking to disembark for a short time; and air, for flight passengers who want to make a brief visit during layovers.

According to the platform, 18.6 million visas have been issued throughout the year so far.

Saudi Arabia achieved significant growth in the tourist arrivals this year. The number of tourists increased by 58 per cent during the first seven months compared to 2019, the year before the Covid pandemic halted global travel, according to data released by the UN World Travel Organisation in September.

Saudi Arabia plans to add 315,000 new hotel rooms at an estimated development cost of $37.8 billion by 2030.

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• Family Visit Visa

How to apply family visit visa in Saudi Arabia?

Navigate here 👇

Expats with any Iqama profession can apply for a family visit visa and bring their family to KSA. In this article, we have explained the updated process to apply for a family visit visa in Saudi Arabia in 2023.

Who is eligible for a family visit visa?

The family visit visa can be applied for only the following people in Saudi Arabia. While relation 1-4 listed below is approved for everyone, relation 5-9 would be approved only if you have a good Iqama profession.

• Wife/Husband.
• Parents-in-Law.
• Grand Parents.
• Brother and his family (wife and children).
• Sister and her family (husband and children).
• Sister-in-Law (sister of the spouse). 
• Brother-in-Law (brother of the spouse). 

Requirements for the visa

You need the following documents to apply for the family visit visa;

• Applicant’s passport.
• Saudi visa of the Iqama holder person applying for the visa.
• 3 months of Iqama validity.
• No need to be physically present in KSA to apply.
• Activate Nafath app.

Now expatriates with any Iqama profession including labor and house drivers can also apply for a family visit visa.

Step 01: Log in to Nafath

In order to fill out the application for a family visit visa;

• Open this website https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/
• Click on the “ Login ” button.
• Enter your Iqama Number .
• Approve the Nafath access .

Step 02: Fill out the application

On the next page, you will be given many options out of which you need to select;

• Family Visit Visa Application for Residents .

On the first page of the Saudi family visit visa application, the system will fetch your details while you need to enter;

• Saudi Visa Number is written on the work visa stamped on your passport when entering Saudi Arabia. In case you were born in KSA, you can leave the field blank.
• Click on the “ Add ” button.

Personal Details

On the next page, you need to enter the personal details of the family visit visa applicant such as;

• Name as per passport in ENGLISH ONLY .
• Fill out the rest of the application in Arabic .
• Enter Birth Date .
• Enter Birth Place .
• Select Gender .
• Occupational Status: Unemployed .
• Enter Mobile Number .
• Select Religion.
• Enter Relationship. Select Others if you want to apply for a family visit visa for someone else, such as a Brother or Sister.

Recently, many family visit visa applications have been rejected with the message “ نأمل تعبئة طلب جديد مع تدوين المهنة بشكل دقيق في خانة ( المهنة)، أطيب تحياتنا .” which means that the profession selected is inaccurate.

However, there is no profession of housewife, child, or retired in the list of professions provided above. We believe that this is a short glitch and soon the Saudi government will start to accept “Unemployed” profession.

Passport Details

Scroll down a little bit on the same page and enter the passport details of the applicant such as;

• Passport Number.
• Passport Type: Normal .
• Passport Issue Date.
• Passport Expiry Date.
• Passport Issue Place: The country of the passport holder.

Type of Visa

Now scroll down a little further and select the type of family visit visa you want to apply for in Saudi Arabia;

• The single-entry visit visa is issued for a period of 30 days only with 8 possible extensions of 30 days each i.e. 270 days.
• The multiple-entry visit visa is issued for a period of 90 days only which cannot be extended anymore.
• How to check Visit Visa validity in KSA?
• Coming from : The Embassy from where you want to stamp the visa.

If you want to apply for a family visit visa for more than one family member, click on the “ Add ” button again to enter the details of the second applicant who wants to come to KSA. Otherwise,

• Check “ Agreement Approval “.
• Click on the “ Save ” button.

Once done, the MOFA system will generate an application number. 

• Save the application number for future use.
• Print the application for further processing.

Step 03: Submit the application

In the next step, you need to submit the application to your employer to sign and stamp it.

• Private Employees: After this, submit the application to the chamber of commerce of the same city mentioned in the address above.
• Government Employees:  The government employees will submit the application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Domestic Workers:  The employer of the domestic workers will approve the visa through his Absher account. They don’t have to submit it anywhere.

Step 04: Check Visit Visa Application Status

Now keep on checking the family visit visa status from the MOFA website. As soon as the family visit visa is approved, send it to the country from where your family wants to enter KSA. https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/

In some cases, the MOFA requests some additional documents from the Iqama holder before approving the visa. If this is the case, you need to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the required documents.

Step 05: Submit the application to the Saudi Embassy

Your family will contact an agent to submit the application to the Saudi Embassy or Saudi Consulate. In Pakistan, your family will have to book an appointment with Etimad.

At this point, you need to pay the fee for the family visit visa to your agent. Here is an approximate breakup of the fee;

• Visa Fee: SR 300.
• Insurance: SR 100.
• Other Charges: SR 500.
• Total Fee: SR 800 approx.

Make sure the application is submitted to the Saudi Embassy within the family visit visa validity .

