Saudi Arabia Visa for Kiribati Citizens

Kiribati citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia, and there are several visa application methods available based on the applicants’ needs and residency status.

A visa is an official document that permits entry into Saudi Arabia, whether for tourism, business, work, or other purposes.

The Saudi Arabian visa categories for Kiribati nationals include:

• Electronic Visa (eVisa): A one-year, multiple-entry permit allowing up to 90 days of total stay for tourism, including Umrah (excluding Hajj).
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available to Kiribati citizens who meet certain residency or visa criteria, issued instantly at entry.
• Regular Visa: Applied through Saudi Arabian Embassies or Consulates for various activities, including business or work.
• Transit Visa: For short layovers, issued when purchasing flight tickets with specific airlines like Flynas or Saudia.

The Saudi eVisa processing takes 24–72 hours, Regular Visa applications take 2–8 weeks, and Visa on Arrival or Transit Visa is issued instantly.

Kiribati citizens must have a passport valid for at least 6 months, provide a facial photograph that meets official specifications, and obtain health insurance specific to Saudi Arabia.

NOTE: Make sure all forms and documents are completed accurately to avoid delays with the Saudi visa application.

Saudi Regular Visa for Kiribati Citizens

For more extensive needs or specific travel purposes, applying for a Regular Visa through the immigration office might be the best choice for Kiribati passport holders.

There are various types of Regular Visas, including Diplomatic, Tourist, Business, Work, Residency, Family Visit, Extend Return, Escort, Student, Hajj, and Umrah Visas.

The application via the embassy is the most convenient choice for Kiribati passport holders to obtain a Saudi Arabian visa:

1. Collect required documents, such as a passport valid for 6 months, a face photograph, and a completed visa application form.*
2. Visit the immigration office by locating the closest Saudi Arabian Embassy in your area.
3. Submit documents, ensuring all documents are accurate and meet the official specifications.
4. Pay visa fees, which vary depending on your visa type and purpose.
5. Await processing, which should take 2–8 weeks.

Embassy services offer personalized support and help resolve documentation errors easily, thanks to the assistance of immigration office staff.

*Additional documentation may be required based on the selected type of visa to the Kingdom.

Transit and Stopover in Saudi Arabia

Kiribati citizens transiting through Saudi Arabia have the opportunity to experience the Kingdom during stopovers.

Saudi Arabia offers a Transit Visa, which allows them to leave the airport and explore the tourist areas for up to 96 hours.

Upon arriving at a Saudi airport for a stopover, travelers from Kiribati can take advantage of the well-organized and modern facilities, such as lounges, shopping areas, and dining options.

Purchase flight tickets with airlines like Flynas or Saudia and complete the Saudi visa application form online. Once the payment is confirmed, the Transit Visa will be approved.

NOTE: If transiting through Saudi Arabia by land or sea, other entry requirements may apply. Kiribati citizens can research them at the KSA Visa website.

Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa

The eVisa is a convenient online procedure allowing Kiribati citizens for tourism trips, leisure activities, and performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.

The Electronic Visa application is processed digitally and linked to the traveler’s passport number.

The approved Saudi eVisa permits multiple entries to the Kingdom for up to one year with a total stay of 90 days.

To apply for a visa through the KSA Visa platform, visit the homepage. Once there, click the menu button on the screen’s right side.

From the menu, provide your nationality and the purpose of your travel to check your visa eligibility and determine the most suitable visa type for your trip.

During the process, fill out a detailed application form and submit all the necessary documents. Make sure to include any additional requirements, such as health insurance, in your submission.

Finally, complete the process by paying the required fee. The application will be processed in 1-3 business days.

NOTE: To be eligible for a Saudi eVisa, Kiribati citizens must be visa holders or residents of the UK, US, EU, or GCC country.

Saudi Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a seamless entry option to the Saudi Arabian Kingdom for Kiribati citizens who meet residency criteria or hold specific visas.

To apply for a Saudi VOA, travelers from Kiribati must meet one of the following conditions:

• Being UK, US, or EU residents.
• Holding valid UK, US, or Schengen visas.

