Belgian citizens visiting Saudi Arabia must obtain a visa prior to entry by applying online, upon arrival, or through the embassy.
A Saudi visa is an official authorization allowing foreign nationals to visit, stay, or transit through a country.
For Saudi Arabia, several visa types are available based on purpose, duration of stay, and way of application (Transit Visa, Visa on Arrival, eVisa, and Regular Visa).
To apply for a Saudi visa, Belgians must check if their passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or religious purposes, there’s an appropriate Saudi visa designed for your needs.
The procedure for obtaining a Saudi eVisa consists of completing an online application, providing the necessary supporting documents, and paying the applicable fees.
NOTE: Processing times can vary depending on the type of Saudi visa, but it generally takes up to 3 days in case of eVisa and 8 weeks when you apply for a Regular Visa.
How Can I Get a Visa to Saudi Arabia?
Obtaining a visa to Saudi Arabia is straightforward if you meet the requirements and understanding the steps involved will help with a smooth visa application experience.
eVisa
The eVisa to Saudi Arabia is a simple and efficient option for Belgian citizens. The entire process is conducted online, with processing times typically taking up to 3 days.
How to apply for a Saudi eVisa
- Visit the official visa.visitsaudi.com portal.
- Create an account and complete the visa application form with your personal and travel details.
- Upload a recent face photograph.
- Pay the fee using the available online payment options.
- Submit your application and wait for approval, which is typically processed within 3 days.
Once your application is approved, the Saudi eVisa will be emailed to you.
Download and print out the received file to carry with you during your travel for presentation to immigration authorities.
Visa on Arrival
The Visa on Arrival is a travel permit that allows Belgian travelers to obtain their visa upon entering in Saudi Arabia.
This option is convenient for those who prefer to complete the process at an entry point rather than beforehand.
How to get a Saudi Visa on Arrival:
- Prepare your documents. Have your passport (valid for at least 6 months) ready.
- Arrive at a Saudi port of entry. Proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter and present your documents to the immigration officer.
- Pay the fee and receive your visa. Complete the payment for the visa fee, and you will receive your Visa on Arrival, granting you entry into the country.
This process provides a hassle-free way to enter Saudi Arabia for eligible travelers while ensuring all formalities are completed upon arrival.
Regular Visa
For those with more specific travel needs, Regular Visas are categorized by purpose:
- Tourist Visa (valid for one year, includes multiple entries, and allows a 90-day stay)
- Business Visa (for meetings or conferences, typically valid for 30–90 days)
- Work Visa (requires sponsorship, tied to employment contracts)
- Residency Visa (options include permanent or premium residency)
- Family Visit Visa (for visiting relatives; requires sponsorship)
- Student Visa (issued for educational purposes, varies by study duration)
- Hajj and Umrah Visa (ideal for Muslim pilgrims)
- Diplomatic Visa (granted to diplomats and government officials)
- Escort Visa (designed for accompanying individuals)
- Extend Return Visa (for those who require an extended timeframe for re-entry)
Each type has specific requirements, so ensure you choose the correct visa based on your travel plans.
It is essential to check the requirements and conditions for each Saudi visa type for a smooth application process.
To apply for a Saudi Regular Visa, follow these steps:
- Determine your visa type based on your purpose of travel.
- Prepare the required documents, such as a valid passport and face photograph.
- Submit your application through the nearest embassy/consulate.
- Pay the necessary fees and track your application status.
Walk-ins are not accepted for Saudi visa applications. It is essential to contact the embassy or consulate in advance to schedule an appointment or to confirm the application process.
NOTE: Always make sure to follow the correct procedures to avoid delays or complications.
What Documents are Necessary to Apply for a Saudi Visa?
Preparing everything in advance will help avoid any complications during the application process.
To make sure your Saudi visa application process goes smoothly and without delays, you’ll need to prepare and submit the following essential documents.
- Belgian passport (must have at least 6 months of validity and two blank pages)
- Completed visa application form
- Face photo meeting Saudi visa guidelines
- Additional documents based on visa type (e.g., letter of invitation for Business Visas)
Preparing all these documents beforehand is essential for a seamless Saudi visa application process.
