Saudi Arabia Visa for Swazi Citizens

Swazi citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia are required to obtain a visa, as they don’t have visa-free access to the Kingdom.

All Swazi nationals have the option to apply for a Regular Visa at the Saudi Embassy for purposes like employment or studies.

Those who are residents of GCC countries can apply for a Saudi eVisa, while Swazi travelers holding UK, US, or EU residency, or those with UK, US, or Schengen visas, are eligible to apply for an eVisa or a Visa on Arrival.

Transit Visas can also be secured when obtaining flight tickets through Flynas or Saudia airlines.

Saudi visa applicants must make sure their passports are valid for at least 6 months, provide a recent face photograph, and meet health requirements such as mandatory health insurance.

NOTE: For further guidance, Swazi travelers can explore official platforms like Visit Saudi and Nusuk.

Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia

Swazi visitors who do not qualify for an eVisa or Visa on Arrival can apply for a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia through the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.

The process involves completing a visa form, submitting the required documents, and attending an in-person appointment.

Applicants from Eswatini typically need to provide their passport, valid for at least 6 months, and a formal face photo.

Also, some visa types may require additional paperwork, such as a letter of invitation or sponsorship from a Saudi national or organization.

It is crucial to check the specific requirements based on the type of visa being applied for:

Saudi Transit Visa

A Saudi Transit Visa is an excellent option for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia on their way to another destination.

This visa type enables Swazi travelers to explore parts of the country for a short period during their transit.

The Transit Visa is valid for 96 hours (4 days) and allows only one entry into the Kingdom.

For added convenience, the Stopover Visa is instantly issued when purchasing tickets through Saudia or Flynas airlines.

The application is integrated into the flight booking process, requiring only essential personal details, making it simple and efficient for travelers.

Saudi Electronic Visa Application Process

The Saudi Electronic Visa application process is designed to be streamlined and convenient, allowing travelers to obtain it online.

Applicants from Eswatini are eligible for a Saudi Electronic Visa if they hold a valid visa from the UK, US, or Schengen countries or if they have legal residence in GCC, UK, US, or EU countries.

The eVisa is typically available for tourism, business, and religious purposes, such as Umrah.

The Electronic Visa has a validity period of one year from the date of issuance. During this time, Swazi travelers are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times, with the maximum permitted stay being 90 days in total.

To get a Saudi eVisa, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Saudi Electronic Visa website (https://ksavisa.sa/).
2. Click the menu button located in the top-right corner of the homepage.
3. Log in or create an account. First-time users can create an account, while returning applicants can log in with existing credentials.
4. Verify your account by confirming your email or phone number to activate it.
5. Complete the form by filling out all required fields accurately.
6. Submit the required documents, such as your passport and photograph, as specified.
7. Add insurance, including the mandatory travel insurance required for approval.
8. Pay the visa fee online to complete the process.

Once submitted, the application will be reviewed within 3 business days, and Swazi travelers will be notified of the outcome.

It is important to print out the approved Saudi eVisa and carry a physical copy of your visa while traveling, as it may be required for verification at entry points.

Saudi Visa on Arrival

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is also available for Swazi travelers with a valid visa/residence permit from the US, UK, or EU, offering a convenient way to obtain entry permission upon arrival.

Visitors from Eswatini can apply directly at self-service machines, “kiosks”, and passport control counters at designated entry points within the Kingdom, eliminating the need for prior application.

The VOA allows for multiple entries and is valid for up to one year, with a permitted stay of 90 days.

Travelers must make sure their passport is valid for at least 6 months and have all necessary documents, such as health insurance.

NOTE: Minors traveling to the Kingdom under the VOA program must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult.

Writing the Name in Arabic for a Saudi Visa Application

When applying for a Saudi eVisa, it is often necessary for Swazi nationals to include their names in Arabic on the application form.

If unfamiliar with Arabic script, this process may seem challenging, but there are straightforward solutions to ensure accuracy:

• Use transliteration tools – Online transliteration tools can convert your name into Arabic based on pronunciation. These tools are widely available and can provide a reliable starting point.
• Seek assistance from a native speaker – If possible, consult someone fluent in Arabic to check that your name is written correctly and meets linguistic conventions.
• Follow application guidelines – Some visa application platforms may automatically convert your name into Arabic or provide specific instructions for entering non-Arabic names.
• Check for consistency – Double-check that the Arabic spelling matches the name on the passport or official documents to avoid issues during processing.

Accurately writing your name in Arabic is a crucial step to make sure that the Saudi visa application proceeds smoothly without delays.

NOTE: Even minor inconsistencies in transliteration can result in complications, particularly in formal documents like Saudi visa applications.

Importance of the Saudi Embassy for Swazi Travelers

The Saudi Embassy plays a crucial role for visa applicants from Swaziland who plan to travel to the Kingdom.

It serves as the primary point of contact for inquiries, guidance, and processing visa applications.

The embassy ensures that applicants understand the requirements and provides assistance in preparing the necessary documents.

Since there are no Saudi diplomatic missions in Eswatini, Swazi citizens should contact the Saudi Embassy in South Africa:

• Address: 711 Duncan St, Hatfild 0028
• Phone: 0027123624230
• Email: zaemb@mofa.gov.sa
• Working Hours: From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Do Swazi citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Swazi citizens require a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. They can apply for a Regular Visa, eVisa, a Visa on Arrival, or a Transit Visa if applicable.

• What is a Saudi eVisa, and how can I obtain one?
  A Saudi eVisa is an Electronic Visa that allows Swazi travelers to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. It can be obtained online through the KSA Visa website.

• Is health insurance mandatory for Saudi visa applications?
  Yes, all Saudi visa applicants must have mandatory health insurance, which is typically processed alongside online visas.

• What documents are required to apply for a Saudi visa?
  Applicants from Eswatini must provide a passport with at least 6 months of validity, a recent face photograph, and proof of health insurance.

• Are there age restrictions for obtaining a Saudi visa?
  There are no specific age restrictions, but minors under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to apply for a Saudi Visa on Arrival.

• Can Saudi visas be extended upon arrival in the Kingdom?
  Some visas, such as the eVisa, may allow extensions under specific circumstances. Travelers should check the visa type and consult with local authorities for extension options.

• How long is a Saudi eVisa valid for?
  The Saudi eVisa is typically valid for multiple entries within a one-year period, allowing stays of up to 90 days.

• Can a Transit Visa be used for a short visit to Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Swazi travelers using airlines such as Flynas or Saudia Airlines can secure a Transit Visa while booking tickets if they meet the eligibility criteria.

• What happens if my Saudi visa is denied?
  If the Saudi visa application is denied, a visitor will need to address the reasons provided for the denial.

• Can I perform Umrah with a Saudi eVisa?
  Yes, travelers from Eswatini with a Saudi eVisa are permitted to perform Umrah, except during the Hajj season.

Conclusion

Traveling from Eswatini to Saudi Arabia has become more accessible with convenient options such as a Regular Visa, Transit Visa, Visa on Arrival, and eVisa.

These visa types allow Swazi travelers to visit modern attractions and religious landmarks of Saudi Arabia.

To ensure a hassle-free journey, it is important to carefully meet the outlined requirements and eligibility criteria for the chosen visa type.

Swazi travelers should also stay updated on any changes in Saudi visa regulations and take the time to plan their itineraries in advance.

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