Saudi Arabia Visa for Hong Kong SAR Citizens

All Hong Kong citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia, whether traveling for leisure, tourism, family visits, or business.

A visa is an essential document that grants you legal permission to enter Saudi Arabia, and it can be obtained at the embassy, upon arrival, or online.

Saudi Arabia has introduced flexible visa options for travelers, allowing Hong Kong SAR citizens to choose the one that best suits their purpose of visit:

• Electronic Visa (eVisa): Apply online, which is quick and convenient.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available at airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
• Regular Visa: For business, work, or residence, you can apply through the Saudi Embassy.
• Transit Visa: Obtainable upon buying flight tickets to Saudi Arabia.

The most popular choice for leisure travelers is the Saudi eVisa due to its ease of application and fast approval times.

Moreover, the Saudi Electronic Visa is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries (lasting up to 90 days in total).

To enter Saudi Arabia successfully, travelers must have a valid visa and carry a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date.

Embassy Application for a Saudi Regular Visa

For Hong Kong SAR citizens looking for stays longer than 3 months or work-based visits to Saudi Arabia, applying via the embassy is an ideal option.

A Diplomatic Visa is granted to diplomats for official government duties, while a Tourist Visa permits leisure and sightseeing. Business Visas are for attending meetings or conferences, and Work Visas enable individuals to take up employment.

The Residency Visas are for those seeking a long-term stay in the Kingdom, while Family Visit Visas allow visits to relatives residing abroad. Students can apply for Student Visas to pursue education in Saudi Arabia.

Additional visa types include the Extend Return Visa for travelers needing to delay their return, and the Escort Visa, often issued to companions or guardians.

The Hajj Visa and Umrah Visas are for Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage.

Saudi Visa Application Process

In order to obtain a visa from the Saudi Embassy, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare a completed visa application form, a recent face photo, and a valid passport.
2. Submit your application alongside any supporting documents required by the embassy.
3. Pay the visa fee as instructed and take part in a visa interview (if necessary).
4. Wait for your visa to be processed and approved, which may take 2–8 weeks.

To collect your approved Saudi Arabian visa from the embassy, you need to have an ID card on hand. Present proof of your identity to obtain the visa.

Benefits of applying via the embassy include:

• Visa types for specific purposes (e.g., work or education).
• Longer duration and multiple entry options available.
• Comprehensive assistance for complex cases.

For more information, contact the Saudi Arabia Embassy or visit the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website.

NOTE: Required documents differ based on the selected type of visa for Saudi Arabia – you’ll be informed by the embassy what to prepare for the visa application.

Saudi eVisa for Hong Kong SAR Citizens

The Electronic Visa (eVisa) can be applied for entirely online, making it a hassle-free solution for Hong Kong citizens visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism.

Travelers with a Saudi eVisa can enjoy:

• Sightseeing and exploring Saudi Arabia’s attractions.
• Visiting family or attending special events.
• Performing Umrah (excluding Hajj).

How to apply for a Saudi visa online:

1. Visit the official https://visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account.
2. Complete the online application form with accurate details.
3. Upload a digital copy of your recent face photograph.
4. Add travel health insurance to your visa application.
5. Pay the visa fee online using a secure payment method.

Most Saudi Arabian eVisa applications are processed within 24–72 hours, but it’s recommended to apply at least a week before your travel date to avoid last-minute issues.

Once approved, your Electronic Visa remains valid for one year and permits you to spend even 90 days in Saudi Arabia.

NOTE: The Saudi Electronic Visa not only saves time but also provides convenience, as there’s no need to visit an embassy.

Saudi Visa Application Methods for Hong Kong SAR

As a Hong Kong SAR citizen traveling to Saudi Arabia, you can consider other visa application options than online or at the embassy:

1. Visa on Arrival

• A Visa on Arrival is available at Saudi airports, seaports, and land crossings upon entry.
• The visa can be issued for a single or multiple entries, with a stay of up to 90 days.
• You can apply at self-service KIOSK or at the passport counter by filling out the form and presenting your valid passport to the immigration officers.
• The visa is issued immediately upon submission.

