The Saudi Family Visit Visa is a short-term visa that allows expatriates living in Saudi Arabia to invite their immediate family members to visit them in the country. Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), this visa is available in both single-entry and multiple-entry formats, offering families a way to reunite for short periods.
The Family Visit Visa is designed for family reunification. It allows citizens of Saudi Arabia and residents living and working in the country to spend time with their loved ones who live abroad. The Family Visit Visa also allows family members to reunite for important religious occasions, such as to perform Umrah.
What is the Saudi Family Visit Visa?
The Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa is a temporary travel permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), allowing citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to invite their immediate family members for a short-term visit to Saudi Arabia. The Family Visit Visa process for Saudi Arabia must be initiated by the Saudi resident or citizen, and they must provide an invitation request to the visiting family member.
This visa is typically granted for family reunions, enabling loved ones to spend time together without requiring a long-term residency permit. It allows the following activities:
- Visiting family.
- Tourism and sightseeing.
- Attending events.
- Performing Umrah.
The individual who invites the visitor to Saudi Arabia is responsible for ensuring the visitor fully complies with the terms of the visa, including the approved activities and the specified duration of stay.
The Saudi Family Visit Visa differs from other visa types in multiple ways:
| Type of Visa | Purpose | Duration | Eligibility |
| Family Visit Visa | Short-term family reunions | Single-entry (up to 90 days) or multiple-entry (up to 90 days per stay) | Immediate family members of Saudi residents and citizens. |
| Iqama (Residence Permit) | Grants the right to legally live and work in Saudi Arabia. | Typically, one year, but it can be for longer. | Expatriates with an eligible residency status. |
| Tourist Visa | Leisure travel, sightseeing, and Umrah (except Hajj) | Usually 90 days per visit (valid for 1 year) | Foreign nationals from eligible countries. |
| Employment Visa | Allows entry to KSA for employment | One year, or the duration of the employment contract. | Those who have a job offer and a signed employment contract from a Saudi employer. |
Who Can Apply for a Saudi Family Visit Visa?
Only citizens and legal residents of Saudi Arabia who hold a valid Iqama can apply for a KSA Family Visit Visa for members of their immediate family, including:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Children (biological or adoptive children of any age)
- Parents (biological or adoptive)
- Parents-in-law (typically allowed but may require additional verification).
- Siblings
Only immediate family members are eligible. Uncles, aunts, cousins, or other extended relatives are generally not eligible.
The applicant must be a legal resident (Iqama holder) or a Saudi citizen sponsoring the visit. If the sponsor is an Iqama holder, their Iqama must be valid at the time of the application. While the visa is available to all nationalities, some countries may have additional verification requirements or limitations based on Saudi government policies.
Key Requirements for the Saudi Family Visit Visa
The Saudi Family Visit Visa requires a sponsor. The sponsor should be a Saudi citizen or a legal expatriate resident who is an Iqama holder. The sponsor is responsible for initiating the application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Both the sponsor and the visitor are required to submit the relevant supporting documents required for a family visa in KSA.
The requirements for both the sponsor and the visitor are listed below.
The sponsor (Saudi citizen or resident):
- Passport: A copy of the sponsor’s passport is required for identification
- Visa: A copy of the sponsor’s valid Iqama, to prove their eligibility as a sponsor.
- MOFA visa application form: Must be completed through the MOFA website and receive the Saudi Family Visit Visa stamping by the Chamber of Commerce (if applicable).
- Proof of relationship: Documents proving the relationship between the Saudi citizen or resident and the visitor (e.g., marriage certificate or birth certificate).
Visa applicant:
- Valid international passport: The original visitor’s passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos that comply with Saudi Arabia’s visa guidelines.
- Proof of relationship: If a family visa application has been made or family members are traveling together, proof of relationship between applicants may be required (e.g., the marriage certificate for married applicants).
- Completed visa application form: Submitted to the Saudi embassy or visa center in the applicant’s home country.
- Payment receipt: Visa fee payment receipt for the visa processing fee.
