Italian citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom requires a valid visa for travelers from most nationalities, including Italy, to regulate entry and ensure legal compliance during their stay in the country.
For Italian citizens visiting Saudi Arabia, the most suitable option is the eVisa, which is valid for one year and allows stays of up to 90 days. It permits activities such as leisure, family visits, and performing Umrah.
Additionally, Italian travelers can apply for a Regular Visa at the embassy for visits over 90 days, a Visa on Arrival for a trip of up to 90 days, and a Transit Visa for a 96-hour stay.
A valid passport is required for each Saudi visa type, while additional documentation may be required, depending on the chosen option.
For a hassle-free trip to Saudi Arabia, start your visa application beforehand and make sure all documents meet the requirements.
NOTE: To check details about Saudi visas, visit the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Saudi Visa Types Available for Italian Travelers
Saudi Arabia offers various visa types for Italian citizens, each suitable for specific travel purposes and circumstances.
Each Saudi visa type has its requirements and conditions that applicants from Italy must meet, ensuring a smooth entry into the Kingdom.
eVisa
The Saudi eVisa is a modern and easy option for Italians, allowing them to apply online before the trip. The Electronic Visa is primarily aimed at tourists and those visiting for business or family reasons.
- Validity: Valid for one year with multiple entries, stay can last up to 90 days in total.
- Application Process: Simple online application that requires basic personal and travel information.
Regular Visa
The Regular Visa is typically issued for various purposes, including tourism, business, family visits, and work. Applicants must visit the Saudi Embassy in person and provide relevant documentation based on the purpose of their visit.
- Duration: Typically allows stays from 30 to 180 days.
- Entry Type: Can be single or multiple entries.
Visa on Arrival
The Visa on Arrival is available for Italian citizens upon entering Saudi Arabia at the self-service devices (KIOSK) or the passport control office. It is convenient for travelers who may not have applied for a visa in advance.
- Eligibility: Available to travelers over 18 years old; minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
- Duration: Generally allows stays of up to 90 days.
Transit Visa
The Transit Visa is intended for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia to another destination. This visa is essential for those who have layovers in Saudi airports and need to leave the airport during their wait.
- Duration: Valid for up to 96 hours.
- Conditions: Issued automatically upon booking flight on the Saudia or Flynas websites.
NOTE: Processing times can vary from several business days for Saudi eVisas to 8 weeks for Regular Visas. Apply well in advance of your intended travel dates to avoid any delays that could impact your plans.
Saudi Visa Application Procedures: Online and at the Embassy
The most popular Saudi visa options among Italian nationals are eVisas accessible online and Regular Visas obtainable at the embassy.
While the Saudi Electronic Visa offers a quick and easy online process primarily for short visits, the Regular Visa involves a more comprehensive application procedure suited for longer stays or specific purposes like work or study.
The application processes for the Saudi eVisa and Saudi Regular Visa differ in terms of procedures, requirements, and convenience.
Saudi eVisa Application Process
The Saudi eVisa is designed for Italian travelers seeking a convenient way to visit the Kingdom for tourism, business, or family purposes.
The application process is straightforward and can be completed online:
- Access the eVisa Portal: Visit the official Saudi eVisa website.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form with essential details such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Contact information
- Upload Required Documentation: Attach a recent face photograph in digital format
- Make the Payment: Pay the visa fee using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
- Submit Your Application: After filling out the form and making the payment, submit your application.
Saudi eVisa is processed within several business days, and you will receive it via email. Print it out and keep it with you while traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Present your printed eVisa upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. Immigration officials will stamp your passport if everything is in order.
Saudi Regular Visa Application Process
Italian citizens need the Regular Visa for various purposes, including work, study, or long-term stays in Saudi Arabia.
The application process is more detailed compared to the eVisa:
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form available on the Saudi Embassy or consulate website.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare and submit necessary documents, which may include a
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Recent formal face photograph
- Additional documents based on visa type (e.g., educational certificates for student visas)
- Submit Your Application: Bring your completed application along with all required documents to the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
- Cover Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa fees as instructed by the embassy.
Processing times for Saudi Regular Visas can vary significantly based on the type of visa and other factors, typically taking 2–8 weeks.
Once approved, you will be notified to collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.
