Saudi Arabia is very easily accessible from the UAE and many residents often go to Saudi Arabia. Tourism and pilgrimage is the main attraction of Saudi Arabia especially for Hajj and Umrah. Undoubtedly, Saudi Arabia is a quick weekend escape location for residents of the UAE by road or air.
Latest updates regarding Saudi Visa for UAE residents and Citizens
In a recent announcement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant change to its visa issuance process. The new change is in effect for the residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and six other countries. This change involves the replacement of traditional passport stickers with QR codes. It marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to digitize consular services and streamline visa applications. These changes have been in effect since May 1st,2023. Now, it is easier for UAE residents to obtain various types of Saudi visas, including tourism, business, Umrah, and more.
Do UAE Residents Need a Visa to Visit Saudi Arabia?
This is a very crucial question whether UAE residents require a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. The requirement for a Saudi Visa for UAE residents completely depends on their nationality. If you are a citizen of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries you can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa. Furthermore, you may use your National ID cards for entry. However, residents of the UAE with other nationalities should apply for a Saudi visa before travelling to the Kingdom.
Types of Saudi Visit Visas for UAE Residents
Saudi Arabia offers a range of visit visas to cater to different purposes of travel for UAE residents. Here are some of the available Saudi visit visa types:
1. Tourist Visa
The Saudi Tourist Visa or Saudi e-Visa is designed for foreign nationals visiting Saudi Arabia for non-essential and non-religious purposes. This electronic visa with one-year validity permits multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. It covers activities related to tourism and Umrah (excluding the Hajj season) but does not include activities such as studying.
2. Business Visa
For UAE residents travelling to Saudi Arabia for business purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, or other events requires a business visa. This visa can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
3. Umrah Visa
Umrah is a minor pilgrimage to Makkah and Saudi Arabia offers two types of Umrah visas. Depending on your country of origin, you will be issued the Umrah Visa or the Umrah e-Visa. Both Umrah visas have a validity of two weeks and are primarily for religious purposes.
4. Transit Visa
Pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia by plane can use the transit visit visa, which allows them to perform Umrah. You can stay for four days in the Kingdom and is issued free while purchasing an airline ticket. Reservations and visa applications can be made through the official websites of Saudi Airlines or Flynas. You can also contact any visa services in Dubai to avoid any hassles during your entire trip.
5. Family Visit Visa
The Family Visit Visa is intended for immediate family members of legal residents or citizens of Saudi Arabia who live outside the Kingdom. This visa can be issued to parents, children, in-laws, spouses, siblings, and their families. Additionally, Umrah can be performed on a family visit visa but requires an appointment through the Nusuk platform.
6. Personal Visit Visa
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new entry visa called the Personal Visit Visa. It allows foreign nationals to enter the country upon invitation from Saudi friends or acquaintances. Holders of this visa can freely explore the country, visit religious sites, perform Umrah, and participate in cultural events. The application process for this visa involves visiting the eVisa platform of the Ministry’s website and following the necessary steps.
Saudi Visit Visa Validity for UAE Residents
The validity of Saudi visit visas for UAE residents varies based on the type of visa:
- Single-entry visit visas are valid for three months from the date of issuance. With this visa, users are permitted to stay for up to 30 days.
- Multiple-entry visit visas are valid for one year from the date of issuance. It allows a maximum stay of 90 days during each visit.
Saudi Visit Visa Processing Time for UAE Residents
The processing time for obtaining a Saudi e-visa for UAE residents typically takes 2-3 business days. This efficient processing ensures that travellers can plan their trips with ease.
Saudi Arabia’s recent initiatives to streamline visa processes through digitalization have made it more accessible for UAE residents. Moreover, now UAE residents and citizens can easily visit the Kingdom for various purposes like tourism, business, and religious pilgrimage.
