Saudi Arabia Visa for Vanuatuan Citizens

Vanuatu citizens require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia in order to meet the country’s immigration rules.

Depending on the purpose and duration of your visit, you can choose from various visa types, such as the Regular Visa, Electronic Visa, Visa on Arrival, or Transit Visa.

A Saudi visa is an official document issued by the Kingdom’s authorities that allows nationals of Vanuatu to enter Saudi Arabia legally.

Each visa type has its own validity period, required documents, and limitations on activities:

• Electronic Visa is obtainable online and remains valid for one year from the approval date.
• Visa on Arrival can be granted to Vanuatu citizens at Saudi entry ports for a 90-day stay.
• Regular Visa is issued by respective Saudi Arabian Embassies or Consulates.
• Transit Visa permits tourism in Saudi Arabia during short stopovers for up to 96 hours.

Processing times vary by the selected visa type: an eVisa can be processed within 24–72 hours, while a Regular Visa might take 2–8 weeks. Transit Visas and VOAs are approved immediately after the fee payment.

To enter Saudi Arabia, Vanuatu citizens need the following:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months.
• An approved visa (regardless of type).
• Health insurance, which will cover the entire journey.

Make sure to check any updated travel advisories before your trip – you can do it using the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Saudi Visa Types for Vanuatu Citizens

Saudi Arabia offers different Regular Visas to suit varied travel needs. These visas are issued at embassies and consulates and are ideal for purposes requiring longer stays or specific permissions.

Regular Visa categories for Saudi Arabia include:

• Tourist Visa: General sightseeing and exploring Saudi culture.
• Business Visa: Attending trade fairs, events, or corporate meetings.
• Work Visa: Employment in Saudi Arabia, requiring a contract.
• Residence Visa: Long-term living in Saudi Arabia.
• Diplomatic Visa: For government staff or representatives.
• Family Visit Visa: For family members to visit relatives.
• Extend Return Visa: For residents to extend their re-entry permit.
• Escort Visa: Accompanying individuals with the primary visa holder.
• Student Visa: Enrolling in educational institutions within the Kingdom.
• Hajj Visa / Umrah Visa: For pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Documents required from Vanuatu citizens to apply for a Saudi Regular Visa include a valid passport and a recent face photograph with a white background.

Additional documentation will vary based on the type of chosen visa. For example, a Work Visa requires an employment contract, and accommodation details are necessary for a Family Visit Visa.

NOTE: The processing time for a Saudi Arabian Regular Visa is typically 2–8 weeks, so citizens of Vanuatu should apply early.

Embassy Application for a Saudi Visa

Applying for a Regular Visa requires Vanuatu citizens to physically visit a Saudi Embassy or Consulate.

The process is simple, but everything should be completed carefully to maximize the chances of a timely approval.

1. Gather the required documents – your passport, face photo, and additional documents.
2. Schedule a visit to the nearest Embassy or Consulate – choose the date and time.
3. Visit the Saudi Embassy or Consulate – fill out and submit your application form.
4. Make the mandatory fee for a visa – the amount will vary depending on the visa type.
5. Wait for the approval message – standard Regular Visa processing takes up to 8 weeks.

It’s crucial to double-check application details before submission to avoid unnecessary delays.

Nationals of Vanuatu should be aware that during the process, they may be asked by the immigration officers to take part in a visa interview.

Some immigration offices also require the applicant to provide their fingerprints.

Transit Rules and Stopover Visa

For Vanuatu travelers passing through Saudi Arabia on the way to another destination, a Transit Visa is a practical choice.

The approved Stopover Visa allows a short stay for up to 96 hours in the Kingdom, and during this time, travelers can visit Saudi attractions or simply relax before their flight.

A Saudi Transit Visa is available for Vanuatu passengers traveling via Flynas or Saudia airlines.

The application can be completed while booking flight tickets, even 90 days before the estimated departure date, allowing plenty of time for travel planning.

NOTE: Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia applications are approved immediately upon paying the service fee.

Saudi Arabian Visa Online (eVisa)

Thanks to the online system, the Saudi eVisa is the most convenient option for Vanuatu citizens who meet the eligibility criteria. To apply for this visa, they must meet one of the following conditions:

• Residency permit to a GCC country
• Residency permit to US/UK/EU country
• Business/Transit Visa to US/UK/Schengen country

Travelers from Vanuatu can apply through the KSA Visa website. The entire process is uncomplicated, allowing them to complete the formalities from home.

