Saudi Arabia Visa for Vatican Citizens

All Vatican citizens must obtain a suitable visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Depending on the travel purpose and residency criteria, theycan choose an eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Regular Visa, or Transit Visa.

A Saudi visa is an official document that grants permission to enter and stay in the Kingdom for a limited period and for specified reasons.

The validity period and the permitted stay in Saudi Arabia vary significantly based on the visa type.

For example, an Electronic Visa is issued to citizens of the Vatican for one year and allows numerous entries lasting up to 90 days. The Transit Visa permits a 4-day visit to Saudi Arabia.

Documents required to apply for a Saudi visa include a passport valid for no less than 6 months and a face photograph taken recently.

Additional documentation may be required for a successful application and include an employment contract for Work Visas or a pilgrimage itinerary for Umrah Visas.

To enter Saudi Arabia, all Vatican citizens should have health insurance covering the entire journey.

NOTE: For the most up-to-date information about the Saudi visa policy, we recommend visiting the MOFA website.

Saudi Visa Application at the Embassy

Applying for a Saudi visa at the embassy involves several important steps.

Applicants from the Vatican must prepare and follow the guidelines provided by the immigration office to avoid any delays or rejections.

Currently, Saudi Arabian Embassies offer Business, Diplomatic, Escort, Extend Return, Family Visit, Hajj, Residency, Student, Tourist, Umrah, and Work Visas.

Citizens of the Holy See can choose the visa type that best suits their travel needs. After collecting the necessary documents, they should follow this short guide:

1. Choose your visa type – Identify the visa type you need based on your travel purpose.
2. Fill out the application – Complete the visa form at the Saudi Embassy office.
3. Submit your application – Submit your documents and pay the visa fee.
4. Attend an interview – If needed, attend an interview or provide biometric data.
5. Wait and collect your visa – Pick up your visa or have it mailed to you once approved.

Applying through the embassy with immigration officers ensures support, especially for specialized long-term visas.

NOTE: The processing time for a Saudi visa obtainable at the embassy can vary between 2–8 weeks.

Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa

The Saudi eVisa is a convenient, fully online option available to Vatican citizens who are GCC/UK/US/EU residents or UK/US/Schengen visa holders.

Permitted activities in Saudi Arabia for Electronic Visa holders include tourism, pilgrimage, and social visits like family reunions.

The application process for a Saudi Arabian eVisa can be completed in a few steps:

1. Visit the KSA Visa homepage – Start by navigating to the official KSA Visa website to begin your application process. It’s where you’ll find all the necessary information.
2. Provide your travel purpose – Select the reason for your visit (e.g., tourism, business, etc.) and indicate your nationality to determine the specific visa requirements.
3. Log in or create an account – If you’re a returning user, log in to your existing account. If not, create a new account by providing your email and setting up a password.
4. Complete the application form – Fill out the online application form, including personal details, travel plans, and passport information.
5. Submit the required documents – Upload all necessary documents, such as a copy of your passport, a recent photograph, and any additional paperwork.
6. Add health insurance – Include insurance as part of your application. This step is mandatory for the entire stay in Saudi Arabia.
7. Pay the fee – Complete the process by paying the visa application fee using the available payment methods.

The processing time shouldn’t take more than 24–72 hours in the case of Electronic Visas to Saudi Arabia.

Online applications offer quick processing times and eliminate the need for embassy visits.

Saudi Visa on Arrival

The Visa on Arrival allows Vatican citizens (residing in or holding US, UK, or Schengen visas) to apply instantly upon arriving at a Saudi entry port.

It’s particularly useful for last-minute travelers who meet eligibility criteria.

The process of obtaining a Saudi VOA is straightforward and typically takes only a few minutes, making it a convenient choice for eligible travelers from the Holy See.

Additionally, the Visa on Arrival grants tourists the opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s cultural landmarks during its one-year validity period.

NOTE: Applicants for a Saudi Arabian VOA have the option to obtain the visa at the immigration control office or a special self-service machine.

Transit Visa and Layover Rules in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Transit Visa is designed for individuals from the Vatican passing through Saudi Arabia on their way to another destination.

This visa allows travelers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours, providing an opportunity to explore nearby attractions during the layover.

The Transit Visa to Saudi Arabia is available to international passengers traveling with airlines like Saudia or Flynas and can be obtained through a straightforward online application process.

Vatican citizens can apply for a Transit Visa even 90 days before the planned date of travel through Saudi Arabia.

Passengers staying in the transit zone of the airport do not require any visa if their layover is short, and they do not pass through immigration.

It is also important to note that Saudi Arabia enforces strict customs regulations, and items such as alcohol and materials perceived as inappropriate are prohibited.

Official Saudi Arabia Channels

The following official resources provide accurate and up-to-date information for citizens of the Vatican traveling to or through Saudi Arabia.

These platforms are essential for understanding visa requirements, customs regulations, and other travel policies so that the visitor has a worry-free journey.

• MOFA: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides information on diplomatic missions, visa services, and international relations. It’s a key resource for foreign visitors.
• MOH: The Ministry of Health website delivers information on healthcare services, public health updates, and resources for medical professionals and citizens.
• Visit Saudi: The official tourism portal for Saudi Arabia, showcasing attractions, travel guides, and events to encourage visitors to explore the Kingdom.
• My Gov: A unified government platform providing access to various online services, from renewing IDs to tracking official applications and documents.

By referring to these websites, travelers can check compliance with local laws and avoid potential issues during their journey. It is recommended to review the above materials before planning your trip.

Accessing reliable and trustworthy information helps facilitate a smooth travel experience.

Saudi Embassy for Vatican Citizens

For updates or in case of issues, Vatican citizens can rely on their nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy for support. The immigration officers assist with application queries, visa rejections, or lost documents.

The embassy can also provide guidance on renewing travel documents and offer emergency assistance in case of unforeseen situations.

Moreover, the office facilitates communication with local authorities if needed.

Travelers from the Vatican should contact the Saudi Embassy in Rome for help:

• Address: Via Pietro Raimondi, 14, 00198 Rome
• Phone: +39 06 855 1641
• Email: itemb@mofa.gov.sa

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is required for a Saudi Transit Visa?
  Flight tickets with Flynas or Saudia airlines and a passport valid for 6 months are required for a Transit Visa.

• Can I apply for a Saudi Visa on Arrival as a Vatican citizen?
  Yes, if you are a resident or visa holder from the US, UK, or Schengen country, you can apply for a Saudi VOA.

• How long does it take to process a Saudi eVisa?
  Approval usually takes 24–72 hours in the case of Electronic Visas to the Kingdom.

• What is the validity of a Saudi eVisa?
  The Saudi Arabian eVisa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries for up to 90 days total.

• What documents do I need to apply for a Saudi Regular Visa?
  A valid passport, recent face photo, and additional visa-type-specific documents are required to apply for a Saudi visa.

• Is health insurance mandatory for entry into Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, it is required from all travelers and included with online visa applications.

• Are vaccination certificates required for entry into Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, those traveling for pilgrimage (Umrah or Hajj) need a meningococcal vaccine.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Saudi visa is a straightforward process with clear guidelines for Vatican travelers to follow.

Understanding the different types of visas and their conditions is essential for a smooth application and entry. Nationals of the Holy See can obtain a Regular Visa, Electronic Visa, Visa on Arrival, and a Transit Visa.

Make sure to carefully prepare all required documents, including your passport, face photo, and any visa-specific paperwork.

Don’t forget that health insurance is mandatory and can be arranged during the online application process.

Sources:

• https://ksavisa.sa/
• 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