1. Visit visa for tourism - context
On September 27th 2019, KSA opened its doors to the world by launching a visit visa for tourism. Tourists from Group (A) countries will be able to apply for a visit visa for tourism through an easy-to-use e-Visa platform, or a "Visa on arrival" through the passport office upon arriving to KSA, or through e-kiosks at the airport, or to apply through Saudi embassies/consulates abroad. Tourists from Group (B) countries will be able to apply a visa through Saudi embassies/consulates abroad. This step will enable the world to see the hidden wonder of KSA, and help the Kingdom diversify its economy
The visit visa for tourism will allow visitors to engage in tourism-related activities, and perform Umrah during non-Hajj season. Our aim is to embrace tourism and showcase Saudi hospitality by welcoming visitors in a warm
and respectful way. The purpose of this document is to serve as a guide on visa requirements and
characteristics, and to raise awareness of thereof key stakeholders responsible for providing the KSA tourism . experience
2. Visit visa for tourism - guidelines
Group (A): e-Visa, Visa on arrival, and Visa through the Kingdom's embassies/consulates abroad
While tourists from Group (A) countries have the option of applying through either e-Visa, Visa on arrival, and through Saudi embassies/consulates abroad, we strongly recommend that tourists apply using the e-Visa . prior to their departure to KSA, for a more convenient experience overall
Visa characteristics
| Dimension | Description |
| Launch date | September 27th for applications and receiving tourists |
| Visa fee | SAR 440 + VAT and payment fees |
| Visa fee breakdown | Visa base fee: SAR 300 Health insurance fee: SAR 140 + Other fees such as VAT and payment processing |
| Entry | Visitors can enter KSA one time or multiple times depending on the Visa type.* |
| Validity | Visa expires after 3 months for the one entry visa, and after 1 year for the multiple entry visa. |
| Maximum duration of stay | Visitors with a single entry visa can stay up to one month. Visitors with multiple entry visa can stay up to 3 months. |
*Subject to considerations set by the Ministry of Foreign affairs in studying the visa application
Application characteristics
| Dimension | Description |
| Minimum age of applicant | 18 years old |
| Underage applicants | Applicants less than 18 years old require the presence of a guardian |
| Passport validity when applying | Must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entering KSA* |
| Refund in case of rejection | Non-refundable |
| Overstay fees | A fee of SAR 100, shall be applied for each day in the event of staying more than the allowed duration of stay, or after the visa expiry. |
| Religion of applicant | Religion is not relevant |
| Bilateral agreements | Countries with bilateral agreements can apply for the visit visa for tourism through e-visa or Visa on arrival, or through .the Saudi consulate/embassies abroad { USA, UK, South Korea, and Japan} |
| Documents not required | The following documents are not required to get the visa: - Return ticket
- Booking accommodation (Only address is required)
- Hard copy of the visa, although a soft copy is advised
|
| Time taken to issue an e-Visa | 5-30 minutes in most cases |
| Visa pre-checks | Before boarding the flight to KSA, airlines will check the evisa, or the eligibility to obtain a Visa on arrival |
*For citizens of USA, applications can still be processed regardless of the months remaining until passport expiry date
Group (B): Visa through the Kingdom's embassies/consulates abroad
Visa characteristics
| Dimension | Description |
| Launch date | September 27th for applications and receiving visitors |
| Visa fee | SAR 440 + VAT and payment fees |
| Visa fee breakdown | Visa base fee: SAR 300 **Health insurance fee: SAR 140 + Other fees such as VAT and payment processing |
| Entry | Visitors can enter KSA one time or multiple times according to the Visa type.* |
| Validity | Visa expires after 3 months for the one entry visa, and after 1 year for the multiple entry visa. |
| Maximum duration of stay | Visitors with a single entry visa can stay up to one month. Visitors with multiple entry visa can stay up to 3 months. |
*Subject to considerations set by the Ministry of Foreign affairs in studying the visa application
** Insurance fees might change depend on the visa duration and the applicant's health condition
Application characteristics
| Dimension | Description |
| Minimum age of applicant | 18 years old |
| Underage applicants | Applicants less than 18 years old require the presence of a guardian |
| Passport validity when applying | Must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entering KSA* |
| Refund in case of rejection | Non-refundable |
