Before you plan your trip to Saudi Arabia, it is essential to know which visa you should apply for. Choosing the right visa could make or break your travel plans; in other words, result in you cancelling your trip. So, make sure you are aware of the right visa for your trip.
With a total of 116 million tourists visiting Saudi Arabia in 2024, the country’s tourism experienced a 6% growth in comparison to last year. This proves that the country is constantly experiencing demand both from international and domestic travellers.
There are primarily two big reasons why Saudi Arabia is so demanding among travellers: tourism and pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia holds great importance in the Islamic culture, which justifies why the country is famous for pilgrimage. On the other hand, the country has many famous landmarks, making it famous among tourists.
Well, are you a traveller from the UK, the US, or other countries visiting Saudi Arabia for any of the two reasons? Are you confused about whether you should apply for a Saudi eVisa or a Hajj visa? Then, you need to understand the correct visa based on your intent. From the key differences and eligibility to the process of application, you must learn it all for a successful trip.
What is the Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi eVisa is the online version of the traditional Saudi visa or sticker visa. With this, one can apply for the visa from anywhere with a good internet connection and enough balance in their bank account. That also means there is no need to visit the embassy and stand in line for hours.
This visa can be applied for many purposes, like:
- Tourism
- Events
- Business events
- Family visits
- Umrah (except during Hajj season)
In total, around 68 countries are eligible for this visa. This includes countries like:
| Asia | Europe | N. America | S. America | Oceania |
| China (including Hong Kong and Macau) | Czech Republic | U.S.A | Brazil | Australia |
| Kazakhstan | Greece | Barbados | Chile | New Zealand |
| Brunei | Austria | Canada | Argentina | |
| Kyrgyzstan | Netherlands | St. Kitts and Nevis | Uruguay | |
| Thailand | Ireland | Panama | ||
| Maldives | Finland | Bahamas | ||
| Azerbaijan | Denmark | Grenada | ||
| Japan | Montenegro | |||
| Turkey | Iceland | |||
| Malaysia | Slovenia | |||
| Kazakhstan | Hungary | |||
| Uzbekistan | Cyprus | |||
| South Korea | Estonia | |||
| Singapore | Andorra | |||
| Tajikistan | Bulgaria | |||
| Belgium | ||||
| Ukraine | ||||
| Liechtenstein | ||||
| France | ||||
| Switzerland | ||||
| Italy | ||||
| United Kingdom | ||||
| Romania | ||||
| Norway | ||||
| Albania | ||||
| Germany | ||||
| Luxembourg | ||||
| San Marino | ||||
| Latvia | ||||
| Russia | ||||
| Portugal | ||||
| Sweden | ||||
| Malta | ||||
| Poland | ||||
| Lithuania | ||||
| Spain | ||||
| Georgia | ||||
| Croatia | ||||
| Monaco | ||||
| Slovakia |
Table 1: KSA Visa Eligible Countries
The Saudi eVisa stays valid for 1 year and offers multiple entries into the country. During this time, you are eligible to spend a total of 180 days in Saudi Arabia. However, this should be divided into different visits as each visit must not exceed 90 days.
Saudi eVisa Application Process
The application process of the Saudi eVisa requires you to follow a few different steps. This includes the following:
- Visit the online portal for visa application.
- Fill out the application form with information that is relevant to your trip and your visit purpose.
- Add scanned copies of necessary documents like a valid passport (one with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months validity), a recent passport-sized photograph, bank statements, inward and outward flight tickets, and additional documents related to your travel purpose(*).
- Pay the fee for your visa application with the help of a debit or credit card.
- Wait for 24 to 72 hours to get the application accepted.
- Get the approval letter in the email ID that you added during the application steps.
- Print a couple of copies of the letter and bring them to the airport.
- Contact the Helpdesk if you do not get an approval letter.
(*) Additional documents vary depending on travel purposes. For tourism, it is a travel itinerary. Whereas, for business visits, it is often a business invitation. Please check which document you will need to offer prior to application.
What Is the Hajj Visa?
A Saudi Hajj visa is strictly for individuals who are travelling for the Hajj pilgrimage during the designated Islamic month. This visa must be applied for through the embassy.
Only people from the Muslim religion are eligible to apply for this visa, so one will have to provide documents that prove their religion. On top of that, the visa also comes with a few restrictions on travel activities, as you can only take part in Hajj-related activities during this visit.
The visa stays valid for 30 days, which is only during the Hajj season. Other than that, authorities might ask individuals to meet the health and vaccination requirements, like meningitis and COVID-19. However, not all might have to provide these documents.
Key Differences Between the Two Visas
The following are some of the ways in which a Saudi Hajj visa and an eVisa are different from one another.
| Feature | Saudi e-Visa | Hajj Visa |
| Purpose | Tourism, Umrah (non-Hajj period) | Hajj pilgrimage only |
| Eligibility | 66 nationalities | Muslims only, approved Hajj agents |
| Application Process | Online application | Through a licensed Hajj operator |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entries, and a total stay of 180 days. | Single entry during the Hajj period only |
| Allowed Activities | Tourism, Umrah | Hajj only |
| Health Requirements | Minimal | Mandatory vaccinations & certificates |
Table 2: KSA Tourist and Hajj Visa: A Comparison
Which Visa Should You Apply For?
The correct choice of a visa completely depends on your visit purpose.
So, if you are planning to visit the country for sightseeing, visiting family, or performing Umrah outside the Hajj season, then you must apply for the eVisa. This will help you explore the country properly and freely move around without any restrictions.
However, if you are planning to perform Hajj during the official pilgrimage month, then you will have to apply for the Saudi Hajj Visa. However, it is worth noting that you will have to be a Muslim individual and must have documents to prove it before you apply for it.
Both visas come with their own set of perks. But if you use the wrong visa, then you will have to face serious consequences for that. This includes penalties, denial of entry, legal issues, and even a ban in the worst cases.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Experience
Applying for a Saudi eVisa or Hajj visa is not tough. However, if you are doing it for the first time, then you might face some difficulty. If you are in a similar situation, then you can get help with the following tips.
- Check the Saudi government guidelines for updated rules.
- Book accommodations and flights in advance, and after checking reviews.
- Always carry printed copies of your documents during travel.
- Get your visa at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance of your trip to avoid issues.
- Do not make any mistakes during the application steps.
- Take help from the Helpdesk if you face any confusion.
- Always use the most recent documents.
- Use a picture where your facial features are clear and properly match your face in real life.
- Have sufficient balance in your bank account before application.
- Avoid making double applications in case of delay; instead, get the issue resolved with the help of the Helpdesk.
- Apply during the working hours of the day for fast approval.
- Expect some delay during the festive season.
- Start planning and registering months in advance when applying for a Hajj visa.
Confident to Apply for the Right Type of Saudi Visa
Applying for the right Saudi visa is essential if you want a stress-free experience. Saudi eVisas are ideal for tourists and Umrah outside Hajj, while Hajj Visas are strictly for pilgrimage during the Hajj season. Plus, each has specific rules, requirements, and application channels. So, you must choose wisely to avoid any complications.
However, if you still end up facing any challenges, then you should seek assistance from the Helpdesk.
