Bermudian citizens are required to obtain a visa in order to travel to and visit Saudi Arabia for any purpose, whether it be for tourism, business, or other activities.
Depending on the residency status and stay duration, Bermudians can choose from Saudi visas such as an eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Regular Visa, or Transit Visa.
All visa types for Saudi Arabia require the applicants to have a valid passport and a recent photograph of their face – without these documents, you can’t complete the visa application process.
The processing time for a Saudi eVisa typically is 24–72 hours. A Visa on Arrival and a Transit Visa are approved immediately upon submission, and a Regular Visa, processed through the embassy, usually takes 10-40 business days.
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, Bermudian travelers must meet these entry requirements:
- Present a valid visa in either digital or paper form.
- Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Have travel health insurance for the journey.
NOTE: The requirements for Saudi visas vary depending on your chosen type, so verify eligibility and gather the necessary documents beforehand.
Applying for a Saudi Arabian Regular Visa
Applying for a Saudi visa through the embassy offers many visa options, including those unavailable online. It’s also the method of application that all Bermudian citizens can use.
The embassy handles the processing of various visa categories, ensuring that applicants have the necessary documentation to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Regular Visa Types
A Diplomatic Visa is issued to diplomats and government officials, while a Tourist Visa allows Bermudians for leisure or sightseeing.
A Business Visa is for professionals conducting business activities, and a Work Visa grants permission to live and work in the Kingdom.
A Residency Visa provides long-term stay rights, often linked to work or investment, while a Family Visit Visa permits individuals to visit relatives residing in the country.
An Extend Return Visa is designed for those needing to extend their stay beyond the original return date, and an Escort Visa is for individuals accompanying another visa holder. A Student Visa is for Bermudian citizens enrolling in Saudi universities.
The Hajj Visa and Umrah Visa are specific to Muslims traveling for religious pilgrimages to Mecca.
Saudi Visa Application Process
Applying for a Saudi visa through the embassy is a straightforward but detailed process that requires careful preparation.
It is important to note that you must schedule an appointment to visit the Saudi Embassy, as walk-ins are not accepted when it comes to visa application procedures – it ensures an organized and efficient process.
To apply for a Saudi visa via the embassy, citizens of Bermuda should:
- Gather the required documents (valid passport, completed application form, and supporting documentation).
- Submit the application in person at the designated office, including all documents, and pay the mandatory fees.
- Take part in an interview and provide biometric data, such as fingerprints or iris scans (this step isn’t always essential).
- Wait for application processing after submitting the form, which typically takes around 10-40 business days, based on the visa type.
Your information provided in the Saudi visa application will be reviewed so that it meets the requirements. Once everything is in place, you’ll be notified about the approval of your Saudi visa.
Bermudians must collect their visas at the Saudi Embassy in person upon proving their identity using an ID card.
Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia for Bermudian Citizens
Transit Visas are perfect for Bermudian travelers who pass through Saudi Arabia en route to another country.
With an approved Saudi Transit Visa, Bermudians can explore Saudi cities for up to 96 hours of the visa validity period. They can also take part in cultural or sports events.
The visa application in case of transit through Saudi Arabia can be made while buying flight tickets with airline websites like www.saudia.com or www.flynas.com.
You can make the purchase even 90 days before the planned travel date.
NOTE: Bermudians don’t need to apply for a Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia as long as they don’t leave the transit area at the airport.
Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa
Saudi Arabian eVisa system offers an easy and efficient visa solution for Bermudians who meet specific criteria, such as residing in the US, UK, EU, or a GCC country / holding a valid Tourism or Business Visa from the US, UK, or Schengen country.
NOTE: The Gulf Cooperation Council countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
With an eVisa, travelers from Bermuda are permitted to engage in tourism and leisure activities, visit family, and take part in the Umrah pilgrimage.
- Visit www.ksavisa.sa: Navigate to the official website to begin your application process.
- Access the menu: Click on the menu button located in the top-right corner of the homepage.
- Check your eligibility: Review the visa requirements and start the application process for the most suitable visa.
- Create an account: If you have an account, log in; otherwise, create a new account.
- Proceed with the application: Complete all fields in the application form, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Submit your photograph: Upload your face picture which is taken on a blank background.
- Pay the application fee: Cover the required fee through the available payment method.
- Wait for processing: Allow the necessary time for the visa to be processed (1-3 business days).
- Print out the visa: Download and print a paper copy of your visa to Saudi Arabia.
