To visit Saudi Arabia, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina must have a visa, as it is a requirement for entering the country regardless of the purpose of travel, such as tourism, business, or religious visits.
While various types of Saudi Arabian visas exist, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina are typically eligible for a Regular Visa and a Transit Visa.
A Saudi eVisa and a Visa on Arrival are only granted under specific circumstances, such as holding a US, UK, or Schengen residency.
A valid passport is essential for any Saudi visa application, and processing times may take up to 8 weeks in the case of Regular Visas and 3 days for eVisas.
NOTE: Applicants from Bosnia and Herzegovina are advised to apply for a Saudi visa well in advance to avoid any delays in their travel plans.
What Documents Do I Need for a Saudi Visa
The proper documents are crucial for a smooth Saudi visa application without delays. Gather all the required paperwork in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
Below is a detailed list of essential documents that Bosnian citizens must provide when applying for a Saudi visa.
- A passport with at least 6 months of validity from your intended travel date.
- A completed and signed visa application form.
- A recent face photograph following Saudi visa guidelines.*
- Supporting documentation, such as a copy of your flight itinerary and proof of accommodation, if necessary.
*Your photograph must meet specific requirements to be accepted when applying for a Saudi visa. It should be recent (taken within the last 6 months) and in color with a white background.
Your face needs to be fully visible, centered, and looking directly at the camera. Hats, headgear, or sunglasses are not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
The photo must also be in high resolution without any marks, creases, or smudges.
Regular Saudi Visas for Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina can travel to Saudi Arabia using Regular Visas, which are typically issued for various purposes.
To apply, you must submit the visa application through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate, along with the necessary documents specific to the visa type.
The available types of Saudi Regular Visas include:
- Diplomatic Visa
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Work Visa
- Residency Visa
- Family Visit Visa
- Extend Return Visa
- Escort Visa
- Student Visa
- Hajj Visa
- Umrah Visa
Regular Visa categories ensure that citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina can travel with the appropriate authorization based on their specific needs and circumstances.
Applying for a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia as Bosnian can be simple if you follow these steps:
- Identify your Saudi visa type. Decide which type of visa you need.
- Gather your documents. Make sure all necessary documents, like your passport and any supporting papers, are prepared.
- Book an appointment. Check with your nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy to schedule an in-person appointment, either online or by phone.
- Complete the application form. Obtain and fill out the visa application form from the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
- Pay the visa fee. Follow the payment instructions, which may require paying in advance or during your appointment.
- Attend the appointment. Submit your documents, provide biometric data if needed, and answer any questions about your visit.
- Wait for the processing and receive your Saudi visa. Once approved, you will receive your visa, either by mail or in person, as instructed during your application process.
Regular Visa processing can take up to 8 weeks, so it’s essential to plan ahead and start your application as early as possible.
Delays can occur due to high demand or incomplete documentation, so double-check all requirements before submission.
Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia
An Electronic Visa (eVisa) to Saudi Arabia is a convenient option, but it’s not available to Bosnian citizens in standard cases. Exceptions include those with:
- A valid Business or Tourist Visa issued by the UK, US, or any Schengen member country (the visa must have been used at least once to enter the visa-issuing country).
- A Permanent Residence Visa issued by the UK, US, or EU countries.
- A valid Residence Visa in a GCC country (valid for at least 3 months).
The Saudi eVisa application is completed online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy.
NOTE: Applicants from Bosnia and Herzegovina must make sure their passports are valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
Applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa is a straightforward process that can be completed quickly if all the necessary requirements are met.
Below are the six steps to follow for a successful Saudi eVisa application:
- Visit the https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ and create an account.
- Fill out the online application form with personal and travel information.
- Upload a recent face photograph.
- Pay the visa fee using a valid credit or debit card.
- Wait for the application to be processed, which typically takes a few minutes to a few days.
- Receive the approved eVisa via email and print a copy for travel.
