The Saudi e-Visa program allows GCC residents to apply online through the Visit Saudi website. The process is simple and requires only a few documents. Applicants can apply from anywhere, whether you’re a Qatar resident applying for a Saudi e-visa, a UAE resident, or any other GCC resident, and receive approval by email, allowing you to skip visiting a visa center or embassy. This makes traveling from other GCC countries to Saudi Arabia easier.
Let’s discuss how GCC residents can apply for a Saudi e-Visa, the requirements they need to meet, and the application process.
Eligibility Criteria for GCC Residents for Saudi e-Visa
There are two types of tourist visas:
- Electronic visa (KSA eVisa)
- Traditional tourist visa
GCC residents can apply for the electronic visa online, without going to a visa center or embassy. You can also apply for your close family members-spouse, parents, and children using your account.
Both visas let you travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism, visiting family and friends, or attending events.
To get a Saudi e-Visa as a GCC resident, you must meet some conditions. Here are the requirements to get a Saudi e-visa for GCC residents.
Documents Required for Application
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
- GCC Residency: You must have a valid residency permit from a GCC country.
- Some visa types require the permit to be valid for at least one year.
- Others only need at least three months of validity.
- Some visa types require the permit to be valid for at least one year.
- Profession (if required): Certain visa categories require your profession to be on the approved list.
- Entry Restrictions: You must not have any travel bans or restrictions for Saudi Arabia.
How to Apply for the Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the Visit Saudi e-portal.
- Submit Documents: Upload a passport scan, a digital photo, and other required files.
- Get Your Visa: Once approved, you will receive the e-Visa by email.
Important Points
- Purpose of Travel: The e-Visa is for tourism, leisure, and family visits.
- Stay Duration:
- A single-entry visa lets you stay up to 90 days.
- A multiple-entry visa lets you stay up to 90 days per trip within one year.
- A single-entry visa lets you stay up to 90 days.
- Umrah: After getting your e-Visa, you must use the Nusuk app to get a separate permit for Umrah.
Saudi eVisa Validity & Usage
- Validity: The Saudi eVisa is valid for one year from the issue date.
- Entries: It is a multiple-entry visa, so you can travel in and out of Saudi Arabia many times within the year.
- Stay Duration: You can stay up to 90 days on each visit.
- Purpose: You can use the eVisa for tourism, visiting family and friends, or performing Umrah.
- Exclusion: You cannot use this visa for Hajj. A separate Hajj visa is required.
Saudi e Visa Application: Tips for GCC Residents
Applying for a Saudi e-Visa is simple if you follow the rules carefully and avoid mistakes. Below are the key steps you must follow and the issues you must avoid.
What You Must Do
- Always ensure the information matches your passport and residence permit.
When filling out your application, type your name, date of birth, passport number, and residence details exactly as they appear in your documents. Even a small spelling difference can cause rejection.
- Always ensure your passport and residence permit are valid.
Check the expiry dates before you start your application. Your passport should be valid for at least six months, and your residence permit must also be current. If either is expired, renew it first before applying.
- Always ensure you upload a clear and recent passport-sized photo.
Use a plain background and make sure your face is fully visible. Blurry, old, or filtered photos often get rejected, so take a fresh one that meets the official requirements.
- Always ensure you provide accurate contact details.
Enter your active phone number and email address. Authorities use these details to contact you for updates, confirmations, or extra requirements. Wrong information may cause delays or missed notifications.
What You Must Avoid
- Avoid mismatched information between your documents and your application.
For example, if your name spelling in the application does not match your passport, the system will reject your request. Always cross-check every detail before submitting.
- Avoid using an expired passport or residence permit.
Submitting expired documents makes your application invalid. Renew them first and then reapply to avoid wasting time and fees.
- Avoid submitting unclear or incomplete documents.
Scanned copies must be clear and readable. Do not upload cropped, blurry, or missing pages, as incomplete submissions can lead to immediate rejection.
- Avoid applying if you have previous visa violations or overstays.
If you overstayed in Saudi Arabia before or broke visa rules, your new application may be refused. Resolve these issues, if possible, before applying again.
Important Note:
Visa rules change regularly. Whether you are applying for a Saudi e-Visa from the UAE, Qatar, or any other GCC country, always check the official Saudi e-Visa portal for the latest requirements.
If you prefer guided assistance, you can contact The Visa Guy. We are a trusted visa service provider with offices in Saudi Arabia. We can help with your application, required documents, and any visa-related enquiries to ensure a smooth process. If you’re unsure, check Visa Consult in Saudi Arabia for more details; they can also assist with return visas from Saudi Arabia.
FAQs
Can all GCC residents apply for the Saudi e-Visa?
Yes, all residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can apply for a Saudi e-Visa, no matter what their profession is. To qualify, you must hold a valid GCC residence permit for at least three months and meet the standard requirements, such as having a valid passport.
The Saudi e-Visa lets you travel for tourism, visit family and friends, attend events, and perform Umrah (except during the Hajj season).
Do GCC residents need a residence permit to apply?
All residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can apply for a Saudi e-Visa, no matter what their job is. To qualify, you must have a GCC residence permit that is valid for at least three months and a passport that is still valid.
Can GCC residents use the e-Visa for Hajj or Umrah?
GCC residents can apply for a Saudi e-Visa through the Visit Saudi website. They can use it for tourism and for performing Umrah, but it does not cover Hajj. Hajj requires a dedicated Hajj visa/permit.
Can I apply for the Saudi e-Visa if I hold a Hayya card?
Yes, you can apply for a Saudi e-Visa if you have a Hayya card. To do this, select the Hayya card option on the Saudi visa application platform. Then, create an account or log in to the unified national visa platform. Enter your personal and passport details in both English and Arabic, and upload copies of your passport and Hayya card.
Can GCC residents apply multiple times within the visa validity?
Yes, if your Saudi e-Visa for GCC residents is a multiple-entry visa, you can use it to enter Saudi Arabia several times within its validity, usually one year. Each visit can last up to 90 days.
If you have a single-entry visa, you can only visit once and stay up to 90 days. You cannot apply for a new visa until your first one expires.
Is travel insurance included for GCC residents?
No, the Saudi e-Visa for GCC residents does not include travel insurance. You must buy a separate health insurance policy that covers your entire stay in Saudi Arabia to be eligible for the e-Visa.
How long does it take for GCC residents to get approval?
For GCC residents applying for a Saudi e-Visa, the approval process is usually fast. Most applications get a response within 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes even within a few minutes. During busy periods or public holidays, it may take up to 3 business days or longer.
