Rwandan citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia require a visa, as it regulates entry into Saudi Arabia, ensuring that visitors meet specific criteria set by the Saudi government.
Depending on the residency or visa status, there are specific options available. All Rwandan citizens can apply for a Regular Visa at the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate.
For those traveling via Flynas or Saudia Airlines, a Transit Visa can be obtained with flight bookings.
Rwandan citizens who are holders of valid UK, US, or Schengen visas/residence permits are eligible to apply for a Saudi eVisa online or obtain a Visa on Arrival upon entry.
All applicants for Saudi visas must have a passport that doesn’t expire within at least 6 months of the planned date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Rwandan citizens residing in the GCC can also access the Electronic Visa to the Kingdom.
NOTE: Detailed guidance and application details on Saudi visas are available online through official platforms like Visit Saudi or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Saudi Regular Visa: How to Obtain It
A Saudi Regular Visa is a standardized visa issued by Saudi Arabian authorities for various purposes, such as work, education, family visits, or long-term stays.
Unlike the eVisa or Visa on Arrival, this type of visa typically requires a more detailed process and must be obtained prior to traveling to Saudi Arabia.
The process involves submitting an application to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
To obtain a Saudi Regular Visa, Rwandan applicants need to gather specific documents, which include a valid passport, a completed visa form, a recent face photo, and health insurance.
Additional documents such as employment letters, proof of accommodation, or financial statements may also be needed, depending on the Saudi visa category.
Once the application is submitted, it will undergo a review lasting 2-8 weeks, and applicants may be necessary to attend an interview or provide biometric data.
Saudi Transit Visa: Facilitation for Layovers
For Rwanda nationals having a layover in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Transit Visa offers a convenient opportunity, allowing travelers to stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours (4 days) within a 90-day visa validity.
The Transit Visa can be obtained when booking tickets with Saudia or Flynas airlines:
- Search for your flight. Begin by booking the flight that best suits your travel plans.
- Choose your stopover city and duration. Decide how long you want to stay.
- Apply for a Stopover Visa. Make sure to check visa requirements beforehand.
- Complete payment. Finalize your booking and payment to secure your flight.
Travelers will receive an email with their visa and insurance details for their stay in Saudi Arabia immediately.
The Saudi Transit Visa is non-extendable and limited to one trip per booking.
Rwandan citizens are advised to check that all documents and information submitted are valid, as entry approval is subject to passport verification upon arrival.
Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia for Rwandan Citizens
The Saudi Electronic Visa (eVisa) is available for activities such as sightseeing, attending events, and cultural experiences.
Introduced as part of the country’s efforts to boost tourism, the eVisa allows applying online without the need to visit an embassy or consulate.
NOTE: The Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia can be obtained by Rwandans holding a valid visa/residence permit of UK, US, and EU countries or those who are GCC residents.
Rwandan citizens can easily apply for a Saudi eVisa by following these steps:
- Visit the KSA Visa homepage. Begin the process by navigating to https://ksavisa.sa/.
- Click on the menu button on the right. Open the menu to access visa options and services available on the platform.
- Log in or create an account. If you’re a new user, register by creating an account. Existing users can log in using their credentials.
- Complete the application. Accurately fill out the form with all necessary details, including your personal information and travel plans.
- Submit the required documents. Upload scanned copies of all the paperwork needed.
- Add insurance. Select and add the mandatory health insurance before proceeding.
- Pay the fee. Finalize the process by making the payment for the visa and associated insurance fees.
Once the application has been submitted and reviewed, Rwandan travelers will be notified of the outcome via email.
The Saudi eVisa is typically valid for multiple entries and allows stays of up to 90 days in total within a one-year period.
Visa on Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers a Visa on Arrival for Rwandan citizens with a residency in the US, UK, or Schengen countries, making the entry process more convenient.
This visa can be obtained upon arrival at Saudi entry points by approaching passport counters or using the self-service machine.
The Visa on Arrival grants visitors the flexibility to explore Saudi Arabia for purposes like tourism, attending events, or even performing religious pilgrimages such as Umrah (excluding Hajj).
The VOA for Rwandan citizens is typically valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. It allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia during its validity period, while a stay under this visa can last up to 90 days.
Processing is typically straightforward, and the Visa on Arrival is issued almost immediately. Preparing all required documentation in advance can prevent unnecessary delays.
Vaccinations Required for a Saudi Visa Application
When applying for a Saudi visa, certain vaccinations may be required or strongly recommended to ensure the health and safety of travelers and locals.
One crucial vaccination is the meningococcal vaccine, which is mandatory for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah. Proof of immunization must be presented upon arrival.
Additionally, Rwandans are strongly advised to be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, and tetanus.
For Rwandan travelers coming from regions with many instances of yellow fever, a vaccination certificate may also be required.
NOTE: It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or visit a travel clinic well in advance of the trip to make sure all vaccination requirements are met.
Saudi Embassy for Rwandan Citizens
For Rwandan nationals seeking to travel to Saudi Arabia, it is important to know that there is no Saudi Embassy located within Rwanda.
Applicants are required to contact the Saudi Embassy in Uganda for processing their visa applications and obtaining necessary information:
- Address: Kampala, Plot 7, Kololo Hill Drive, Uganda
- Phone Number: 00256200100440
- Email: ugemb@mofa.gov.sa
- Operating Hours: From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Embassy in Uganda serves as the nearest point of contact for Rwandan travelers, and it is crucial to plan accordingly to account for the additional coordination required.
Reaching out to the embassy well in advance is strongly encouraged to make sure all documentation and procedural requirements are met in a timely manner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible for a Saudi eVisa?
Rwandan citizens with valid UK, US, or Schengen visas/residence permits or GCC residence are eligible to apply for a Saudi eVisa.
- Are children required to apply for a separate Saudi visa?
Yes, minors traveling to Saudi Arabia will need separate visas, and their applications should be completed by their parents or legal guardians.
- What is the validity period of the Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa typically has a validity of one year, with multiple entries allowed.
- What is the maximum duration of stay permitted with a Saudi eVisa?
Rwandan visitors using the eVisa can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days within a year.
- What happens if my Saudi visa application is denied?
If your visa application is denied, you should contact the Saudi Embassy or Consulate for further guidance and explore alternative visa options.
- Are there any specific Saudi visas for business purposes?
While the standard eVisa can be used for attending business meetings or conferences, travelers engaging in extended business activities may need to apply for a Regular Business Visa.
- Can I extend my visa while in Saudi Arabia?
Extensions may be possible in certain cases, but they generally require approval from the relevant authorities.
Conclusion
Traveling to Saudi Arabia has been made increasingly accessible for Rwandan citizens through available visas, including the Regular Visa, Transit Visa, eVisa, and Visa on Arrival.
Whether planning a trip for tourism, business, or transit, it is essential to follow the outlined guidelines and check if all requirements are met to avoid issues.
By using official resources, travelers from Rwanda can obtain up-to-date information and complete their applications with ease.
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
Hello, I’m Sara Ali, and I have dedicated my career to navigating the intricacies of immigration and visa processes. With over a decade of experience in the field, I have assisted countless travelers in achieving their travel and relocation goals. My expertise lies in simplifying complex procedures and ensuring seamless visa applications for clients from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about facilitating international travel, I continually stay updated with the latest immigration policies to provide reliable guidance and support.