- Proof of medical insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory for all visitors and must be obtained through an approved Saudi provider.
For applicants younger than 18 years old, additional documentation will be required. If they are traveling with a legal guardian (e.g., a parent), they will need their birth certificate to prove their relationship with the parents. If the child is traveling with a different adult, a consent letter will be required. The letter must be notarized (in either Arabic OR English), state written permission, and be signed by the parent or legal guardian.
How to Apply for a Saudi Family Visit Visa
Applying for a Saudi Family Visit Visa involves a two-phase process:
- Phase 1: Initiation by the sponsor in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Visit the MOFA portal: The sponsor can begin the application process by visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) online portal and directing to the Family Visit Visa. The sponsor should log in using their Absher account details.
Step 2: Complete the online application form: The sponsor must fill out the application form for the Family Visit Visa. This includes their personal information, passport information, and visa information. Typically, all information should be entered in Arabic, except for non-Arabic names which should match the name on the passport. Once the sponsor is sure all the information is correct, they can submit their application.
Step 3: Obtain authorization: After completing the form, the sponsor must authenticate the application. This can be done electronically, or the sponsor can have the application stamped through the Chamber of Commerce or their employer. This step validates the application within official channels.
Step 4: Monitor the application status: The sponsor should regularly check the application status via the MOFA portal.Once initial approval is granted, a reference number is issued, which the visa applicant will need.
Step 5: Send the completed form/reference number to the visitor: Once the sponsor receives approval status, they should send a scanned copy of the completed application form to their family member. This should include the Visa Document Number.
- Phase 2: Completion by the visa applicant
Step 6: Prepare the required documents: The visa applicant must gather all the documentation, including:
- Passport
- Completed visa application form
- Photographs
- Proof of relationship
- Visa Document Number (from the sponsor)
- Proof of medical insurance
Step 7: Submit the documents: Documents must be submitted in person to the Saudi Embassy or an authorized visa application center in their home country. Some embassies may offer mail-in services, but it is essential to verify this beforehand.
Step 8: Pay visa processing fees: The applicant must pay the required visa fees. The exact amount and payment method can be confirmed with the embassy or visa center.
Step 9: Await visa issuance: Applicants should monitor their application status and await notification of approval. Once approved, the applicant can begin making travel arrangements.
Saudi Family Visit Visa Processing Time
Most applications are processed within five to 10 business days, although it can take up to four weeks if there are any delays or additional verifications required. Several factors can influence how long it takes to obtain the visa:
- Application accuracy: Any errors or missing details in the form can cause delays.
- Document authentication: If relationship documents (e.g., marriage or birth certificates) require attestation, processing may take longer.
- Peak seasons: Processing times may be extended during high-demand periods such as Ramadan, Hajj season, and holidays.
- Nationality-based processing: Some nationalities may require additional security checks or approvals.
- Chamber of Commerce authentication: If the sponsor’s application needs to be stamped by the Chamber of Commerce, this can take extra time.
- Embassy or Visa Center Workload: The time taken by the Saudi embassy or visa center in the applicant’s home country can vary based on the volume of applications.
To avoid delays, sponsors and applicants should ensure that their documents are complete and accurate and double-check for any errors before submitting. It is also recommended to apply well in advance of the intended travel date to account for any delays.
Visa Fees and Costs for Saudi Family Visit Visa
The Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa fees are as follows: an $80 visa fee (refundable), a $10.5 visa digital services fee (non-refundable), and a $10.5 insurance digital services fee (non-refundable). Potential applicants can search for Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia latest news to check for any updates on visa fees and costs.
Beyond the visa application fee, applicants should also account for the cost of health insurance. This is mandatory for all visitors. The insurance must be purchased from a provider approved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
What Happens After the Saudi Family Visit Visa is Approved?
Once the Saudi Family Visit Visa has been approved, the applicant can proceed with travel to Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, visitors must present their passport with the visa and any supporting documents (e.g., proof of relationship). Immigration officers may verify details, such as the health insurance policy, before stamping the visa for entry. Visitors may also be required to have proof of onward journey before entering the country, for example, a return flight ticket.
