Saudi Arabia Visa for Surinamese Citizens

All Surinamese citizens require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and there are a few ways to obtain the necessary document for the Kingdom.

A Saudi visa is an official travel permit that allows visitors from Suriname to legally enter and stay abroad for a specific purpose.

Traveling to Saudi Arabia requires most Surinamese travelers to apply for a Regular Visa at the nearest embassy or a Transit Visa when buying flight tickets.

Those meeting extra eligibility criteria (such as being an EU resident) can obtain an Electronic Visa or a Visa on Arrival.

Documents required from Surinamese visitors to obtain any type of Saudi visa include the following:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months.
• A recent photograph of the applicant’s face.
• Travel insurance covering the entire trip.

Additional documents may be needed depending on the visa type applied for, like employment contracts for Work Visas or enrollment proof for Study Visas.

NOTE: Saudi Arabia doesn’t have strict vaccination requirements for tourists, but Hajj and Umrah pilgrims must be vaccinated against meningitis.

Saudi Regular Visa Application

Available to all travelers from Suriname, the embassy procedure for a Saudi Regular Visa is the primary method of obtaining an entry permit to the Kingdom.

Surinamese citizens applying through the diplomatic mission can choose from the following Saudi visa types:

• Tourist Visa: A visa issued for individuals wanting to visit a country for leisure, sightseeing, or vacations and typically allows a short stay of up to 90 days per visit.

• Business Visa: For businesspeople traveling to Saudi Arabia to attend meetings or conferences. It does not permit long-term employment but facilitates professional engagements.

• Work Visa: A visa is granted to those seeking employment in the Kingdom, either for a fixed period (temporary) or indefinitely (permanent). It often requires a job offer or sponsorship from an employer.

• Student Visa: Issued to individuals enrolled in educational institutions abroad. It allows students to stay in Saudi Arabia for the duration of their study program and may include part-time work privileges.

• Residence Visa: Permits residing in the country either temporarily or permanently. Variants like premium residency offer additional privileges, and Residence Newborn Visas are for infants born to resident parents.

• Diplomatic Visa: Reserved for government officials and diplomats traveling for official duties, it often includes special privileges, such as immunity from local laws.

• Family Visit Visa: Allows visiting family members residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is typically valid for short-term stays and requires proof of familial relationship.

• Extend Return Visa: A visa for residents who need more time before returning to their home country.

• Escort Visa: Granted to individuals accompanying someone, such as a minor, elder, or patient, who requires assistance during travel.

• Hajj Visa and Umrah Visa: A visa for Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the selected pilgrimage.

The application process for a Regular Visa can be completed by Surinamese citizens in a few steps:

1. Determine the visa type based on your visit purpose.
2. Schedule a visit to the immigration office.
3. Gather the required documents, including your passport.
4. Submit the application form at the nearest Saudi Embassy.
5. Provide biometric data (fingerprints) if needed.
6. Pay the visa fee and wait for the approval notice.

Applying through the embassy can resolve eligibility doubts of Surinamese citizens and ensure compliance with complex visa requirements.

Saudi Arabian Transit Visa

A Saudi Arabian Transit Visa is intended for Surinamese citizens passing through the Kingdom while traveling to another destination.

This visa is typically valid for a short duration of up to 96 hours (4 days), allowing a limited stay in the country. During the stopover, Surinamese nationals can visit Saudi attractions, rest before the journey, or take part in a pilgrimage.

The application process can be completed online upon booking flight tickets with airlines such as Saudia or Flynas.

Travelers from Suriname are advised to check the latest regulations, as entry policies and transit rules may change frequently.

NOTE: In case of staying at the airport’s transit area, a Saudi visa is not required from Surinamese citizens.

Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia

An Electronic Visa allows Surinamese nationals to apply for a visa online and receive it digitally via email message.

The Saudi eVisa is valid for one year and permits a stay of up to 90 days (used in one visit or divided into multiple entries).

NOTE: Eligibility criteria for a Saudi Electronic Visa include being a resident of GCC/EU/UK/US or holding a Tourist or Business Visa to Schengen/UK/US.

With an approved eVisa, Surinamese citizens can engage in activities such as tourism, visiting family or friends, performing Umrah, and attending cultural events.

