Moldovan citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and there are multiple options available, such as the eVisa, Regular Visa, Visa on Arrival, and Transit Visa.
A visa is an official document that grants entry into the Kingdom for specific purposes, such as tourism, business, work, residence, transit, etc.
Depending on the purpose of travel, Moldovans can find options that best suit their needs.
An Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia is valid for one year and allows multiple entries of up to 90 days in total.
A Visa on Arrival offers similar benefits to the eVisa and can be obtained at Saudi entry ports. It can be issued for a single visit or multiple entries.
By visiting the embassy, Moldovans can apply for a Regular Visa, which is required for stays related to employment or residency.
Available for travelers with layovers at Saudi airports, a Transit Visa is issued when booking flights.
NOTE: Moldovans applying for Saudi visas need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a recent face photograph matching the applicant’s appearance.
To enter Saudi Arabia, Moldovan citizens need a valid passport, an approved visa, and health insurance for the duration of the trip.
Saudi Visa for Moldovan Citizens
For Moldovans opting for a Regular Visa, applying through a Saudi Arabian Embassy is a simple process but requires attention to detail to avoid problems.
The Saudi authorities offer Moldovan citizens options like Diplomatic, Tourist, Business, Work, Residency, Family Visit, Extend Return, Escort, Student, Hajj, and Umrah Visas.
Each of these Saudi visa types requires specific documentation based on the purpose of your visit; for example, a Student Visa needs a certificate of university enrollment.
- Determine the type of visa you need based on your travel purpose.
- Collect all required documents, such as your passport, face photo, and any extra documents.
- Submit your application and documents to the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
- Pay the applicable fees and wait for approval, which can take 2–8 weeks.
The Saudi visa must be collected in person upon proving your identity using an ID card or passport.
Some embassies offer mail services, so you can ask the immigration office about this option.
NOTE: Moldovans must remember that walk-ins aren’t accepted for visa applications at the embassy – it’s best to schedule an appointment earlier.
Saudi Arabian Visa Application Online
A Saudi Arabian eVisa is an electronic visa that allows Moldovans to apply and receive approval online.
It’s a popular choice for Moldovan tourists heading to Saudi Arabia for leisure, sightseeing, and relaxation. The approved Saudi eVisa also permits Umrah.
Moldovans must be residents of GCC/EU/US/UK or visa holders from Schengen/US/UK to be eligible for an Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia.
The online application process for a Saudi visa is intuitive and uncomplicated:
- Visit the official Saudi eVisa portal and log in or create an account.
- Choose if you apply for an individual or for a group (e.g., a family).
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal details.
- Provide the data from your passport, such as number and expiry date.
- Upload the required documents, including your face photograph.
- Add health insurance (if you don’t have it), which is essential for travel.
- Pay the fee securely online and receive a confirmation via email.
One of the benefits of the Saudi eVisa is a fast processing time – your visa should be approved in 24–72 hours and delivered electronically to your email inbox.
Moldovans must remember to print out the approved Electronic Visa before entering Saudi Arabia, as only hard copies are accepted.
NOTE: The approved Saudi Arabia eVisa is valid for one year and permits multiple visits to the Kingdom. In total, Moldovan travelers can spend even 90 days in the country.
Saudi Arabian Transit Visa
All Moldovan travelers with long layovers in Saudi Arabia can obtain the Transit Visa, which offers a chance to explore the country briefly before going to the next destination.
Saudi Transit Visas can be issued upon booking tickets through Flynas (www.flynas.com) or Saudia (www.saudia.com) by completing a short application form.
This option is available to visitors even 90 days before the planned date of arrival into the Kingdom.
Once approved, the Transit Visa allows Moldovans to spend 96 hours (4 days) in Saudi Arabia.
NOTE: Moldovans traveling to Saudi Arabia with other airlines should research their transit rules.
Visa on Arrival in the Saudi Kingdom
The Visa on Arrival allows for on-the-spot entry approvals, which is convenient for last-minute visitors.
Moldovan citizens with UK, US, or Schengen visas/residency qualify for this Saudi visa application method.
