When you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, chances are that you must first obtain a visa. After all, only 4 nationalities are visa-exempt. The type of visa you will need depends on the purpose of your trip. There are multiple Saudi Arabia visa types, but you should only apply for the visa that covers your express purposes for being in the country. After all, you can be held accountable for not following the rules, and in all cases, you will be deported.
As mentioned above, there are many Saudi Arabian visa types. But only a few of them are common. That is why we will now describe some of the most common visa types that are issued for Saudi Arabia.
Business Visa
This type of visa is issued for business purposes only. If you are a businessman, investor, representative of a US company, sales manager, sales representative, or anything else of this sort, you should always apply for a Saudi Arabia business visa if you plan on traveling there. It is forbidden to conduct business while in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa. This type of visa can only be obtained from a Saudi Arabian consulate in your country where your legal residence is.
Hajj Visa
This is yet another visa type that people often apply for. It is a special visa category that is meant for pilgrims. If you plan on obtaining a Hajj visa, please remember that the best time to apply for it is between Mid-Shawwal and 25th Dhual-Qa'dah. At the same time, if you are a Muslim woman, you cannot travel to Saudi Arabia alone. You must have a male next of kin who is over 18, or, if you are over the age of 45, you can travel with a group of women above that age and a group leader.
Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa
Saudi Arabia only began issuing tourist visas in 2013. Its government decided to enhance this sector, which is why it has since adopted the electronic visa system. There are 51 eligible nationalities. If you find yourself among them, you can get a Saudi Arabia eVisa online. You have to remember that this visa type is for tourism purposes only. Be advised that you cannot enter the cities of Mecca and Medina unless you are a Muslim.
For more information about the Saudi Arabia eVisa, do not hesitate to read our blog or contact iVisa’s customer support service. It is available 24/7 and free of charge.
Family Visit Visa
People who have family members in Saudi Arabia can apply for a visa to visit them. However, there are a few rules. This type of visa is meant only for US citizens or legal residents of the US. You cannot work while on a Family Visit Visa, and you are obligated to abide by the country’s Islamic laws, no matter what religion you are.
While there are many Saudi Arabia visa types, choosing one should not be too complicated. All you have to do is apply for the most appropriate visa for your individual purpose in the country.