With the Family Visit Visa, visitors can freely travel within all cities in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Mecca (for Muslims). The main purpose of this visa is family reunification, so visitors can stay with their sponsor or visit relatives in different cities.
Visitors can perform Umrah while in Saudi Arabia, but Hajj is not permitted on a Family Visit visa. Those intending to perform Umrah should check for any seasonal restrictions. Other restrictions apply, including:
- Employment is strictly prohibited under a visit visa.
- Family visit visa holders cannot enroll in schools or universities in Saudi Arabia.
- The visit visa does not grant residency status (Iqama).
It is essential that visitors comply with the Saudi Arabia single-entry and multiple-entry Family Visit Visa rules. If the visiting individuals do not comply with the terms of the visa, the inviter may be subject to legal penalties and fines.
Duration of Stay and Validity of the Saudi Family Visit Visa
There are two types of Family Visit Visa available, with different validity periods and different permitted durations of stay:
1. Single-entry:
Validity period: 90 days
Permitted duration of stay: 30 days to 90 days, depending on your nationality
2. Multi-entry:
Validity period: Six months to 1 year
Permitted duration of stay: Multiple entries, for up to 90 days
Can the Saudi Family Visit Visa Be Extended?
The Family Visit Visa can be extended between six days before it expires and three days after it expires. The visit requester (visa sponsor) is the only person who can request an extension. Family Visit Visas are extendable in the following circumstances:
- The visitor must be present in Saudi Arabia.
- The visitor’s passport must be valid.
- The visitor must have no traffic violations in Saudi Arabia.
- The visitor must pay the visa extension fee.
The possible extension period is equal to the permitted duration of stay. For example, a single-entry visa can be extended for up to 30 to 90 days. The visa can be extended multiple times, as long as the total extension time does not exceed 180 days.
Tips for a Smooth Saudi Family Visit Visa Application
Applying for a Saudi Family Visit Visa can be straightforward if you follow the tips below:
- Ensure the sponsor’s Iqama is valid.
- Fill out the application form carefully and check it for mistakes before submitting it.
- Ensure all required documents are provided, clear, legible, and properly attested.
- Purchase mandatory health insurance through a Saudi-approved insurer.
The most common mistakes people make when submitting a visa application are providing incomplete or incorrect documents, making a mistake on their application, and not providing sufficient proof of relationship (e.g., not using an attested birth certificate). Avoiding these mistakes can ensure a much smoother application process.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa is a temporary visit visa that is only available to immediate family members, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The key Saudi Family Visit Visa requirements are a valid sponsor (resident in Saudi Arabia), a properly filled-out application, attested relationship documents, and mandatory health insurance.
Applying for a Saudi Family Visit Visa can be a smooth process if you understand the requirements and follow the correct steps. The visa allows for family reunification and allows loved ones to visit their family members in Saudi Arabia.
FAQs about the Saudi Family Visit Visa
When determining how to apply for a Family Visit Visa in KSA, be aware that only the sponsor can be present in Saudi Arabia at the time of application. The application must be initiated by a sponsor inside the Kingdom, and the visitor must apply for the visa from outside Saudi Arabia at a Saudi embassy or visa center in their home country.
To check the status of your Saudi Family Visit Visa, you can use the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) platform. You will need to enter the required details and perform the search. The MOFA portal will then display the visa status.
The Family Visit Visa is a temporary visa meant for short-term visits. In general, a Family Visit Visa cannot be converted into a permanent or more long-term visa (e.g., residency or Iqama) in Saudi Arabia. If a visitor wants to stay in Saudi Arabia long-term, they will need to apply for a different type of visa.
If a Saudi resident is sponsoring a non-resident for a Family Visit Visa, they must hold an Iqama with at least four months of validity. If the Iqama is close to its expiration date, it is recommended that the holder renews it before sponsoring the visa.