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Saudi Visa from Belgium

What is a Saudi Visa?

The Saudi visa for citizens of Belgium is an official travel document that enables Belgian nationals to travel to Saudi Arabia for an approved purpose and a specified duration. Belgian citizens must obtain a Saudi visa, regardless of their reason for visiting the country and how long they intend to stay.

There are several types of Saudi visas available, including:

  • eVisa: An electronic multi-entry visa that allows entry into Saudi Arabia for tourism activities, for up to 90 days per visit.
  • Business visit visa: For business-related activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or corporate visits.
  • Employment visa: For those with an employment contract with a Saudi company.
  • Student visa: For those with a place in a Saudi school or university.
  • Umrah visa: For performing the religious pilgrimage of Umrah.

Different Saudi visas have different validity periods. For example, the eVisa is usually valid for one year, whereas Student Visas are usually valid for the length of the academic program.

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Do Belgian Citizens Need a Saudi Visa?

Citizens of Belgium must obtain a Saudi Arabia visa for Belgian citizens. Saudi Arabia does not currently offer visa-free entry to Belgian citizens, and without a valid visa, entry into the country will not be permitted. The type of visa required will depend on the reason for visiting the country (e.g., tourism, business, transit, visiting family, employment) and how long you intend to stay. For example, for short-term visits related to tourism or performing Umrah, Belgian citizens can apply for the Saudi eVisa, also known as the electronic Saudi Tourist Visa.

Saudi Visa Types for Belgian Nationals

There are multiple Saudi visa options available to Belgian citizens, including:

Tourist eVisa

An electronic visa that allows travelers to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes, attend events, visit family and friends, and perform Umrah outside of the Hajj season. It is multi-entry and valid for one year.

Business Visit Visa

The Saudi Arabia Business Visa is available as a single or multi-entry visa to Belgian citizens who have a business relationship with a Saudi company and have been invited to Saudi Arabia for meetings, negotiations, or other business activities.

Employment Visa

A visa for Belgian citizens with a signed employment contract from a Saudi company that is sponsoring them to work in Saudi Arabia.

Student Visa

For Belgian citizens with a confirmed place at a school or university in Saudi Arabia.

Family Visit Visa

For those who have been invited for a short-term visit to Saudi Arabia by a first-degree relative who is a Saudi national or resident.

Hajj Visa

A dedicated visa to perform Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca).

Umrah Visa

The Umrah visa allows Belgian Muslims to visit Saudi Arabia to perform the religious pilgrimage of Umrah.

Transit Visa

The Saudi Arabia Transit Visa is available for travelers from Belgium who are transiting through Saudi Arabia by land, air, or sea for more than 12 hours, or if they want to explore the country for a very short period of up to 96 hours.

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Saudi Tourist eVisa for Belgian Citizens

The Saudi Arabian eVisa for Belgian passport holders is an electronic visa that was launched in September 2019. The eVisa is available to citizens of many countries, including Schengen member states such as Belgium. The eVisa has many benefits, compared to more traditional visas, including:

  • The application process is completely online and only takes a few minutes to complete.
  • You do not need to visit an embassy or consulate or send off your passport.
  • Approval is typically within 72 hours.
  • This visa allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia within the validity period, which is one year, and the stay is up to 90 days per visit.

Saudi eVisa Validity

The eVisa is typically valid for one year. Within the validity period, visa holders can visit Saudi Arabia as many times as they want, as long as each stay in the country does not exceed 90 days.

The eVisa allows Belgian citizens to travel to Saudi Arabia for:

  • Tourism
  • You do not need to visit an embassy or consulate or send off your passport.
  • Visiting family and friends
  • Attending cultural events, festivals, concerts, and sporting events
  • Performing Umrah, outside of Hajj season
  • Approved business activities

Saudi eVisa Requirements for Citizens of Belgium

The Saudi Arabia eVisa requirements for travelers from Belgium stipulate that applicants submit certain documents as part of their application, including:

Passport

A valid Belgian passport with at least six months' validity and two blank pages is required. Applicants are required to submit a scanned copy (in JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or PDF format) of their passport with their application.

Photograph

A recent photograph that reflects the applicant’s true appearance must be submitted. The photograph should comply with the specifications and be between 5-100KB and 2x2 inches.

Email address

A valid email address is required to receive any updates about the application and the eVisa decision.

