Saudi Arabia Visa for Burmese Citizens

All Burmese citizens need a valid visa to enter Saudi Arabia, regardless of the nature of their visit and the estimated length of the journey.

Saudi Arabia offers citizens of Myanmar multiple options for visa application methods, including:

• eVisa (Electronic Visa): A one-year, multiple-entry visa allowing a total stay of up to 90 days for tourism-related activities.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Issued directly at Saudi ports of entry for eligible travelers, offering up to 90 days of stay.
• Regular Visa: Available for tourists, businesspeople, workers, and residents via the embassy or consulate for longer-duration stays.
• Transit Visa: Ideal for layovers, this visa permits travelers to pass through Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours.

Processing times for Saudi Arabian visas vary, so Burmese citizens should apply early. For an Electronic Visa, it takes 24–72 hours, and 2–8 weeks for a Regular Visa.

A Saudi VOA and Transit Visa are issued immediately upon fee payment.

NOTE: A Burmese passport used for the Saudi visa application should be valid for at least 6 months.

Regular Visa Application for Saudi Arabia

All Burmese citizens are eligible for the Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia. This option is also ideal for travelers seeking to stay in the country beyond 90 days or those needing visa types not covered under eVisa or VOA.

The available Saudi visas from the embassy are:

• Diplomatic Visa: Issued to diplomats or government officials.
• Tourist Visa: Allows travelers for leisure or sightseeing purposes.
• Business Visa: Granted to travel for business meetings.
• Work Visa: Permits to live and work in Saudi Arabia.
• Residency Visa: Enables long-term residence in a foreign country.
• Family Visit Visa: Allows to visit family members residing in another country.
• Extend Return Visa: Provides an extension for residents.
• Escort Visa: Allows accompanying or escorting individuals.
• Student Visa: Granted to pursue education in the Kingdom.
• Hajj Visa: For Muslims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
• Umrah Visa: For pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah.

To apply for a Saudi visa, Burmese visitors must gather all required documents, including a passport, a recent face photo, and any supporting materials specific to the selected visa type.

Then, they must submit the documents to the nearest embassy or consulate and wait for approval, which typically takes 2 to 8 weeks. The visa should be collected in person at the designated office.

In some cases, an additional visa interview may be essential – the embassy staff will ask the applicant about the travel plans and purpose for visiting the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabian Transit Visa

The Transit Visa is an excellent choice for Burmese travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route to another destination. It’s easily obtainable online and allows up to 96 hours of stay.

The Saudi visa for transit is perfect for short trips during a layover to explore the Kingdom.

With the approved document, travelers from Myanmar can go on sightseeing tours and relax before the further journey.

This visa is obtained upon the purchase of flight tickets with airlines like Flynas or Saudia. The process is simple and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to complete.

NOTE: A Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia is not essential if the Burmese traveler doesn’t leave the airport.

Online Application for a Saudi Visa

The Saudi eVisa is an electronic visa issued to Burmese citizens who are GCC/UK/US/EU residents or visa holders of the UK/US/Schengen countries.

The Saudi eVisa permits activities related to tourism, family visits, and Umrah pilgrimage. Other travel purposes require a suitable visa from the embassy.

Online application for a visa to Saudi Arabia can be completed by Burmese travelers in a few steps:

1. Visiting the KSA Visa portal and creating an account to log in.
2. Filling out the application form with personal details, including passport data.
3. Uploading the required documents – face photo and eligibility proof.
4. Adding mandatory health insurance if not already holding one.
5. Paying the mandatory fee with a chosen online payment method.
6. Waiting for a visa approval sent via email within 24–72 hours.

The online visa application for Saudi Arabia offers the Burmese travelers convenience and efficiency, allowing them to complete their application from anywhere without visiting an embassy in person.

An approved Electronic Visa must be printed out before visiting Saudi Arabia.

Visa on Arrival for Burmese Citizens

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for eligible Burmese travelers already residing in the UK, the US, or an EU country. It’s also available for visa holders from these countries.

The Saudi VOA carries similar benefits to the eVisa but simplifies the application by offering immediate issuance upon arrival at entry ports.

The application form for a Saudi Visa on Arrival can be completed in two different ways:

• At self-service KIOSKs by the applicant.
• At the immigration desk by the officers.

Regardless of the application method selected, citizens of Myanmar can get a Saudi VOA for a single visit or multiple entries.

NOTE: The approved Visa on Arrival permits Burmese travelers to spend 90 days in the Kingdom.

Saudi Visa Application Requirements

To successfully obtain a Saudi Visa on Arrival, Burmese nationals must meet certain requirements.

Travelers need proper documentation to apply for a Saudi visa and enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Below is a detailed outline of the essential criteria and documents needed for a visa:

• Passport with a validity of at least 6 months.
• Recent photo presenting the applicant’s face.
• Health insurance which is mandatory for all travelers.  

Additionally, applicants may be required to provide supporting documentation depending on the purpose of their visit. It could include proof of accommodation or a letter of invitation.

Extra documents help confirm the applicant’s plans and intentions during their stay in the Kingdom.

Pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj need vaccinations for meningitis.

NOTE: For more details on Saudi visa requirements, Burmese citizens are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Checking the Saudi Visa Processing Status

Applicants can check the status of their Saudi visa processing through the official visa portal provided by the Saudi government – www.ksavisa.sa.

To begin, they need their application reference number and passport number, which are key identifiers for tracking their visa status.

The system will then provide updated information on the progress of the visa application, including whether it has been approved, is under review, or requires further documentation.

For embassy-based Saudi visa applications, applicants from Myanmar should visit the respective immigration office for specific instructions on tracking their visa status.

Applicants can also contact the embassy via phone or email to ask about the status of their visa.

Embassy Assistance for Burmese Citizens

Contacting the embassy in case of trouble with the visa application is essential for Burmese citizens as it can provide accurate and official information and guidelines.

The embassy staff can offer guidance on resolving issues, such as missing documents or additional requirements.

Moreover, they serve as a reliable point of contact to address specific concerns and make sure the application process moves forward smoothly.

Burmese citizens should contact the Saudi Embassy in Myanmar, and they can do it via a few channels:

• Address: No.6 /S Inya Avenue Street 10th Quartr Mayangone Township
• Phone: +951 658 252
• Email: biemb@mofa.gov.sa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can Burmese citizens apply online for a Saudi visa?
  Yes. GCC residents and valid visa holders of recognized nations (US, UK, EU) are eligible for a Saudi eVisa.

• What is the validity of a Saudi eVisa?
  It is valid for one year, permitting multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days in total.

• What if I only have a short layover in Saudi Arabia?
  Burmese citizens should consider a Transit Visa, valid for up to 96 hours, for layovers in Saudi Arabia.

• Are Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia options available for Burmese travelers?
  Yes, Burmese travelers with valid UK, US, and EU residency or visa can apply for a Saudi VOA.

• Is health insurance mandatory for entry?
  Yes, health insurance is compulsory for all visitors traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• Can Burmese travelers perform Hajj with a Saudi eVisa?
  No, the Saudi Electronic Visa allows Umrah but excludes Hajj pilgrimages.

• How long does a Saudi Regular Visa processing take?
  Typically, the processing takes 2–8 weeks, depending on documentation accuracy.

Summary

Travelers from Myanmar wishing to visit Saudi Arabia can apply for different visas, including a VOA, eVisa, Transit Visa, or Regular Visa, based on their eligibility and travel needs.

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all visitors entering the country.

Processing times for Saudi visas vary and depend on required documentation and embassy workload, so Burmese visitors should apply for a visa early enough.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main