Saudi Arabia Visa for South African Citizens

South African citizens are required to obtain a Saudi Arabia visa to enter the country due to immigration and border control policies established by the Saudi government.

Travelers from South Africa can apply for various types of visas for Saudi Arabia, such as an Electronic Visa (eVisa), a Visa on Arrival, a Transit Visa, and a Regular Visa from the embassy.

Regardless of the chosen method of visa application, South African passport holders must have all required documents, such as a passport valid for at least 6 months, to avoid issues with the processing.

The Saudi Arabian eVisa is generally considered the most convenient option, offering a validity period of one year and allowing multiple entries.

With an Electronic Visa, South African citizens can spend up to 90 days in total in Saudi Arabia.

For other travel needs, such as employment, pilgrimages, or family visits, there are specific types available at the Saudi Arabian Embassies and Consulates.

NOTE: Start your visa application process in advance, allowing sufficient time for approval – for Regular Visas processing time is up to 8 weeks.

Types of Saudi Arabia Visas

Saudi Arabia provides various visas to suit the different travel needs of South African citizens, with each type serving a specific purpose, and choosing the right one depends on the nature and duration of your travel.

Electronic Visa

The Saudi eVisa was introduced to speed up the visa application process for South African travelers.

This visa is available for tourism and business purposes for travel up to 90 days.

South African citizens can apply for a Saudi visa online, avoiding the need to visit an embassy or consulate in person.

• Validity: one year with multiple entries
• Application: Online process via visa.visitsaudi.com

Visa on Arrival

South African travelers may qualify for a Visa on Arrival upon entering Saudi Arabia, provided they meet specific requirements listed below:

• They must be at least 18 years old (minors should be accompanied by a guardian)
• They must have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the travel date

A Visa on Arrival can be obtained through the self-service devices at the entry ports or directly from the passport control office.

Transit Visa

If you’re flying through Saudi Arabia to another destination and need to make a quick connection, a Saudi Transit Visa is the best solution.

It can be obtained while purchasing flight tickets via Saudia or Flynas and is issued for 96 hours.

Embassy Visa

For long-term travel purposes, such as work or education, you need to apply for a Regular Visa, but this option requires an in-person visit to the Saudi Embassy.

Remember to schedule a visit at the immigration office beforehand, as walk-ins aren’t acceptable.

Applying for a Saudi Regular Visa via the Embassy

Applying for a visa through the Saudi Arabian Embassy is a simple process during which you can count on the assistance of an immigration officer.

This type of visa is essential for those intending to stay in Saudi Arabia for longer than 90 days, whether for work, study, or residence.

Contact the Saudi Embassy to get a time and date for your appointment.

Arrive at the embassy on time with all your documents (including a passport valid for 6 months). Then, submit your Saudi visa application form, and an officer will review it for compliance.

You may be required to have your fingerprints taken at the office, so be ready for this step.

After submitting your application, wait for the visa approval message. The standard waiting time for a Saudi Arabian Regular Visa is between 2 and 8 weeks.

NOTE: For families traveling together, group visa applications can be coordinated at the Saudi Arabian Embassy.

Saudi Arabian eVisa Application

If you’re a South African citizen traveling for tourism and business, you can apply online for the Saudi Arabian eVisa.

The Saudi eVisa is issued for a year and allows multiple entries into the country, lasting up to 90 days.

The application for an Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia has a number of advantages:

• Apply from anywhere, no need to visit an embassy or consulate.
• Simple and quick application process, often completed in minutes.
• Faster processing times compared to Regular Visa applications.
• Many approvals are issued within 24 hours.

Steps to apply for a Saudi Arabian visa online include the following:

1. Visit the Saudi eVisa Application website.
2. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Click the “Apply Now” button on the homepage.
4. Choose the application type for an individual or group.
5. Upload a recent face photo that meets the official guidelines.*
6. Provide the required personal details and passport information.
7. Add medical insurance, which is mandatory for all visitors.
8. Carefully review all entered details before submission.
9. Pay the mandatory processing fee.

