Saudi Arabia Visa for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani citizens require a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia for any purpose, including tourism, business, work, family visits, or religious pilgrimages such as Hajj and Umrah.

The visa is a mandatory document for Pakistanis to ensure compliance with Saudi regulations and to gain lawful entry into the country.

Pakistani nationals can apply for a Saudi visa at the embassy. It typically involves submitting an application form, providing supporting documents, and attending an interview, if required.

Transit travelers from Pakistan can get a free Transit Visa if flying via Flynas or Saudia Airlines.

Moreover, Pakistani citizens who are GCC residents can apply for a Saudi eVisa. This electronic visa allows individuals to apply online for their visa without visiting the embassy or consulate.

Besides the Saudi visa types mentioned above, US, UK, and Schengen residents or Business and Tourism Visa holders are also eligible for a Visa on Arrival.

NOTE: It is advisable to contact the embassy or consulate directly to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on the Saudi Arabia visa application process for your situation.

Saudi Visa Types for Pakistani Travelers

Understanding the types of Saudi visas available for Pakistani citizens is essential to optimize your travel experience. Knowing the correct visa type provides:

• Proper planning for your trip based on its purpose.
• Avoiding overstay, which can lead to penalties.
• Being aware of your duration and extensions.
• Compliance with Saudi entry requirements.

NOTE: Choosing the wrong type of visa to Saudi Arabia can delay your plans and result in additional costs.

Currently, Pakistanis can apply for numerous types of visas.

• eVisa: Convenient online application for tourism, family visits, or Umrah. Valid for one year with multiple entries.
• Transit Visa: Allows short stays of up to 96 hours when transiting through Saudi Arabia. Apply via your airline website.
• Visa on Arrival: Available for eligible travelers as per guidelines upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
• Tourist Visa: Valid for one year with multiple entries, allowing up to 90 days stay in total, for tourism or family visits.
• Business Visa: For professional dealings and corporate meetings, requiring an invitation from a Saudi business entity.
• Family Visit Visa: Facilitates visits to family members in Saudi Arabia, requiring proof of relationship.
• Work Visa: For employment purposes, requiring a job offer approved by the Ministry of Labor.
• Residency Visa: Available for expatriates with long-term residency or tied to employment or family. Premium residency offers long-term stability.
• Student Visa: For pursuing academic studies, requiring approval from educational institutions and Saudi authorities.
• Extend Return Visa: For residents or workers outside Saudi Arabia to extend their re-entry visa.
• Escort Visa: For dependents or companions of Work or Residency Visa holders, requiring proof of relationship. Processed alongside the primary visa.
• Hajj and Umrah Visas: For religious pilgrims; Hajj Visas are seasonal, while Umrah Visas are available year-round (excluding Hajj season).

Every type of Saudi visa comes with specific requirements, application processes, and validity periods. It is essential to carefully review and understand the requirements for each visa type before applying.

Required Documents for Saudi Arabia Visa

To have a smooth application process for a Saudi Arabia visa, preparation is key.

Submitting the correct documents can maximize your chance of approval and save valuable time. Depending on the visa type, the required documentation may differ.

Basic Required Documents

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Make sure two blank pages are available for visa stamps. It is also important to carefully check your passport’s expiration date.

A recent face photograph with a white background is required. The image must meet the sizing and quality standards outlined on the Saudi eVisa website, which can be found at visa.visitsaudi.com.

Requirements for the Saudi eVisa

If you are applying for a Saudi eVisa, you need one of the following documents:

• A valid tourist or business visa (from the US, UK, or Schengen) that has been used for entry before.
• Permanent residence permit in the US, UK, or EU.
• Residence permit valid for at least 3 months in any GCC country (e.g., Oman, Qatar, UAE). Domestic workers must accompany their sponsors.
• Valid GCC Visa if you are a resident of Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Additional Documents

Depending on your application type, the embassy may require additional documentation, for example:

• Flight reservations.
• Hotel bookings or proof of accommodation.
• An invitation letter (if applying for a Business or Family Visit Visa).

NOTE: Refer to the Saudi Embassy’s visa page for more details.

Saudi Visa Application Process in the Embassy

Before visiting the Saudi embassy, you must book an appointment through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Completing this step allows for a streamlined process and avoids unnecessary wait times.

NOTE: Walk-ins are typically not accommodated for Saudi visa applications; an appointment is mandatory.

The following steps outline the process once you visit the Saudi Embassy:

1. Submit your documents at the designated counter. Check if all forms are completed and signed.
2. Biometric scanning may be necessary for certain visa types.
3. Interview (if applicable): Some visa applications, such as business or residence visas, may require a brief interview to verify your intentions and qualifications for a visit.

