Should I apply for a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia, a country in the heart of the Middle East, attracts large numbers of visitors every year for a variety of reasons, including tourism, work, business and religious pilgrimage. However, before you travel to Saudi Arabia, there is an essential question to answer: what type of visa should you choose? This page aims to provide an objective and informative answer to this crucial question by exploring the different visa options available. The choice of visa type is of vital importance for any trip to Saudi Arabia. Opting for the wrong type of visa can lead to administrative complications, delays on arrival or even a ban on entering the country. That's why it's essential to understand the different types of visa, their requirements and their respective advantages. On this page, we will guide you through the different options, highlighting the key aspects to consider in order to make an informed decision.

Applying for a visa on arrival Saudi Arabia: in brief

• Is it possible? Yes, a visa on arrival for Saudi Arabia is possible for certain citizens.
• Cost: The cost of a visa on arrival is SAR 300 (around €80).
• Documents required: A passport valid for at least 6 months, a return plane ticket, a hotel reservation, proof of solvency (bank card, cash, etc.).
• Risks: Visas on arrival are not guaranteed and may be refused on arrival. It is important to find out about the conditions of eligibility before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
• Alternative: An online visa is a safer and more convenient option than a visa on arrival. You can apply for a visa online in just a few working days.

→ eVisa Saudi Arabia before departure ←

What is a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?

A visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia, also known as a 'visa on arrival', is a type of visa that travellers can obtain on arrival at a Saudi airport or land port of entry. Unlike other types of visa that must be obtained prior to travel, an on arrival visa can be applied for directly once you are in Saudi Arabia.

Although obtaining a visa on arrival may seem convenient, it is important to note that there are specific conditions to be met in order to be eligible for this type of visa. The major conditions are as follows:

• Eligible nationalities: Travellers of certain nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival. However, the list of eligible nationalities may change, so it is essential to check whether your country is included before travelling.
• Justification for travel: Travellers must generally have a valid reason for visiting Saudi Arabia, whether for tourism, work, business or pilgrimage.
• Limited length of stay: Visas on arrival are valid for a limited period, generally between 7 and 90 days, depending on the reason for travel.
• Documents required: On arrival, you will need to provide documents such as a valid passport, passport photos, proof of hotel reservation and a return ticket.

Opting for an on arrival visa in Saudi Arabia has its advantages, but there are also disadvantages to consider before making this choice:

• Uncertainty: The availability of visas on arrival may vary according to political changes and the country's entry rules. You may therefore be refused entry.
• Limited duration: Visas on arrival have a limited validity period, which means that you will have to leave the country on the expiry date.
• Potential cost: On-site visa fees may be higher than those for a visa obtained in advance.

What are the different types of visa in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia offers several types of visa, each corresponding to a specific reason for travel. It is essential to understand the characteristics of each type of visa in order to choose the one that best suits your situation. Here is an overview of the major types of visa available:

• Tourist visa: Designed for travellers wishing to discover the cultural and natural riches of Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. This visa is generally valid for a fixed period and can be obtained for one or more entries.
• Work visa: For people wishing to work in Saudi Arabia. Foreign workers must be sponsored by a Saudi employer to obtain this type of visa. Saudi labour laws and regulations must be complied with.
• Business visa: This visa is required for individuals travelling to Saudi Arabia for business activities, business meetings, conferences or other professional events. A letter of invitation from a Saudi entity is generally required.
• Pilgrimage visa (Hajj or Omra): These visas are specifically for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage, or the Omra, a religious visit. These visas are subject to special requirements and are only issued at certain times of the year.

How do I obtain a visa online before arriving in Saudi Arabia?

Another option to consider when planning your trip to Saudi Arabia is a pre-arrival visa, often in the form of an e-visa or online visa. Here's how the application process for this type of visa works:

• Online application: The first step is to complete an online visa application on a site approved by the Saudi authorities. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, nationality, passport number and travel details.
• Visa fee: You will also need to pay the visa fee online using a credit card. Fees may vary depending on the type of visa and length of stay.
• Electronic approval: Once you have submitted your application and made payment, the Saudi authorities will review your application. If approved, you will receive electronic confirmation of your visa, usually by e-mail.
• Printing your visa: You will need to print out this visa confirmation, which will serve as your electronic visa. When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you will present this confirmation to immigration to obtain your physical visa.

The pre-arrival visa, particularly in the form of an e-visa, has a number of advantages over the on arrival visa, but it also has a few disadvantages:

Advantages :

• Planning made easy: You can obtain your visa before you travel, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
• Greater security: By having your visa in hand before you leave, you reduce the risk of being rejected on arrival.
• Longer validity period: Pre-arrival visas often have a longer validity period than visas on arrival, giving you greater flexibility.

Disadvantages :

• Online process required: You will need to complete an online application and make an electronic payment, which may be less convenient for some travellers.
• Processing fees : Pre-arrival visas may incur additional processing fees compared to visas on arrival.

In conclusion, the pre-arrival visa, particularly in the form of an e-visa, offers many advantages in terms of planning and security for your trip to Saudi Arabia.

Our advice on choosing the best type of visa online or on arrival

Choosing the best type of visa for your trip to Saudi Arabia will depend on several key factors. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection:

• Reason for travel: Clearly identify the reason for your trip, whether it's tourism, work, business or pilgrimage. Each type of visa is designed to meet specific needs.
• Length of stay: Decide how long you plan to stay in Saudi Arabia. Some visas have strict stay limits, while others offer greater flexibility.
• Nationality: Check whether you are eligible for a visa on arrival or a pre-arrival visa, depending on your nationality. Some nationalities enjoy special privileges.
• Planning: If you prefer to plan your trip carefully, an online pre-arrival visa may be the best option. This allows you to secure your visa before departure.

Why is it risky to apply for a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?

No guarantee of obtaining a visa:

• The main risk is that obtaining a visa on arrival is not guaranteed. Even if you meet all the eligibility requirements, the Saudi authorities may refuse your application without notice.
• This can cause major inconvenience, such as flight or hotel cancellation fees, and force you to leave without having been able to enter the country.

Long waiting times:

• The process of applying for a visa on arrival can take several hours, or even a whole day.
• You will have to wait in the airport, with no certainty of obtaining the visa, which can be particularly restrictive if you have a flight to catch.

Additional documents required:

• The Saudi authorities may require additional documents that are not mentioned on the official websites.
• This can further delay the application process and cause you stress.

Non-refundable visa fee:

• The visa on arrival fee of SAR 300 (approximately €80) is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

Lack of communication:

• It can be difficult to communicate with Saudi immigration officials, as the official language is Arabic.
• This can make it difficult to understand instructions and requirements, increasing the risk of your application being refused.