Saudi Arabia Visa for Russian Citizens

Russian citizens are required to obtain a visa before entering Saudi Arabia, and they can opt for an eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Regular Visa, or Transit Visa.

Each Saudi visa application option has its own requirements and expected processing times, so it’s best to choose the one that fits your needs.

• eVisa: Used for tourism or business, offering multiple entries within one-year validity.
• Visa on Arrival: Available at special KIOSK stations at entry ports to Saudi Arabia.
• Regular Visa: Covers a range of purposes such as work, family visits, or residency.
• Transit Visa: For travelers stopping in Saudi Arabia en route to another destination, valid for 96 hours.

Currently, entry requirements to Saudi Arabia include a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration and an appropriate visa.

Saudi Arabia requires all Russian travelers to have mandatory health insurance to cover medical costs during their stay in the country.

NOTE: You can check all Saudi visa eligibility criteria and travel updates beforehand at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

E-Visa validity and costs

With just a few visa requirements, you can get your Saudi Arabian visa. Now, you may be wondering, for how long is it valid?

E-Visa to Saudi Arabia is valid for one year from the issuing date, or until your passport expires. Whichever comes first. It is a multiple-entry visa, which means that you can visit Saudi Arabia numerous times within the validity period. However, each stay cannot be longer than 90 days at a time.

Visa processing time can take up to 72 hours, though the average approval time using our services is 24 hours. The cost of the Saudi Arabian e-Visa is 149 Euro.

Types of Saudi Visas Available to Russians at the Embassy

Russian nationals traveling to Saudi Arabia should familiarize themselves with the various visa options available before submitting their application to select the correct one.

Saudi Arabia offers different visa categories to meet the diverse needs of its visitors, from Tourist Visas that allow individuals to explore the country to Business Visas designed for professional engagements.

• Diplomatic Visa: For government officials or members of diplomatic missions, facilitates international assignments in Saudi Arabia.

• Tourist Visa: Perfect for travelers exploring Saudi Arabian culture and attractions, usually issued for over one year.

• Business Visa: Meant for professionals attending business conferences, meetings, or events, allowing multiple entries.

• Work Visa: Issued to employees seeking permanent or temporary positions in Saudi companies but requires sponsorship from a Saudi-based employer.

• Residency Visa: Options include standard residency, premium residency, or residency for newborns and are issued to foreign nationals relocating to Saudi Arabia.

• Family Visit Visa: Issued when relatives invite their family members (parents, spouse, or children).

• Extend Return Visa: It allows holders of valid residency permits to temporarily extend their return after leaving Saudi Arabia.

• Student Visa: For students admitted into Saudi universities, ensuring their legal education while staying in the Kingdom.

• Hajj Visa: Permits temporary access to perform pilgrimage during the holy Hajj season.

• Umrah Visa: Allows participation in Umrah activities during non-Hajj seasons.

The benefits of embassy applications for Saudi visas include increased flexibility in visa categories and extended support of the consular staff while submitting the forms.

How to make an application?

Our services provide e-visas to countries worldwide. Citizens of Russia are eligible to apply online for a Saudi Arabian visa. To make an application, please follow these steps:

1. Click the green button ‘Apply for e-Visa Online,’ you will be redirected to our website. Choose ‘Apply Online’ on the top of the page. Start filling in an online application form. Provide your data, including your name, surname, profession, marital status, gender, and e-mail address. Make sure all the data you put is correct. Then, please provide your passport details, the purpose of your travel, and other relevant information.
2. Make the payment using any method of payment available.
3. Check your e-mail address. First, you will receive a confirmation number. You can check the status of your e-Visa processing using this unique application number. Then, within the next 72 hours, e-Visa to Saudi Arabia will arrive at your e-mail address.

Documents Required to Apply for a Saudi Visa

To apply for a Saudi visa without trouble, prepare all the necessary documents in advance.

Having the correct documentation ready will not only streamline the process but also help avoid any potential delays.

All applicants for a Saudi visa should have the following documents:

• A Russian passport with 6 months beyond travel date of validity
• A recent face photograph matching the applicant’s appearance

Additional documentation for Regular Visas includes:

• Tourist Visa: Flight bookings, hotel reservations
• Work Visa: Employer’s cover letter, employment contract
• Student Visa: Proof of enrollment into the Saudi university
• Family Visit Visa: Proof of relationship with the host (birth/marriage certificate)

If you’re applying for a Saudi visa at the embassy or consulate, the immigration officers should inform you about the documents required for your selected visa type.

Common Reasons for Saudi Visa Denials

Applying for a Saudi visa is a process that requires careful attention to documentation and eligibility criteria, as even small mistakes can result in delays or denials.

Understanding the process and preparing thoroughly can lead to a smoother application experience.

