The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is always associated with religious tourism. Millions of Muslims from around the world visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina every year. But Saudi was never on the radar of tourists and travelers for the longest time. However, this has changed over the past few years, as the country has eased out its rules and regulations and simplified its visa process. With Saudi Arabia offering e-visas and visa-on-arrival to 49 countries, several tourists arrive in the country to explore its desert landscapes, unique culture, deep-rooted history, and interesting archeological sites. Being a part of GCC countries, Saudi Arabia offers special privileges to the citizens and residents of the fellow GCC nations. Here is a complete Saudi Arabia eVisa Guide for GCC Residents.
Who Can Apply for Saudi eVisa from GCC Countries?
The GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council includes six countries of the Middle East or Gulf region, include Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. The citizens of these nations can visit each other without needing to get a visa or a visa-on-arrival. However, this privilege is not extended to the residents of GCC countries, i.e., foreign nationals who are working and living in these countries on a resident visa. However, the residents of GCC countries, irrespective of their nationality, are eligible for Saudi Arabia eVisa. For instance, you may be a citizen of a country that is not part of the 49 countries eligible for eVisa. But if you have a valid resident visa of any of the GCC countries like UAE, you can apply for a Saudi Arabia visa from Dubai online.
Saudi Arabia Visa
Easy Documentation
Online Payment Option
Types of Saudi eVisas for GCC Residents
GCC Residents can apply for a Saudi Arabia for the following reasons:
- Tourist/Visitor eVisa: This eVisa is for those who want to visit the country for tourism or leisure purposes. It is also valid for those who want to visit their family and friends in Saudi.
- Business eVisa: This eVisa is for those GCC residents who need to attend a meeting or conference in Saudi.
- Umrah eVisa: This evisa is for Muslims who want to visit Saudi for performing Umrah (pilgrimage), outside the Hajj season.
- Transit eVisa: Transit eVisa is for those GCC residents who would be arriving at one of the Saudi airports to fly to another international destination.
How to Apply for a Saudi e-Visa?
The entire application process for Saudi Arabia eVisa is done online. There is no need to visit the Saudi Arabia embassy or visa center. The visa application can be completed with just a few clicks. Rayna Tours can do the process on your behalf. All you need to do is submit the documents online, and the visa experts will complete the process of filling out the form, uploading the documents, paying the visa fee, and submitting the application for you.
Saudi Arabia eVisa Requirements for GCC Residents
While the application process for evisa is done online, here are some of the Saudi Arabia eVisa required documents you need to submit.
- Passport: A passport with minimum six months validity is required for Saudi evisa. Similarly, your passport should have at least two blank pages. Make sure your passport is in good condition.
- GCC Residency Visa/Permit: As you are applying for a visa as a GCC resident, submitting proof of the same is essential. You must have a valid resident visa of UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, or Kuwait. Your resident visa should have a minimum validity of three months from the intended date of return from Saudi Arabia.
- Photographs: A digital copy of your passport size photographs is required for your evisa. The photo should be recent and should measure 35 x 45 mm. It should be a colored photo with plain, white background. No filters or digital alterations should be made to the photograph. The photo should be uploaded in JPEG format.
- Proof of Profession: If you are applying for a business evisa, you may have to provide proof of your profession to assure that you are a part of the company or organization you are representing. This could be in the form of a copy of an employment letter from the GCC employee. If your profession is mentioned in your GCC residency card, this would also be enough.
- Travel Insurance: While travel insurance for Saudi evisa is not mandatory, it would be a good idea to get one for your journey. A good travel insurance covers medical emergencies and accident-related expenses. It also strengthens your evisa application.
- Valid Email Address: As the evisa would reach you through your email id, having a functional email address is extremely crucial. Make sure to check the spellings of your email address before you send to ensure that the visa arrives on your email correctly.
What is the Processing Time for Saudi eVisa?
- The normal processing time for Saudi evisa is 3-6 business days.
- If you opt for a faster or rush process, you can get your visa in 1-3 business days.
- If you opt for super rush process, you can get your Saudi evisa within 24 hours.
Validity and Duration of Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents
The Saudi Arabia eVisa is valid for one year. It is a multiple-entry visa that allows you to enter and exit the country as many times as you want until the visa is valid. However, each visit cannot exceed 90 days.
Conclusion
The Saudi Arabia visa rules have eased up the visa requirements for GCC residents, making them eligible for evisa. If you are a resident of any of the GCC countries, you can get in touch with Rayna Tours, who would help you in applying for your Saudi Arabia evisa. Once you get your evisa, all you need to do is check out the best time to visit Saudi Arabia, book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to explore this fascinating Arab country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the cost of Saudi evisa?
Q. Is the evisa fee refundable?
Q. What are the common causes of Saudi evisa rejection?
- Your visa application is incorrect or incomplete
- Residency permit is invalid
- Passport validity is less than six months from the date of returning from Saudi Arabia
- Your professional is not eligible under GCC residency rules
Q. What are the limitations of the Saudi evisa?
- For work purpose
- Cannot be used for Umrah during Hajj season
- Cannot be converted into residence visa
