Cyprus citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and depending on the purpose and duration of the visit, they can apply for a Saudi eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Regular Visa, or a Transit Visa.
A visa is an official document that allows individuals to legally enter and stay in Saudi Arabia for a specific time and requires the traveler to have a passport valid for no less than 6 months.
Types of Saudi Arabia visas available for Cypriot citizens include:
- Electronic Visa – conveniently applied for online.
- Visa on Arrival – issued upon entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Regular Visa – obtained from the Saudi Embassy.
- Transit Visa – for travelers stopping briefly in Saudi Arabia.
The validity period and the allowed length of stay of your Saudi Arabian visa will vary based on the selected visa application method.
For tourism-related visits lasting up to 90 days, visitors from Cyprus should get a Saudi eVisa, which is valid for one year and permits multiple entries.
If your planned travel is longer than 3 months or you visit Saudi Arabia for a specific purpose (employment, studies, or others), you require an embassy application.
To enter Saudi Arabia, Cyprus citizens must have an approved visa, make sure their passport is valid, an hold mandatory health insurance.
NOTE: Processing times of Regular Visas to Saudi Arabia can vary between 2 weeks and 2 months while the Saudi eVisa is approved in 72 hours.
How to Apply for a Saudi Visa via the Embassy?
Applying for a Saudi visa via the embassy is a process that requires careful preparation, so Cyprus citizens should start by identifying the type of visa they need.
Then, gather the necessary documents, including a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a face photograph, and any additional paperwork required from the Saudi Embassy.
Next, schedule an appointment at the embassy to confirm the exact requirements and choose the time of your visit – walk-ins aren’t accepted.
At your appointment, you’ll submit your application and supporting documents, but you may also need to attend an interview or provide biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan).
Once you pay the applicable fees, your Saudi visa will be sent for processing, which can take up to 8 weeks.
Regular Visa Types for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers various types of Regular Visas to suit different travel purposes, including tourism, work, and religious visits.
Each visa type has specific requirements and conditions to meet the needs of Cypriot travelers and ensure a smooth application process.
Understanding these categories can help you determine the correct visa for your intended visit.
If you have any further questions, it’s best to contact the embassy directly or visit the website of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mofa.gov.sa/en/.
Saudi Embassy Contact Details
For assistance with visa applications, legal inquiries, or any travel-related questions, you can contact the Saudi Embassy in Cyprus. The immigration experts team is ready to provide guidance and support for your travel needs.
It is advisable to reach out during the official working hours (from Monday to Friday, 8:30-3:00).
- Address: Iona Nicolaou 2, Egkomi 2406, Cyprus
- Phone: +35 722 667 300
- Email: cyemb@mofa.gov.sa
Saudi Electronic Visa for Cypriot Nationals
One of the most popular visa options for travelers from Cyprus is the Saudi eVisa, offering a quick and hassle-free application process without the need to visit the embassy.
The Saudi eVisa allows tourists, businesspeople, and pilgrims to explore the country for up to 90 days.
The Electronic Visa allows Cypriot citizens to engage in activities such as sightseeing, visiting family and friends, attending cultural festivals, and performing Umrah (excluding Hajj).
- Visit the official online visa application portal at visa.visitsaudi.com.
- Complete the online form by providing your details, including:
- Personal information (name and surname, nationality, date of birth)
- Passport information (number, issue date, expiry date)
- Travel information (accommodation details, visit purpose)
- Upload a scanned copy of your formal face photograph.
- Add health insurance, which is required from all visitors.
- Pay the applicable fee to secure your application.
- Wait for approval (processing takes a few days).
The Saudi Arabian eVisa offers numerous benefits, making the visa process more efficient for travelers, streamlining the application process, and making international travel more accessible.
Some of the greatest advantages of the online visa application are convenience (quick and straightforward application), fast processing (typically issued within 24-72 hours), and being environmentally friendly by reducing paper usage.
Mobile Apps Useful in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian authorities offer a choice of mobile apps useful for all international visitors, making daily life and travel significantly easier.
These mobile apps contribute to a more convenient and informed experience, enhancing the comfort of stay of Cypriots in Saudi Arabia.
The Absher App was designed to provide government services, allowing users to access renewing IDs, managing visas, and other official tasks.
The Tawakkalna App allows you to monitor health-related services, as it was originally launched in Saudi Arabia to support COVID-19 efforts. It offers features such as vaccination status tracking and permits for movement during lockdowns.
The Bio Enrollment App was created to capture and securely store biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, for identification purposes.
The Nusuk App was made for pilgrims to assist them with planning and managing their Hajj and Umrah journeys, and the My Gov App allows users to access various government services and manage their accounts in one place (updating personal details, accessing tax information, checking entry rules).
Government apps are a useful resource for Cypriot travelers as they provide reliable and up-to-date information directly from official sources and are available on the go.
Additionally, they enhance safety and compliance by providing real-time alerts, guidelines, and updates, especially helpful in unfamiliar destinations.
NOTE: All Saudi Arabian mobile apps made by the government for travelers are available for iOS and Android.
Other Saudi Visa Options for Cypriots
Saudi Arabia offers a variety of visa options for nationals of Cyprus to suit different travel needs, and understanding the types of visas available is essential to choosing the most suitable visa type.
Saudi Transit Visa
The Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia is designed for travelers passing through the country en route to another destination.
With a valid Transit Visa, you can stop in Saudi Arabia for up to 96 hours (4 days), making it an excellent choice for those who wish to explore the Kingdom during their layover.
Cypriot applicants may apply for a Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia while buying their flight tickets with airlines like Saudia and Flynas (this option is available 90 days before the planned travel).
NOTE: Upon Transit Visa application, you can add health insurance to the purchase, a document required for entry into Saudi Arabia.
Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia
The Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for eligible travelers visiting Saudi Arabia which allows travelers to skip the traditional application complexities by obtaining a visa directly upon entry.
This easy visa application process is ideal for spontaneous or last-minute travel plans, making it a popular choice among tourists.
Generally, Cypriot applicants are only required to present a passport valid for at least 6 months and be older than 18 years.
Holders of the Saudi Arabian Visa on Arrival are granted a stay for purposes such as attending events, exploring cultural landmarks, or conducting business activities.
NOTE: Younger travelers can apply for a Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia but must be accompanied by an adult (parent, grandparent, sibling).
FAQs regarding Saudi Arabian Visas
- Can Cyprus citizens apply for an eVisa to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Cyprus citizens are eligible for a Saudi eVisa and online application is the easiest method to obtain a visa for them.
- What is the typical Saudi visa processing time?
Saudi Arabian visa processing usually takes 24-72 hours for online application and up to 8 weeks for embassy procedures.
- Is the Visa on Arrival an option for Cyprus nationals?
Yes, Cyprus nationals meeting specific requirements (holding a valid passport and being at least 18 years old) can apply.
- What documents are required for any Saudi visa?
Documents that every Cypriot citizen must prepare to apply for a Saudi visa include a valid passport, a face photo, and a complete application form.
- How long is the Saudi eVisa valid?
The Saudi eVisa is valid for one year, with multiple entries allowed during this period. Travelers from Cyprus can spend up to 90 days (3 months) in the Kingdom.
- Are there any age restrictions for traveling with a Saudi Visa on Arrival?
Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian to obtain a Saudi Arabian Visa on Arrival.
- Is travel insurance mandatory for Cypriots traveling to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and often included in the online visa application (eVisa or Transit Visa). Other travelers must purchase insurance individually.
Conclusion
Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a Cypriot national is a simple process if all entry requirements are met.
Travelers from Cyprus can obtain any available Saudi visa type, including a Regular Visa, Electronic Visa, Transit Visa, or Visa on Arrival.
While applying for a mandatory Saudi visa, make sure that you have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months.
Understanding the terms of your visa, such as its validity and duration of stay, can help you plan your trip effectively (for example, a Saudi eVisa is issued for one year and permit multiple visits).
Additionally, having travel insurance is mandatory for Cypriot travelers, providing added security during your visit.
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.
