Are you considering a trip to Saudi Arabia soon? If so, expatriates living in the UAE or other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can apply for a one-year multiple-entry eVisa. This convenient visa allows for extensive travel, making it ideal for business engagements, visiting friends and family, exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage, and even performing Umrah (excluding the Hajj season).
UAE expatriates can easily apply for the eVisa through Saudi Arabia’s unified visa platform, which was launched in 2023, at ksavisa.sa. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience all that Saudi Arabia has to offer!
Duration and validity of Saudi eVisa for GCC residents
**Visa Types:** Single Entry or Multiple Entry
**Visa Validity:** A single-entry visa permits a stay of up to 90 days, while a multiple-entry visa is valid for one year.
**Duration of Stay in Saudi Arabia:** Holders of either visa type may stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days per visit.
Requirements for Saudi eVisa for UAE expatriates
– The residency document must remain valid for a minimum of three months.
– The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel.
– Applicants must be at least 18 years old if traveling without parental accompaniment.
Which documents do one need to provide?
– A passport-sized photograph with a white background.
– A photocopy of the passport.
– A photocopy of the UAE residence visa page.
How to apply for the Saudi eVisa
Step 1: Visit ksavisa.sa and select the type of visa
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa as a GCC Resident
Step 2: Start Your Application
Go to ksavisa.sa, and on the homepage, click on the ‘Visit’ section. From the drop-down:
- Select ‘Tourism’ as your purpose of visit.
- Choose your nationality.
- Select ‘Valid residence in the GCC countries (No less than three months)’.
Click ‘Show Eligible Visas’. You’ll see two options: Transit Visa and Electronic Visa (eVisa). Click ‘Apply Now’ under eVisa.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Details & Upload Your Photo
- Enter your full name (as per passport), mobile number, address, gender, and marital status.
- Enter your occupation title (mandatory). You may select “I do not work at the moment” if applicable.
- Provide your date of birth.
- Optionally, choose your visit purpose – Umrah, leisure, or visiting family/friends.
Upload a recent passport-size photo that meets these criteria:
- Size: 35x45mm, white background
- Face the camera directly, with a neutral expression (no smiling)
- Good lighting and no shadows
- File format: JPEG or PNG, max size: 5MB
Step 3: Submit Passport Information
- Upload a clear scan of your passport
- Select passport type and enter your passport number
- Fill in country of issuance, place of birth, issue date, and expiry date
Click Next to continue.
Step 4: Provide UAE Residency Visa Details
- Upload your UAE residency visa copy
- Enter your visa number, expiry date, emirate of residence, and current address
Step 5: Review Terms and Confirm Application
Agree to the terms and conditions, review all your application details, then click Next.
Step 6: Select Medical Insurance
- Answer the medical insurance questionnaire
- Choose a Saudi insurance provider and review costs
Step 7: Make Payment
- Once your insurance is selected, you’ll see the total cost, including visa and insurance fees
- Click ‘Pay Now’ and use a credit or debit card to complete the transaction
Step 8: Track Your Application
After payment, you’ll get a transaction number. To track your application:
- Visit ksavisa.sa
- Click ‘Track Application’
- Enter your transaction number or passport number
For assistance, contact the KSA visa call center at +966 920011114.
Saudi eVisa Costs for GCC Residents
- Visa fee: $81 (approx. AED 297)
- Application fee: $10.50 (approx. AED 38)
- Medical insurance: From $7.50 to $252 (AED 27 to AED 925), depending on the provider
How Long Does It Take?
- GCC residents may receive the eVisa instantly
- Otherwise, processing may take up to 3 working days
- Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email
