Saudi Arabia is making constant positive moves towards its vision 2030 goals. In this regard, Saudi Tourism ministry has made a new announcement to allow Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for GCC Residents which they can Apply Online through MOFA Visa Platform.
What is Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa (Saudi Arabia Visitor Visa)?
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa also known as Saudi Arabia Visit Visa is a legal entry permission in KSA for the nationals from various countries of the world for non-business purposes. Using Saudi Tourist Visa, you can enjoy your time in the Kingdom and the cultural heritage, religious holy places, its diverse landscapes etc.
Saudi Arabia’s visitor visa (tourist visa) can be obtained by applying online for the nationals of many countries of the world. The list of such countries can be seen here. However, if you are not from these countries; you can still apply through the traditional channel by approaching the embassy or consulate of KSA in your country of residence.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for GCC Residents: How to Apply Online for KSA Visit Visa from GCC Countries
With recent announcement, now GCC residents who belong to any nationality and any profession; are eligible to apply for Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa. For this purpose, they can apply online to get the visa and be eligible to enter KSA as a tourist.
GCC Residents KSA Tourist Visa Requirements:
If you are iqama holder in any of the GCC Countries (e.g. Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait), you can apply for Saudi Visit Visa if you meet below requirements:
- You should have a valid residency (iqama) from any of the GCC countries. Iqama should be valid for at least 3 months.
- Your age should be at least 18. For any applicant having age lower than 18; parents (guardians) visa must be applied first.
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
- Applicants must complete separate visa applications for each member of their direct family and must accompany the member upon entering Saudi.
Can I Perform Umrah on Saudi Arabia Visit Visa?
The great news is that you can perform Umrah and visit the holy Makkah and Medina on your tourist visa. But not that you can’t perform Umrah during Haj season on a visit visa. Additionally, you can’t perform Haj on a visit visa.
What is the Cost of Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for GCC Residents?
For GCC residents, cost of Saudi Visit Visa is 300 SR. This is in addition to any costs associated with your health insurance. Getting a health insurance is mandatory when visiting Saudi Arabia on any visa.
It is important to note that visit visa fees is non-refundable.
How to Apply for Saudi Arabia Visit Visa as GCC Resident
In order to apply for Saudi eVisa as GCC resident, visit Saudi Visit Visa Portal and you will find an option eVisa for GCC Residents.
Under this option, all relevant details about the visa are mentioned. Once you have read all details, click on the MOFA link provided. As a GCC resident, you will have to apply through MOFA Visa Platform.
On MOFA platform, you will have to login to you account if you have already an account. If not, you can register for a new account and login using that.
Once you are logged in, you will be able to see any of the existing visa applications that you submitted earlier. You will find an option Add a New Application
Now, you can proceed with all subsequent steps by agreeing to the terms and conditions and by filling required forms.