Saudi Arabia Visa Application from the UAE: Your Expert Guide

Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most exciting new travel destinations in the world - a country of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient civilisations, vast desert landscapes, and ambitious modern cities come together in a way that is entirely unique. From the rose-red archaeological city of AlUla and the dramatic sandstone formations of Hegra, to the vibrant corniche of Jeddah, the futuristic ambition of Riyadh, and the cultural richness of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia offers experiences that few destinations anywhere can match. If you are planning your trip, apply in advance for a Saudi Arabia eVisa to enjoy fast, hassle-free processing and discover the Kingdom with ease.
| Saudi Arabia visa fees | ||
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| Filling application form | ||
| Documents checklist | AED 895 | |
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| musafir.com Visa Care |
Types of Saudi Arabia Visas
Planning to visit Saudi Arabia? It is important to know the different types of Saudi Arabia visas available before your trip.
- Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa
If you are planning a holiday, sightseeing trip, or visiting family and friends in Saudi Arabia, you can apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa online. The Saudi eVisa is a fully electronic authorisation - no physical stamp in your passport is required. A Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry, with the visa valid for 1 month from the date of issue. It is issued as a single-entry visa.
- Saudi Arabia Business eVisa
If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for business purposes - such as attending meetings, conferences, or corporate events - you will need to apply for a Saudi Arabia Business eVisa. In addition to the standard tourist documents, a business visa application requires an official invitation letter from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and supporting company documentation from both the inviting company in Saudi Arabia and your employer in the UAE. The Saudi Arabia Business eVisa also permits a stay of up to 30 days and is issued as a single-entry visa.
Documents Required to Apply for a Saudi Arabia Visa
Before applying for a Saudi Arabia Visa, you should prepare the following documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.
For Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa:
- Original Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
- Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent photo taken against a plain white background.
- UAE Residence Visa & Emirates ID: A copy of your valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, each with a minimum validity of three months.
For Saudi Arabia Business eVisa (additional documents required):
- Invitation Letter from Saudi MOFA: An official invitation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia.
- No Objection Letter (NOC): Issued by your employer in the UAE.
- Trade Licence Copy (UAE Employer): A copy of your employer's valid UAE trade licence.
- Trade Licence Copy (Saudi Inviting Company): A copy of the trade licence of the company inviting you to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Visa Processing Time
For most travellers applying from the UAE, the standard processing time for a Saudi Arabia Tourist or Business eVisa is 3 to 6 working days after a complete application has been submitted. In many cases, approved visas are delivered within 1 to 2 working days. Processing times may vary depending on the applicant's nationality, application profile, and the volume of applications being handled at the time of submission. musafir.com recommends applying at least 1 to 2 weeks before your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing and any additional verification that may be required.
Saudi Arabia Visa Terms & Conditions
- The issuance of a Saudi Arabia visa, including a Saudi eVisa, is subject to approval by the Saudi Arabian immigration authorities. musafir.com provides visa assistance services but cannot guarantee the approval of any Saudi Arabia visa application.
- All Saudi Arabia visa application fees are non-refundable once the application has been submitted, regardless of whether the visa is approved, rejected, or delayed.
- Saudi Arabian authorities may request additional documents or information depending on the applicant's nationality, travel history, or individual profile.
- In the case of overstaying in Saudi Arabia, any fines, penalties, or legal liabilities will be borne solely by the traveller. musafir.com cannot be held liable.
- Saudi Arabia visa rules, documentation requirements, validity, and fees are subject to change without prior notice in accordance with Saudi immigration regulations.
- Any Saudi Arabia visa rejection, delay, or refusal caused by immigration violations, past travel history, or inaccurate documentation is solely the responsibility of the applicant. musafir.com cannot be held liable.
- Saudi Arabia visa processing timelines are indicative and may vary due to government holidays, system delays, or additional verification requirements. Applicants must provide accurate, complete, and genuine documents, as any discrepancies may result in visa rejection or delay.
- The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa is issued for tourism and leisure purposes only. Travellers intending to visit for business purposes must apply for the appropriate Saudi Business eVisa with all required supporting documents.
Saudi Arabia Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Saudi Arabia visa valid for?
Your E-Visa is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, allowing you to stay up to 90 days per entry.
Can I apply for a Saudi Arabia visa with my nationality?
We have confirmed that the E-Visa for Saudi Arabia is available to IN passport holders. Eligibility is subject to your individual circumstances at the time of application.
Can children travel to Saudi Arabia on this visa?
Yes. A separate child visa application is required for travellers under 18. Prices may differ — please add a child traveller to see the applicable fee.
How long does the Saudi Arabia visa take to process?
Processing typically takes 3–6 business days from when your complete application is submitted. Plan to apply at least 6 days before your travel date to account for any additional checks.
What documents do I need for the Saudi Arabia visa?
The required documents for your Saudi Arabia E-Visa are listed in the Documents section on this page. The exact list depends on your nationality and residency.
How recent does my passport photo need to be?
Your passport-sized photograph must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should have a plain white or off-white background, with your face clearly visible and no glasses.
How much does the Saudi Arabia visa cost?
The visa fee starts from AED 895. The exact amount depends on the visa type, number of entries, and any processing tier you choose. All fees are shown transparently before you confirm your application.
Is the visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
Visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or you decide not to travel. We recommend applying only after you have confirmed your travel plans and ensured all documents are in order.
How do I apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa?
The entire process is online. Fill in your details, upload your passport and photo, pay the fee, and your eVisa will be emailed to you. No embassy visit is required.
What should I do after my visa is approved?
Print or save a digital copy of your visa confirmation. Check that all details (name, passport number, dates) are correct. Carry your visa document and supporting papers when you travel.
What happens if I overstay my Saudi Arabia visa?
Overstaying a visa is a serious violation. You may face fines, detention, deportation, and a ban from future entry. Always leave before your authorised stay expires.