Somali citizens going to Saudi Arabia must obtain a visa, an official document that allows entry into the Kingdom.
For Somali travelers, an eVisa is available only in specific conditions, such as holding a valid residence visa in a Schengen country, UK, US, or GCC.
An eVisa offers a validity period of one year with multiple entries, permitting a maximum stay of 90 days in total.
Most Somali citizens are obliged to apply for a Regular Visa; the process may take up to 8 weeks.
The submission for the Regular Visa application must be done through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate with the documents, such as a valid passport and face photograph.
Additionally, a Saudi visa fee must be paid, and supporting documents like proof of accommodation or a sponsor letter may be required.
Regular Visa types for Saudi Arabia include categories such as work, business, family visits, or tourism, each with certain requirements.
What is more, a Tranist Visa is available and can be obtained during the purchase of airline tickets.
NOTE: The passport you are using for your Saudi visa application must be valid for a minimum of 6 months.
Regular Saudi Visas for Somali Citizens
Somali citizens have the opportunity to apply for several types of Regular Visas at the Saudi Arabian Embassy.
Each visa type comes with its requirements and guidelines, ensuring applicants can choose the one that best suits their travel needs:
- Diplomatic Visa – Issued for government officials or diplomatic missions.
- Tourist Visa – Designed for leisure and sightseeing.
- Business Visa – For attending meetings, conferences, or business-related activities.
- Work Visa – For temporary or permanent employment in Saudi Arabia.
- Residency Visa – Allowing residency in Saudi Arabia.
- Family Visit Visa – For visiting family members residing in Saudi Arabia.
- Extend Return Visa – Enables Somali travelers to extend their return date beyond the planned timeline.
- Escort Visa – For individuals assisting or accompanying someone traveling to Saudi Arabia.
- Student Visa – For students enrolled in Saudi educational institutions.
- Hajj Visa – Specially issued for Muslims attending the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Umrah Visa – For those planning to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of visa options for various purposes of travel. Understanding the specific visa requirements allows a smooth and efficient application process.
How to Get a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia
Somalis must submit their application through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate to obtain a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia.
For a smooth process, it is crucial to provide all required documentation, including a valid passport, completed application forms, and any additional paperwork specific to the visa type.
- Visit the Saudi Embassy. Somali citizens must apply for their visa in person at the Saudi Arabian Embassy.
- Gather Required Documents. Prepare all necessary documents specific to the visa type you’re applying for.
- Submit the Application. Submit your completed Saudi visa application along with the required documents to the embassy.
- Pay the Visa Fee. The fee depends on the chosen visa type.
- Wait for Processing. Processing can take up to 8 weeks, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
NOTE: Walk-ins are not accepted at the Saudi Arabian Embassy. You must schedule an appointment ahead of time to make sure your application is processed.
Applicants from Somalia need to locate and visit the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy in a neighboring country, such as Kenya, to submit their visa applications.
What Documents Are Necessary to Apply for a Saudi Visa?
To apply for a Saudi visa, Somali citizens must present specific documents and meet certain criteria, so they must have:
- A passport with at least 6 months validity
- Completed visa application form
- Recent face photograph
- Documents specific to the purpose of the visit (e.g., employment contract for work visas)
All documents must be accurate, complete, and properly reviewed to avoid discrepancies and problems.
Additionally, make sure they are translated into English or Arabic, as required, to meet official and legal standards, enabling smooth communication and compliance with regulations.
When translating your documents into English or Arabic, it is essential to use certified translation services for accuracy and to meet legal criteria. Certified translators are trained to provide precise translations and can include official stamps or certifications if required.
Avoid using automated or unofficial translation tools, as they may lead to errors or misinterpretations in critical sections of the documents.
What Do I Need to Get a Saudi eVisa as a Somali Citizen?
Somali citizens may apply for a Saudi eVisa, but only under certain specific circumstances, as they must hold one of the following:
- A valid Business or Tourist Visa from the UK, US, or a Schengen region country (it must be used at least once to enter the issuing country).
- A Permanent Residence Visa issued by the UK, US, or EU countries.
- A residency of a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) country for at least 3 months.
If Somali citizens do not meet the above requirements, they will not be eligible for a Saudi eVisa. Instead, they must apply for a Regular Visa through the appropriate Saudi Embassy or Consulate.
The application process for a Regular Visa requires additional documentation and longer processing times, so applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly.
How to Apply for a Saudi Electronic Visa?
