Saudi Arabia Visa for Norwegian Citizens

Norwegian citizens visiting Saudi Arabia must obtain a visa, as it is a requirement for entry into the Kingdom. The visa regulations improve security and enable control over visitors’ purposes, such as tourism, business, or religious activities.

Travelers from Norway can get a Saudi visa in three ways:

• At the Saudi Embassy – Submit your Regular Visa application in person along with the necessary documents.
• Online – Apply for an Electronic Visa via the official eVisa portal or add the Transit Visa option when booking flight tickets.
• Upon Arrival – Obtain a Visa on Arrival at any of the Kingdom’s entry ports.

In order to apply for a Saudi visa, Norwegian citizens must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. Applicants may need to provide additional supporting documents based on the chosen visa type.

The allowed duration of stay in Saudi Arabia also varies depending on the visa option. For example, the Saudi eVisa doesn’t allow visits exceeding 90 days or for purposes other than tourism.

NOTE: It is essential to check all Saudi entry requirements before traveling to select the right visa type and avoid legal issues.

Travelers are advised to consult the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date information.

How Norwegians Can Get a Saudi Visa Online

Norwegians willing to obtain a Saudi visa without visiting an embassy or consulate in person have two convenient online options.

The first option is to apply for an eVisa through Saudi Arabia’s official visa portal, while the second option is to get a Transit Visa when booking flight tickets through certain airlines.

Applying for an Electronic Visa (eVisa)

The Saudi eVisa is suitable for Norwegian citizens who plan to travel to the Kingdom for short-term tourism purposes, as the Electronic Visa allows multiple trips that do not last longer than 90 days in total within a year.

To apply for the eVisa to Saudi Arabia, follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to https://visa.visitsaudi.com/: Click on either “Sign In” or “Apply Now” on the homepage.
2. Create an account or log in: If you do not already have an account, create one by providing the required information. Alternatively, log in with your existing account credentials.
3. Choose your application type: Specify whether you are applying for an individual visa or for a group visa.
4. Upload your photo: Submit a recent and clear photograph as per the specified requirements.
5. Enter your information: Provide your personal, passport, and traveler details.
6. Select medical insurance: Choose a medical insurance plan that meets the requirements for travel to Saudi Arabia.
7. Make the payment: Pay the visa fee securely using a credit or debit card to complete the application process.

Once all steps are completed and the payment is processed, your application will be reviewed. If approved, your Saudi eVisa will be issued electronically, enabling a hassle-free visit to Saudi Arabia.

Make sure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of arrival – any changes to passport data will make your Saudi Electronic Visa invalid.

Obtaining a Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia

The Transit Visa is designed for Norwegian travelers who want to improve their layover experience in Saudi Arabia. It can be used for a single entry within a 3-month validity period and permits a 96-hour stay in the country.

Stopover visitors can use this visa type for various leisure reasons, including to perform Umrah.

The application process for a Saudi Transit Visa is seamless – your visa will be automatically generated and emailed to you after booking and approval of the tickets via Flyanas or Saudia Airlines websites.

The process takes only a few minutes, and you can apply for a Transit Visa even up to 90 days prior to travel to Saudi Arabia.

Regular Saudi Visas for Norwegian

Saudi Arabia offers various Regular Visa types for Norwegian citizens that fit specific needs. Tourist Visas cover short stays for exploration, while Business Visas are designed for professionals attending meetings.

Work Visas, both temporary and permanent, are for employment, and Residency Visas include standard, premium, and newborn categories.

Family Visit Visas allow visits to relatives, Student Visas are for education, and Hajj and Umrah Visas cover religious purposes. Additional types include Escort Visas for domestic workers and Return Visas for re-entry.

To apply for a Regular Saudi Visa at the embassy, Norwegian citizens must follow these instructions:

1. Book an appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Norway by contacting their office.
2. Visit the embassy: Attend your appointment, submit your application, provide documents, and, if required, complete an interview.
3. Complete the payment: Pay the visa fee based on the visa type. Confirm the fee and accepted payment methods in advance.

Processing time is up to 8 weeks, and applying well before the planned travel date is advisable. Following approval, the visa will be issued, allowing entry to Saudi Arabia in accordance with the granted visa’s terms and conditions.

You should collect your passport with the issued Saudi Regular Visa upon receiving the notification with approval.

You can contact the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Norway to make an appointment or get more information by the details below:

• Address: Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Froyas Gate 11, 0273 Oslo
• Phone: +4722049010
• Fax: +4722049014
• Email: osemb@mofa.gov.sa
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

NOTE: It is recommended to contact the Saudi embassy during working hours for precise information and assistance regarding visa services or other consular matters.

