Saudi Arabia Visa for Ghanian Citizens

Ghanaian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia are required to obtain a suitable visa beforehand to comply with the entry requirements.

A visa is an official document issued by the Saudi government that allows foreigners to enter the country for specific purposes such as tourism, business, pilgrimage, etc.

A Saudi visa can take several forms, all with slightly different application requirements.

The Saudi Regular Visa is obtainable via the embassy and can be issued to any Ghanaian citizen.

An Electronic Visa (eVisa) is given only to Ghanaians who are GCC, UK, US, or EU residents or holders of UK, US, or Schengen visas. Similar requirements apply to a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

Ghanaians passing through Saudi Arabia for a short period (up to 96 hours) can apply for a Transit Visa to leave the airport during layovers.

General entry requirements to Saudi Arabia for Ghanaian citizens include:

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  • Approved visa that aligns with the purpose of your visit.
  • Travel health insurance for the stay in Saudi Arabia.

NOTE: For detailed visa regulations, visit the official Saudi government website at www.mofa.gov.sa/en.

Saudi Regular Visa Types for Ghanian Citizens

Applying for a visa through the Saudi Embassy is the most common method for Ghanaian citizens.

The Regular Visa application option offers various visa types, including both temporary and permanent categories, such as a Residency Visa, Work Visa, or Student Visa.

You should apply for a Saudi visa at the immigration office if you want to:

  • Visit Saudi Arabia as a diplomatic official.
  • Go sightseeing and visit tourist attractions.
  • Attend conferences or business-related events.
  • Take up paid employment in Saudi Arabia
  • Stay in Saudi Arabia to live there permanently.
  • Visit close family members.
  • Accompany someone during travel.
  • Pursue education and enroll in a Saudi university.
  • Take part in a religious pilgrimage.

Each visa type requires specific documentation, so before applying, contact the Saudi Embassy for more information on the subject.

To get your Saudi visa from the embassy, you must:

  1. Complete the application form with your personal and travel details.
  2. Gather the documentation required for your visa type.
  3. Submit the application to the immigration office in person.
  4. Pay the visa fees – it’s best to prepare cash.
  5. Wait for approval and collect your visa when it’s ready.

NOTE: The standard waiting time for approval when it comes to a Saudi Regular Visa is 2–8 weeks but delays may occur.

Other Saudi Visa Application Methods

Applying for a Saudi visa can also be done through alternative ways that suit different traveler’s needs.

These methods provide additional options for travelers seeking entry into Saudi Arabia, ensuring flexibility and accessibility in the application process.

Electronic Visa (eVisa)

A Saudi Electronic Visa provides a fast and convenient way to access Saudi Arabia, allowing online applications for eligible citizens.

The eVisa is valid for one year and permits multiple visits to Saudi Arabia (lasting up to 90 days in total).

Travelers eligible for an Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia are:

  • Ghanaians residing in the UK, US, EU, or GCC countries.
  • Ghanaians holding valid UK, US, or Schengen visas.

The Saudi eVisa comes with several benefits, including faster processing, multiple entries, and the opportunity to complete the entire process online.

ksa visa

Online Saudi visa application via the KSA Visa Portal:

  1. Visit the official ksavisa.sa website and create an account (unless you already have one).
  2. Complete the online application form with the necessary personal information.
  3. Upload your recent face photograph taken on a blank background.
  4. Pay the visa fee using your credit card or a debit card.

The Electronic Visa will be approved in 24-72 hours and delivered to your email address. Before travel, you must print it out to have a paper copy on hand.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

A Saudi Visa on Arrival allows eligible travelers to obtain their visa directly at Saudi entry points.

Travelers must meet specific requirements, such as having a passport valid for at least 6 months and being over 18 years old, to apply for this visa.

Eligibility for a Saudi Visa on Arrival applies to Ghanaians residing in the UK, US, or EU countries as well as those holding valid UK, US, or Schengen visas.

visa on arrival saudi 2

Saudi Arabian Visa on Arrival application steps include the following:

  1. Visit one of the Saudi entry points (airport, seaport, or land crossing).
  2. Head to the passport control desk or find a KIOKS machine to apply for a visa.
  3. Present your valid passport and complete the application form.
  4. Receive an approved Saudi visa immediately.

Preparing travel documents in advance can streamline the Saudi VOA application process.

Saudi Visa Requirements for Ghanian Citizens

No matter the type of Saudi Arabian visa selected, Ghanaian applicants need several essential documents which is best to have prepared before starting the application process.