Common Mistakes Made When Applying for a Saudi Arabia Visa
One of the most frequent errors for Italians to watch out is providing inaccurate details on the application form, such as misspelling names or entering the wrong passport number.
Also, applicants from Italy often select an inappropriate Saudi visa type for their travel purpose. For example, using a Tourist Visa for employment can lead to immediate rejection.
Inconsistencies between the application and supporting documents can cause issues. Double-check that all entries are accurate and consistent across all documents, including spelling and formatting.
Failing to submit all required documents or providing invalid ones is a common problem. Carefully review the list of necessary documents and make sure everything is complete before submission.
Many Italian applicants make mistakes due to last-minute submissions. Take your time to fill out the application accurately and review it thoroughly before submitting.
IMPORTANT: Saudi visa regulations can change frequently, so it’s essential to check for the latest requirements on official websites before applying.
Medical and Health Insurance for Saudi Arabia
For Italian passport holders applying for a Saudi visa, it is mandatory to secure health insurance that covers medical emergencies during the stay in Saudi Arabia.
The minimum coverage typically includes expenses up to SAR 100,000 (approximately $27,000).
NOTE: When applying for an eVisa to Saudi Arabia, insurance is automatically included, so Italian applicants do not have to purchase it separately.
The cost of obtaining health insurance can vary widely based on the plan and provider. Italian travelers should budget accordingly and consider additional coverage for protection against cancellations or other travel-related issues.
Contact Information for the Saudi Embassy in the Italian Republic
The Saudi Embassy in the Italian Republic plays a crucial role in facilitating various services and support for both Saudi citizens and Italian nationals.
The main reasons why the embassy is helpful are:
- Visa Services: The embassy provides essential visa services for Italian citizens wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia.
- Cultural Exchange: The embassy promotes cultural understanding and exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Italy.
- Information Resource: The embassy serves as a valuable information hub regarding travel regulations, local laws, and customs in Saudi Arabia.
- Business Facilitation: For Italian businesses, the embassy provides resources and contacts that can help facilitate trade and investment opportunities.
You can reach out to the Saudi Embassy in the Italian Republic with these contact details:
- Address: Via G.B. Pergolesi 9 Rome 00198
- Phone Number: 003906844851
- Fax: 0039068558658
- Email Address: itemb@mofa.gov.sa
FAQs about Saudi Visas for Italian Citizens
- Do Italian citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
Yes, a visa is required for Italian citizens to enter Saudi Arabia both for short-term and long-term trips.
- What is the best Saudi visa option for Italian travelers?
The eVisa is the most convenient option for tourist and business visits to Saudi Arabia up to 90 days.
- What activities can be done with the Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa allows leisure, family visits, and Umrah, but not studies or professional work.
- Can Italians apply for a Regular Visa?
Yes, Italians can apply for a Regular Visa at the Saudi Embassy for stays over 90 days.
- What is the Saudi Visa on Arrival?
It allows Italians to obtain a visa upon entry into Saudi Arabia for stays up to 90 days.
- What is the duration of a Saudi Transit Visa?
The Transit Visa allows Italian nationals a stay of up to 96 hours while passing through Saudi Arabia.
- What documents are needed for a Saudi visa?
A passport effective for at least 6 months is required, plus additional documents depending on the Saudi visa type.
- How do Italians apply for a Saudi eVisa?
Italian nationals can apply for Saudi eVisa online by filling out a form, uploading documents, and paying the fee.
- What is the processing time for a Saudi Regular Visa?
Processing for Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia typically takes between 2 to 8 weeks.
- Where can I find more information about Saudi visas?
Visit the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at for detailed information.
Conclusion
All Italian citizens must have a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. The eVisa is an excellent option for those planning short leisure visits, offering a one-year validity and allowing stays of up to 90 days.
For longer stay over 90 days and purposes like employment, Italian travelers can get the Saudi Regular Visa. Consider Visa on Arrival if you don’t have time to apply beforehand or a Transit Visa for passing through Saudi Arabia.
To have an unproblematic experience, it’s important for applicants from Italy to have a valid passport and any additional documentation based on the chosen Saudi visa type.
Sources:
- https://ksavisa.sa/
- https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
- https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main
- https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/eservices/Pages/default.aspx
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.
