Saudi Arabia Visa for Argentinian Citizens

To enter Saudi Arabia, Argentinian citizens require a suitable visa – they can choose from several available application options, including a Regular Visa from the embassy or a Transit Visa.

Some Argentinians (who are visa holders or residents of the UK, US, EU, or GCC country) are eligible for a Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa obtainable online or a Visa on Arrival issued at entry ports.

Without a valid visa, Argentinians won’t be allowed to enter and stay in Saudi Arabia, regardless of their travel plans.

The validity period of your Saudi visa depends on the application method and chosen visa type. For example, the Electronic Visa is valid for one year and allows a 90-day stay in the country.

For a successful Saudi visa application process, Argentinian passport holders must prepare a valid passport, a face photo, and a completed registration form.

IMPORTANT: The passport used for obtaining a Saudi visa must stay valid for at least 6 months from the date of planned entry.

Processing times for Saudi Arabian visas can vary, but usually are as follows:

• Visa on Arrival is processed instantly upon arrival.
• Transit Visa is approved with the flight tickets purchase.
• eVisa applications are approved within 24–72 hours.
• Regular Visas applied via an embassy may take 2–8 weeks.

Documents Argentinian Citizens Need for a Saudi Visa

Having the right documents in place can lead to a hassle-free Saudi visa application process and help you avoid unnecessary delays and confusion.

All Argentinians, no matter their travel plans in Saudi Arabia, should have a passport valid for at least 6 months and a photograph of their face resembling the current features.

However, while applying for a Regular Visa via the Saudi Embassy, you may need to provide some supporting documents.

To find out what documentation is required exactly for your Saudi Arabian visa, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the embassy directly.

For example, if you need a Business Visa, you may be asked to submit a letter of invitation from a Saudi company. A Student Visa will require proof of enrollment to the educational organization.

NOTE: Most documents required for a Saudi visa application must be in English or Arabic.

Obtaining a Saudi Visa from the Embassy

For purposes such as work, study, or stays exceeding 90 days, applying for a visa through the Saudi Embassy is the most reliable route for Argentinian citizens.

The embassy staff ensures that all documents are reviewed and verified, providing clear guidance on the specific visa requirements for your stay.

In order to apply for a Saudi visa, Argentinian nationals must:

1. Complete the application form at the local Saudi Embassy in Buenos Aires.
2. Gather the supporting documents, ensuring all are valid and up-to-date.
3. Submit the application along with the required fees in person at the embassy.
4. Take part in an interview to describe travel plans (if needed).
5. Await processing and approval, which may take up to 8 weeks.

You’ll get a notification as soon as your Saudi visa is approved and can be used for travel. Usually, it must be collected in person from the office, but sometimes it’s possible to have it delivered by mail.

There are several types of visas available for Argentinian citizens who travel to Saudi Arabia:

• Business Visa
• Diplomatic Visa
• Escort Visa
• Extend Return Visa
• Family Visit Visa
• Hajj Visa
• Residency Visa
• Student Visa
• Tourist Visa
• Umrah Visa
• Work Visa

NOTE: The application via the embassy is the primary method of obtaining a Saudi visa for Argentinian citizens.

Saudi Arabian eVisa for Argentinian Citizens

The Electronic Visa (eVisa) allows eligible Argentinians to apply for their Saudi visa entirely online, bypassing traditional embassy processes and complex formalities.

The online visa system suits purposes such as tourism, visiting family, and religious activities.

Eligible applicants include residents of GCC countries and holders of valid UK, US, or Schengen visas.

NOTE: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The approved Saudi eVisa has a validity of a year and allows multiple visits to the country. The permitted stay can last up to 90 days (during one trip or divided into several entries).

The online application process for a Saudi Arabian visa is quick and easy, so follow each step to complete it smoothly:

1. Visit ksavisa.sa and click on the menu button on the right side of the page.
2. Provide your travel purpose and nationality to check the visa eligibility.
3. Log in or create an account and verify it using your email address.
   
4. Complete the visa application form with personal and travel data.
5. Submit the required face photograph, making sure it meets the criteria.
6. Add the mandatory health insurance and pay the visa processing fee.
7. Track the status of your visa processing using the website.
   

After submitting your application, the Saudi eVisa approval process is quick and efficient, as most applicants receive their visas via email within 72 hours.

To avoid trouble with delays or prolonged processing time, it’s best to apply for a Saudi Electronic Visa at least a week before the planned travel date.

Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia

Visitors from Argentina who are UK, US, or EU visa holders/residents can obtain a Visa on Arrival when traveling to Saudi Arabia, avoiding the standard visa application process.