Step 06: Check Saudi Visa Status

After submitting your passport to the embassy, you can check the Saudi Visa status with the passport number online.

If the visa is stamped, you need to book a return ticket for the family visit visa holder. Saudi authorities have the right to deport a visit visa holder if he does not have a return ticket.

Family Visit Visa through Istiqdam

In some cases, you might have to apply for a family visit visa through Istiqdam. Here is how you need to proceed;

Required Documents

• Get the appointment from Istiqdam.
• Download the family visit visa application form, fill it in Arabic, and get it attested by the Chamber of Commerce.
• Introduction letter issued by the employer and stamped by the chamber of commerce.
• Copy of marriage certificate if you are applying for in-laws.
• Copy of Iqama and Passport.

Visit the Istiqdam office

• Submit all the documents to the Istiqdam office and get Green and White paper from them.
• After this fill the application online following the guidelines given above. Here is the link https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Services/citizens

Visit the MOFA

The last step is to visit the MOFA with a print of your online application along with the paper given to you by the Istiqdam. 

Once the documents are submitted, you can check the status of the approval of the application online.

For the latest updates, you can join our ✅ WhatsApp group or ☑️ Telegram Channel .

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Saudi Arabia visited by 100 million tourists in 2023

The kingdom aims to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, with 80 million domestic and 70 million international tourists

In a statement, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb announced that the tourism sector in the kingdom has achieved its target of hosting 100 million tourists in 2023. This figure includes domestic visitors and international tourists, who collectively spent SAR100bn.

“We have reached 100 million tourists this year, 77 million from home, 27 million from abroad, over 100 million,”Al Khateeb said at a conference organised by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, describing the 2023 figures.

Saudi Arabia targets 150 million visitors by 2030

Participating in a ministerial session titled “The Importance of the Private Sector in Achieving Vision 2030” at the second edition of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Private Sector Forum, Al-Khateeb highlighted the new strategy set by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to attract 150 million tourists by 2030, with 80 million domestic and 70 million international tourists.

Al-Khateeb mentioned, “Definitely the expanding of the middle class in India and China will encourage further travel. The World Travel and Tourism Council is expecting international arrivals to double by 2032, which is very attractive for us.”  He emphasised the kingdom’s commitment to funding training programs, with over 100,000 young individuals trained last year, including 15,000 trained in top institutes worldwide to join the tourism sector.

He also acknowledged the role of the Human Resources Development Fund in increasing salaries.

Additionally, Al-Khateeb emphasised ongoing efforts to improve legislation and encourage investment, highlighting the establishment of the Tourism Development Fund , which has financed more than 50 projects totaling SAR35bn, making investment in the tourism sector more appealing globally.

The announcement comes less than five years after the kingdom fully opened up to tourism. However, there are ongoing concerns about the Israel crisis and its potential to affect the wider region.

Vision 2030

Tourism plays a significant role in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, which aims to transition the world’s biggest oil exporter away from fossil fuels and prepare for a post-oil future. The Saudi government has committed nearly $800bn towards infrastructure development for tourism purposes, and announced plans for a new airport in Riyadh to handle 120 million passengers by 2030.

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, has traditionally welcomed pilgrims and business travelers.

The country introduced a general tourism visa in 2019, shortly before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, which severely impacted the global tourism industry.

The kingdom fully removed the pandemic-era restrictions in 2023, and has announced a slew of projects to boost the tourism sector which continues to evolve as part of broader economic reforms.

Saudi Arabia’s economic prospects are positive for the year ahead, according to the World Bank ’s latest projections. The kingdom’s economy is expected to expand by 4.1 per cent this year, contributing to an anticipated 3.6 per cent rise in the combined GDP of GCC countries.

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Saudi Arabia: Any visa holder can now perform Umrah

Pilgrims encouraged to utilise Nusuk app to obtain Umrah permit, adhere to ritual timings

Cairo: Saudi Arabia has announced that individuals holding various types of visas are now permitted to undertake Umrah, the minor pilgrimage, with ease.

“Arrivals from anywhere and with any visa can perform Umrah with ease and comfort,” the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in an X post.

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The ministry emphasized that Umrah rituals are accessible to holders of all visas, including personal, family, transit, labor, and e-visas.

“Whatever the type of your visa, you can do Umrah,” it added.

Pilgrims are encouraged to utilize the Nusuk app to obtain an Umrah permit and adhere to designated timings for the rituals at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site.

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The Nusuk platform facilitates various procedures, including accommodation arrangements, for Muslims planning to perform Umrah and visit Medina, Islam’s second holiest site.

In recent months, the kingdom has introduced a host of facilities for overseas Muslims to come to the country to perform Umrah.

These initiatives aim to accommodate millions of Muslims worldwide who undertake Umrah, especially those who may not be able to participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage due to physical or financial constraints.

Recent enhancements include extending the Umrah visa duration from 30 to 90 days, allowing entry via all land, air, and sea ports, and eliminating the requirement for women pilgrims to be accompanied by male guardians. Additionally, expatriates in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and holders of Schengen, US, and UK visas can now book Umrah appointments via the Nusuk app before arriving in Saudi Arabia.

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