Pakistani applicants must visit the embassy or consulate nearest to their location, for example, the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad:

• Address: 14, North Service Road, Diplomatic Enclave, G-4, Islamabad
• Phone Number: 0092512600900
• Fax Number: 0092512278816
• Email Address: pkemb@mofa.gov.sa
• Working Hours: From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Getting a Saudi eVisa as a Pakistani Citizen

Applying for a Saudi eVisa as a Pakistani national is now easier than ever, thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s online system. It simplifies the process, allowing you to complete the steps quickly.

The Electronic Visa is valid for one year and permits multiple entries, with the total stay lasting up to 90 days.

Follow these steps to apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa through the online portal:

1. Visit the Saudi eVisa official website.
2. Click on the menu button and select “Apply Now.”
3. Provide your travel purpose and nationality to check visa eligibility.
4. Log in or create an account using a valid email address.
5. Verify your account via the confirmation email sent to your inbox.
6. Complete the application form by entering personal details and travel information.
7. Upload all required documents, such as a copy of your passport and photo.
8. Pay the processing fee securely online via credit/debit card.
9. Receive your eVisa via email once your application is approved.

NOTE: Processing typically takes 1–3 business days, so plan early to avoid last-minute submitting.

Pakistanis may apply for a Saudi eVisa only if holding one of the documents below:

• A valid Tourist or Business Visa from the US, UK, or any Schengen country, provided it has been used at least once to enter the issuing country.
• A permanent residency permit from the US, UK, or any EU country.
• A valid residency permit with a minimum validity of 3 months from any GCC country, including domestic workers accompanying their sponsors.
• A valid GCC Visa for Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, or the UAE residents.

Obtaining a Saudi Visa on Arrival

If you plan a trip to Saudi Arabia and are eligible for a Visa on Arrival, you’ll find the process straightforward and convenient.

To qualify for a Saudi Visa on Arrival, you must meet specific criteria depending on your current visa or residency status.

For US, UK, or Schengen Visa Holders:

• Your visa must be for business or tourism purposes.
• It must have been used at least once before, showing an entry stamp from the issuing country (digital entry stamps are not accepted).
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Saudi Arabia.

For Residents of the UK, US, or EU:

• You must hold a permanent residence permit from one of these regions.
• Your passport must also be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival.

To get a Saudi Visa on Arrival, use the self-service kiosks (KIOSKs) available at the airport or entry checkpoint.

Alternatively, head directly to the passport control office to process your Visa on Arrival application.

NOTE: Make sure you have all the necessary documents on hand to avoid delays.

Transit Information for Pakistani Travelers

The Transit/Stopover Visa allows travelers passing through Saudi Arabia to enter the country for various purposes, including exploring 7 UNESCO heritage sites, visiting Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment events, or performing Umrah.

Applications for a Transit Visa can be made at the time of flight booking through airlines like Saudia or Flynas:

1. Book and pay for your flights with an eligible airline.
2. Apply for the visa during the flight booking process.
3. Receive the visa via email almost instantly after applying.

The Transit/Stopover Visa is generally issued for a period of 96 hours and allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia within that time frame.

While the Transit/Stopover Visa itself is free, there may be administrative and medical insurance fees involved.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi Visas

• Do Pakistani citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Pakistani citizens are required to obtain a visa before entering Saudi Arabia.

• Can I apply for a Saudi visa online?
  Yes, if eligible, you can apply for a Saudi eVisa through https://ksavisa.sa/.

• What is the processing time for a Saudi visa?
  Processing times vary depending on the visa type. A Saudi eVisa is typically processed within 72 hours, while other visa types may take longer.

• Where can I track my Saudi visa application?
  You can track your Saudi visa application on the MOFA portal.

• What happens if the Saudi visa application is rejected?
  If your application is rejected, you may reapply after addressing the reason for the rejection. Always ensure your documents are complete and accurate.

• Is medical insurance mandatory?
  Yes, visa applicants must provide proof of valid medical insurance in Saudi Arabia.

• How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia with an eVisa?
  The Saudi eVisa allows you to stay for up to 90 days per visit.

• Can I extend my Saudi visa if needed?
  Extensions may be allowed for certain visa types. Details on extensions can be obtained through the MOFA portal or embassy.

Conclusion

Applying for a Saudi visa as a Pakistani citizen is simple with proper preparation. Understanding visa types is key to selecting the right one.

For example, you can apply at the embassy or, if eligible, use the eVisa online application process, get a Visa on Arrival, or obtain a Transit Visa.

Gathering required documents like passport copies, photos, and sponsor letters for specific visas is crucial. Follow official guidelines to avoid issues and delays.

Sources

• https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/eservices/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.saudiembassy.net/visa-types
• https://ksavisa.sa/