How long does it take to process a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia, with its unique cultural and religious riches, attracts many travellers every year. Whether you are travelling for tourism, business, religion or any other reason, obtaining a visa is an essential step before you can set foot on Saudi soil. Without this precious document, your access to Saudi territory will be rejected. It is therefore essential to understand how long it will take to obtain your visa, so that you can plan your departure with peace of mind. The purpose of this page is to provide you with all the information you need about the time it takes to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia, and to tell you the ideal time to start your administrative formalities, so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises and ensure a smooth journey.

Saudi Arabia visa processing time: How long before?

• Start the process early: It is advisable to start the visa application process at least 1 to 2 months before your departure to avoid delays.
• Fast e-visa: The e-visa for Saudi Arabia is generally issued in 24 to 72 hours via a simple online procedure.
• Longer consular visas: Consular visas can take between 5 and 15 working days to process, depending on the period and the complexity of the application.
• Periods of high demand: Anticipate additional delays during periods of high demand, such as the Hajj and Umrah, by starting your procedures well in advance.
• Urgent visas possible: If necessary, an urgent visa can be obtained within 24 hours, but this involves additional costs and justification of the urgency.

Saudi Arabia eVisa application!

How long does it take to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia?

The time taken to obtain a visa for Saudi Arabia may vary depending on the type of visa requested and the method of submitting the application. You should therefore take these deadlines into account so that you can plan your trip accordingly. Here is an overview of the different types of visa available and the time taken to obtain them.

How long does it take to obtain an electronic visa (e-visa) for Saudi Arabia?

The electronic visa, or e-visa, is the quickest and most convenient option for entering Saudi Arabia. This type of visa is available to travellers from many countries, including European citizens, and is ideal for short-term tourist or business trips.

• Average processing time: The processing time for an e-visa is generally very fast, ranging from 24 to 72 hours. In most cases, you will receive your visa within 48 hours of submitting your application online.
• Fast online procedure: The e-visa application is made entirely online via the official Saudi government portal or through a private service provider. Simply complete the form, upload the required documents (such as a passport photo and a copy of your passport), and pay the visa fee. Once payment has been made, your application will be processed quickly and your visa will be sent to you by email.

How long does it take to obtain a consular visa for Saudi Arabia?

For travellers who are not eligible for an e-visa or who require a visa for longer stays or for specific reasons (such as work or study), a consular visa is the solution to consider. This type of visa is issued by the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

• Average processing time: The processing time for a consular visa is longer than for an e-visa. In general, it takes between 5 and 15 working days for your application to be processed. However, this time may vary depending on the time of year and the number of applications in progress.
• Process via the embassy or consulate : To obtain a consular visa, you will need to go to the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate, or use the services of a specialist agency. The process involves submitting various documents, such as your passport, passport photos, a letter of invitation (if required), and other supporting documents specific to the nature of your trip. It is advisable to start this process well in advance to avoid any unforeseen delays.

Is it possible to obtain an urgent visa for Saudi Arabia?

In certain situations, you may need an urgent visa, particularly if you have an imminent departure or an unforeseen situation. Fortunately, it is possible to apply for fast-track processing of your visa.

• Availability and conditions for fast-track processing: Urgent visas are generally available for e-visas and certain consular visas. To obtain an urgent visa, you will need to prove the urgency of your situation (for example, a last-minute business trip or medical need). The Saudi authorities reserve the right to approve or refuse this type of application depending on urgency and processing capacity.
• Additional costs and special procedures: Expedited processing often involves additional costs. The amount varies according to the type of visa and the speed of processing required. The processing time for an urgent visa may be reduced to 24 hours, or even less in some cases. For consular visas, it is advisable to contact the embassy or consulate directly to find out about the options available and the associated costs.

When should I start applying for a visa?

Obtaining a visa for Saudi Arabia is an essential step in preparing for your trip, and the time you start the process can affect your peace of mind. To avoid any last-minute stress, it's crucial to plan well in advance. Here are a few recommendations to help you determine the ideal time to start the process.

Start the process at least 1 to 2 months before your planned departure date

In most cases, it is advisable to start the process of applying for a visa for Saudi Arabia at least 1 to 2 months before your planned departure date. This will give you enough time to gather all the necessary documents, fill in the forms correctly, and respond to any additional requests for information from the Saudi authorities. This is particularly important if you opt for a consular visa, which can take longer to process than an e-visa.

Take into account periods of high demand (Hajj, Umrah, holidays, etc.)

Certain periods of the year, such as the Hajj and Umrah, see a sharp increase in visa applications for Saudi Arabia. Similarly, holiday periods and festivals can result in longer processing times due to the high number of applications. If you are planning to travel during these periods, it is even more crucial to start your application process well in advance, ideally 2 to 3 months before your departure. This will ensure that you have enough time to obtain your visa without stress and to deal with any eventualities.

Imminent departure: Tips for obtaining an urgent visa

If you find yourself in a situation where your departure for Saudi Arabia is imminent, it is still possible to obtain an urgent visa. To do this, you will need to contact the relevant authorities (such as the embassy or consulate) or use an online platform if you are eligible for an urgent e-visa. It is also advisable to budget extra, as urgent visas often involve higher costs. In this case, the assistance of an agency specialising in obtaining visas can be useful in speeding up the process and ensuring that you receive your visa on time.

Change of situation or type of visa: Anticipating additional delays

If your personal or professional situation changes after you have started the visa application process, or if you decide to change the type of visa you are applying for (for example, from a tourist visa to a work visa), you will need to take into account the extra time this may take. A change in circumstances may require you to submit additional documents or have your application reassessed, thereby extending the time taken to obtain your visa. In this case, it is advisable to contact the authorities or agency in charge of your application immediately to understand the implications and adjust your preparations accordingly.