For those Somali citizens eligible for a Saudi eVisa, the steps are straightforward to follow:
- Visit the Official Saudi eVisa Portal. Go to the https://ksavisa.sa/ website.
- Complete the Application Form. Enter your personal and passport details.
- Upload a Face Photo. It must meet the criteria listed below.
- Pay the Processing Fee. You can use a debit or credit card.
- Submit the Application. Review all details and finalize the application.
- Receive the eVisa by Email. Once approved, print the eVisa for presentation at entry points to Saudi Arabia.
The photo must be in color and of high quality, with no visible pixels or distortion. It should be taken against a plain white background with no shadows or patterns.
Your face must be visible, centered, and occupy about 70-80% of the frame. Maintain a neutral facial expression, with both eyes open and no smiling or frowning.
Head coverings are allowed only for religious purposes but must not cover facial features. Avoid wearing glasses, hats, or any accessories that might obstruct your face.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Saudi Arabia Visa?
The processing time for Regular Visas may take up to 8 weeks, depending on several factors, such as the specific type of visa, the applicant’s submission of complete and accurate paperwork, as well as the workload of the visa processing center.
On the other hand, the Saudi eVisa offers a much faster processing time, typically taking up to 3 days.
The online process is designed for ease and convenience, allowing travelers to obtain authorization for their visit to Saudi Arabia quickly, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and submit the necessary details correctly.
Preparation is crucial for a smooth and quicker processing experience. Somali travelers should carefully review all requirements, gather the necessary documents, and double-check for accuracy in their submissions.
Any discrepancies or missing information can lead to delays, so attention to detail is essential to avoid inconveniences.
What to Do If Your Saudi Arabia Visa Application is Denied?
If your Saudi visa application is denied, it could be due to incomplete documents, incorrect information, or ineligibility. You should consider the following points to solve the problems:
- Request Feedback — Reach out to the Saudi Embassy or KSA help center to understand why your application was rejected.
- Reapply Correctly — Address the issues mentioned in the feedback, ensure all documents are complete, and submit a new application.
- Seek Assistance — Consult a visa expert or immigration advisor for guidance.
Carefully review the Saudi visa requirements and guidelines provided by the Saudi Embassy to avoid common mistakes that could cause delays.
Pay close attention to the necessary documents, eligibility criteria, and specific instructions for submitting your Saudi visa application for a smooth and hassle-free process.
Saudi Embassy for Somali Citizens
Somali citizens can apply for their Saudi visas through the Saudi Embassy in Kenya, as there is no official Saudi Embassy in Somalia.
You can expect to undergo a document verification process at the embassy to check if all submitted materials meet the requirements.
Additionally, you may be asked to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, to complete your Saudi visa application process.
- Address: Main Muthaigh Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- Phone: 00254204062781
- Email: keemb@mofa.gov.sa
- Working Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM
Expert assistance is available to help you schedule your appointment in advance. We encourage you to reach out to the embassy for guidance.
FAQ
- Can I apply for a Saudi Visa on Arrival as Somali?
Somali citizens are not eligible for a Saudi Visa on Arrival unless they meet certain criteria, such as holding a residency in a GCC.
- What are the eligible types of visas for Somali travelers?
Somali travelers can apply for various types of Saudi visas, including Tourist Visas, Business Visas, Family Visit Visas, and Work Visas.
- How can I check the status of my Saudi visa application?
You can track Saudi visa application status through the Saudi Embassy or the eVisa portal.
- Is travel insurance mandatory for Saudi eVisas?
Yes, valid travel insurance is required and can be purchased during the process of getting a Saudi eVisa.
- Can I extend my Saudi visa once I arrive?
Certain Saudi visas can be extended; consult the embassy for details.
- Do Somali citizens need a medical exam for a Saudi visa?
For some long-term visas (related to work or residency), a medical exam is mandatory.
- Can children apply for eVisas to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but their guardian/parent must submit the Saudi visa application on their behalf.
Conclusion
Saudi visa requirements and application process differ based on the type of visa, whether it’s for tourism, work, or other purposes.
Somali travelers must have all necessary documents, such as a passport valid for at least 6 months, to apply for a proper visa and enter Saudi Arabia.
It is essential to review the specific conditions ahead of time for smooth application procedures.
To track the progress of their application or explore eligibility for visa extensions, applicants are advised to use the Saudi Embassy services or the ksavisa.sa website.
Sources:
- https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/Kenya/EN/Pages/default.aspx
- https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
- https://ksavisa.sa/

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.