Every Zambian citizen is required to hold a visa in order to enter Saudi Arabia legally. Based on travel needs and the estimated duration of the trip, there are a few visa types to choose from.
- Electronic Visa (eVisa): A quick and easy application completed entirely online. It’s issued for one year and allows 90 days of stay.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available for eligible travelers upon reaching a Saudi entry port. It can be issued for one or many visits.
- Regular Visa: Issued specifically at Saudi Arabian Embassies or Consulates. Validity periods vary based on the travel purpose.
- Transit Visa: Ideal for short stopovers when traveling to another destination. Permits 96-hour visit to the Kingdom.
The Regular Visa application is a primary method of obtaining a Saudi visa, as it’s available to all Zambian visitors.
Key entry requirements to Saudi Arabia include a passport with at least 6 months’ validity, an approved visa, and proof of health insurance.
Zambian travelers are also required to show a certificate of meningitis vaccination when visiting for religious purposes (Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage).
NOTE: A visa is an official document that allows Zambians to travel to or stay in Saudi Arabia for a specific purpose and duration.
Obtaining a Visa from a Saudi Embassy
For trips requiring a Regular Visa, applications must be submitted by Zambian visitors through the Saudi Embassy.
Citizens of Zambia can apply for several visa types, including:
- Tourist Visa: Ideal for exploring the culture, history, and attractions of Saudi Arabia.
- Business Visa: Designed for attending meetings or engaging in business-related activities.
- Diplomatic Visa: Issued to diplomats and officials for government-related travel.
- Family Visit Visa: Allows visiting family members residing in Saudi Arabia.
- Extend Return Visa: Provides an extension for residents who need extra time to return.
- Escort Visa: Granted to those accompanying someone requiring assistance.
- Student Visa: For pursuing educational opportunities at Saudi institutions.
- Hajj Visa / Umrah Visa: Special visas for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah.
- Work Visa: Necessary for individuals planning to work in Saudi Arabia.
- Residence Visa: Suitable for relocating to Saudi Arabia for personal or professional reasons.
The Saudi Regular Visa process is straightforward and involves a few steps.
First, Zambians must prepare all necessary documents, including supporting materials like employment contracts or invitation letters.
They must complete the visa application form, making sure all details are accurate. Then, they should pay the required fees at the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in Zambia.
Processing usually takes 2–8 weeks, so it’s a good idea to follow up with the office for updates. Once approved, the Saudi visa should be collected in person.
Stopover Visa and Transit Rules
If your trip involves a quick stopover in Saudi Arabia, a Transit Visa might be your best option.
Valid for up to 96 hours, it allows Zambian citizens to explore nearby attractions or simply rest during layovers.
In order to obtain a Saudi Arabian Transit Visa, Zambian nationals should:
- Book a flight ticket with cooperation airlines.
- Apply for the Transit Visa during the ticket purchase.
- Cover the processing payment for a Saudi visa.
This hassle-free option is perfect for travelers who want to see Saudi Arabia en route to their final destination.
Passengers who don’t leave the airport’s transit zone don’t need to obtain a Saudi visa.
NOTE: Airlines approving Saudi Transit Visas are Saudia (www.saudia.com) and Flynas (www.flynas.com)
Other Visa Options for Saudi Arabia
For selected Zambian citizens who meet the strict eligibility criteria, eVisa and Visa on Arrival are other choices for traveling to Saudi Arabia.
These two application methods are more convenient than the embassy registration, saving time and effort.
Electronic Visa (eVisa)
An eVisa is applied for online through the Saudi visa portal, and it’s available for Zambian citizens who are holders of GCC/UK/US/EU residency permits or UK/US/Schengen visas.
Zambians with Electronic Visas can participate in tourism-related activities and perform Umrah.
Online application for the Saudi eVisa is fast and simple thanks to the digital system:
- Create an account online at the Visa Visit Saudi website.
- Fill out the eVisa application form with accurate personal details.
- Upload the required documents, like your face photo and eligibility proof.
- Add health insurance, which is required from all visitors.
- Pay the visa fee using a secure payment method.
