Comprehensive Guide to One-Year Visas in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has become a popular destination for tourists and workers alike, and the government has introduced a range of visas and permits to cater to their differences. Visitors to Saudi Arabia have various visa options for the duration and purpose of their stay. In this article, we will provide a complete guide to the different types of one-year visas issued by the government of Saudi Arabia.

For Work Visa:

For that arrangement for work in Saudi Arabia, a Saudi work visa is an imperative document. This visa is typically valid for one year from the date of issuance and allows foreign nationals to work in the country for up to six months during that period without applying for a residence permit. The supporter employer or company is answerable for obtaining the work visa for their employees, and potential employees must provide various necessary documents which include a passport, passport-sized photograph, a completed visa application, a signed medical report, a letter of employment, an employment contract, and a university diploma.

Requirements

• A valid passport for the duration of employment
• A passport-sized color photograph
• A completed visa application
• Three copies of a signed medical report
• A letter of employment from the sponsoring company in Saudi Arabia, certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce
• A signed copy of the employment contract
• A certified copy of the applicant’s university diploma, validated by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission
• A police report.

For Tourist Visa:

The Saudi tourist visa, also known as the Saudi e-visa, is a one-year entry permission document that permits foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia for unnecessary and atheistical purposes. It allows for multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. The Saudi tourist visa covers various tourism-related activities but does not permit studying or participation in the Hajj season. In addition, Umrah pilgrims can perform Umrah with a tourist visa. The process of issuing an e-visa typically takes between 5 to 30 minutes, and airlines conduct galvanize to ensure that passengers meet the visa eligibility criteria before boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.

Requirements

If you’re applying for a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia, make sure your passport will be valid for at least six months from the day you plan to arrive. The good news is that getting an e-visa can be a pretty quick process – usually taking only between 5 and 30 minutes. Before you hop on your flight, the airline will double-check that you meet all the visa requirements for traveling to Saudi Arabia.

For Business Visa:

If you are visiting Saudi Arabia for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or other events, you will need a Saudi business visa. The business visa can be issued as either a single or a multiple-entry visa, with different validity periods and duration of stay based on the type of visa. For a single-entry business visa, the maximum validity period is three months, and the maximum duration of stay is thirty days. On the other hand, a many entries business visa allows for more extended stays and can be issued for six months, one year, two years, or five years. The maximum stay per trip with a multiple-entry visa is 90 days.

Requirements

• A valid passport with at least two empty visa pages and a chip, also known as a biometric, that’s valid for no less than six months.
• An invitation letter issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and addressed to the Saudi consulate you’ll be applying through.
• A letter from your employer confirming your employment and upcoming trip.
• Two recent color photographs were taken against a white background and printed on high-quality photo paper.
• Copies of your Saudi ID card or Iqama if you’re a foreigner.
• Copies of your degrees and certifications.
• A curriculum vitae (CV), which is also known as a resume.

For Personal visit visa:

The Saudi personal visit visa is a visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to allow foreign nationals to enter the country via an invitation from their Saudi friends or associate. The Saudi personal visit visa will be valid for 90 or 365 days from issuance, with a stay length of up to 90 days on single or multiple entries. With this visa, the holders may freely visit the country, travel across the Kingdom, visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and other religious sites, perform Umrah, and take part in cultural events.

What You Can Do With a Saudi Personal Visit Visa

• Freely visit the country
• Travel across the Kingdom
• Visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and other religious sites
• Perform Umrah
• Take part in cultural events

For Student Visa:

For foreign students who wish to study in Saudi Arabia, a student visa is a requirement for this. The visa is an endorsement by the immigration authorities on your passport that allows you to enter the country, reside, and study for a specified period. To apply for a student visa, you must first confirm your enrollment in a recognized school or university in Saudi Arabia. Once you have obtained a letter of acceptance from the institution, you can apply for the student visa through the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Requirements

• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months and has two consecutive empty visa pages.
• A visa referral note issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its branches in Dammam or Jeddah.
• A copy of the applicant’s original birth certificate.
• High school diploma or other academic credentials.
• A police report is issued within six (6) months of the application date.
• Three passport-sized colored photographs that have a white background.
• A medical report in three copies and all lab results issued by a licensed physician.
• Health insurance that meets all the requirements for the visa and provides coverage for the entire stay in Saudi Arabia.

In conclusion, there are various one-year visas available for foreigners wishing to enter Saudi Arabia, including work visas, tourist visas, business visas, personal visit visas, and also student visas. Each visa has its own requirements and validity periods also duration of stay, and it is essential to obtain the correct visa for your purpose and duration of stay in Saudi Arabia.