Saudi Arabia Visa for Irish Citizens

Irish citizens visiting Saudi Arabia require a visa, and understanding the types and processes involved is essential for an unproblematic stay.

A variety of Saudi visa options are available, each designed for different purposes:

• Electronic Visa (eVisa): ideal for tourism, family visits, or business purposes with a validity period of one year. You can stay 90 days in total in Saudi Arabia as the holder.
• Visa on Arrival: suitable for short-term visits and doesn’t require prior preparation, as it is obtainable during border crossing.
• Regular Visa categories: applied through an embassy or consulate and cover various purposes, such as work, study, or long-term residency.
• Transit Visa: allows travelers to explore Saudi Arabia within 96 hours while on their way to another destination.

Irish citizens need a passport with at least 6 months’ validity, a recent face photograph, and supporting documentation based on the selected visa type.

For a Saudi eVisa, the online process is simple, taking up to 3 business days for approval. Regular Visas, however, require an embassy appointment and in-person applications.

Irish citizens are advised to confirm eligibility and follow the guidelines for smooth travel.

NOTE: For further assistance, contact the Saudi Embassy in Dublin to clarify requirements.

Types of Saudi Visas Available for Irish Citizens

When going on a trip to Saudi Arabia, Irish citizens have several visa types to consider, depending on the purpose of their visit and duration of stay.

Electronic Visa

The eVisa is a convenient and efficient option for Irish citizens visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.

It is valid for one year and permits multiple entries. Travelers can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days during the validity period of eVisa.

The application process is completed online, requiring essential documents such as a valid passport and a recent face photograph. Approval usually takes up to 3 business days.

Visa on Arrival

Irish citizens may also qualify for a Visa on Arrival, which simplifies the process by allowing them to obtain their visa upon entering Saudi Arabia.

Visa on Arrival is ideal for short visits, and it is issued directly at the border crossing, saving travelers time and effort.

Irish citizens can obtain the Visa on Arrival using self-service devices (KIOSKS) or by heading to the passport control office.

Regular Visa

A Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia is required for more specific purposes such as work, study, or longer stays. The following categories are included under regular visas:

• Tourist Visa – For sightseeing and exploring Saudi Arabia.
• Business Visa – For attending meetings, conferences, or business-related activities (may require a local sponsor or invitation).
• Work Visa – For individuals employed in Saudi Arabia, available for permanent or temporary roles.
• Residency Visa – For those planning to reside in Saudi Arabia (standard, premium, or newborn residency).
• Family Visit Visa – For inviting close family members to visit.
• Hajj/Umrah Visas – Specifically for Muslims traveling for pilgrimage.
• Student Visa – To pursue education in Saudi institutions.
• Diplomatic Visa – Issued to foreign diplomats and government officials for performing official duties or representing their respective countries in Saudi Arabia.
• Escort Visa – Granted to individuals accompanying another visa holder, such as a family member or dependent, ensuring they can travel together.

Transit Visa

The Transit Visa is perfect for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route to another destination.

While only permitting short stays (within 96 hours), this visa is excellent for those with layovers or connecting flights.

Saudi Arabia Visa Application for Irish Citizens

The application process for a Saudi Arabia visa typically involves completing an online form and providing the required documents, such as a valid passport and a recent face photograph.

Remember: Saudi Arabia allows tourists to visit KSA for tourism purposes only. If you are a Muslim Irish citizen, you may go on an Umrah pilgrimage or visit Mecca.

Irish citizens must also pay a processing fee to meet the specific entry requirements for their chosen visa type.

Online Application

The online application process is straightforward and can usually be completed within a few minutes, as no visit to the embassy is required.

1. Visit the official Saudi eVisa website.
2. Complete the application form with personal and travel details.
3. Upload required documents (passport and recent face photo).
4. Pay the online processing fee.
5. Receive your approval, typically within 3 business days.

Applicants should double-check their information to avoid delays or rejections.

Submission at the Saudi Embassy

For travelers who prefer or require an in-person application, submitting a visa application at the Saudi Embassy is an alternative.

Irish citizens need to schedule an appointment in advance and bring all essentials, including a passport and supporting materials such as an invitation letter if applicable.

