Saudi Arabia Visa for French Citizens

French citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia are required to obtain a visa prior to their visit.

Depending on the purpose of travel, Saudi Arabia offers various visa options for French passport holders suited for tourism, work, family visits, or religious travel purposes.

Travelers from France can choose one of the three Saudi visa application methods:

• Online application for an Electronic Visa (eVisa) from home.
• Applying for a Visa on Arrival upon entering Saudi Arabia.
• Visiting the Saudi Embassy to obtain a Regular Visa.

The exact validity depends on the selected visa type (for example, the Saudi eVisa is issued for a year and permits to spend 90 days abroad).

To apply for a Saudi Arabian visa, all French citizens need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a formal face photograph.

Specific visa types (Work Visa, Residence Visa, Study Visa, etc.) may require additional documents, such as work contracts or invitations from cooperating businesses – the requirements will be provided by the immigration office.

French passport holders are also eligible to apply for a Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia, which can be issued upon ordering flight tickets via Flynas or Saudia.

Once approved, the Saudi Arabian visa for transit is valid for 96 hours.

NOTE: Visit the official platform for visitors to Saudi, My GOV, for the current information.

Saudi Arabia Visas for French Nationals

Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, French nationals should get familiar with the types of visas available to choose the most suitable option based on the purpose and duration of their visit.

Electronic Visa

The Saudi eVisa is an electronic visa introduced to simplify travel for eligible international tourists.

Each French citizen can apply online for the visa and receive it at their email address.

• Validity: Valid for one year, with multiple-entry access.
• Duration: 90-day stay for leisure, family visits, and business.
• Application: Quick registration via visa.visitsaudi.com.

Visa on Arrival

French travelers are also eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival upon entering Saudi Arabia.

• Validity: Valid for one visit or multiple entries.
• Duration: Up to 90 days, depending on the officers’ decision.
• Application: At self-service KIOSKs or at the immigration desk.

This visa type is especially convenient for last-minute travelers who didn’t apply for a suitable visa beforehand.

Embassy Visa

French visitors should apply for visas through the Saudi Embassy for more specific purposes, such as temporary and permanent residence.

There are numerous visa options available for visits longer than 90 days.

• Tourist Visa: Suited for cultural exploration and religious visits over 3 months.
• Business Visa: Enables entry for work meetings and conferences for more than 90 days.
• Work Visa: Facilitates work assignments in Saudi Arabia and requires sponsorship from a Saudi employer.
• Residency Visa: For individuals living in Saudi Arabia permanently or temporarily.
• Family Visit Visa: Issued to facilitate visiting family residing in Saudi Arabia.
• Student Visa: Best choice for students enrolled in Saudi educational institutions.
• Diplomatic Visa: For government representatives and diplomatic mission staff.
• Hajj & Umrah Visas: Allows religious pilgrimage, which is offered seasonally.

NOTE: The processing time of a regular visa from the Saudi Embassy can vary between 2-8 weeks, so apply early enough.

Apply for a Regular Visa via the Saudi Embassy

Applying for a Saudi visa through the embassy isn’t complicated, but you must remember to contact the immigration office earlier and schedule a meeting.

Unless you have selected a specific date for a visit, you won’t be allowed to submit your application.

To complete the visa application process for Saudi Arabia successfully, follow these steps:

1. Schedule the Visit: Book an appointment with the Saudi Embassy or Consulate per their guidelines.
2. Gather the Documents: Collect the documentation required for your selected visa type.
3. Complete the Form: Fill out the visa application form with personal and travel details.
4. Submit the Form: Attend your appointment and submit your application with all documents.
5. Cover the Payment: Pay the visa fee in the accepted format (cash or card) during your visit.
6. Wait for Approval: Wait for the embassy to process your application and collect your visa.

The processing time of your Saudi visa application can vary between 2 and 8 weeks, depending on the chosen visa type and completeness of the provided documents.

It’s advisable to double-check the visa application before submitting it for processing – spelling errors can significantly delay the approval.

Applying for a Saudi eVisa Step-By-Step

The Saudi eVisa application takes place entirely online, and it’s a great choice for French citizens seeking quick approval.

Before proceeding with the visa application, visit the Visit Saudi platform (official online visa portal) and create an account. Without registration in the system, you cannot to complete the process.

To obtain an electronic visa for Saudi Arabia, each French passport holder should:

1. Choose the application option – for individuals or groups.
2. Submit a photo of the applicant’s face in a digital form.
3. Enter personal details, such as name and nationality.
4. Provide passport information (issue and expiry dates).
5. Select and include travel insurance from the approved list.
6. Accept the Terms & Conditions after reading them.
7. Review your application details for accuracy and submit the form.
8. Pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
9. Wait for the visa approval to be delivered to your email.

Once your Saudi visa application has been successfully processed, the approval notice will be sent electronically via email.