TIP: Double-check all documents before submitting your Saudi visa application to avoid delays.
Photo for the Visa Application for Saudi Arabia
Your Saudi visa application must include a compliant passport-sized photo that:
- is clear, recent, and in color
- has dimensions meeting standard format (e.g., 2×2 inches)
- is taken on a plain, white background
- shows the fully visible face without obstructions (e.g., hats, sunglasses)*
Failure to meet the above requirements may result in the rejection of your photo and delay your Saudi visa application process.
The photo can be taken at home following the necessary guidelines or by a professional photographer to ensure compliance.
*Religious head coverings are permitted, provided they do not obscure the face. Similarly, prescription eyeglasses may be worn if required for medical reasons, but they must not cause glare to the eyes in the photo.
Official Saudi Arabia Visa Mobile App
Saudi Arabia has launched an official visa mobile Biometric Enrollment App for added convenience, so now Belgian citizens can:
- Submit their Saudi visa applications directly through the app.
- Track application progress and receive updates in real-time.
- Access visa guidelines, fees, and document checklists.
The app simplifies the process, making it more accessible and user-friendly by eliminating unnecessary steps and streamlining the experience.
With its intuitive design and efficient functionality, the app is perfect for users looking for convenience and ease of use.
Additionally, the app enables users to take their photos and submit fingerprints directly through the platform. This feature integrates biometric data collection into the application process, reducing the need for in-person visits.
Saudi Embassy in Belgium
If you require assistance or have any inquiries, you can reach out to the Saudi Embassy in Belgium for support.
The authorities are available to help with consular services, visa applications, and any other matters related to Saudi citizens or visitors in Belgium.
- Address: Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 45, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Phone: 003226298020
- Email: beemb@mofa.gov.sa
- Working Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do Belgian citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Belgian citizens must obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. They can get it online, upon arrival, or at the embassy.
- Can I apply for a Saudi eVisa as a Belgian citizen?
If you meet eligibility criteria, such as holding a valid passport, you can apply for a Saudi eVisa.
- How long does it take to process a Saudi visa?
Processing times vary by visa type. Saudi eVisas can be approved within 3 days, while Regular Visas may take up to 8 weeks.
- What is the validity period of a Saudi eVisa for Belgian citizens?
A Saudi eVisa is typically valid for one year and allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 in total.
- Are there any specific health requirements for Belgian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, travelers may be required to provide proof of certain vaccinations, such as the meningitis vaccine, especially during the Hajj season.
- Can Belgian citizens work in Saudi Arabia with a Tourist Visa?
No, a Tourist Visa does not permit employment in Saudi Arabia. To work, you must obtain a specific Work Visa or residency permit. - Is travel insurance mandatory for Belgian citizens visiting Saudi Arabia?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and is typically included during the visa application process.
Conclusion
Belgian citizens going to Saudi Arabia have the option to apply for a Saudi eVisa that is valid for one year, allowing multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days in total.
Besides, they can obtain other types of Saudi visas depending on their purposes of travel, such as Regular Visas, Transit Visas, or Visas upon Arrival.
Each Saudi visa type has its own specific requirements and conditions, so it is essential to review the guidelines carefully before applying.
If Belgian travelers require further information or have specific questions regarding Saudi visa applications or requirements, they are encouraged to contact the Saudi Arabian Embassy or Consulate in Belgium.
Sources:
- https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/Belgium/EN/Pages/default.aspx
- https://ksavisa.sa/
- https://www.visitsaudi.com/en
- https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
Hello, I’m Sara Ali, and I have dedicated my career to navigating the intricacies of immigration and visa processes. With over a decade of experience in the field, I have assisted countless travelers in achieving their travel and relocation goals. My expertise lies in simplifying complex procedures and ensuring seamless visa applications for clients from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about facilitating international travel, I continually stay updated with the latest immigration policies to provide reliable guidance and support.