Once the Saudi eVisa is approved, it allows easy entry to Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days in total within the validity period of one year.
Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia
A Transit or Stopover Visa grants Bosnia and Herzegovinian travelers passing through Saudi Arabia the opportunity to enter the country for various purposes (performing Umrah, visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, exploring seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and attending sports or entertainment events).
NOTE: Religious travelers planning to visit Makkah or Madinah must schedule their Umrah or Ziyarah appointments through Nusuk.sa.
The Saudi Transit Visa allows a single entry and permits a stay of up to 96 hours.
To obtain a Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia, you must book the plane ticket through Saudia or Flynas Airlines.
What to Do If Your Saudi Arabia Visa Application is Denied
If your Saudi Arabia visa application is denied, the first step is to review the reasons provided by the authorities carefully.
Address any errors or missing information in your application and consider making the necessary corrections before reapplying.
You can seek assistance from the Saudi Embassy to make sure your visa application meets all the requirements.
Additionally, verify that all supporting documents provided are accurate, up-to-date, and meet Saudi Arabia’s regulations.
Finally, if the denial repeats, you may contact the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further clarification or guidance on how to proceed.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a Saudi Arabia Visa
Applying for a Saudi Arabian visa as a Bosnian can be straightforward, but common mistakes often lead to delays or denials.
One common error is providing incomplete or inaccurate information on the application form, which can raise red flags during the review process.
Another frequent mistake is submitting expired or insufficient supporting documents, such as outdated passports or missing required certificates.
Many applicants also fail to properly follow the application guidelines set by the Saudi authorities, including not translating documents into Arabic if required.
NOTE: Overlooking the importance of scheduling appointments or submitting Saudi visa applications within the proper time frame can result in complications.
Lastly, some applicants may unintentionally choose the wrong Saudi visa type for travel purposes, leading to confusion and potential rejection.
Saudi Embassy for Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina serves as a vital point of contact for Bosnian citizens seeking to apply for a Saudi Arabia visa.
The embassy provides assistance with visa applications, document authentication, and other consular services.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the embassy directly for specific requirements and guidance for a smooth visa application process.
- Address: Kolomva 40
- Phone: 0038733211861
- Email: baemb@mofa.gov.sa
- Fax: 0038733212204
FAQ about Saudi Visa
- What are the general requirements for a Saudi Arabia visa application?
General requirements include a completed Saudi visa application form and a passport with at least 6 months validity.
- How can I book an appointment at the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
You can book an appointment directly by contacting the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Do I need to translate my supporting documents into Arabic?
An official translator must translate most supporting documents into Arabic to meet the embassy’s requirements.
- What should I do if my Saudi visa application is rejected?
If your Saudi visa application is rejected, you should review the reasons provided, address any issues, and reapply with the necessary corrections.
- How long does it usually take to process a Saudi Arabia eVisa application?
Processing times of Saudi eVisa can vary, but it typically takes up to 3 days business days.
- What types of Saudi visas are available for Bosnian citizens?
Common Saudi visas include Tourist Visas, Business Visas, Work Visas, Family Visit Visas, and Pilgrimage Visas (e.g., for Hajj or Umrah).
- How can I ensure my Saudi visa application meets all requirements to avoid rejection?
Double-check all documents for accuracy, ensure translations are official, provide complete and truthful information, and follow the embassy’s guidelines closely.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Saudi visa requires careful planning and attention to detail. It is essential to understand the specific requirements for your Saudi visa type and check if all documents are accurately prepared.
As a Bosnian, you can get a Regular Visa or Tranist Visa to Saudi Arabia. Also, eVisa and a Visa on Arrival are available if you are a US, UK, or Schengen/GCC resident or Business/Tourist Visa holder.
With proper preparation, you can make your Saudi visa application experience smooth and successful.
Sources:
- https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/BosniaandHerzegovina/EN/Pages/default.aspx
- https://www.my.gov.sa/
- https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
- https://ksavisa.sa/
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.