| Overstay fees | A fee of SAR 100, shall be applied for each day in the event of staying more than the allowed duration of stay or after the visa expiry. |
| Religion of applicant | Religion is not relevant |
| Sponsor | No sponsor required |
| Documents required | The following documents are required to get the visa: - Proof of accommodation
- Return ticket
- Proof of employment
- Bank statement (proving financial solvency)
|
| Supporting information | - Identification
- Address in home country
- Travel itinerary to KSA
|
| Time taken to issue a visa | 1-2 business days |
| Visa pre-checks | Before boarding the flight to KSA, airlines will check the visit visa for tourism |
Main entry ports used by tourists
- King Khaled airport in Riyadh
- King Abdul-Aziz airport in Jeddah
- King Fahad airport in Dammam
- King Fahad Bridge land port
- Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport
- Al Batha land port
3. Visit visa for tourism disclaimer (MOFA)
I, the undersigned, hereby agree to have my fingerprint & iris data (biometrics) captured as part of the application procedure for an entry visa to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I further agree and declare as follows:
Iacknowledge that all the information provided is true and reliable. In addition, during my stay, I pledge to abide by the laws and rules of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and respect the Islamic customs and traditions of its people. In addition, I am aware that the mandated authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have the right to deny my entry and to send me back to where I came if I violate the laws and regulations, or if . the information provided in my visa application are false or incorrect
Iam fully aware that all intoxicating substances, narcotic drugs, indecent materials and publications, as well as publications related to any religious beliefs or political tendencies that contradict with Islam are . prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Iam fully aware of the clearance procedures and controls about medicine containing narcotic or psychotropic substances that are held by patients, who are coming to the Kingdom or departing from the country, for their personal use, as listed in the below link: http: www.sfda.gov.sa/ar/drug/drug_reg
pages/drug_reg.aspx. In violation of that, I am aware that penalties and punishment, as stipulated in the Law of Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances and its implementing regulations thereto . related, shall be enforced
Ipledge to adhere to the type of visa, its terms and duration, and to leave KSA before expiry of the specified duration. I am also fully aware that my violation of the enforced regulations in KSA or violation of any of the prohibitions mentioned above or the entry visa shall subject me to the penalty and the . application of punishments stipulated by the Saudi laws
Iacknowledge that the Saudi authorities have the right to send me back from the port of entry on my own expenses or deport me from KSA after entering. Also, Saudi authorities have the right to apply the stipulated penalties, if proved at any time after obtaining the visa or the residency that I have submitted incorrect papers, documents or provided false statements to any competent Saudi authority inside or abroad, in order to obtain a visa or residence permit for myself or for someone else, or being a . contributor or partner in providing such information or documents that are false
Iacknowledge that drug dealing or smuggling drugs into the Kingdom is a crime punishable by death . penalty
Iacknowledge and pledge that I am fully responsible that all information provided shall be correct and exactly as written in the passport used in my travel and entrance to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. If
the information provided is incorrect or my name appears to be included in the list specifying prohibited people, then my application shall be rejected, my visa canceled or I shall be prevented to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia even with a valid visa. Moreover, I acknowledge the right of the Saudi authorities
.to deport me back to the port of entry at my own expense without any right to claim compensatio
I acknowledge and understand that I must abide by the values, habits, customs and culture in the Kingdom and refrain from saying or doing anything that might do harm to someone else, and I am also aware that I shall not have the right to appear in public places wearing indecent clothes or clothes with pictures, figures, icons or terms that do harm to the public taste. In addition, I am fully aware that public places must not be transgressed and corrupted by drawing, writing or the same