The procedure can be completed at Saudi airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
Moldovan visitors must first look for a self-service visa machine (KIOSK) or head straight to the passport office. Upon providing all required information and fee payment, a Saudi VOA will be issued.
The Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia can be issued for a single entry or multiple trips, depending on the government’s decision. Once approved, the VOA will remain valid for one year.
NOTE: The Saudi Arabian Visa on Arrival is convenient but not guaranteed—always check eligibility criteria beforehand to avoid trouble.
Processing Time of Saudi Visas
Knowing how long the visa processing takes can help Moldovan travelers better prepare for their trip and avoid last-minute complications.
Although all visa application methods have their standard processing times, keep in mind this period can be prolonged.
- Electronic Visa approval typically takes 24–72 hours.
- Regular Visas may require 2–8 weeks to be authorized.
- Visa on Arrival and Transit Visas are issued immediately.
Several factors can cause delays in the Saudi Arabia visa processing timeline. Common issues include incomplete or incorrect application forms and missing documentation, which may require additional verification.
High volumes of applications during peak travel seasons or holidays can also extend processing times.
Health and Insurance Requirements
Travelers to Saudi Arabia must meet specific health and insurance requirements to gain entry into the country.
All visitors are required to carry health insurance that covers medical expenses.
It is highly recommended to review the insurance policy to ensure it includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services.
Certain vaccinations may also be required, particularly for travelers visiting during the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, where proof of meningitis vaccination is mandatory.
Additionally, travelers from countries with a risk of yellow fever must present a valid vaccination certificate at the point of entry.
It is important to check the latest travel advisories on the Ministry of Health website and consult a local healthcare provider well in advance to determine what is needed for the trip.
Embassy Assistance
When in doubt, the Saudi Arabian Embassy is a reliable resource for detailed guidance. Whether you’re applying for a Regular Visa or need clarification on entry requirements, embassy assistance ensures you stay on track.
Currently, there is no embassy in Moldova, so Moldovans should contact the Saudi Embassy in Romania to schedule a visit to the office:
- Address: Calea Dorobanți 212, București 010585
- Phone: +40 212 121 259
- Email: roemb@mofa.sa
NOTE: Moldovans can always consult official channels, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs system, Visit Saudi website, or Nusuk platform, for more information.
FAQs
- Can Moldovan citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
Moldovan citizens who are GCC residents or hold UK/US/EU visas/residency can apply for a Saudi visa online.
- What is the validity of the Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries, with stays of up to 90 days in total.
- Does the Saudi Visa on Arrival have eligibility restrictions?
Yes. Moldovan citizens need a US/UK/EU visa/residency permit to qualify for a Saudi VOA.
- How long does it take for a Saudi visa to process?
An eVisa typically processes within 24–72 hours, and a Regular Visa takes 2–8 weeks for approval. Visa on Arrival and Transit Visa are issued upon payment.
- Is health insurance mandatory for all travelers to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, health insurance is required for entry and is often included in online visa packages.
- Can children apply for a Saudi eVisa?
Yes, children can apply for a Saudi eVisa, but a parent or legal guardian must complete the application on their behalf.
- Is the Saudi visa refundable if my application is denied?
No, visa application fees are non-refundable, so make sure you gather the correct documents and complete the form without errors.
Conclusion
Traveling to Saudi Arabia has become more accessible with the variety of visa options available for Moldovan travelers.
Whether opting for an eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Regular Visa, or Transit Visa, understanding the requirements is crucial for a smooth application process.
Be sure to check your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, and allow sufficient time for processing.
For families traveling with children, remember that applications for minors must be managed by a parent or legal guardian.
By planning ahead and meeting the visa requirements, Moldovans can focus on their visit to Saudi Arabia.
Sources:
- https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
- https://www.visitsaudi.com/en
- https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
- https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/Romania/EN/Pages/default.aspx
Hello, I’m Sara Ali, and I have dedicated my career to navigating the intricacies of immigration and visa processes. With over a decade of experience in the field, I have assisted countless travelers in achieving their travel and relocation goals. My expertise lies in simplifying complex procedures and ensuring seamless visa applications for clients from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about facilitating international travel, I continually stay updated with the latest immigration policies to provide reliable guidance and support.