  • Ghanian passport (minimum 6 months validity).
  • Formal face photograph (taken no later than 6 months ago).

Supporting Documents

The supporting documents will vary depending on the type of Saudi visa being applied for, and some of them may be the following:

  • Work Visa: Employment letter or signed work contract.
  • Tourist Visa: Proof of hotel reservations, return flight ticket, or travel itinerary.
  • Business Visa: Invitation letter from the host company or proof of professional qualifications.
  • Family Visit Visa: Invitation letter from the family member in Saudi Arabia, a copy of their residency permit (Iqama), and proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificates).
  • Student Visa: Letter of acceptance from a recognized Saudi educational institution, proof of enrollment, or evidence of financial support for the duration of the studies.

Unless you meet all the visa requirements, it won’t be possible to submit your application via the Saudi Embassy, so collect the documentation beforehand.

NOTE: Carefully review your documents, as missing paperwork could delay the Saudi visa approval process.

Translating Your Name to Arabic for a Saudi Visa

When applying for a Saudi Arabian visa, accurate Arabic name translation may be required.

Saudi authorities sometimes want the applicants to have their names translated into Arabic to ensure consistency across documents.

Authorized translation agencies are recommended for accurate Arabic name transliteration as professionals consider phonetics and cultural naming conventions to avoid mistakes.

Moreover, experts help prevent errors common with automated tools. For example, some letters in non-Arabic names, like “P” or “V,” may not have direct Arabic equivalents.

A properly translated name ensures a smoother visa process and meets Saudi requirements.

You can verify the prepared translation with the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy.

Ghanian Citizens Transiting Through Saudi Arabia

For Ghanaian travelers passing through Saudi Arabia on their way to another country, a Transit Visa may be required unless they remain within the airport transit zone.

Travelers with connecting flights through Saudi Arabia can obtain a Transit Visa while purchasing flight tickets via airlines like Saudia or Flynas.

The approved Saudi Transit Visa is valid for a single visit and guarantees a 96-hour stay in the Kingdom.

NOTE: The application for a Saudi Transit Visa is available even 90 days before the planned date of entry.

Embassy Support and Contact Information

The Saudi Embassy in Ghana supports travelers with visa and travel-related issues.

The immigration experts assist with visa applications, ensuring proper documentation and requirements are met while offering advice on regulations and customs in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers from Ghana can reach the embassy via phone, email, or in person.

Moreover, the official embassy website provides detailed information about the Saudi Arabian visa policy as well as an FAQ section.

  • Address: 10 El Noi Fitrik Roman Ridge, Accra, Ghana
  • Phone: +23 330 277 4311
  • Email: ghemb@mofa.gov.sa

NOTE: The Saudi Embassy in Ghana works from Monday to Friday from 9:00 – 4:00.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Do Ghanaian citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
    Yes, all Ghanaian citizens, regardless of the travel purpose, require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
  • Who qualifies for a Saudi eVisa?
    Ghanaians residing in GCC, UK, US, or EU nations and those holding valid UK, US, or Schengen visas (for business/tourism) can get the Saudi eVisa.
  • What documents are required for a successful Saudi visa application?
    A passport valid for 6 months and a recent face photo are a must when applying for a Saudi visa. For particular visa types, additional documents may be needed.
  • How long does it take to process a Saudi Arabian Regular Visa?
    Processing time varies by visa type, but typically, it ranges from 14 days to 2 months.
  • What is the validity of a Saudi eVisa?
    An Electronic Visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries to Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days.
  • Can I apply for a Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia?
    Yes, all Ghanaian travelers can apply for a Saudi Transit Visa for a maximum stay of 96 hours.
  • Is name translation into Arabic mandatory for a Saudi visa application?
    No, it’s only sometimes necessary to provide an Arabic name translation for a visa.

Conclusion

To obtain a Saudi visa, each Ghanian citizen should check if they meet the application requirements.

The Saudi eVisa offers a simple process for residents of GCC, UK, US, or EU nations, as well as holders of valid UK, US, or Schengen visas. It’s a popular choice for tourists and business travelers.

Regardless of the residency status, all Ghanaian citizens can apply for a Regular Visa at the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate.

For shorter visits, Ghanaian passport holders can opt for a Transit Visa, allowing up to 96 hours of stay.

To obtain a Saudi visa, you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and a recent face photograph.

Saudi visa processing times vary, so by submitting your application well in advance of your travel dates, you can avoid inconvenience.

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