Saudi Arabia Visa for Burundian Citizens

Burundian citizens must obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, as it is a mandatory requirement for all travel purposes.

A Saudi visa is an official document allowing you entry into the Kingdom for a specific reason and duration.

Currently, Burundians can only obtain a Transit Visa online or a Regular Visa to enter Saudi Arabia. The second option requires an application process through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.

An Electronic Visa (eVisa) and a Visa on Arrival are only available under specific circumstances, such as being a US, UK, or Schengen resident or Business or Tourist Visa holder.

NOTE: Understanding the Saudi visa process and requirements is essential to make sure your application is successful and stress-free.

One of the most important documents to have is a passport with sufficient validity (6 months).

Regular Saudi Visas for Burundian Citizens

A Regular Saudi Visa is the primary option for Burundian citizens visiting Saudi Arabia. These visas are issued through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.

Regular Visas may be granted for several purposes, such as business, tourism, work, or religious pilgrimage (for instance, Hajj or Umrah).

Available types of Regular Saudi Visas include:

• Diplomatic Visa (government staff or diplomatic missions and organizations)
• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa
• Work Visa (permanent or temporary)
• Residency Visa (standard, premium, newborn)
• Family Visit Visa
• Extend Return Visa
• Escort Visa
• Student Visa
• Hajj Visa
• Umrah Visa

The Regular Visa process is straightforward but requires gathering all necessary documents and attending an appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate.

It is critical to apply beforehand, as processing for a Regular Visa may take up to 8 weeks.

How to Get a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia

Obtaining a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia as a Burundian citizen may seem complex, but with knowledge about the process, you can be prepared.

Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or religious purposes, you should:

1. Determine your category: Identify the type of Saudi visa you need.
2. Gather necessary documents: Collect all required documentation essential for your application.
3. Book an appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your region.
4. Submit your application: Attend your appointment and submit your completed visa application form, along with the documents.
5. Wait for processing: After submission, wait for the embassy to process your application and return to receive a visa.

Double-check all the details once your Saudi visa is approved for accuracy. Make sure to plan your travel arrangements accordingly to avoid any last-minute issues.

What Documents Do I Need for a Saudi Visa

When applying for a Saudi visa, you will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of travel, a completed visa application form, and face photo meeting official conditions.

You may also need additional documents, such as a hotel reservation or invitation letter if you are visiting family or friends and a flight itinerary showing entry and exit from Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, health insurance is required (can be bought while getting a Saudi eVisa). Supporting documentation relevant to your Saudi visa type, such as a business invitation letter or pilgrimage registration, may also be necessary.

Check if all files are accurate and up to date to avoid delays or rejection.

Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia

Unfortunately, Burundian citizens are not currently eligible for Saudi Arabia’s Electronic Visa unless they meet one of the below conditions and are:

• US, UK, or Schengen residents or Business or Tourist Visa holders
• GCC residents

The application process for a Saudi eVisa consists of several steps. It is designed to be simple and can be completed online by:

1. Applying through Saudi Arabia’s https://ksavisa.sa/.
2. Submitting the required documents digitally.
3. Paying the eVisa application fee.
4. Waiting for the approval to finalize your travel arrangements.
5. Receiving your Saudi visa via email.
6. Printing a copy of your eVisa to carry during your trip.

For the latest information on eVisa guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application processes, be sure to check with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They provide up-to-date details to help you navigate the eVisa system smoothly and ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

Saudi Transit Visa

The Saudi Transit Visa is an excellent option for Burundi travelers passing through Saudi Arabia on their way to another destination.

The visa allows visitors to stop over for 96 hours, giving them the opportunity to explore the Kingdom.

Travelers can conveniently obtain the Saudi Transit Visa when booking plane tickets through Flynas or Saudia, which is very convenient.

Saudi Visa on Arrival

The Saudi Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for eligible Burundians visiting the Kingdom for tourism or religious purposes.

