Saudi Arabia Visa for Papua New Guinean Citizens

Papua New Guinean citizens are required to have a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, transit, or other purposes.

Papua New Guineans primarily have access to Regular Visas and Transit Visas, while Visas on Arrival and eVisas are only available under specific circumstances if having one of the below:

• Visa from the US/UK/Schengen countries (entered at least once)
• Residency permit in the GCC countries (valid for no less than 3 months)*
• Permanent residency in the US/UK/EU

Processing times usually take up to 3 days in the case of an Electronic Visa enabling a 90-day stay in the Kingdom and up to 8 weeks for a Regular Visa, with validity varying depending on the type.

Visa on Arrival is issued for 90 days, while a Transit visa allows a 96-hour visit to Saudi Arabia.

Having the necessary documents, such as a passport valid for at least 6 months, is crucial for the Saudi visa process.

*Only accepted in the case of eVisa to Saudi Arabia.

Regular Saudi Visa for Papua New Guinean Citizens

A Regular Saudi Visa is issued to Papua New Guinean citizens through Saudi Arabian Embassies and Consulates.

This visa serves various purposes, such as business, tourism, work, or study.

Obtaining a Regular Visa involves the following steps:

1. Determine your visa type. Decide on the type of Saudi visa that suits your purpose of travel (e.g., Tourist Visa, Work Visa).
2. Prepare for applying. Gather required documents like your passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity), recent photograph, and any additional paperwork such as employment contracts for Work Visas.
3. Submit your application. Visit the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate and provide your application along with the required documents.
4. Collect your visa. Once approved, you’ll receive your visa and can proceed with your travel plans.

Regular Visas typically take 2–8 weeks to process. Make sure you apply well in advance of your intended travel date to avoid unnecessary delays.

TIP: Double-check all submitted documents for accuracy to prevent your Saudi visa application from being rejected or delayed.

Saudi Visa Options for Papua New Guinean Citizens

Papua New Guinean citizens have several visa options when traveling to Saudi Arabia. Each visa type comes with specific requirements and conditions, so choosing the appropriate one for your needs and eligibility is essential.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Papua New Guinean citizens may qualify for a Visa on Arrival only under specific conditions. They must have one of the below documents:

• Valid visa from the US/UK/Schengen countries
• Permanent residency in the US/UK/EU

The Saudi Visa on Arrival is typically valid for up to 90 days. Papua New Guinean travelers who meet the eligibility criteria can obtain the visa upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

The process involves approaching the dedicated kiosks or visiting the passport control office located at the entry point.

Electronic Visa (eVisa)

The Saudi eVisa is a convenient online option. However, Papua New Guinean citizens can only apply if they hold one of the following documents:

• Visa from the US/UK/Schengen countries
• Residency in the GCC countries
• Permanent residency in the US/UK/EU

The eVisa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries with a total stay of up to 90 days.

To successfully apply for a Saudi visa, follow the steps listed below:

1. Gather required documents. Prepare all necessary paperwork, including a valid passport.
2. Complete the application form. Access the https://ksavisa.sa/. Fill out the form accurately and provide all requested details.
3. Submit documentation. Upload scanned copies of your documents through the eVisa portal.
4. Add the insurance and pay the visa fee. Make the required payment using the approved payment method.
5. Wait for approval. After submission, wait for your visa to be processed. It can take up to 3 working days.

Transit Visa

Papua New Guinean citizens can obtain a Transit Visa (or Stopover Visa) when booking flights with Flynas or Saudia Airlines.

This visa provides an excellent opportunity for a short stay of up to 96 hours in Saudi Arabia during their travel layovers.

A Transit Visa enables individuals traveling through Saudi Arabia to enter the country briefly for various purposes. This includes exploring the country, performing Umrah, or participating in local events.

It’s possible to apply for a Saudi Transit Visa even 90 days before the travel, which is very convenient.

What Documents Do I Need for a Saudi Visa?

To apply for a Saudi visa, Papua New Guinean citizens are required to submit a set of specific documents to complete the process.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Recent face photograph
• Health insurance

Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the visit; these may include:

• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Saudi Arabia.
• Return flight tickets to confirm your travel itinerary.
• Vaccination certificate for meningitis (for pilgrims)
• Bank statements to demonstrate financial stability during your stay.
• Employment letter or other professional documentation to validate the nature of your visit, if it is work-related.

The above conditions can vary based on individual circumstances and the type of visa being applied for.

It is advisable to check with the relevant authorities or the Saudi Embassy for updated and specific information.

Vaccinations Required for a Saudi Visa Application

Vaccination requirements are strictly enforced for entry into Saudi Arabia, particularly for those participating in religious pilgrimages such as Hajj or Umrah.

All pilgrims must provide a valid certificate of vaccination against meningitis, which is mandatory to help prevent the spread of this potentially serious illness in crowded areas.

In addition to the meningitis vaccine, travelers are strongly advised to ensure their routine vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, and diphtheria, are up-to-date.

NOTE: Depending on your specific health needs and the time of year, other vaccines, such as those for influenza or hepatitis A and B, may also be recommended.

To ensure full compliance, it’s essential to consult your physician well in advance of your trip.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to review the latest guidelines from the Saudi Ministry of Health, as requirements may vary or be updated periodically.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Saudi Arabia Visa?

The processing time for a Saudi Arabia visa can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the completeness of your submission.

Typically, a Regular Visa application can take 2 to 8 weeks to process. It’s recommended that you complete the process well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for potential delays.

Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia is usually processed within 3 working days. Factors such as peak travel seasons, additional documentation requirements, or requests for an in-person interview may extend processing times.

To minimize issues, make sure that all necessary documents are accurately completed and submitted, including your passport, photograph, and any additional paperwork specified in the application guidelines.

Saudi Arabian Embassy for Papua New Guinean Citizens

Papua New Guinean citizens can visit the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa or seek assistance regarding entry requirements.

While there are no Saudi diplomatic missions in Papua New Guinea, you may need to approach nearby regional locations for visa services. You can contact the Saudi Embassy in Australia:

• Address: 38 GuilFoyle Street, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Canberra
• Phone: 0061262507000
• Email: auemb@mofa.gov.sa
• Working Hours: from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

FAQ about Saudi Visa

• Do Papua New Guinean citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
  A visa to Saudi Arabia is mandatory for all Papua New Guinean travelers, as well as health insurance is a must.

• Can Papua New Guinean citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
  If Papua New Guinean citizens are GCC residents or hold UK, US, or Schengen visas, they can get a Saudi eVisa.

• What is the processing time for a Regular Saudi Visa?
  The processing can take between 2 and 8 weeks, depending on the Saudi visa type.

• What is the allowed stay period for a Saudi Transit Visa?
  Saudi Transit Visas permit a short stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours.

• Can I apply for a Saudi Visa on Arrival?
  Papua New Guinean citizens may qualify for a Saudi Visa on Arrival under specific conditions, such as being a UK, US, or Schengen visa holder.

• Are travel vaccinations to Saudi Arabia mandatory?
  Yes, a certificate of meningitis vaccination is required in the case of pilgrims.

• Where can I apply for a Regular Saudi Visa?
  You can apply for a Regular Visa at the Saudi Arabian Embassies and Consulates near you.

Conclusion

Papua New Guinean citizens require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, with Regular Visas and Transit Visas being the most accessible options. Alternative visas like eVisas and Visa on Arrival have specific eligibility conditions.

Make sure you prepare all necessary documentation, have health insurance, and check vaccination requirements before applying.

For further assistance, contact the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy and begin your application process without stress.

Sources:

• https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/australia/EN/Pages/default.aspx
• https://ksavisa.sa/