Khaberni - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched a new trial version on its official platform "KSA Visa," which allows those wishing to visit the kingdom for the purpose of visiting family and friends to apply for an electronic visa easily and quickly, as part of the kingdom's efforts to enhance tourist openness and facilitate visitor movement.
According to the platform's official website, the "Family and Friends" visa enables visitors to visit their relatives and friends residing in the kingdom, with the ability to participate in tourist activities, attend events, and perform Umrah outside of the Hajj season.
Types of Visas and Duration of Stay
The platform offers two main types of visas:
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- Single entry visa: Valid for 90 days, allows a stay of the same duration.
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- Multiple entry visa: Valid for one year, allows a stay of 90 days for each visit.
Fees and Payment Methods
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set the visa fees as follows:
- 80 US dollars for a visa fee (refundable).
- 10.5 dollars digital service fee for the visa (non-refundable).
- 10.5 dollars digital service fee for insurance (non-refundable).
- Health insurance fee as determined by the chosen insurance company.
Applications are processed in a time ranging from one minute to only three business days, according to the platform’s system.
Eligible Categories for Obtaining a Visa
Saudi Arabia offers a family and friends visit visa through three main methods:
- Electronic visa:
Applicants receive it immediately via the platform, and it is sent to the email. It is available to nationals of eligible countries or holders of “Schengen,” United States, or United Kingdom visas, as well as permanent residents in these countries or in Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
- Visa through service offices or embassies:
Applicants can submit through accredited offices in available countries or directly through Saudi embassies in case service offices are not available.
- Visa on arrival:
Travelers receive it at Saudi entry ports, for nationals of eligible countries or holders of the aforementioned visas.
Visa Terms and Requirements
The platform requires that the visitor be at least 18 years old unless accompanied by a legal guardian, possess a valid passport for at least 6 months, in addition to valid health insurance, and sufficient financial capacity to cover the expenses of stay and transportation within the kingdom.
The platform also emphasizes the need to comply with Saudi laws and regulations during the visit period.
Permitted Activities
Visa holders are allowed to:
- Visit relatives and friends.
- Attend tourism events and occasions.
- Perform Umrah (excluding Hajj season).
This visa does not include performing the Hajj obligation.
Support and Inquiries
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites all applicants to communicate through official channels in case of inquiries and warns against dealing with intermediaries or unaccredited parties to avoid fraud.
It also confirms that the KSA Visa website is a comprehensive guide to all requirements, procedures, and fees for Saudi visas, aiming to provide an easy and comfortable digital experience for visitors from around the world.
