When it comes to visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism, the door has been opened for travelers from all over the world to explore the beauty of the country and experience its unique culture. The Saudi tourism visa serves as a means to obtain permission to enter the Kingdom for tourism purposes. In this article, we will review how to apply for a Saudi tourism visa.
Obtaining a Tourist Invitation from a First or Second-Degree Relative or a Saudi Citizen:
Before applying for a Saudi tourism visa, you must obtain a tourist invitation from an accredited Saudi host. You need to have a friend or relative in Saudi Arabia who can provide you with a tourist invitation. The invitation must include your personal information and the details of the proposed visit.
Creating an Account on the “Saudi Visa Platform“:
After obtaining the tourist invitation, you must create an account on the “Saudi Visa Platform“, which is the official platform that manages Saudi tourism visa application processes. Creating an account requires submitting personal information and creating a username and password.
Filling Out the Electronic Form:
After creating the account, you must fill out the electronic form on the Saudi Visa Platform. You will need to provide the required personal information, such as full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, contact information, and other required details.
Uploading the Required Documents:
After filling out the electronic form, you will need to upload the required documents, such as a copy of your passport (which must be valid for at least six months), a personal photo with a white background, and an approved tourist invitation from the Saudi host.
Paying the Fees:
After submitting the documents, you will need to pay the visa fees through the electronic platform. You can pay by credit card or bank card. The fees include the booking reservation fee, insurance fee, and visa fee. The full process — including how to create the application, submit it, follow up with support, and all related matters — is explained in detail in the following video:
So What Happens After Submitting the Application?!
Based on the steps explained in the previous video, your application is now, God willing, on the right track. Either the visa will be sent to you via email — in which case you will proceed to book a flight (except for Egypt) — and don't forget us in your prayers.
Your application has been sent for review, which is completely normal and there is no need to worry, as each person's situation differs from another. Sometimes the workload on their technical support team is the main factor in delaying the application, but there is no need to worry. However, if you decide to cancel the application, we will address that later, God willing.
Reviewing the Application:
After submitting the form and paying the fees, you must review your application before sending it. Make sure that all the information and documents submitted are correct and complete. It is recommended to ensure there are no errors or omissions before submitting the application.
Submitting the Application:
After reviewing the application, you can send it via the electronic platform. You will receive a confirmation of submission after sending, and you need to keep this confirmation for future reference.
Tracking the Application:
After submitting the application, you can track its status via the electronic platform. You will receive updates regarding the processing and approval of the application. The processing time may take some time, and you may be asked to provide additional information if necessary.
Receiving the Visa:
If your application is approved, you will receive a notification that the tourist visa has been issued. You can receive the visa via email, and I do not recommend going to the consulate or embassy in your country, as it will not help you since the visa is electronic!
Traveling to Saudi Arabia:
After receiving the visa, you can begin arranging your travel to Saudi Arabia. Make sure to book a flight ticket and arrange accommodation and the necessary health insurance before traveling. You may also be required to provide financial proof or hotel reservations upon your arrival in the Kingdom.
The steps above cover how to apply by yourself, on your own, and from the comfort of your home — all you need is a device connected to the internet and the required documents. Therefore, we ask you to watch the following video, which warns against scam operations that have already occurred:
As for this video, it will show you the important areas to visit during the trip and the places that will save you money, as well as practical tips that will save you time and effort.
You surely already know, having watched the first video, that this visa is valid for Umrah — and not just once. You can use it to perform Umrah more than once as long as you are present in the Kingdom and have not exceeded the 90-day stay. In that case, you will need the complete guide to performing the Umrah rituals and supplications — in fact, the full Umrah procedure as narrated from the Prophet, peace be upon him. In this video, dear friend, you will find what pleases you, God willing.
And now, my friend, we come to a crossroads: what if you are an Egyptian residing in Egypt and you have no first or second-degree relatives in Saudi Arabia, and you also do not have a Schengen residence permit or a residency permit in the Gulf countries?!:
In this case, you are required to provide more than one item and more than one document according to the latest update, as follows:
1- A trip itinerary (a detailed plan of your stay duration and activities inside the country)
2- A bank account with the equivalent of $1,500 (as of the time of writing this article)
3- A confirmed flight ticket (a flexible booking may be made to allow for cancellation later)
4- A barcode (obtainable from Tasheer Center after booking an appointment on their website)
5- A hotel reservation
6- Submit the application as shown in the first video
In this video you will find more in-depth answers about this case:
Excellent, and God willing, up to this point we have covered all inquiries from the initial application submission to travel, completing the Umrah, and returning safely and successfully, God willing. Remember that exceeding your visa dates will expose you to fines and illegal residency, so beware of that.
We come to the last point: what if there is a circumstance, God forbid, and your decision is to cancel the application after submitting it?!!
Did I lose my money?
Of course not, my friend. In this case, you will only lose $10, which is the booking reservation fee. As for the rest of the amount, once the application is cancelled, the amount will be refunded to the same payment card or payment method within a maximum period of 45 business days, God willing, so do not worry about your money.
In this video you will find the cancellation process, the confirmation, and the refund procedure:
