East Timorese citizens are required to obtain a visa to Saudi Arabia regardless of the purpose of their visit, as a valid visa allows them to enter, stay, or leave the Kingdom problem-free.
All citizens of East Timor can apply for a Regular Visa at the Saudi Embassy or a Transit Visa in case of passing through Saudi Arabia on the way to another destination.
Residents of the GCC, UK, US, or EU and holders of valid UK, US, or Schengen visas qualify for additional application methods, such as the Electronic Visa or Visa on Arrival.
To apply for any Saudi Arabian visa, East Timorese citizens must meet the following requirements:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- A recent face photograph.
- A completed visa application form.
Additional documents may be needed, and they depend on the visa type – a Work Visa requires an employment contract, and for a Study Visa, you need proof of enrollment.
NOTE: All East Timorese travelers must have health insurance included with their visa in order to enter Saudi Arabia.
Regular Visa Types to Saudi Arabia
The Regular Visa offers many specific options to East Timorese visitors based on their travel needs and planned length of stay.
To avoid any trouble with the application process, carefully choose the right type for your trip.
- Diplomatic Visa: For diplomats and government officials.
- Tourist Visa: For individuals traveling for leisure or sightseeing.
- Business Visa: For professionals visiting for business purposes.
- Work Visa: For workers employed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Residency Visa: For those planning to live in the Kingdom long-term.
- Family Visit Visa: For visiting family members residing abroad.
- Extend Return Visa: For extending the return period of a visa holder.
- Escort Visa: For accompanying someone who requires assistance.
- Student Visa: For individuals studying at an educational institution.
There are also Hajj Visa and Umrah Visa suitable for Muslim visitors planning to take part in a pilgrimage.
NOTE: Once you’ve chosen the type of your Saudi visa, you can’t change it during your trip.
Saudi Visa Application for East Timorese
Travelers from East Timor seeking a Regular Visa must visit the Saudi Arabian Embassy to make the application.
Whether it’s for work, residency, or business purposes, the process requires a passport valid for at least 6 months and a copy of the applicant’s formal facial photograph.
First, East Timorese citizens should contact the embassy to schedule the visit to the office and inquire about the requirements for the selected visa type.
Once they’re at the embassy, they must submit the suitable documents and fill out the Saudi visa application form, making sure it’s free of any spelling mistakes.
NOTE: Some East Timorese applicants may be asked to take part in a Saudi visa interview to answer questions about their visit purposes.
Finally, pay the application fee using cash or a credit card. After that, the application will be processed by the immigration office – it can take from 2 to 8 weeks.
The embassy provides specialized support for visa applicants who need a customized visa type not available online or require help resolving residency or employment-related queries.
Other Visa Types for Saudi Arabia
East Timorese travelers can explore alternative visa options, such as the eVisa, Visa on Arrival, and Transit Visa.
Each application method has its own requirements and benefits, depending on your travel plans. Understanding these can help you choose the best option for your trip.
Saudi eVisa
The eVisa is a digital solution that simplifies the application process for eligible travelers from East Timor.
East Timorese citizens who are GCC, UK, US, or EU residents or hold valid UK, US, or Schengen visas can apply online for a visa to Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days in total.
NOTE: The Saudi eVisa is issued for one year, and sometimes it can be extended (upon the decision of the Saudi Arabian immigration authorities).
The Saudi Electronic Visa application can be completed by East Timorese visitors via https://ksavisa.sa/:
- Click the menu button located on the right-hand side of the page to get started.
- Enter your travel purpose and nationality to determine if you’re eligible for a visa.
- Log in to your existing account or create a new one, then complete the verification process.
- Fill out the visa application form with all the necessary details, ensuring accuracy.
- Upload all required documents, such as your face photo and any supporting materials.
- Add travel insurance to your application if needed to meet visa requirements.
- Pay the visa application fee to finalize your submission.
The waiting time for a Saudi visa approval shouldn’t take more than 1-3 business days and most applicants get their visas in less than 24 hours.
Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia
The Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia is a convenient option available to eligible East Timor citizens who are US, UK, or Schengen visa holders.
Upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, East Timorese travelers can apply for a visa at immigration checkpoints or self-service KIOSK machines.
This type of visa allows tourists to stay in the Kingdom for up to 90 days within a year.