On the platform, you must log in or create a new account if you’re a first-time user. Check your email address and verify your account.

Then, fill out the Saudi visa application form with personal information and passport details. Remember to double-check all the data to see if it’s free of spelling mistakes.

Vanuatu citizens must also submit the required documents: a face photo and proof of eligibility.

During the online application, travelers can add health insurance which is required from all visitors to Saudi Arabia. Finally, you must pay the processing fee for submitting the online form.

Below, you can find the key features of a Saudi Electronic Visa:

• One-year validity with multiple entries.
• Stay for up to 90 days in total.
• Suitable for tourism, business, and pilgrimage.
• Processing time is 24–72 hours.

NOTE: Approved Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia must be printed out – only paper copies are accepted by the immigration officers.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

For eligible travelers from Vanuatu, the Visa on Arrival provides a hassle-free option to enter Saudi Arabia.

Vanuatu citizens are eligible for the Saudi VOA if they hold valid resident permits or visas in the UK, the US, or a Schengen country.

The application process for a Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia can be completed at seaports, airports, and border crossing points:

1. Arrive at the selected Saudi entry port.
2. Head to the passport check desk or a KIOSK machine.
3. Present your passport along with proof of eligibility.
4. Fill out the application form with relevant details.
5. Pay the visa fee and receive your Visa on Arrival.

The Visa on Arrival allows a 90-day stay and is issued immediately upon the fee payment in Saudi Arabia.

Upon the decision of the immigration office, the visa can permit a single entry or multiple visits.

Useful Websites for Saudi Travel

Visitors from Vanuatu can use the following official websites as resources for research before traveling to Saudi Arabia:

• Visit Saudi – The official tourism website for Saudi Arabia, providing details about visas, travel requirements, and top destinations to explore in the country. It serves as a one-stop resource for travelers looking to experience Saudi Arabia’s culture and history.

• Nusuk – A dedicated platform for planning and booking Umrah pilgrimages and Ziyarah visits. It offers detailed information on services, packages, and accommodations, making it easier for pilgrims to organize their spiritual journey.

• Ministry of Health (MOH) – The government health portal outlining vaccination requirements and approved health insurance policies. It ensures visitors are informed about necessary health precautions and guidelines.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – The official government portal providing essential information on visa applications, embassy locations, and consular services for travelers to Saudi Arabia.

Embassy Assistance for Vanuatu

Saudi Arabian Embassies provide assistance to Vanuatu citizens. For any visa help, you can contact the nearest immigration office via phone or email.

Services offered by the embassy include visa application processing, queries regarding required documents, and guidance on specific visa types.

Travelers from Vanuatu should contact the Saudi Embassy in Australia, as there is no diplomatic mission of the Kingdom in their home country.

• Address: 38 Guilfoyle St, Yarralumla ACT 2600
• Phone: +61 262 507 000
• Email: auemb@mofa.gov.sa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do Vanuatu citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Vanuatu citizens must obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, regardless of travel purpose. They can apply online or in person at the office.

• How long does a Saudi visa take to process?
  The eVisa is processed within 24–72 hours, and a Regular Visa is approved in 2–8 weeks. Other visa application methods allow for immediate approval.

• Can Vanuatu citizens apply for a Visa on Arrival?
  Yes, if they meet eligibility criteria, such as having a valid UK, US, or Schengen residency permit/visa.

• Is health insurance mandatory for entry?
  Yes, health insurance is required for all visitors and is often included with online visas.

• When should I apply for a Regular Visa to Saudi Arabia?
  It’s best to apply at least 2 months before your intended travel date due to longer processing times.

• Where can I apply for a Saudi eVisa?
  You can apply through the KSA official website if you’re eligible for an Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia.

• Do children from Vanuatu need a Saudi visa?
  Yes, all travelers from Vanuatu should have a valid visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

Citizens of Vanuatu traveling to Saudi Arabia can apply for a number of visa types, including a Regular Visa and Transit Visa (available to everyone).

Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa and Visa on Arrival are available to applicants meeting certain visa and residency criteria.

By following the official guidelines and using trusted platforms, you can streamline the application process.

All travelers from Vanuatu, including children, must have a valid visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Source:

• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main
• https://www.visitsaudi.com/en