Unless you have a valid email address during the application process, you won’t be able to access your visa.

The standard waiting time for a Saudi eVisa authorization is from 24 to 72 hours.

Avoid common visa application mistakes that delay the processing, including incorrect information.

NOTE: Keep a digital and printed copy of your Saudi eVisa for smooth entry.

Photo Requirements for the Visa Application

To apply for a Saudi visa, regardless of the application method chosen, each French citizen needs one copy of a formal face photograph.

Below, you can find a list of photo requirements for a successful Saudi visa application:

• A recent photo, not older than 6 months, showing the applicant’s features.*
• A picture taken in color and of high quality on a white background.
• The applicant’s face taking 70-80% of the space.
• Neutral facial expression, with open eyes and closed mouth.
• Prohibited glasses or heavy accessories obscuring the face.
• No shadows, highlights, or blur.

Although your Saudi visa application photo can be taken at home, it’s best to schedule a visit at a professional studio, where the photographer will measure the picture correctly.

*Your appearance in the picture must match how you currently look. If you drastically change your hair color or undergo a plastic surgery, a new photo must be taken.

Arabic Translation for a Saudi Visa Application

When filling out a Saudi visa application, French citizens may be asked to accurately write their name in Arabic.

If you are unfamiliar with the Arabic language, don’t use free online translators, as they can make mistakes in your name.

Instead, consider seeking assistance from a professional translation office or an Arabic tutor – they can help you navigate the Arabic script and make sure that your name is written correctly for your Saudi visa application.

• Prepare Supporting Documents: Have supporting documents such as your passport or an ID card that display your name in the Latin alphabet. It can assist translators in writing your name in Arabic.
• Double-Check Accuracy: Once your name is translated into Arabic, make sure that the Arabic spelling matches the pronunciation and reflects your identity.
• Practice Writing: If you are comfortable with the Arabic script, practicing writing your name in Arabic can further enhance accuracy.

Checking Your Saudi Visa Status Online

You can check the status of your Saudi Electronic Visa processing online, which is especially convenient if the waiting time exceeds the standard 1-3 business days.

1. Visit the KSA Visa platform and click the “Track Application” button on the homepage.
2. Enter your application reference number and the passport number used during the application.
3. Provide any additional information as required by the system (usually, the Captcha test).
4. Click the “Check Status” button to retrieve the status of your visa application processing.

Note that the application reference number can be found on the receipt provided to you at the time of application via email.

If you encounter any issues or have further inquiries about your visa status, you are recommended to contact the Saudi Embassy for assistance.

Saudi Embassy for French Citizens

The Saudi Embassy in Paris offers support and assistance to French citizens seeking help with their visa inquiries and application process. It’s a reliable resource for anyone looking for information and guidance related to Saudi Arabia visas.

• Address: 92 Rue de Courcelles, 75008 Paris, France
• Phone: +33 156 794 000
• Email: fremb@mofa.gov.sa
• Working Hours: Monday-Friday, from 9:00 to 16:00

Whether you have questions about your visa status, need clarification on application requirements, or face issues during the process, the embassy’s staff will address your concerns.

NOTE: Before going to the Saudi Embassy in Paris, contact the immigration officials to schedule a date for your visit.

FAQs about Saudi Arabia Visas for French Nationals

• Do French citizens require a visa for Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, a valid Saudi visa is mandatory for French passport holders for all purposes of travel.

• Can French citizens apply for a Saudi visa online?
  Yes, French passport holders can apply for a Saudi eVisa through visa.visitsaudi.com.

• What is the Saudi Arabia eVisa validity period?
  The Saudi eVisa is valid for one year from the issue date with multiple entries.

• What documents are needed for a Saudi eVisa application?
  To apply for a Saudi eVisa, French citizens only need a passport valid for 6 months, a face photo, and a completed application form.

• Can I extend my stay in Saudi on a visa?
  Some Saudi visas may be extended, but the decision is at the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• How fast can I get a Saudi eVisa?
  Approval for the Saudi Electronic Visa takes 24-72 hours.

• Can I work in Saudi with a tourist visa?
  No, a Work Visa is mandatory for employment in Saudi Arabia – it can be obtained at the embassy.

• Can French citizens visit Saudi Arabia visa-free?
  French passport holders cannot enter Saudi Arabia visa-free under any circumstances.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Saudi visa is required for French nationals to obey the Saudi Arabian visa policy and enter the country without trouble.

Travelers from France can get a Saudi visa at the embassy, online, or on arrival – each method has its advantages. For example, the Saudi eVisa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries, offering flexibility.

To ensure a smooth visa application, have all necessary documents ready, such as a valid passport and a face photo.

For accurate information, consult official sources like the official government websites or the nearest Saudi Embassy. These resources provide updates on visa requirements and procedures.

Sources:

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