Applicants are required to hold a passport valid for no less than 6 months, proof of being at least 18 years old, and evidence of eligibility.
Payment for the visa is made on-site, often through electronic or card payment systems, making the process quick and efficient.
Saudi Arabian Transit Visa
The Saudi Arabian Transit Visa allows travelers to pass through the country en route to another destination and is typically issued for short durations of up to 96 hours.
The most important information to remember by East Timor nationals includes the following:
- The Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia can be applied for even 90 days before the trip.
- All East Timorese citizens are eligible to apply for the Transit Visa.
- An approved visa to Saudi Arabia will be issued immediately upon ticket payment.
- With a valid visa, travelers can pursue tourism, sightseeing, and pilgrimage.
East Timorese applicants must provide personal and passport information during the application process while buying flight tickets with Saudia or Flynas airlines.
Official Sources for Travelers to Saudi Arabia
For reliable information, East Timorese visitors should refer to trusted government platforms that provide updated details on Saudi visa types, health regulations, and application guidelines.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Saudi Arabia serves as a resource for travelers seeking accurate information regarding visa services and entry requirements.
It offers user-friendly navigation, dedicated sections for various visa types, and necessary documentation.
Additionally, the site provides updates on travel regulations, ensuring that East Timorese applicants remain informed of the latest policies to Saudi Arabia.
The Visit Saudi official website is a platform designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and diverse attractions.
It provides East Timorese travelers with detailed information on popular destinations and interesting events, making trip planning as easy as ever.
With an intuitive layout and multilingual support, the website ensures accessibility for a global audience wanting to explore the Kingdom.
Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an essential destination for religious pilgrimages, attracting millions of Muslims each year.
All foreigners traveling to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes, including East Timorese citizens, must obtain a suitable Hajj Visa or Umrah Visa, which can be applied for through the embassy.
It’s also essential for pilgrims to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date, including vaccines against meningococcal meningitis and other recommended immunizations.
The Nusuk platform provides pilgrims with an efficient and streamlined way to plan their religious journeys and access important information for their pilgrimage.
Saudi Embassy Assistance for East Timorese
The embassy can provide support for East Timorese citizens planning to travel to Saudi Arabia. However, East Timor does not currently have a Saudi Embassy within its borders.
The applicants are advised to visit the Saudi Embassy in Indonesia to handle their visa applications and questions about travel requirements.
It is recommended that East Timorese travelers contact the embassy well in advance to ensure all requirements are met efficiently.
- Address: JL HR Rasuna Said Kav B3 Setiabudi, Jakarta
- Phone: +622 128 094 000
- Email: idemb@mofa.gov.sa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How long does it take to process a Saudi eVisa?
It typically takes between 24 and 72 hours to process a Saudi Electronic Visa.
- Are East Timorese citizens eligible for a Saudi Visa on Arrival?
Yes, if they meet specific eligibility criteria, such as holding a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa, East Timorese nationals can apply for a Saudi VOA.
- What is the validity of the Saudi eVisa?
The eVisa is valid for one year with multiple entries and allows stays of up to 90 days.
- What documents are required for a Saudi visa?
A valid passport, a recent photograph, and, in some cases, additional supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation or proof of residency, are required for a Saudi visa.
- Is the Saudi eVisa application entirely online?
Yes, there are no formalities at the embassy or upon arrival, as the Saudi eVisa is processed entirely online.
- Are refunds available for rejected visa applications?
No, if your Saudi visa application is rejected, you won’t get a refund, so complete the application carefully to avoid trouble.
- What is the best visa type for business meetings in Saudi Arabia?
The Business Visa is ideal for professional engagements and participating in business meetings.
Conclusion
East Timorese travelers can apply for a Regular Visa or Transit Visa if visiting Saudi Arabia. Applicants who meet eligibility requirements can easily apply for an eVisa or a Visa on Arrival.
The Saudi eVisa processing typically takes 24-72 hours, while the embassy applications are approved in around 2-8 weeks.
To apply, East Timorese travelers need a valid passport, a recent photograph, and sometimes additional supporting documents, depending on the purpose of the visit.
It is essential to note that refunds are not provided for rejected applications, so careful preparation of all required documents is crucial.
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
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.