Below, you’ll find information to help you avoid common issues during your Saudi Arabian visa application:

• Incomplete documentation or inaccuracies (e.g., incorrect spelling or missing data).
• Travel history conflicts, such as visiting restricted regions or overstaying.
• Unpaid visa fees or errors in transactions.
• Using an expired passport or a passport valid for less than 6 months.

Benefits of using online services

When you plan on travelling from Russia to Saudi Arabia, using online services can grant you 90 days’ stay at a time. Use it how you want and explore Saudi fully.

Our services provided visas to countries worldwide.

Here are the main benefits you get when working with our team:

• A Stress-Free visa handling experience. Let a qualified team of experts handle your visa permit for you.
• A High-Quality service. You can get a visa permit, not even leaving your house, in less than 72 hours while receiving the highest quality visa service out there.
• A Guarantee of Service. In case your visa application would fail to be approved, we grant reimbursement—no need to worry about losing your money.
• An Easy Application Process that can be done in 15 minutes or less.

If you plan on travelling from Russia to KSA, plan your journey carefully because there is so much to see. You don’t want to miss a thing.

Visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia helps you to learn all about the culture, Islamic heritage, and history. With an e-Visa, you can see the city of Madinah and admire all of the historic sites. Cultural enrichment is one of the main benefits of visiting KSA.

All Muslim citizens travelling from Russia to KSA are free to visit Mecca as well. Additionally, e-Visa Muslim holders can go on an Umrah pilgrimage with that permit.

Russian citizens can also benefit from relaxing on a tropical coral beach, e.g., Farasan Island. You can enjoy a free ferry ride from the Jizan Port and have a holiday getaway there.

Another advantage of visiting Saudi would be admiring the architectural wonders. One of them would be the Jeddah Tower, which ought to be the world’s highest building. It is still in construction, yet already impressive!

Writing Your Name in Arabic for a Visa Application

Some Saudi visa application forms (online or via the embassy) require an Arabic transliteration of the applicant’s name.

For accuracy, it’s recommended to have your name written in Arabic by a native speaker or a professional translator.

When transliterating your name into Arabic, it is important to preserve the phonetic accuracy as closely as possible to how it is pronounced in your native language.

If completing the application online, you can use an online Arabic keyboard or copy and paste your name from an Arabic document.

Double-check the spelling and consult official resources (embassy, consulate) to ensure the transliteration aligns with their requirements.

Any errors in transliteration could lead to mismatched documentation, potentially causing issues during the visa application process and entering Saudi Arabia.

Contact Information for the Saudi Embassy

For further assistance or clarification, it’s highly recommended to contact the Saudi Embassy in Russia directly via phone or in person.

Immigration officials can provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa applications, documentation requirements, and any specific queries you may have.

Make sure to note their office hours and schedule your visit beforehand.

• Address: 3-Y Neopalimovskiy Pereulok 3, 119121Moscow, Russia
• Phone: +74 992 452 310
• Email: ruemb@mofa.gov.sa

NOTE: Working hours of the Russian Embassy of Saudi Arabia are 9:30–15:30, from Monday to Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi Visas

• Can I apply for a Saudi eVisa as a Russian citizen?
  Yes, Russian citizens qualify for Saudi Arabian eVisas for tourism and business-related visits.

• How long is the Saudi eVisa valid?
  Your eVisa to Saudi Arabia remains valid for one year from the issuing date.

• What is the processing time for Saudi visas?
  Processing time is typically 24–72 hours for a Saudi Electronic Visa and 2–8 weeks for a Regular Visa.

• Can I extend my stay in Saudi Arabia?
  Visa extensions might be permissible, but they are given at the decision of the immigration office.

• Do I need documents in Arabic to apply for a Saudi visa?
  All documents used for a Saudi visa application should be in English or Arabic.

• Are Russian travelers eligible for a Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, Russian visitors to Saudi Arabia are eligible for a Visa on Arrival.

• Do embassy visa applications take more time than online ones?
  Getting a Regular Visa from the embassy usually takes more time than an online application.

• Is a medical check-up mandatory for visiting Saudi Arabia?
  You don’t need any specific medical check-up to enter and stay in Saudi Arabia.

• Where can I find updates related to Saudi Arabia’s entry requirements?
  Head to the MOFA website or My GOV platform for the most up-to-date information regarding visiting Saudi Arabia.

Summary

Applying for a Saudi visa as a Russian citizen involves obeying certain requirements and guidelines.

Depending on the traveler’s needs, Russian nationals can apply for a Saudi eVisa electronically or a Regular Visa at the embassy.

Visa on Arrival can be issued at the Saudi entry ports, while a Transit Visa is suitable for those who only pass through Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabian visa requirements may vary based on the type, but all applicants need a passport valid for no less than 6 months.

Sources:

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