Saudi Arabia Visa for New Zealander Citizens

For New Zealand citizens, a visa to Saudi Arabia is not required for transit if they meet specific conditions; however, to visit the country, they must apply for an appropriate visa.

The application process for a Saudi visa can be completed through an embassy, upon arrival at the border, or online via Saudi’s eVisa portal.

The online application is particularly secure and user-friendly, often taking only a few business days to process.

The Saudi visa options for New Zealand citizens include:

  • Electronic Visa: The easiest way to get a visa to Saudi Arabia. It’s convenient for tourism, leisure, or visiting relatives (with a one-year validity period).
  • Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available at Saudi entry ports; however, it requires careful preparation for the visa application.
  • Regular Visa: Issued via the Saudi Embassy or Consulate, ideal for stays over 90 days or purposes like work, study, or residence.
  • Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia on their way to another destination.

Required documents typically include a passport with a validity of at least six months, a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of onward or return travel.

Moreover, all New Zealand passport holders must have health insurance to travel to Saudi Arabia to cover their medication and hospitalization expenses.

Methods of Saudi Visa Application for New Zealanders

There are multiple ways for New Zealand citizens to obtain a Saudi visa so they can choose the one that best aligns with their travel needs and is the most convenient.

Having a valid visa is a requirement that New Zealanders must meet to enter Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Visa Application at the Embassy

The embassy route is well-suited for those wishing to apply for a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia. It’s the best choice for visits longer than 3 months.

Follow these simple steps to get your visa from the Saudi Embassy:

  1. Review the visa types available and select the most suitable one.
  2. Collect all required documents, ensuring accuracy and completion.
  3. Submit your application in person at the immigration office.
  4. Attend an interview and give your fingerprints if required.
  5. Cover the processing fee using cash or credit card.

Once you’re done, wait for processing and approval of your Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia.

The standard waiting time should be around 2–8 weeks (based on a visa type), but be mindful of peak periods when processing might take longer.

NOTE: The validity of each Saudi Regular Visa is decided individually and can range between 30 days and a few years.

Applying for a Saudi eVisa

The Saudi Arabian eVisa is a faster and more convenient process of obtaining a mandatory visa by New Zealand citizens.

A significant advantage of the Electronic Visa is that the application procedure is available anywhere and anytime, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

lsa homepage

To apply online for a Saudi visa, follow this short guide:

  1. Visit the official Saudi eVisa portal (ksavisa.sa).
  2. Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
  3. Pay the visa fee using a secure online payment method.
  4. Submit your recent face photograph to the website.
  5. Add health insurance, which is mandatory for travel.
  6. Cover the processing fee for your Saudi eVisa.

You will receive your Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia within 24–72 hours to your email address.

It’s essential that you print out your Saudi eVisa before travel, as digital copies aren’t accepted by immigration officers – you need a paper copy to enter Saudi Arabia without problems.

NOTE: The Saudi eVisa is valid for one year and permits multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 90 days in total.

Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is an alternative if you didn’t apply for a visa prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia.

To complete the visa application process upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, you must visit the visa immigration counter or a special self-service machine (KIOSK).

There, fill out the short application form with your passport details to receive your visa instantly after submission.

This method of Saudi visa application is especially convenient for New Zealanders who like to plan travel last minute.

NOTE: The Saudi VOA is available for travelers over 18 years old. Younger visitors must be accompanied by a parent, sibling, or legal guardian.

Saudi Transit Visa

A Transit Visa, also known as a Stopover Visa, enables a 4-day stay in Saudi Arabia for connecting flights or layovers.

New Zealand passport holders aren’t required to apply for a Saudi Transit Visa if they don’t leave the airport transit zone.

The Saudi Transit Visa is available exclusively to visitors flying with Saudia or Flynas Airlines, as it can be issued during the flight ticket purchase.

NOTE: A Saudi Arabian Transit Visa can be obtained 90 days before the journey and allows for a 96-hour stay.

Documents New Zealand Citizens Need for Visa Applications

Depending on the visa type, the required documents may vary slightly, but there are some files required from every New Zealand citizen applying for a Saudi visa:

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months.
  • A recent photo of the applicant’s face.

For Regular Visas to Saudi Arabia, based on the particular category, additional requirements may apply, such as employer documentation for Work Visas or a sponsor letter for Business Visas.

You can usually provide some supporting documents to the embassy later on, but it’s best to submit everything at once.

To obtain more information about the documents required for your visa application process, contact the Saudi Embassy or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

mofa saudi 4

NOTE: Make sure all your documents are in English or Arabic. Otherwise, you’ll need to visit a professional translation agency.

Correct Errors in Your Saudi Visa Application

Errors happen, and it’s the most important that you don’t panic. If mistakes occur on your Saudi visa application, there are ways to resolve them effectively.

In regard to the Saudi visa application online, unless it’s been sent for processing, you can upload any changes to your visa application via the KSA Visa website. You can also contact the support team for assistance with any alterations.

If you applied for a Regular Visa, visit the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy to request corrections for submitted applications. A benefit of this solution is that you’ll get an immediate reaction from the immigration experts.

It may be necessary to apply again for a new document if you’ve spotted spelling mistakes in your Saudi visa after its approval.

How to Check Your Saudi Arabia Visa Status Online

Tracking your visa status online adds convenience and transparency to the process. You can do it effortlessly using the official platform for a Saudi Electronic Visa – the KSA Visa website.

You can check the status of your Saudi visa application status in three simple steps, just:

  1. Visit the KSA Visa platform and click the “Track Application” button.
  2. Input your application number and passport details to check the visa progress.
  3. Review the real-time status and, if necessary, upload additional documents.

KSA check visa status

Standard processing time for a Saudi Arabian eVisa is 1-3 business days, but delays may occur during peak travel seasons.

By checking the status of your visa application submission, you can stay informed about any important changes in estimated processing times.

Contact the Saudi Embassy in New Zealand

The Saudi Embassy in New Zealand supports diplomatic relations between the two countries by offering services like visa processing, passport renewals, and document authentication.

If you have any questions regarding the visa application process, you can contact the Saudi Embassy for a clearer and more streamlined process. They’re available by phone or email.

  • Address: Level 20, The Terrace 125, 6011 Wellington, New Zealand
  • Phone: 00 644 472 3655
  • Email: weemb@mofa.gov.sa

Remember to contact the Saudi Embassy during its working hours – from Monday to Friday, 9:00–3:30.

Moreover, it’s essential that you schedule your visa application visit beforehand, as walk-ins aren’t accepted by the immigration officers.

FAQs about the Saudi Visa for New Zealanders

  • Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
    Yes, all New Zealanders require a visa to visit Saudi Arabia, and they can obtain one online, on arrival, or via the embassy.
  • Which is approved faster, a Saudi eVisa or VOA?
    The Saudi Arabian eVisa offers faster pre-travel processing, while the VOA is processed immediately upon arrival.
  • How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia with an Electronic Visa?
    The Saudi eVisa allows you to spend up to 90 days in the Kingdom within a one-year period.
  • Are transit travelers required to get a visa to Saudi Arabia?
    Yes, a Transit Visa is mandatory if exiting the airport. It can be booked via Saudia or Flynas Airlines.
  • How long does it take to process a Saudi Regular Visa?
    Processing of a Saudi visa application typically takes between 2 weeks and 2 months, based on the visa type.
  • Can I track my Saudi visa status?
    Yes, visit ksavisa.sa for updates regarding processing your Saudi visa.
  • What should I do if my Saudi visa application is rejected?
    Correct any errors and reapply, or contact the nearest Saudi Embassy for guidance.

Conclusion

Understanding the visa options available can simplify travel preparations for New Zealand citizens, whether they’re considering a Regular Visa, Electronic Visa, Visa on Arrival, or Transit Visa.

The Saudi eVisa is a quick and convenient option for pre-approved travel, offering a flexible validity period for easy trip planning.

For last-minute plans, eligible travelers can opt for a Visa on Arrival, issued directly upon entry.

The Transit Visas are essential for layovers if you plan to leave the airport, regardless of the stopover duration.

The Saudi Arabian Regular Visas are suited for work, study, or extended visits and require more processing time.

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