How to apply for a Saudi visa from Dubai
- Apply for a Saudi Visa from Dubai
- Documents Required for a Saudi e-Visa
- How to Apply for a Saudi Visa from Dubai
- FAQs
Over the past years, Saudi Arabia has taken extensive measures to attract tourists from across the world. The country’s rich history and diverse landscape make it an ideal destination. If you plan a trip soon, here’s what you need to know about obtaining a Saudi visa from Dubai.
Apply for a Saudi Visa from Dubai
In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced a major revamp to make the country more welcoming to foreigners. Fast on its way to becoming a tourist hub, Saudi Arabia is a hot spot for GCC nationals and expats.
Want to apply for a Saudi visa in Dubai? Here’s what you need to do!
For the UAE Passport Holders
You can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa as a UAE passport holder or as a GCC national. You can enter the country using your National ID (Emirates ID for the UAE) or any other valid document. However, UAE citizens planning to go to Hajj from Dubai must apply for a visa.
For UAE Residents
UAE residents cannot use their permit in place of a visa. So, if you want to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, Umrah or Hajj, you must apply for a Saudi visa from Dubai.
If your country is eligible for a Saudi e-visa, you can visit the official website and start the process there. But, if your country does not qualify for an e-visa, visit the nearest Saudi Embassy to initiate the visa process. You can also get help from visa services if an e-visa isn’t possible.
Importantly, Saudi Arabia also offers e-visa to most GCC residents to boost tourism. It allows residents of Dubai or any other UAE emirate to seek an e-visa instead of applying for a visa through VFS or the consulate. Therefore, getting a Saudi tourist visa from Dubai takes minimal time.
The Saudi e-visa is valid for 1 year and allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days (3 months).
Here’s the list of the countries eligible for a Saudi e-visa:
North America & Caribbean
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Canada
- Grenada
- Panama
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- United States
Europe
- Albania
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Asia
- Azerbaijan
- Brunei
- China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Uzbekistan
Africa
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- South Africa
Oceania
- Australia
- New Zealand
Documents Required for a Saudi E-Visa
To initiate your Saudi visa procedure from Dubai you have to submit the following documents:
- Original passport with a minimum validity of six months – if you’re wondering how to check my visa status in the UAE, log on to ICA Smart Services.
- A recent passport photo with a white background
- A completed Saudi Visa application form
- Proof of medical insurance
- Proof of accommodation (Hotel booking)
- A copy of flight tickets
While applying, make sure that your passport photo meets certain criteria levied by the Saudi government. The picture should be 200 x 200 in width and height, while the image size must be 5 to 100 Kb. Your face should be visible, including your forehead, ears and chin.
How to Apply for a Saudi Visit Visa from Dubai
Now that you have all the documents ready, you can apply for the Saudi visit visa online. Follow the steps below for a successful online Saudi visa application:
- Visit the Saudi e-Visa Website.
- Click on ‘Apply Now’.
- If you have an existing account, click on the ‘Sign in’ button; proceed by typing in your email address, password and the captcha to log in.
- If you are creating your account for the first time, select your passport type, country or nationality, enter the captcha and select ‘Next’
- Once the form opens, insert the photo – make sure you meet the photo requirements.
- Input your details, such as type, number, expiry date, purpose of visit and address in KSA. If you’re staying at a hotel, click ‘Commercial Accommodation’ and enter the hotel address and contact number.
- Submit your medical insurance that covers the stay of your trip. Please ensure that you fill in the relevant information correctly.
- Read the terms and conditions and proceed to ‘agree/next’.
- Before paying via your credit or debit card, ensure all the details are correct, otherwise you risk getting your visa rejected.
Once the application is sent, the processing time for a Saudi visa in Dubai is usually within 3 to 6 business days. If your application is successful, you’ll receive your Saudi e-visa via email.
FAQs About How to Apply for a Saudi Visa from Dubai
Can UAE citizens apply for a Saudi Arabian tourist visa?
UAE citizens or nationals do not need to apply for a Saudi Arabian tourist visa as they are offered visa-free entry. UAE passport holders only have to apply for a Hajj visa.
Can UAE citizens visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah without a visa?
Yes, UAE citizens can visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah without obtaining a visa.
Does your religion matter while applying for a tourist KSA visa from Dubai?
Your religion does not influence the outcome of your KSA tourist visa application.
What is the cost of a Saudi e-Visa?
The visa fee depends on the applicant’s nationality, length of stay and processing time, typically ranging from $50 to $300. Some nationalities may need to provide extra documents, such as proof of accommodation, return flight tickets and finances for their stay. Many travellers can apply for the tourist visa online, with e-visa fees generally set at either 340 SAR (around $90.50) or 494 SAR (around $131), depending on nationality.
Please note that the visa cost is non-refundable and can change anytime. We would suggest that you confirm the visa fee from the official website before applying for it.
Where is the Saudi Embassy located in the UAE?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s embassy is in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital. It is in Al Karama Street, Embassies District.
That concludes our step-by-step guide to getting a Saudi visa in Dubai. Dubai’s central location allows residents access to many leading travel and business destinations.
Those applying for a Canada visa from Dubai can do so through a fairly simple process with great chances of approval.
If you are interested in travelling to one of the European countries, here is the process of Schengen visa application from Dubai.