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How to Obtain a Saudi eVisa as a Belgian Citizen

The Saudi Arabia eVisa application for citizens of Belgium can be completed online in a quick and easy process. Follow the steps below to guide you through the application.

Complete the application form

The Saudi visa online application form should be completed and filled with correct and accurate information. You must submit your personal information, address, contact details, passport information, purpose of visit, and residence information in Saudi Arabia.

Upload documents

Upload the required documents (passport and photograph) in the necessary formats. Ensure all documents comply with the specifications.

Pay the Saudi Arabia visa fee

The application fee can be paid using a valid Visa or Mastercard, or using Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Submit the application

The applicant must check their application carefully and ensure they have included a working email address before submitting the application. If approved, the eVisa will be sent electronically to the provided email address.
Minors (under the age of 18) are not permitted to submit an application themselves. Instead, an adult who has the legal authority (e.g., a parent or guardian) must apply for the eVisa on their behalf.

Saudi eVisa Processing Time and Fees

The Saudi Arabia eVisa price is $199, and this includes our professional service fee alongside the Saudi government fee. The majority of applications are processed within 72 hours, however, it is recommended to apply in advance of the planned travel date, in case of any delays or issues with the application.

Extending a Saudi eVisa and Staying Longer

At this time, the eVisa cannot be extended beyond the specified validity date. If the visa expires, you must leave Saudi Arabia and apply for a new eVisa. If you reach the 90-day permitted duration of stay per visit, you will need to exit Saudi Arabia and re-enter. If you need to stay in Saudi Arabia for longer than the eVisa allows, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a Saudi Visit Visa.

Entry Rules and Travel Tips for Belgian Nationals

When traveling to Saudi Arabia, Belgian nationals should ensure they comply with all entry rules and requirements, including:

  • Must hold a valid Saudi visa for citizens of Belgium, such as the eVisa.
  • Must have a Belgian passport with at least six months of validity.

Additionally, travelers should be aware that Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, and respecting local customs and Islamic traditions is essential. For example, travelers should ensure they dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection (particularly with members of the opposite sex), and be respectful of prayer times.

More tips to make your trip to Saudi Arabia smoother are listed below:

  • Carry your passport and proof of your visa status with you at all times, just in case random checks occur.
  • Avoid drinking, possessing, or importing alcohol, as this is against the law.
  • Avoid criticising Islam, the Saudi government, or the Saudi royal family.
  • Be aware of vaccination requirements, particularly if you are traveling for Umrah or Hajj.
  • Be aware that non-Muslims cannot visit Mecca or Medina.

Saudi eVisa for Residents of Belgium

For residents of Schengen countries, including Belgium, and for business or tourist visa holders of a Schengen country whose nationality is not eligible for the Saudi eVisa, eVisa eligibility does NOT depend on their nationality, but instead depends on their residency status. This means applicants qualify for a Saudi eVisa based on being a Belgian resident or visa holder, even if they do not have a Belgian passport.

The Belgian residency or visa should be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay in Saudi Arabia. If you are applying for the eVisa based on your Belgian residency or visa status, you will still need to input your passport information and state your nationality. You will also be asked to submit proof of your residency or visa status.

However, the following nationalities are NOT eligible for the Saudi eVisa, even if they have Belgian residency or a Belgian visa:

  • Chad
  • Ethiopia
  • Iran
  • Libya
  • Palestine
  • Syria

For those holding a passport from one of the above countries, they will need to apply for a traditional Saudi visa through an embassy, consulate, or authorized visa office.

FAQs

The Saudi visa on arrival is available to Belgian nationals at approved Saudi entry points. However, because the visa on arrival is not issued electronically, it is different from the eVisa.

Similar to Belgian nationals, Italian nationals also need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. If visiting for tourism purposes, Italian nationals can apply for the Saudi eVisa. If travelling to Saudi Arabia for other purposes, a different type of visa will be required.

Yes, the Saudi eVisa can be used to perform Umrah, as long as it is outside of Hajj season. This is why some people call the eVisa the ‘Electronic Umrah eVisa’. If you are not eligible for an eVisa, you can apply for a traditional Umrah visa instead.

If your application is rejected, you may be told the reason for the rejection. For example, your documents may not comply with the specifications, or you may have missing information on your application. In this situation, you may be able to submit a new eVisa application. However, if your application is rejected for another reason, such as you not meeting the eVisa criteria, you may need to apply for a traditional visa instead.