The application process for a Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa is completed entirely online:

1. Visit the KSA Visa homepage: Start by heading to the official website, where you’ll find all the necessary tools and information to begin the visa application procedure.
2. Choose the travel purpose: Specify the reason for traveling to Saudi Arabia and select your nationality from the dropdown menu.
3. Log in or create an account: If you already have an account on the platform, simply log in. If not, create a new account by providing basic personal details.
   
4. Proceed with the application: Start the process by selecting the visa type and entering your personal data and travel information.
5. Submit the necessary documents: Upload all necessary documents, such as a copy of a face photo. Make sure that all files meet the required format and size.
6. Add medical insurance: Health insurance is required for every visitor, and you can add it directly through the platform as part of the application process.
7. Pay the processing fee: To finish the process, use the available payment methods and save the receipt for your records.

After submitting the application and completing the steps above, the processing time for a Saudi eVisa approval may vary between 24 and 72 hours.

The Electronic Visa must be printed out by all Surinamese citizens, as immigration officers accept only paper copies upon arrival.

Saudi Visa on Arrival

The Saudi Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for Surinamese travelers to enter Saudi Arabia without prior visa formalities.

The Saudi VOA is available to residents of the EU, the UK, or the US. It can be obtained by holders of visas to the UK, the US, or the Schengen Area country as well.

Upon arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s entry points, travelers from Suriname can obtain a VOA by presenting their required documents at the passport control desk. The application can also be completed at special self-service machines called “KIOSK.”

The Saudi Visa on Arrival generally allows stays of up to 90 days within a one-year validity period. It can be issued for a single visit or multiple entries into the Kingdom.

Useful Websites for Traveling to Saudi Arabia

Organizing a trip to Saudi Arabia requires Surinamese citizens to meet visa policy rules but also be familiar with entry regulations and customs.

Access to reliable resources from Saudi authorities ensures easier preparation and a smooth travel experience.

Below are some helpful websites that provide essential information for travelers from Suriname.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website facilitates obtaining official information on visas, travel requirements, and diplomatic services. It also provides detailed guidelines for visitors, including entry regulations.

The Visit Saudi platform serves as a guide for exploring Saudi Arabia’s attractions, culture, and heritage. It offers practical travel tips, recommendations for tourist destinations, and detailed information on events throughout the Kingdom.

Moreover, the My GOV Saudi website offers Saudi government information. It allows users easy access to e-services and essential resources for citizens, residents, and businesses.

Saudi Embassy for Surinamese Citizens

The Saudi Embassy provides a range of services to foreign travelers, including visa processing, authentication of documents, and consular assistance.

Additionally, the embassy offers guidance in case of any emergency situations in the Kingdom.

The Surinamese citizens, in case of needing assistance from the Saudi authorities, should contact the nearest diplomatic mission. One of the offices they can reach out to is the Saudi Embassy in Brazil:

• Address: SHIS QL 10, Conj. 06, Casa 02, Lago Sul, Brasília DF, 71630-065
• Phone: +556 132 483 525
• Email: bremb@mofa.gov.sa

FAQs about Saudi Arabian Visas

• Can Surinamese citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa?
  Yes, but only if they meet one of the eligibility criteria by holding a GCC/EU/UK/US residency or a valid visa from the UK/US/Schengen.

• How long does it take to get a Saudi Arabian visa?
  Processing typically takes 24–72 hours for online applications and up to 8 weeks for embassy procedures.

• What’s the validity of a Visa on Arrival?
  Visa on Arrival is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows 90 days of stay in the Kingdom.

• What health requirements exist for the Hajj/Umrah pilgrimage?
  A valid certificate for meningitis vaccination is required apart from the mandatory health insurance.

• Which airlines provide Saudi Transit Visas?
  Flynas and Saudia Airlines issue Transit Visas for international travelers for their flights.

• Do all Saudi visas require embassy visits?
  No, Electronic Visas, Transit Visas, and Visas on Arrival don’t require embassy visits.

• Can Surinamese citizens apply for a Visa on Arrival for tourism?
  A Saudi VOA can be issued for tourism, business, and leisure-related visits.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia offers a range of visa options to suit the needs of all Surinamese travelers, whether visiting the Kingdom for tourism, business, work, or more.

Currently, citizens of Suriname can apply for an Electronic Visa, Visa on Arrival, Regular Visa, and Transit Visa.

It is essential to be aware of the specific entry requirements, such as mandatory health insurance, for a smooth application process and problem-free border crossing.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://my.gov.sa/en
• https://www.visitsaudi.com/en