During the appointment, provide the necessary information and cover the fee. After processing, you need to receive your visa at the embassy personally.

NOTE: Processing times for a Saudi visa may vary, so applying well before the intended travel date is recommended.

Necessary Documents

When applying for a Saudi visa, making sure you have all the required documents is crucial to avoid delays or complications.

Documents verify your identity and travel purpose, streamlining the application process. Below is a checklist of necessary items:

• A passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• A recent face photograph meeting official guidelines.
• Supporting documents such as an invitation letter (if needed).

Prepare the necessary documents beforehand to avoid problems during the Saudi visa application procedure. For more information, you can contact the nearest embassy or consulate.

Official Saudi Arabia Visa Mobile App

If you’re an Irish citizen visiting Saudi Arabia, navigating the visa process is now easier with the official Saudi Arabia Visa Mobile App.

The app enables you to apply for a visa directly from your smartphone, making the process more accessible and efficient.

Documents and Processing

To apply, you’ll need a passport that won’t expire within the next 6 months, a recent face photo, and any additional documents specific to your visa type (e.g., an invitation letter for a business visa).

Processing times are short, typically taking up to 3 business days for a Saudi eVisa.

How to Use the App

• Download and Register: Find the app on your device’s app store and create an account.
• Complete the Application: Enter personal details and travel plans, then upload the required documents.
• Pay Online: Pay the fee directly through the app.
• Monitor Status: Track the real-time status of your visa application via the app.

Security Features of the App

The app is designed with advanced safety measures to ensure secure personal information and document handling.

It uses end-to-end encryption to protect your data during transmission and storage.

Additionally, the app complies with international data protection standards. Multi-factor authentication is implemented to prevent unauthorized access to your account, and regular updates are provided to address potential security vulnerabilities.

NOTE: Download the Saudi visa app from the official store to avoid problems and data theft.

Saudi Embassy in Ireland

For personalized assistance, Irish citizens can contact the Saudi Embassy in Dublin. The embassy supports visas, legal inquiries, and other consular services.

• Email: duemb@mofa.gov.sa
• Phone: 0035316766333
• Address: Fitzwilliam Square E, Dublin 2
• Working Hours: from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

The Saudi Embassy staff can provide additional support and clarification on eligibility and required documents for specific visa types.

Reaching out to the embassy before any planned travel for further assistance and information is recommended.

FAQ about Saudi Arabia Visa for Irish Citizens

• What types of Saudi visas are available for Irish citizens?
  Options include an Electronic Visa, Visa on Arrival, and Regular Visas. Transit visas are also available for stopovers.

• What is the validity period of the Saudi eVisa?
  The Saudi eVisa is valid for one year and allows for multiple entries.

• How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on an eVisa?
  The Saudi eVisa permits a total stay of up to 90 days during its validity period.

• Can Irish citizens get a Visa on Arrival?
  Yes, Irish travelers may be eligible for a Visa on Arrival at the border crossing.

• How do I apply for the eVisa?
  Fill out the form, upload a valid passport and recent face photo, pay the fee, and wait for approval within 3 business days.

• What documents are needed for a visa application?
  A valid passport, a recent face photo, and additional documentation depending on visa type (e.g., a business invitation for a Business Visa).

• Are there special Saudi visas for religious travel?
  Yes, Irish Muslims can apply for Hajj or Umrah visas to perform respective pilgrimages in Mecca.

• What are the processing times for visa applications?
  The eVisa approvals usually take up to 3 business days, while embassy applications may take up to 8 weeks.

• Where can I get help with my Saudi visa application?
  For assistance, Irish citizens can contact the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Dublin during its official working hours.

Conclusion

Irish citizens wishing to visit Saudi Arabia have several visas available, each suited to different travel purposes.

The Saudi visas include the Electronic Visa (eVisa), Visa on Arrival, Transit Visa, and various types of Regular Visas.

The eVisa, one of the most common options, is valid for one year with multiple entries and allows a stay of up to 90 days.

Alternatively, Irish citizens may qualify for a Visa on Arrival, which is ideal for short-term visits.

Regular visas are designed for more specialized needs, such as business, residency, work, family visits, education, or religious pilgrimages like Hajj and Umrah.

Sources:

• https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/Ireland/EN/Pages/default.aspx