The Visa on Arrival typically allows a stay of up to 90 days, making it suitable for short and extended trips.

It is important to note that the Visa on Arrival (VOA) is only available to Burundians who meet specific criteria, including one of the following:

• A valid Business or Tourist Visa issued by the UK, US, or one of the Schengen member countries (which 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.

Upon landing at one of Saudi Arabia’s international entry points, the VOA can be obtained, allowing visitors to bypass the traditional application process. You can use the self-service devices (KIOSK) or go directly to the passport control office to get it.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Saudi Arabia Visa

Processing times for a Saudi visa can vary based on several factors, including the type of visa you’re applying for, the specific requirements involved, and the workload of your local embassy or consulate.

• Regular Visa: 2-8 weeks from the date of application submission.
• eVisa (if eligible): Typically processed online within 24-72 hours.
• Visa on Arrival/Transit Visa: available immediately after payment.

It’s best to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid delays and make sure you have enough time to address any unexpected issues that may arise during the process.

The extra preparation can help prevent last-minute stress and enable a smooth start to your Saudi trip.

Common Mistakes When Applying for a Saudi Arabia Visa

Many Saudi visa applicants face delays or rejections due to easily avoidable errors. Common mistakes include:

• submitting an incorrect or incomplete visa application form
• using an expired passport or one with insufficient validity
• applying for the wrong visa type for the intended purpose of travel

Other frequent errors involve missing or providing inaccurate supporting documents, delaying the application process, leaving insufficient time for processing, ignoring specific photo or document formatting requirements, and failing to purchase the required travel or health insurance.

TIP: For success, double-check every detail before submitting your Saudi visa application.

Saudi Arabia Embassy

Currently, there is no Saudi Arabia embassy located in Burundi. Applicants from Burundi who wish to apply for a Saudi Visa may need to check for the nearest regional embassy or consulate that handles visa applications.

The embassy provides a range of essential services, including processing various visa types, offering guidelines for legal travel requirements, and assisting with official documentation.

The Saudi Embassy in Tanzania can serve as the nearest point of contact for assistance or inquiries related to Saudi Arabia:

• Address: 44 Galu St, Dar es Salaam
• Phone: 255222668203
• Email: tzemb@mofa.gov.sa
• Working Hours: From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

FAQ about Saudi visa for Burundi Citizens

• How do I know which Saudi visa type I need?
  Refer to the specific purpose of your travel (tourism, business, pilgrimage) and consult embassy for guidance.

• Will my Saudi visa allow multiple entries?
  It depends on the type of Saudi visa—check your visa terms to confirm single or multiple entries.

• Can my Saudi visa application be denied?
  Yes, Saudi visa applications can be denied if there are missing documents, errors, or insufficient eligibility.

• Is a health check required for a Saudi visa?
  For certain Saudi visa types, such as those for work or long-term stays, medical tests may be mandatory.

• Can I track my Saudi visa application status?
  Yes, most Saudi Embassies offer tracking services for submitted applications.

• Can I extend my Saudi visa?
  Certain Saudi visas may be extended under specific conditions. Contact the Saudi authorities for assistance.

• What happens if I overstay my Saudi visa?
  Overstaying can result in fines or travel bans. Always check your Saudi visa’s duration.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Saudi Arabian visa as a Burundian citizen is essential for entering the country legally.

A Regular Visa and Transit Visa are currently the primary options, with specific circumstances allowing for a Saudi eVisa and Visa on Arrival (such as being a GCC resident).

Following the outlined steps and providing the correct documents will streamline the Saudi visa process, ensuring a smooth application experience.

Avoid common mistakes, such as incomplete forms or expired documentation, and always check processing times to plan accordingly.

For precise details and updates, reach out to the Saudi Embassy nearest to you.

Sources:

• https://www.my.gov.sa/
• https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/Tanzania/EN/Pages/default.aspx