To apply, Argentinian travelers should:

• Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Be at least 18 years old (minors must be accompanied).

The Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia typically allows a stay of up to 90 days when you can see famous tourist attractions, take part in cultural events, or participate in a pilgrimage.

At the entry port, the process is quick and efficient – dedicated counters and self-service machines handle document verification, visa fee payment (via credit or debit card), and on-the-spot visa issuance.

Transit Through Saudi Arabia

For Argentinians passing through Saudi Arabia, a Transit Visa is an ideal solution for experiencing the country during a layover.

The Saudi Transit Visa allows a short stay of up to 96 hours, enabling passengers to explore key attractions before continuing their journey.

The application process for a Transit Visa is completed online through your airline upon purchasing flight tickets – you can do it with Flynas or Saudia.

Moreover, while applying for a Saudi visa online, you’ll have the chance to add mandatory health insurance to your visa, which provides convenience.

NOTE: It is important to check transit rules well in advance of a visit to Saudi Arabia, as regulations can change over time.

Photo Requirements for the Visa Application

When applying for a Saudi visa, it is essential to use a photo that meets the specific requirements to avoid delays or rejections.

Below are the key guidelines Argentinians should have in mind so that their photos are accepted by the Saudi immigration office:

• Photo Background: The background of the photo must be plain and white without any shadows, objects, or patterns.

• Facial Expressions: Maintain a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions are not permitted.

• Photo Dimensions: The standard size for the photo is 200×200 pixels if submitted digitally, with a file size not exceeding 100 KB. If submitting a physical copy, it should be about 2×2 inches.

• Lighting and Quality: Use even, natural light to prevent shadows on the face or background. The photo must be high-resolution and free of any blur or pixelation.

• Clothing: Wear modest attire that does not blend with the background. Avoid uniforms, camouflage patterns, or anything that might obscure your features. Religious headwear is accepted, but it must not cover the face.

• Glasses and Accessories: Ensure no glasses are being worn, as reflections or glare can lead to rejection.

Your Saudi visa application photo can be taken at home or in a professional studio, both of which are suitable options.

When choosing the studio, confirm that the photographer is familiar with the necessary guidelines to guarantee compliance.

NOTE: The face image used for the Saudi visa application cannot be older than 6 months.

Contact Details to the Saudi Embassy in Argentina

The Saudi Embassy in Argentina offers a wide range of consular services to Argentinian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia in the future.

The available services include processing visa applications, providing guidance on the required documentation, and assisting with document authentication and legalization, such as educational certificates, business agreements, and personal documents.

Beyond visa services, the embassy also provides support to Argentinian citizens traveling in Saudi Arabia in cases of emergencies, such as lost passports, legal troubles, or medical needs.

• Address: C. Alejandro, M. de Aguado 2881, C1425 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires
• Phone: +541 148 039 247
• Email: aremb@mofa.gov.sa

FAQs about Saudi Visas for Argentinians

• Can Argentinian citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
  Yes, provided they are residents or visa holders of GCC, UK, US, or Schengen countries.

• How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia with a valid eVisa?
  Eligible Argentinians can stay up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia, with multiple entries allowed for one year.

• What documents are necessary to apply for a Saudi visa?
  A valid passport, a face photograph, a means of payment, and a completed application form are required from all Saudi visa applicants.

• Do Argentinian travelers need health insurance to visit Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all Argentinian travelers to cover their medical visits in Saudi Arabia.

• Can I transit to Saudi Arabia without a visa?
  Transit Visas are required for extended layovers, available directly through airlines like Saudia or Flynas. If you don’t leave the airport transit zone, you can enter Saudi Arabia visa-free.

• How long does the Saudi Regular Visa approval take?
  Visas issued by the Saudi Embassy are typically approved within 2-8 weeks.

• Can I work in Saudi Arabia with an eVisa?
  No, the Saudi Electronic Visa only permits tourism, pilgrimage, and business.

Conclusion

Obtaining a visa to Saudi Arabia requires careful preparation of necessary documents like a valid passport, a face photo, and an application form to obtain the Saudi visa problem-free.

Travelers from Argentina must also have mandatory health insurance for medical coverage during their stay. Without it, entry may be denied, as it’s a critical requirement for all visitors.

All Argentinians can apply for a Saudi Transit Visa or a Regular Visa (available at the embassy). Some of the visitors, if they have the proper documentation, can get an eVisa or a Visa on Arrival.

Regular Saudi Visa processing takes 2 to 8 weeks, so plan accordingly to get your documents on time.

Sources:

• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main
• https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations