Saudi Arabia Visa for North Korean Citizens

North Korean citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom offers various types of visas, including Regular Visa, Electronic Visa (eVisa), Visa on Arrival (VOA), and Transit Visa, meeting different needs and travel purposes.

All North Korean visitors can apply for different categories of Regular Visa at the Saudi Embassy. Transit Visas can be accessed when purchasing flight tickets with Flynas or Saudia Airlines.

If holding residency in GCC, UK, US, or EU countries, North Korean citizens are eligible to apply for a Saudi eVisa. Additionally, those with UK, US, or Schengen visas can opt for a Visa on Arrival.

These visas range from immediate issuance (for Transit Visas and VOA) to standard processing of 24–72 hours for eVisas and 2–8 weeks for Regular Visas.

Requirements for Saudi Visas include a passport valid for at least 6 months and a face photograph, with additional documents based on the visa type.

NOTE: Saudi official resources like GOV.SA provide detailed guidelines and address issues related to travel documentation and regulations.

How to Apply for a Regular Visa at the Saudi Embassy

Applying for a Regular Visa at the Saudi Embassy or Consulate involves several steps.

First, you should gather the required documents, which typically include:

• A passport with at least 6 months of validity
• A completed visa application form
• A recent face photograph
• Other supporting materials such as an invitation letter or proof of travel plans, depending on the type of visa.

Next, visit the official website of the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your region to check for specific requirements and to download the form, if needed.

Once all forms and documents are prepared, schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate. Be sure to submit your application along with the necessary fees during your visit or by post (if possible).

It is also important to track your visa status after submission. Processing times usually last up to 8 weeks but may vary based on the type of visa and the volume of applications, so plan your travel dates accordingly.

Once approved, collect your Saudi visa directly from the embassy or through their authorized channels. Always verify the visa details upon receipt to guarantee accuracy.

Transit Visa for Passing Through Saudi Arabia to Another Country

The Transit Visa is designed for North Korean citizens transiting through Saudi Arabia en route to another destination.

With a validity of up to 96 hours, the visa allows travelers to make a short stopover in the Kingdom, offering an opportunity to explore its cultural and historical attractions.

North Korean travelers can apply for the Saudi Transit Visa as early as 90 days before the journey, ensuring flexibility and enough time for planning.

The process of obtaining a visa is simple and can be completed directly through airlines like Flynas or Saudia. By visiting www.flynas.com or www.saudia.com, travelers can book their flights and submit their visa applications in one go.

Once submitted, the Transit Visa is processed instantly, making it easy to plan a hassle-free stopover in Saudi Arabia.

Applying for a Saudi Electronic Visa

The Saudi eVisa is an electronic travel authorization introduced by Saudi Arabia to facilitate tourism and international travel.

It is available to citizens from North Korea who hold a valid US/UK/EU residence permit or visa or are residents of one of the GCC countries.

The eVisa to Saudi Arabia is valid for multiple entries and allows for short-term stays in the Kingdom for purposes such as tourism, attending events, or visiting family and friends over a one-year period, with stay limited to a maximum of 90 days.

The application process is straightforward and can be completed online, making it a convenient option for travelers.

1. Visit the KSA Visa homepage. Start by navigating to https://ksavisa.sa/.
2. Click on the menu button. Locate and click the menu button on the right-hand side of the homepage.
3. Provide your travel purpose and nationality. Enter details about the purpose of your travel and your nationality.
4. Log in or create an account. If you’re a new user, create an account by providing your details. If you already have an account, simply log in.
5. Complete the application form. Fill out all required fields in the application form accurately and thoroughly.
6. Submit the required documents. Upload the necessary documents, such as a recent face photo, as per the instructions provided.
7. Add insurance. Include travel insurance as part of your application, as it is a mandatory requirement.
8. Pay the fee. Complete the payment for your application using the available options on the website.

Once your application is processed and approved, your Saudi eVisa will be sent to you via the email address provided during the application process.

Download and print a copy of the Electronic Visa to carry with you during your travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as this will serve as proof of your authorization to enter the country.

How to Receive a Saudi Visa on Arrival

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) to Saudi Arabia is an option for travelers who didn’t apply for a visa in advance or prefer spontaneous travel. Eligible nationals can get their visa upon arriving at Saudi airports, seaports, or land borders.

To qualify, North Korean citizens must meet the following conditions:

On arrival, you should go to the immigration counter or use a self-service KIOSK machine to start the process. You will need to provide required documents, answer a few questions, and pay the visa fee.

The approval process usually takes just a few minutes. Travelers with a VOA can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days. The visa may allow single or multiple entries, depending on the decision of immigration officers.

Vaccinations Required for a Trip to Saudi Arabia

When planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, it is essential to be certain that you are up-to-date on all obligatory and recommended vaccinations.

The Saudi Ministry of Health often requires certain vaccines, particularly for those traveling during the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages.

The following vaccinations are commonly mandatory or advised for North Korean travelers:

• Meningococcal vaccine: Necessary for pilgrims and travelers during Hajj and Umrah to protect against meningitis. Proof of vaccination is required with certification administered 10 days to 3 years before arrival, depending on the vaccine type.
• Routine vaccines: Make sure that routine vaccines, such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), tetanus, and diphtheria, are up to date.
• Hepatitis A and B: Recommended to avoid exposure to contaminated food, water, or bodily fluids.
• Yellow fever: Necessary if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. A valid vaccination certificate may need to be presented upon entry.
• Polio vaccine: Strongly advisable for travelers from polio-endemic countries or in areas of active outbreaks.

It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional well in advance of your trip to Saudi Arabia to verify the latest regulations for your travel plans.

Saudi Arabian Embassy

The Saudi Arabian Embassy plays a crucial role for visa applicants from North Korea, as it ensures that applications are processed efficiently while meeting to Saudi Arabia’s immigration policies and regulations.

It acts as a trusted channel for applicants to understand requirements, submit necessary documents, and address any inquiries regarding the visa process.

At the moment, Saudi Arabia has no diplomatic missions in North Korea, but applicants can reach out to the Saudi Embassy in South Korea:

• Address: 36-37, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 140-863
• Phone: 8227390631
• Email: saudiskremb@mofa.gov.sa
• Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (local time)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Saudi Visas

• What is the Saudi eVisa, and who is eligible?
  The Saudi eVisa is an electronically issued visa available for tourism purposes. North Korean citizens holding residency or visas from GCC, UK, US, or EU countries are eligible to apply for an eVisa.

• What is the processing time for a Saudi Regular Visa?
  The processing time for a Regular Visa typically ranges from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the application and documentation submitted.

• Can North Korean travelers get a Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
  Yes, North Korean travelers with valid UK, US, or Schengen visas can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Saudi entry points.

• What are the requirements for a Saudi Transit Visa?
  A valid flight ticket booked with Flynas or Saudia Airlines is required for a Saudi Transit Visa, in addition to a passport valid for at least 6 months.

• What is the validity of the passport required for the Saudi visa application?
  All Saudi visa types require a passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of application.

• Are there any age restrictions for applying for a Saudi Visa?
  While there are no specific age restrictions, minors may need additional consent or support documents from guardians.

• How long is valid the Saudi eVisa?
  The Saudi Electronic Visa remains valid for one year of issuance and allows multiple trips of up to 90 days in total within this period.

Conclusion

Understanding the various visa options and their specific requirements is crucial for North Korean travelers visiting Saudi Arabia.

From the convenient eVisa, Visa on Arrival, and Transit Visa to more formal Regular Visas, Saudi Arabia offers accessible methods suitable to diverse travel needs.

It is essential to make sure all documents are in order and to consult official resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information for a smooth and hassle-free entry into the Kingdom.

Sources:

• 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