Complete Saudi e-Visa Requirements
Traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become easier due to the introduction of the Saudi e-Visa.
Saudi Arabia is a favorite destination for travelers. The country is known for its rich history, cultural legacy, stunning landscapes, golden dunes, vibrant beaches, and coral reefs. This article is for the Saudi e-Visa applicants to navigate the process easily.
What is a Saudi e-Visa?
Travelers from eligible nations can enter the country with a digital travel permit known as a Saudi e-Visa or Saudi electronic visa. A Saudi eVisa holder is permitted entry into the Kingdom for a variety of reasons, including Umrah, business or events, sightseeing, and gatherings with friends.
- Saudi Tourist e-Visa – For sightseeing, recreational
- Saudi Tourist/ Family & Relatives – For meeting friends, family & relatives
- Saudi Tourist/ Umrah e-Visa– To perform Umrah
- Saudi Business/events e-Visa– To attend Business, events, and conferences
Documents Required for a Saudi e-Visa
To obtain all Saudi e-Visa types travelers need the following requirements –
- Traveler’s Valid Passport
- Traveler’s Scanned Passport-size photograph
- Financial Proof
- Valid Email Address
- Accommodation Details
- Residence Address
- Return Ticket
- Health Requirements
- Debit/Credit card (for the final payments)
- Other Requirements (reservations, invitations, etc.)
Please note that while applying for a Saudi Umrah e-Visa travelers must have additional requirements
Eligibility Criteria to Obtain Saudi Umrah e-Visa
A Saudi Umrah e-Visa can only be applied for by Muslims.
A Meningitis Vaccination Record was issued just three years before or ten days before the trip. A certificate from a mosque or Islamic organization attesting to the tourist’s Muslim status must be presented if they convert to Islam but do not have a Muslim name.
Husbands, fathers, or other male relatives known as mahram are required to accompany women and children. A child must have a birth certificate bearing the names of both parents and a woman must have a marriage certificate. To enter and exit Saudi Arabia, the Mahram, his wife, and his kids must travel together. A woman over 45 is allowed to travel for spiritual tourism without a Mahram if she receives an official document from her Mahram authorizing her to do so with the designated group.
Visa Exempt Countries
Citizens of GCC countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE do not need a visa to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the same time, Residents of GCC countries may need one.
Steps to Apply for a Saudi e-Visa
- Step 1 – Visit the official e-Visa platform
- Step 2 – Find the Saudi e-Visa Application Form
- Step 3 – Check your eligibility
- Step 4 – Start Filling out the Application Form
- Step 5 – Upload all the necessary documents
- Step 6 – Double-check all the details
- Step 7 – Proceed to Payment
- Step 8 – Make the final payment using a debit/ credit card
- Step 9 – Click the submit button
- Step 10 – Wait for the Approval
Key Features of Saudi e-Visa
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory. Applicants need not apply for travel insurance or pay separately for it. Travel insurance payment is included in the e-Visa payment itself. Moreover, applicants will receive their travel insurance along with their approved e-Visa at the given email address.
Validity
The Saudi e-Visa has a validity of 1 year. Saudi e-Visa cannot be extended.
Duration of Stay
The Saudi e-Visa holders can stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 90 days in one visit. The total number is 180 within the validity period.
Number of Entries
The Saudi e-Visa holders can enter the country multiple times within the validity period.
Authorized Entry Ports
Airports
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh
- Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), Medina
- King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam
Seaports
- King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam
- Jeddah Islamic Port, Jeddah
- King Fahd Industrial Port, Jubail
- Yanbu Commercial Port, Yanbu
Land Border Crossings
- Saudi-Jordan Border
- Saudi-Iraq Border
- Saudi-Kuwait Border
- Saudi-UAE Border
The introduction of Saudi e-Visa in 2019 simplified the travel process. Citizens from eligible countries can opt for Saudi e-Visa for a quick and convenient process. Others can opt for either Visa on Arrival or traditional visas.
Traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become easy now. The introduction of the Saudi e-Visa simplified the visa procedures, allowing travelers from eligible countries to choose the Saudi e-Visa repeatedly.
The Saudi e-Visa procedures are streamlined and easy to complete within 15 to 20 minutes. In this article, we are going to discuss the Saudi e-Visa photo requirements in particular. Let’s get into it.
Essential Details You Need to Know About Photo Specifications
Dimensions and Size
- Dimensions– The photo should be in passport-size. With a minimum resolution of 200×200 pixels.
- File Size– The file size must be between 5KB to 10MB. (If the size is larger than 10MB please email us)
- File Format– JPG or JPEG formats are accepted.
- Please Note– If you don’t have a scanned copy of your photo in the format and dimensions you want, send it to us and we’ll fix it.
Photo Quality
- Clarity- Your photo must be clear with higher resolution, and should be a colored photo. Please ensure that your photo is not blurry.
- Lighting– Lighting should be perfect. Please use natural light or artificial soft lights. Harsh lights are not allowed. Also, shadows or overexposure should strictly be avoided.
- Color– As we mentioned earlier, only colored photos are accepted. Black and white photos are not accepted.
Background Requirements
- The background should be plain white. It should be free from any colors or patterns.
- The background should be evenly lit. Inconsistencies in the lighting should be avoided.
- The background should be free from casting shadows.
Dress Code
- Dress modestly.
- Avoid uniforms or office attire.
- Wear everyday clothing
- Plain and solid-colored clothing is encouraged.
Eyewear Guidelines
- Medically prescribed glasses are permitted. However, it is very crucial to avoid any glare or reflections.
- Tinted lenses are not allowed.
- Sunglasses are strictly prohibited
- It is advisable to remove glasses if possible to avoid any issues.
Head Covering and Religious Attire
- Head coverings are allowed (if worn for religious reasons). But, please ensure that the face is fully visible, from the bottom of the chin to the forehead, and from ear to ear.
- Please remember that head coverings or using hats, headgear, etc for fashion purposes are not allowed.
Facial Appearance and Positioning
- The entire face should be visible. The head must be in the center facing directly towards.
- It is very crucial to maintain a neutral expression.
- You should look directly at the camera.
- Your eyes must be open.
- Avoid any red-eye effect.
- Your face should not be obstructed by hair, hats, or any other accessories.
- Ears should be visible.
- Natural appearance is encouraged. However, if you wear makeup make it minimal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Please ensure to upload high-quality images. Low-quality images may result in the e-Visa rejection as well.
- Please do not make any exaggerated expressions. Maintain a neutral facial expression
- It is very important to avoid any obstructions like facial hair, hats, glasses, scarves, accessories, etc.
- The background is very important. Please ensure no shadows or uneven lighting are cast on the background
- Take care of the lighting
- Camera position plays a major role.
- It is very important to review your photo.
Since the Saudi e-Visa is an online process, Travelers should have a scanned copy of all the necessary documents. Passport-size photo is one of the most essential documents. Please understand all the requirements before getting into the process. This paves the way towards a hassle-free application process.
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The Saudi e-Visa procedures are streamlined and easy to complete within 15 to 20 minutes. In this article, we are going to discuss the Saudi e-Visa photo requirements in particular. Let’s get into it.