- Receive approval via email within 24–72 hours.
Once approved, a Saudi eVisa is valid for one year and permits multiple visits lasting up to 90 days in total.
The online visa system streamlines the process, allowing Zambian travelers to save time and avoid the hassle of in-person appointments.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
For certain travelers from Zambia, a Visa on Arrival is issued directly at Saudi Arabian airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
The Saudi VOA service is available for Zambian citizens who are one of the following:
- Holders of visas from the UK, US, or Schengen
- Residents of the UK, US, or European Union
The entire visa process is quite simple, with two options for completing the application: at a self-service machine or at the immigration desk.
To obtain a Saudi Visa on Arrival, the applicant must be at least 18 years old. Younger visitors must be accompanied by an adult family member to complete the process.
NOTE: Depending on the decision of immigration officers, the Saudi VOA can be issued for Zambians for a single entry or multiple visits.
Useful Mobile Apps for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia provides mobile apps to simplify travel planning for Zambian citizens.
They can easily download them for easy access to essential tips – it’s available both for iOS and Android.
- Tawakkalna app: Provides services like health status verification, movement permits, and access to vaccination and testing information. The app has expanded its features to offer various government and public services, making it an essential tool for foreign visitors.
- My GOV app: Streamlines access to a wide range of government services in Saudi Arabia. From managing official documents and checking visa processing status to paying utility bills, this app provides a user-friendly platform to handle administrative tasks conveniently.
Face Photos for Saudi Visa Applications
When applying for a Saudi visa, submitting accurate and properly formatted photos is a crucial step in the process to maximize the chances of fast approval.
Zambian applicants must provide passport-sized photographs of their faces that meet specific requirements, including dimensions, background color, and clarity.
Generally, the photo should have a plain white background and show the applicant’s full face with a neutral expression.
The face must be fully visible, with no shadows. Sunglasses and hats aren’t accepted unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
Zambians are encouraged to use professional photo services for compliance with Saudi visa specifications, although pictures taken at home are also approved.
NOTE: If the face photograph is not correct, it won’t be possible to proceed with the Saudi visa application process.
Saudi Arabian Embassy in Zambia
The Saudi Embassy in Zambia serves as the official representative of the Kingdom abroad, providing consular services.
The office assists Zambian citizens seeking information about Saudi visas, entry rules, and required documentation.
The embassy verifies if all visa applications comply with Saudi regulations, offering guidance on proper documentation and photo requirements.
Zambian visitors can contact the embassy directly for precise details regarding their specific needs or inquiries.
- Address: Leopard Hill Street Kaplonga 27B C, Lusaka
- Phone: 00 260 211 266 862
- Email: zmemb@mofa.gov.sa
FAQs about Saudi Visa for Zambians
- Can Zambian citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
Yes. Zambian citizens who are GCC/UK/EU/US residents or Schengen/UK/US visa holders are eligible for an Electronic Visa.
- How long does it take to get an eVisa to Saudi Arabia?
It generally takes 24–72 hours for the Saudi eVisa to be processed online.
- What is the validity of a Saudi Transit Visa?
Transit Visas are valid only for a single stopover and permit a 96-hour stay in Saudi Arabia.
- Do Zambian citizens need health insurance for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all travelers and is often included with online visa applications.
- What vaccines are required for Saudi Arabia?
A certificate of vaccination against meningitis is required for religious travelers to Saudi Arabia.
- Can I work in Saudi Arabia with a Tourist Visa?
No, work is not permitted on a Tourist Visa as it requires suitable documentation and a work permit.
- Where can I find official information about Saudi Visas?
Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website for reliable visa guidance.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia offers various visa options for Zambians, including those that can be obtained online, upon arrival, or at an embassy.
Travelers intending to visit for religious purposes (taking part in a pilgrimage) must have a vaccination certificate against meningitis.
Specific documentation is required for those planning to stay in Saudi Arabia long-term (e.g., an employment letter for work or proof of enrollment to study).
For accurate and official updates, we advise contacting the official channels of the Saudi authorities.
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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.