The approved Saudi eVisa is valid for an entire year and permits multiple entries to the Kingdom, with the total stay being 90 days.
Saudi Visa on Arrival (VOA)
A Visa on Arrival system allows Bermudians with residence permits / valid visas from the US, UK, or a Schengen country* to receive their Saudi visa upon entry into Saudi Arabia.
To obtain a Saudi Visa on Arrival, Bermudians must hold a valid passport and be over 18 years old.
Upon arrival at a Saudi port of entry (seaport, airport, border crossing), proceed to the immigration counters or look for the self-service KIOSK machines.
The visa-issuance process is immediate, allowing travelers to conveniently access Saudi Arabia during the one-year visa validity period.
*The Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Official Sources for Saudi Visa Updates
For accurate, reliable, and up-to-date visa information, Bermudian citizens are advised to use trusted and verified sources.
Consult these official platforms to avoid misinformation or unnecessary complications in your Saudi visa application process.
The MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website provides official updates and information on international policies, diplomatic activities, and global relations. It is a reliable resource for news, announcements, and insights related to a country’s external engagements.
The Visit Saudi is the official tourism website for Saudi Arabia, showcasing everything the country has to offer – it provides travel guides and cultural insights.
The My GOV platform allows access to a wide range of government services and e-services convenient for both Saudi citizens and international visitors. It’s also available as a mobile app.
Extending Your Stay in Saudi Arabia
Bermudian citizens can typically apply for a Saudi visa extension through the Absher platform, an integrated online government service designed to simplify various administrative tasks.
You can also request a visa extension in person at the immigration office once you’re in Saudi Arabia – simply bring the required documents and fill out the necessary forms. The staff will guide you through the process.
Typically, a Saudi visa extension grants additional 30-90 days; however, this can vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances.
Bermudians who remain in the country beyond their Saudi Arabian visa’s expiration date may face fines, detention, deportation, and a potential ban from re-entering the Kingdom.
NOTE: Saudi Arabian visa extension is not guaranteed – the decision is made at the discretion of the immigration office.
Contact Information for Saudi Embassy Assistance
Currently, there is no Saudi Arabian Embassy located in Bermuda. Bermudian citizens who wish to apply for a Saudi visa must do so at the nearest local office or visit the Saudi Embassy in the United Kingdom.
The embassy provides a range of services for Bermudians seeking assistance with visas. Additionally, it can provide authentication of documents and legal affairs guidance related to Saudi law.
The immigration staff delivers information on the different types of visas available and offers guidance regarding entry requirements to Saudi Arabia.
Contact details to the Saudi Arabian Embassy in the UK:
- Address: 30 Charles St, London W1J 5DZ
- Phone: +442 079 173 000
- Email: med.ukemb@mofa.gov.sa
Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi Visas
- Do Bermudians need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
Yes, all citizens of Bermuda must have a valid Saudi visa to enter the Kingdom legally.
- Can Bermudian citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
If they meet the criteria (being a resident of a GCC, EU, UK, US / having a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa), Bermudians can apply for a Saudi eVisa.
- Is a Saudi Arabian VOA the same as an eVisa?
No, these two documents share similar eligibility criteria and permit comparable activities, but they are different visas.
- Do I need to apply for an Umrah visa separately?
Umrah can be included in the Saudi Electronic Visa, but there’s also a special Umrah Visa available at the embassy.
- Can I work in Saudi Arabia with a visa?
No, paid employment (temporary or permanent) requires a proper Business Visa, Residency Visa, or Work Visa for Saudi Arabia.
- What happens if my Saudi visa expires?
Overstaying your visa in Saudi Arabia can result in significant fines, penalties, and potential legal consequences, so it is important to leave or renew your visa before it expires.
- Can minors apply for a Saudi Arabian visa?
Yes, minors can apply for a Saudi Arabian visa, but they generally need consent from their parents or legal guardians.
Conclusion
Understanding Saudi Arabian visa options like eVisa, VOA, Transit Visa, and Regular Visa can help Bermudian travelers choose the best fit for their travel needs.
Regular Visas from the embassy remain the primary method for obtaining a Saudi Arabian visa for visitors from Bermuda, offering many visa types and various validity periods.
To apply for any type of Saudi Arabian visa, Bermudians need a passport valid for no less than 6 months and a recent face photograph.
Visitors must also remember about visa validity periods to avoid fines – watch out for overstaying.
Sources:
- https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
- 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
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.