How to Receive a Saudi Visa on Arrival

Norwegian citizens are also eligible to obtain a Saudi Visa on Arrival, making it easier to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes.

This visa allows Norwegians to enter the Kingdom without needing prior visa arrangements. Upon arrival at Saudi Arabia entry ports, travelers can apply for a visa, which typically provides a stay of up to 90 days within one year.

Norwegian citizens must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity to qualify. It’s also recommended that you check for additional requirements before traveling: for example, you must be at least 18 years old to travel alone.

Required Documents for a Visa to Saudi Arabia

When applying for a visa to Saudi Arabia, applicants from Norway must have all the necessary documents prepared to avoid delays and issues during processing.

The commonly required documents for most Saudi visa types are:

• Norwegian passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date into Saudi Arabia.
• Formal face photograph – Provide recent face photos that meet the specifications of the Saudi authorities.

Also, you may need additional supporting documents for the Regular Saudi Visas, for example:

• Proof of travel – Include flight bookings or a travel itinerary indicating your entry and exit plans.
• Confirmation of accommodation – Evidence of confirmed hotel bookings or other accommodations during your stay.
• Letter of invitation – For certain visa types, a formal invitation letter from a Saudi citizen or organization may be required.
• Visa fee receipt – Proof of payment for the applicable visa processing fees.
• Copies of previous visas – If applicable, copies of past visas, especially previous Saudi visas, can support your application.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) – For some visa types, an NOC from your employer or sponsoring entity may be required to authorize your travel.

If you need to provide copies of the required documents, make sure they are clear and legible and match the information you provide in the application form.

When applying for a Saudi eVisa, you can prepare digital copies of the necessary documentation using a scanner or a smartphone camera.

Writing Your Name in Arabic for a Saudi Visa Application

To write your name in Arabic for a Saudi visa application, it is important to use the transliteration method, which converts the sounds of your Norwegian name into Arabic script in a way that closely matches its pronunciation.

This approach ensures accuracy with linguistic norms, avoiding potential errors that could arise from direct translation.

If you’re unsure about the exact Arabic spelling of your name, you can seek assistance from an official translation service or consult someone fluent in Arabic who is familiar with transliteration standards.

Additionally, if available, you can refer to your name’s previous Arabic spelling, as it might have been used on other official documents such as a passport or prior visa.

It’s critical to verify the accuracy of the Arabic spelling before submitting your application, as any inconsistencies or errors could lead to processing delays, misunderstandings, or even rejection of the application.

NOTE: Taking the time to double-check this detail can save you the hassle of dealing with corrections later on in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi Visas

• What types of Saudi visas are available for Norwegian citizens?
  Saudi Arabia offers an eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Transit Visa, and Regular Visas to Norwegian nationals, each with specific requirements and application steps.

• How can I apply for a Saudi eVisa?
  You can apply for a Saudi eVisa online through the Kingdom’s official portal: provide your details, upload a face, and pay the fees.

• How long does it take to process a Saudi visa?
  Processing times vary. Saudi eVisas are usually approved within 3 business days, while Regular Visas may take longer, up to 8 weeks, due to additional approvals.

• What are the key requirements for a Saudi visa application?
  Common requirements include a passport valid for at least 6 months, a completed application form, and a recent face photo. Additional documents may be needed depending on the visa type.

• Can I extend my stay in Saudi Arabia if my visa is about to expire?
  Some visas, like Tourist Visas, can be extended if you meet the conditions. Contact the embassy and apply for an extension before your Saudi visa expires.

• Are there any rules I should follow while on a Saudi visa?
  Remember that overstaying your Saudi visa is not allowed and may result in penalties, legal issues, and even deportation.

• Can I work in Saudi Arabia with a Tourist Visa?
  No, a Tourist Visa does not permit you to work in Saudi Arabia. If you wish to work, you must apply for a Work Visa through an employer who will sponsor your application.

• Is health insurance required for a Saudi visa?
  Yes, health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a Saudi visa. It is included in the eVisa application process to make sure visitors have coverage during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

Norwegian citizens can choose between an eVisa, Regular Visa, Visa on Arrival, and Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia. However, obtaining a Saudi visa requires careful preparation and meeting the outlined rules and regulations.

Understanding the specific requirements for visa type, such as providing mandatory documents, ensuring valid health insurance, and meeting eligibility conditions, is essential for a smooth application process.

Additionally, it’s important to comply with the issued Saudi visa’s terms, such as avoiding overstaying, to prevent legal issues.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/eservices/Pages/default.aspx