The Saudi Visa on Arrival requires all necessary documents to be presented at the entry ports, such as seaports, airports, and land crossings.

The visa application can be conducted at the passport control desk or the self-service KIOSK.

Depending on the authorities’ decision, the VOA to Saudi Arabia for Kiribati citizens can be issued for a single visit or multiple entries. Regardless, it allows for a 90-day stay in the Kingdom during the one-year period.

Documents Needed for Saudi Visa Applications

When applying for a Saudi visa, Kiribati citizens must check if all required documents are prepared to speed up the process.

A passport is the most critical document, and it must have a minimum validity of 6 months from the travel date.

Applicants should also include a recent face photograph that meets the official guidelines, such as a clear background and proper dimensions.

Depending on the type of Saudi Arabian visa, additional documentation, such as confirmed travel itineraries or accommodation details, may also be required. For those traveling for business purposes, a letter of invitation from a host company or a copy of a business agreement is mandatory.

Lastly, all Kiribati applicants for a Saudi visa need health insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies during their stay.

NOTE: By making sure that all documents are complete and accurate, Kiribati citizens can minimize potential delays in the Saudi visa application process.

Insurance and Health in Saudi Arabia

Health insurance is mandatory for Kiribati visitors to Saudi Arabia, covering medical emergencies like hospital visits and treatments. It ensures visitors’ well-being during the trip and allows stress-free travel.

Travelers to Saudi Arabia may also need specific vaccines based on the visit’s purpose and health concerns, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid.

Hajj and Umrah visitors must show proof of meningococcal vaccination to take part in the pilgrimage.

For the most accurate and up-to-date health information, travelers from Kiribati should visit the official Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia.

The site provides detailed guidance on health precautions and updates on public health concerns in the Kingdom. It serves as a reliable resource for preparing ahead of your trip.

Embassy Assistance for Kiribati Citizens

The Saudi Arabian Embassy provides essential services and support to Kiribati citizens traveling or residing in the Kingdom. Assistance includes help with visa applications, passport-related inquiries, and document authentication.

The embassy also offers guidance in emergency situations such as medical issues, legal troubles, or loss of travel documents.

Kiribati citizens are encouraged to contact the Saudi Embassy in Australia for detailed information or specific assistance through its official communication channels:

• Address: 38 Guilfoyle St, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia
• Phone: +61 262 507 000
• Email: auemb@mofa.gov.sa

FAQs about the Saudi Visa Policy

• Do Kiribati citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Kiribati citizens are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia for any purpose.

• How long does a Saudi visa take to process?
  Saudi visa processing typically takes 1–3 days for an online application, 10–40 days for the embassy procedure, and a few minutes for a Transit Visa or a Visa on Arrival.

• What’s the validity of a Saudi eVisa?
  A Saudi Arabian eVisa is valid for one year, with multiple entries lasting up to 90 days in total.

• Can Kiribati citizens apply for a Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Kiribati citizens can apply for a Saudi Transit Visa, provided they are traveling with Saudia or Flynas airlines.

• Is health insurance mandatory to visit Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, health insurance is mandatory to visit Saudi Arabia. Kiribati travelers must obtain valid health insurance to ensure coverage for medical emergencies.

• Can I perform Hajj with a Saudi eVisa?
  No, you cannot perform Hajj with a Saudi eVisa. For the pilgrimage, you must apply for a specific Hajj Visa through the immigration office.

• What’s needed for a Saudi Work Visa?
  You will need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent face photograph, and an employment contract from a Saudi-based employer to obtain a Saudi Work Visa.

Conclusion

Traveling to Saudi Arabia can be a seamless experience for Kiribati citizens with the right documentation and preparations.

Understanding the various visa options, such as the eVisa, Transit Visa, Visa on Arrival, and Regular Visa, is essential to plan the trip effectively.

Each Saudi visa type serves a unique purpose and has distinct requirements, so select the one that aligns with your travel needs.

By being mindful of Saudi Arabia’s entry regulations, travelers from Kiribati can cross the borders without issues, meeting the country’s laws.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations
• https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx