Saudi Arabia Visa for Bhutanese Citizens

Bhutanese citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, regardless if the purpose of their travel is tourism, pilgrimage, business, or work.

However, the available Saudi visa type depends on factors such as the duration of stay and residency status in other countries. For example, all Bhutanese citizens can apply for a Regular Visa from the embassy or a Transit Visa upon buying flight tickets.

NOTE: Bhutanese citizens residing in the GCC, US, UK, or EU or holding valid UK, US, or Schengen visas may qualify for a Saudi eVisa or Visa on Arrival (VOA).

Saudi visa validity depends on the selected type – a Saudi eVisa is valid for one year with multiple entries, while a Regular Visa validity is linked to the purpose of travel (such as the length of the work contract for a Work Visa).

To apply for a Saudi visa, each traveler from Bhutan needs a valid Bhutanese passport and a face photo taken no later than 6 months before the application.

Processing times vary based on the visa type, with the Regular Visa taking 10-40 business days.

Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia for Bhutanese Citizens

Through the Saudi Embassy, Bhutanese citizens can apply for several Regular Visa types, each requiring specific supporting documents, such as an employment letter for a Work Visa or an invitation letter for a Family Visit Visa.

TIP: To understand particular requirements for your Saudi visa, contact the embassy staff directly via email or phone.

There are several Saudi Arabian visa types available for Bhutanese citizens, such as:

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

Applying for a Regular Visa via the Saudi Embassy is simple but may require some preparation. Start by collecting the necessary documents and researching the available visa types.

Upon scheduling the visit earlier, visit the embassy and complete the application form. Don’t forget to pay the visa processing fee. Finally, wait for your application to be approved and collect your visa.

In some cases, you may be asked to take part in an interview when the immigration officer will want to know more about your travel plans in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Application from Bhutan

The Saudi eVisa is obtainable online, designed for simplicity and convenience, which suits tourism, leisure, and vacationing purposes.

With an Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia, Bhutanese travelers can engage in activities such as visiting tourist attractions, meeting with friends and family, and participating in non-commercial events.

Applying online is fast, efficient, and particularly beneficial for eligible Bhutanese who are residents/visa holders of GCC, UK, US, or Schengen zone.

To apply for a Saudi Arabian eVisa, follow these steps:

1. Visit the online visa homepage – Start by heading to the official KSA Visa website to begin your application process.
2. Check your visa eligibility – Enter details such as your nationality and travel purpose to confirm if you are eligible for a visa.
3. Log in or create an account – Sign in to your existing account or register for a new one. Don’t forget to verify your account via email to proceed.
4. Fill out the application form – Complete the visa application form with accurate and up-to-date personal information and details about your travel plans.
5. Submit the required documents – Upload any necessary documents, including a clear facial photo, as part of the application process.
6. Add travel insurance – Include a health insurance plan to ensure you are covered during your visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
7. Pay the visa fee – Finalize your application by paying the required visa fee through the provided payment options.

The Saudi Arabian eVisa application has many benefits, such as a shorter processing time (up to 3 business days) and a visa approval delivered via email message.

To stay updated or in case of a prolonged waiting time for authorization, you can use the online tracker tool to check the status of your Saudi visa application.

Documents Bhutanese Need for a Saudi Visa

When applying for a Saudi Arabian visa, Bhutanese citizens must have the necessary documentation ready to speed up the application process.

Proper preparation and submission of the documents will help avoid delays or complications while securing the Saudi visa.

Applicants from Bhutan need a passport valid for 6 months or more from the entry date and a recent face photograph taken at home or a professional studio.

Additional documents required by the selected type of Saudi visa may include:

• Tourism Visa: Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary.
• Work Visa: Valid employment contract and authorization from an employer.
• Family Visit Visa: Invitation letter from family or proof of relationship.
• Student Visa: Letter of acceptance from an educational institution.
• Business Visa: Invitation letter from a business partner or company.

NOTE: All Bhutanese travelers to Saudi Arabia must have valid health insurance, which will cover their medical expenses during the journey.

Transiting through Saudi Arabia

A Transit Visa is required for Bhutanese citizens if, during the layover in Saudi Arabia, they’re going to leave the airport transit zone.

In order to obtain the Saudi Transit Visa, you must choose this option while buying flight tickets via airlines like Saudia or Flynas. Then, you can also add health insurance to the application, which is very convenient.

Your Transit Visa will be approved as soon as you cover the fee payment for the online processing.

With a Saudi visa, you can spend up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia before traveling to the next destination.

Saudi Visa on Arrival

The Saudi Visa on Arrival is a convenient option as it allows Bhutanese tourists to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without having to apply for a visa in advance.

This solution simplifies travel plans and is particularly beneficial for last-minute trips or those with limited preparation time.

To be eligible for the Saudi Visa on Arrival, travelers must hold a valid passport and be older than 18 years.

Additionally, Bhutanese citizens need a visa or residency from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or the Schengen Area states.

The process for obtaining a Visa on Arrival is straightforward – upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, proceed to the designated immigration counter or look for the special self-service machines.

Once approved, the Visa on Arrival allows tourists to explore Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days.

Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia

Bhutanese citizens traveling for pilgrimage can get a special Umrah Visa or Hajj Visa, which are obtainable via the Saudi Embassy (depending on the current pilgrimage season).

These visas are limited to religious purposes in Mecca and Medina and don’t permit casual tourism and leisure.

The Nusuk platform simplifies organizing pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia, providing step-by-step guidance on applications and tips on how to prepare for the journey.

Embassy Contact Details for Bhutanese Citizens

For Bhutanese citizens in need of in-person assistance, contact the embassy or consulate nearest to your location, as there is no Saudi Embassy in Bhutan as of now.

Bhutanese visitors who have trouble with their visa application procedure, seek assistance from immigration officers, or need tips on how to prepare for the journey should head to the Saudi Embassy in India.

• Address: EP 30, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
• Phone: +911 124 102 000
• Email: inemb@mofa.gov.sa

The embassy staff can provide assistance to Bhutanese travelers by offering guidance on visa applications, clarifying entry requirements, and ensuring all necessary documents are in order.

Moreover, they can address any issues encountered during the application process and provide up-to-date information on travel policies and regulations.

NOTE: Check the Saudi Embassy’s working hours (Monday-Friday, between 9:00-4:00) and plan your visit to the office accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can Bhutanese citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
  Yes, travelers from Bhutan can enter Saudi Arabia with an eVisa if they are GCC residents or holders of valid UK, US, or Schengen visas.

• How long does a Saudi take to process?
  Generally, it’s 2–8 weeks for a Regular Visa and around 3 business days for an Electronic Visa. Transit Visa and Visa on Arrival are issued immediately.

• Is a Transit Visa required at Saudi airports?
  You don’t need a Transit Visa if you stay at the airport’s transit zone.

• Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi eVisa?
  Yes, Saudi Arabian eVisas allow Umrah outside the Hajj period.

• Are tourists from Bhutan required to have health insurance for Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, obtaining health insurance is mandatory for all Bhutanese visitors.

• Can I work in Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, but you need a valid Work Visa, Business Visa, or Residence Visa.

• Where can I find more information about traveling to Saudi Arabia?
  You can do it at the MOFA website or the My GOV platform.

Conclusion

Traveling to Saudi Arabia has been made increasingly accessible with various visa options suiting different purposes such as tourism, work, and religious activities.

Whether visiting for leisure, performing Umrah, or attending business engagements, Bhutanese citizens should understand the visa policy of Saudi Arabia to easily plan their trip.

Visitors from Bhutan can choose between a Regular Visa and Transit Visa. Some of them are also eligible for an Electronic Visa (eVisa) or a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

For a seamless experience, consider factors like the time required for Saudi Arabian visa processing, which varies depending on the type of visa you choose.

For further details and accurate updates on travel requirements, don’t forget to visit the government platforms.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• 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