2. Transit Visa

• A Transit Visa is issued specifically for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route to another country.
• Once approved, it’s valid for a single visit and allows a stay of up to 96 hours.
• You can apply online while purchasing flight tickets via Flynas or Saudia Airlines websites.
• The visa is issued immediately upon submission.

Hong Kong SAR Citizens on Religious Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia welcomes millions of pilgrims each year to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina and dedicated visas are required for those planning to undertake a pilgrimage.

The Hajj Visa is mandatory for Muslims who intend to perform the annual Hajj. Applications for this visa begin months before the Hajj season and are processed in coordination with Saudi diplomatic missions.

The Umrah Visa is available throughout the year, except during the Hajj period, and pilgrims can apply for this visa at the embassy.

The duration of stay for both Hajj and Umrah pilgrims is strictly determined by the terms of their visa.

You can find more information on the subject at the official website of the Saudi government at http://nusuk.sa.

Health Insurance for Travel to Saudi Arabia

Health insurance is mandatory for all visitors, and you can purchase it online during the Electronic Visa or Transit Visa application process online.

If you’re applying for a visa to Saudi Arabia via the embassy or upon entering the Kingdom, you should get suitable insurance beforehand.

Your policy should include medical treatment for emergencies, including hospitalization and patient care. It should also cover the costs of any necessary medication and medical evacuation in case of severe illness or injury.

NOTE: If you’re taking any medication regularly, it’s also recommended to have a doctor’s note proving that you can enter the country with the necessary medications.

Saudi Embassy Contact Details

The Saudi Embassy in China and the Consulate in Hong Kong SAR are primarily responsible for handling matters related to visas, documentation, and inquiries for those planning to travel to Saudi Arabia.

If you need assistance with your visa application or want to gain more information about the current visa policy of Saudi Arabia, it’s best to contact one of the two diplomatic missions.

Saudi Consulate in Hong Kong SAR

• Address: Suite 6401, Central Plaza 18 Harbor Rd. Wan Chai, Hong Kong
• Phone: 00 852 252 032 00
• Email: hkcon@mofa.gov.sa
• Working Hours: from Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM

NOTE: Schedule an appointment online or call the immigration office earlier, as walk-ins are not accepted.

FAQs about Saudi Visas for Hong Kong SAR

• How long does it take to process a Saudi eVisa?
  Most applications for Saudi Electronic Visas take 24–72 hours to be approved.

• Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi eVisa?
  Yes, but it does not cover Hajj, and you cannot perform Umrah during Hajj.

• How can I purchase health insurance for my trip to Saudi Arabia?
  Health insurance is provided during your online visa application. If applying via other methods, you must contact the insurance agency.

• How long is my passport supposed to be valid?
  While applying for a Saudi visa, your passport must stay valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry into the Kingdom.

• Can I extend my stay in Saudi Arabia?
  Extensions are possible but depend on your Saudi visa type. Contact the embassy for more details on the subject.

• Is the Saudi Arabian eVisa multi-entry?
  Yes, the visa allows multiple entries within a year. In total, you can spend 90 days in Saudi Arabia.

• What should a face photo look like for a Saudi visa application?
  To apply for a Saudi visa, make sure that your face photo is recent (not older than 6 months), clear, in color, and of high quality.

• How far in advance should I apply for a visa online?
  It is recommended that you apply at least one week before your planned travel date to Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

As a Hong Kong SAR national traveling to Saudi Arabia, you can obtain a Regular Visa, Electronic Visa, Transit Visa, or Visa on Arrival.

All Hong Kong SAR citizens must remember that health insurance is crucial for travel, but it’s typically included during the online visa application process.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Your Saudi visa is linked to the passport so once it’s invalid, you cannot use your visa as well.

A multi-entry eVisa lets visitors explore Saudi Arabia within a year, with a total of up to 90 days in the country. For trips longer than 3 months, Hong Kong SAR nationals should apply for a visa via the embassy.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• 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