Guide to Saudi Tourist Visa for GCC Residents

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 18 July 2023

Saudi Arabia is now welcoming guests from neighboring GCC countries to experience its warm hospitality, heritage, culture, and breathtaking scenery. For those looking to visit Saudi Arabia soon, applying for a tourist visa has never been easier and smoother. Of course, there are a set of requirements and fees upon applying. As they differ depending on the nationality of the applicant. Learn everything about the Saudi Arabia tourist visa along with its requirements, how to apply, validity and more. 

What is a Saudi Tourist Visa for GCC Residents?

A Saudi tourist visa for GCC residents is a permit that eases their entry to Saudi Arabia. Residents of neighboring GCC countries can easily apply online for a Saudi tourist eVisa without needing to visit an official office. In addition, this tourist visa allows holders to participate in tourism activities with families as well as doing Umrah too. 

What is the Saudi Tourist Visa for GCC Requirements?

First of all, GCC nationals are welcome to tour the breathtaking landscapes of Saudi Arabia any time using their IDs or Passport. Thus they do not require any other documents. This includes the countries listed below: 

  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • United Arab Emirates

Saudi Tourist Visa for Other Nationalities 

On the other hand, GCC residents of other nationalities have another set of requirements. For instance, Saudi Tourist Visa for Indian GCC requirements are as follows: 

  • A valid GCC residency visa with a validity of at least three months before the date of entry to Saudi. 
  • A valid passport of a minimum of six months beyond entering Saudi 
  • For children under the age of 18 years old, parents are required to apply for a Saudi eVisa first. 

Additionally, this applies to all other nationalities alongside Indians. Such as Pakistani, Jordanian, Australian, and any other nationality. Provided the applicant holds an active GCC residency. 

What is the Saudi Tourist Visa for GCC Residents Fees?

First of all, GCC national applicants are not required to pay any fees upon applying for a Saudi tourist visa. However, for other nationalities, the Saudi tourist visa for GCC residents cost differs just as the requirements do. For GCC residents of other nationalities, the fees are as illustrated below: 

  • Applying for a Saudi eVisa: SAR 300
  • The Application Fee: SAR 39.44

It is also worth noting that this does not include medical insurance fees. As they are determined based on the provider. Moreover, the entry fees depend on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

What is the Saudi Tourist Visa Duration? 

The eVisa is a multiple-entry Saudi tourist visa, and its validity lasts for a year from its issue date. Moreover, it allows its holders a stay up to 90 days too. On the other hand, a single entry allows its holder to stay for 30 days. 

How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa?

GCC residents with other nationalities can apply for a Saudi Tourist visa via MOFA’s online visa platform. Getting an online Saudi tourist visa for GCC residents simply requires a few forms to be filled out and submitted. And that is done through MOFA Saudi visa for GCC residents website. Here is how Saudi visa for GCC residents apply online can be done: 

Step 1: Registration

Go to MOFA’s visa platform to start your application for a Saudi eVisa by creating an account. Once you do that, you will add a new application.

Step 2: Entering Information 

Secondly, you will be required to fill out various information, such as:

  • Visa information including: visa type, Saudi mission and transport mode. 
  • Personal information including: full name in Arabic and English
  • GCC information including: current and past nationality, residency number, residency expiration date, issuing country and occupation. You will also attach a copy of passport and a copy of residency. 
  • Saudi visa information including: Port of entry, expected entry date, number of entries, validity, and duration of stay. 
  • Insurance information, where you will select one of the available medical insurance companies. 

Step 3: Paying the Fees 

Fill out your online payment information, and pay the required fees which are mentioned above. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much does a Saudi tourist visa for UAE residents cost? 

The Saudi tourist visa for UAE nationals does not require any fees. But UAE residents holding other nationalities are required to pay the application fees, which is SAR 39.44, and the eVisa fees which are SAR 300. 

Can UAE residents get a Saudi tourist visa upon arrival? 

UAE residents of other nationalities must present their passports, residency permits, and a copy of the Saudi eVisa to gain entry. 

In conclusion, getting a Saudi tourist visa for GCC residents is very easy. So, for those traveling regularly to Saudi, or those looking for a new experience. Simply log into MOFA’s website and start applying for a Saudi eVisa. 

This article was previously published on UAE Moments.To see the original article, click here