Saudi Arabia Visa for Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian citizens are required to obtain a Saudi Arabia visa before traveling to the country.

There are multiple Saudi visa options for Nigerian passport holders, with the primary visa application method being through the embassy.

Each visa type is designed for specific purposes, and Nigerian citizens can obtain a Diplomatic, Tourist, Business, Work, Residency, Family Visit, Extend Return, Escort, or Student Visa.

Pilgrims should get a Hajj Visa or an Umrah Visa to enter Saudi Arabia for religious purposes.

For those transiting through Saudi Arabia, there is an option to apply for a Transit Visa, which allows travelers to stay in the country for 96 hours.

An Electronic Visa (eVisa) or a Visa on Arrival (VOA) can be obtained by Nigerian nationals traveling to Saudi Arabia only if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a valid visa from the US, the UK, or the Schengen country (used at least once)
• Have residence permit in the US, the UK, or the EU country
• Have a residence permit in the countries of the GCC (valid for at least 3 months)

Nigerian citizens visiting Saudi Arabia must ensure they apply for the correct visa in advance, as proper preparation will make the entry process smoother.

NOTE: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date and have two blank visa pages before visiting Saudi Arabia.

Visa Application Methods for Nigerian Nationals

There are three ways to apply for a Saudi visa available for Nigerian passport holders and each one of them has different benefits.

Choose the visa application method that’s the most convenient for you.

Applying Through the Saudi Embassy

The primary method of obtaining a Saudi Arabian visa is applying directly at the embassy.

Nigerian applicants should gather all necessary documents, such as a formal face photograph and a valid passport.

Depending on the selected visa type, additional paperwork, like a letter of sponsorship or an invitation from the cooperating company, may be required – these details are provided by the immigration office.

Choosing Visa Application on Arrival

A Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for Nigerian travelers – upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, applicants can complete the visa process at designated counters.

You must provide a valid passport and a face photograph, so requirements are minimal.

This Saudi visa application method is available only to holders of visas from the US/UK/Schengen country or the US/UK/EU residence permits.

The visa fee can be paid on-site in cash or through accepted payment methods.

Visiting Online Visa Portal

For travel related to tourism and business, Saudi Arabia offers an online application portal.

This solution allows eligible travelers to submit their applications, upload required documents, and pay fees electronically.

To be eligible for a Saudi eVisa, Nigerian citizens need a visa from the US/UK/Schengen country or a residence permit in the US/UK/EU.

The Electronic Visa is also available for nationals of Nigeria who have GCC residency.

NOTE: The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) includes seven countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Saudi Visa Application Guide: Embassy

Applying for a Saudi visa through the embassy is currently the primary route for most Nigerian citizens who wish to visit Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, Saudi visa application via the immigration office offers expert guidance, ensuring your documents are submitted correctly and reducing errors.

1. Complete the Application Form – Visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.sa) or the Saudi Embassy to get the form.
2. Gather the Documents – Prepare your passport, face photos, and other documents supporting your application.
3. Submit the Application – Head to the embassy with all your documents. Confirm the operating hours before your visit.
4. Pay the Visa Fee – The fee varies according to visa type. Confirm the amount before your appointment and prepare cash.

Then, wait for the processing of your Saudi Arabian visa application. The waiting time may vary based on the visa type, but it’s usually between 2-8 weeks.

Once your application is approved, you may collect your visa in person at the Saudi Embassy, but don’t forget to bring proper identification document.

Important tips for embassy applications:

• Double-check your documents to avoid submission delays.
• Confirm the Saudi Embassy opening hours before visiting.
• Make sure you have sufficient funds to cover the fee.

Saudi Visa Application Guide: Online

While Saudi eVisas are limited to Nigerian citizens meeting specific criteria, those eligible can apply through the KSA Visa portal.

Compared to the traditional visa application process, the online submission is much faster and less complicated.

1. Go to the https://ksavisa.sa/ and click on the menu button.
2. Provide a travel purpose and check visa eligibility for Nigerian citizens.
3. Log in or create an account on the platform to start the application.
4. Complete the online application form accurately with the required data.
5. Upload your face photograph taken on a plain white background.
6. Pay the suitable visa fee with your credit card, debit card, or online service.

Once your visa application is reviewed and approved, the visa will be sent directly to the email address provided during the registration process.

You must download and print the Saudi Arabian visa to present it upon arrival during immigration control.

The validity period of a Saudi eVisa is one year. It’s a multiple-entry visa, allowing a total stay of up to 90 days.

Useful tips for online applications:

• Make sure your internet connection is stable during the application process.
• Use a valid email address for account verification.
• Check if your face photograph scan is legible and clear.

NOTE: The standard processing time for a Saudi Arabian eVisa is 24-72 hours.

Documents Required for Saudi Visa Applications

Regardless of the selected method of Saudi Arabian visa application, Nigerian citizens need the following documents for a successful submission:

• Passport valid for no less than 6 months from the planned entry date
• Recent face photo taken in color and on a white background
• Completed visa application form
• Health insurance purchased for Saudi Arabia*

*Travel insurance can be added automatically when applying for a Saudi eVisa.

Missing or improperly prepared documents can lead to delays or rejection of the visa application.

All applicants are encouraged to double-check the forms for accuracy, including matching details between the application and their travel documents.

Some types of visas (Work Visas, Study Visas) may require supplementary documentation, such as a letter from an employer in Saudi Arabia.

Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia

Transit Visas are perfect for Nigerian passengers with layovers in Saudi Arabia while traveling to other destinations.

To get one, they must visit the Flynas or Saudia website during the flight booking process and fill out a short online form.

The Saudi Arabian Transit Visa is valid for up to 96 hours upon arriving at the Saudi airport. Extending your stay beyond its validity isn’t permitted.

It’s advisable to apply for a visa well in advance of your travel to avoid last-minute complications.

Official Saudi Arabia Mobile App

For convenience, Nigerian citizens can download the Saudi Arabia My GOV mobile app, which is available for Android and iOS systems.

This tool allows you to track your visa status, access the latest updates regarding entry requirements, and even manage your documents.

The app also includes a step-by-step guide to help users complete their Saudi Electronic Visa application process.

Thanks to a user-friendly interface even first-time travelers can easily understand and follow the procedure.

Additionally, the app provides notifications about your application’s status, eliminating the need for constant follow-ups or back-and-forth communication.

Besides visa-related services, the app offers valuable travel tips and recommendations for exploring Saudi Arabia.

Contact Information for the Saudi Embassy

The Saudi Embassy in Nigeria is your go-to contact point if you need help with visa application, document authentication, or other consular services.

It is advised to verify the embassy’s working hours beforehand to ensure your visit is well-timed.

Inquiries can be made through their official email address, offering a convenient option for those unable to visit in person.

• Location: 6 Orange Street, Maitama, 904101 Abuja, Nigeria
• Telephone: 00 234 709 822 1442
• Email: ngemb@mofa.gov.sa

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can Nigerian citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
  Nigerian citizens can only apply for Saudi eVisas if they hold GCC, US, UK, or Schengen residency or visas.

• Can minors apply for a Saudi Arabian visa?
  Yes, minors traveling to Saudi Arabia must apply for a visa, but the application should be completed by their guardians.

• How long is the Saudi visa processing time?
  Saudi visa processing time varies based on the chosen method of application. The Regular Visa is issued in 2-8 weeks, while the Electronic Visa is approved in 1-3 days.

• Can I extend my Saudi visa?
  Extensions depend on your visa type and are given at the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• What should I do if my visa to Saudi Arabia is rejected?
  If your visa to Saudi Arabia is rejected, you can inquire about the reason for rejection and reapply after addressing the issues.

• Do I need travel insurance for my application?
  Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all visitors to Saudi Arabia.

• Can I enter Saudi Arabia multiple times?
  The number of times you can enter Saudi Arabia will be provided on your approved visa. Usually, they are issued as multiple-entry permits.

• Is a Saudi Transit Visa available to Nigerian citizens?
  Yes, a Saudi Transit Visa can be obtained by Nigerian passport holders.

Summary

The Saudi Arabian visa provides essential information about the traveler entering the country – Nigerian citizens won’t be allowed to visit Saudi territory without a valid visa.

As a Nigerian passport holder, you can apply for a Regular Visa at the embassy. Under certain circumstances, an Electronic Visa and a Visa on Arrival are also available.

For rejected applications, you are advised to address the issues and reapply – it’s best to do it in the embassy.

Remember to apply for a Saudi visa earlier so that it’s approved on time.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://www.visitsaudi.com/en
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/Nigeria/EN/Pages/default.aspx