Once approved, your Saudi Arabian eVisa will be sent electronically via email. However, it’s best to print out your online visa and keep a paper copy on hand during travel.

*Saudi visa application photo guidelines:

Your photograph must be taken on a white background, in color, and be of high quality. Your expression should be neutral, and you cannot wear glasses or headgear.

NOTE: I find the Saudi eVisa process to be quick, intuitive, and user-friendly.

Documents South Africans Need for Visa Application

For your Saudi visa application to go smoothly, you need to prepare the mandatory documentation beforehand.

Unless you meet all the requirements for the Saudi Arabian visa, your application will be delayed or rejected.

Basic Requirements:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date.
• Recent photograph: A clear, formal photo of the applicant’s face.

Travelers to Saudi Arabia are required to have valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay and ensures access to healthcare services in case of emergencies.

If applying for an Electronic Visa to Saudi Embassy, travel insurance will be automatically added to your application.

Additional Documents:

• Invitation letter for business visas.
• Proof of employment or funding for work/residence visas.
• Flight itinerary and confirmed flight bookings to/from Saudi Arabia.
• Vaccination certificates, including proof of required immunizations.
• Bank statements or proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay.
• Copies of previous visas (if applicable) for travel history verification.

Information about the requirements for a particular visa to Saudi Arabia will be provided by the embassy.

Top Tips for a Saudi Arabia Visa Application

Applying for a Saudi Arabia visa can seem like a complex process, but proper preparation can make it much smoother.

By following the tips described below, you can enhance your chances of a successful visa application.

1. Submit your application earlier before the travel date.
2. Ensure accuracy by double-checking every detail in the application.
3. Keep digital backups of all required documents.
4. Check your email regularly for updates or requests for additional information.
5. Meet the visa requirements, such as securing the necessary medical insurance.
6. Be polite if visiting an embassy, and have all your document copies.
7. Understand the visa processing times to avoid unnecessary stress.
8. Always bring printed copies of your visa and supporting documents for travel.

Regularly checking official government websites (like the MOFA website) or consulting with an immigration advisor at the Saudi Embassy can help make sure that your application suits current regulations.

NOTE: Staying informed about immigration policies in Saudi Arabia is important, as entry rules can change frequently.

Saudi Arabia Visa Application Denial

It’s stressful to know that your Saudi Arabia visa application is denied but understanding the reasons behind the rejection can help you address the issue and reapply successfully.

With the right approach, South African citizens can resolve the problem and continue with their travel plans.

If your visa application to Saudi Arabia was rejected, you should:

• Check the reason for the denial, as common issues include incomplete documents.
• Contact the immigration officials and schedule a visit to the embassy.
• Apply for an appeal by submitting the missing documents or requesting reconsideration.

You’ll be notified about the exact reason for your Saudi visa application rejection.

To avoid issues, before submitting the visa application form, check the provided data for spelling mistakes and make sure your documents meet the official criteria (such as passport photo not older than 6 months).

Saudi Embassy Details

Below are the general contact details for the Saudi Arabian Embassy in South Africa.

It’s recommended to contact the embassy during their working hours and make an appointment beforehand if a visit is necessary.

Immigration officers will help you streamline the Saudi visa application process and address any questions you may have.

• Address: 711 Duncan Street, Hillcrest, 0083 Pretoria, South Africa
• Phone: +27 127 436 614
• Email: zaemb@mofa.gov.sa

NOTE: The Saudi Arabian Embassy in South Africa is open Monday – Friday between 9:00 and 15:30.

Conclusion

Applying for a Saudi visa as a South African citizen can be a straightforward process if all the requirements are properly met and the necessary documents are thoroughly reviewed before submission.

By following the outlined guidelines and ensuring accuracy in your application, you can increase the likelihood of a visa approval.

Additionally, if you encounter any issues, the Saudi Embassy remains a reliable point of contact for support.

Carefully preparing for your application will not only save you time but also provide peace of mind throughout your travels.

Sources:

• https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/eservices/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.saudiembassy.net/visa-types
• https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/visaservices/searchvisa
• https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/SouthAfrica/EN/Pages/default.aspx