Saudi Arabia Visa for South African Citizens
What is a Saudi Visa
A Saudi Visa is an official authorization that permits foreign nationals to enter, travel, and stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a specific purpose and duration. Obtaining the appropriate Saudi Visa for South Africans is a mandatory requirement to enter the country, whether you are coming to perform Umrah, explore the country as a tourist, or attend business meetings. Depending on the purpose of your visit, Saudi Arabia offers various types of visas tailored to your needs. Some common examples include the Tourist Visa, the Saudi Umrah Visa, the Business Visa, and the Family Visit Visa.
The validity of Saudi visas varies based on the type:
- A Saudi eVisa for South African citizens (and many others) is typically a multiple-entry visa valid for one year with each stay limited to 90 days per visit, or a single-entry visa valid for 90 days.
- The Umrah Visa is a single-entry visa with a validity of up to 90 days and is not valid during the Hajj season.
- Business Visas can be single or multiple entry, with validity ranging from 30 days to 1 year, depending on the specific circumstances.
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Do South African Citizens Need a Saudi Visa?
South African citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel, whether it’s for tourism, religious pilgrimage, business, or visiting family. For short-term visits, including going on holiday or visiting family, South African travelers are eligible to apply for the Saudi eVisa, also known as the Saudi Tourist eVisa. This electronic visa can be applied for online and is typically a multiple-entry visa, with a one-year validity period, allowing a stay of up to 90 days per visit. If the purpose of travel is religious, such as performing Umrah outside of the Hajj season, travelers from South Africa can either apply for a Tourist eVisa or an Umrah Visa from South Africa. Both visas allow entry into Saudi Arabia for the purpose of performing Umrah. The Hajj pilgrimage requires a different, special visa that is only issued through approved agents.
Saudi Visa Types for South African Citizens
Depending on the purpose of visit, there are various types of Saudi Arabia Visas for South African citizens that they can obtain if they wish to travel to the Kingdom.
Tourist eVisa
The tourist eVisa is for those traveling for leisure, including attending events, visiting friends and family, or performing Umrah (outside of the Hajj season). It allows for multiple entries and is valid for 1 year, with a 90-day validity period. But you are only allowed to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 consecutive days per visit.
Umrah Visa
South African citizens can obtain the Umrah Visa if they wish to perform Umrah while in Saudi Arabia. This is different from the Tourist eVisa, although the Tourist eVisa allows you to participate in the Umrah pilgrimage. The Umrah Visa is typically only valid for a single entry of 90 days. You must apply through authorized travel agencies in order to obtain the Umrah Visa.
Employment Visa
The Employment Visa is for South African citizens who want to obtain long-term employment in Saudi Arabia. Its validity varies based on the employment contract. It has the potential to lead to residency. In order to qualify for the Saudi Employment Visa, you must have a job offer from a Saudi employer.
Student Visa
The Saudi Student Visa is for those pursuing academic studies in an educational institution in Saudi Arabia. The validity and stay duration vary depending on the academic program and course length. This visa requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
Saudi Tourist eVisa for South African citizens
The Saudi Tourist eVisa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism and leisure purposes. This visa was officially launched in September 2019 as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to boost international tourism and open its borders to a larger range of tourists.
South African citizens are eligible for the Saudi eVisa, which means they can apply online without needing to visit an embassy or consulate. The process is simple and designed to be straightforward, making it easier for travelers from South Africa to explore the country.
There are many benefits to the Tourist eVisa, making it a far better choice than the traditional visa. It is a simple, easy online application. You can apply from anywhere, and you aren’t required to visit an embassy or consulate. This already makes it a much more flexible option. It is also a quick alternative, as most applications are approved within 72 hours. The eVisa allows for multiple entries within its 1-year validity, as long as each stay is not longer than 90 days. This is ideal for travelers who want to take multiple trips to Saudi Arabia. Compared to traditional visa routes, it saves time, reduces paperwork, and provides greater travel flexibility.
Saudi eVisa Validity
The Saudi Tourist eVisa for South African citizens is a very flexible option for travelers visiting Saudi Arabia. It is valid for one year once it has been issued. South African citizens can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per visit, and the eVisa is a multiple-entry (valid for a year), so they can enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times during the year.
South African citizens can participate in tourism, family visits, leisure events, such as sporting events, concerts, and festivals, and perform the Umrah pilgrimage. It’s important to note that the eVisa does not allow participation in Hajj.
Saudi eVisa Requirements for South African Citizens
If you are applying for the Saudi eVisa for South African citizens, you’ll need to prepare and submit the following documents:
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter Saudi Arabia.
Recent Passport-Style Photograph
You need to submit a clear, color photograph with a white background.
Completed Saudi Visa Application Form
The online Saudi Visa Application form must be filled out completely and accurately.
Valid Email Address
Applicants must provide an active email address to receive updates and the approved Saudi eVisa electronically.
Valid Payment Method
Payment of the Saudi Arabia Visa fee must be made online using a valid payment method like a credit or debit card.
These simple requirements make it much easier compared to traditional visa applications, helping more travelers quickly access their tourist visa for Saudi Arabia.
How to Obtain a Saudi eVisa as a South African Citizen
If you’re a South African traveler planning to visit Saudi Arabia for a short-term visit, applying for the Saudi eVisa for South African citizens is quick and simple.
Access the Application Platform
You can apply for the Saudi eVisa at saudivisa.com. This is where you will complete and submit your Saudi Visa Application online.
Fill Out the Application Form
Carefully complete the Saudi Visa online application form. You will need to provide accurate personal information, travel details, and answer basic security questions.
Upload Required Documents
Upload a scanned copy of your valid passport and a recent passport-sized photo. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended entry date into Saudi Arabia.
Pay the Visa Fee Online
Use a valid payment method such as a credit or debit card to pay the Saudi Arabia visa fee.
Receive Your Saudi eVisa
Once your application is processed, you will receive the approved Saudi Tourist eVisa via email. Print a copy or save it digitally to present upon arrival.
Applying for Dependents (Children Under 18)
If you are traveling with children, you can also apply for their Saudi eVisa during your application process. Each child must have their own passport and a separate visa.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult parent during the application process, and the parent must also apply at the same time. When applying on behalf of a minor, you must have the legal authority to do so and agree to the terms on their behalf. Please ensure that all provided information is accurate and that the minor’s documents meet the Saudi entry requirements.
Applying for a Saudi Tourist eVisa is designed to be fast and convenient, especially compared to traditional consulate visits. With this easy online process, South African citizens can now plan their trips to Saudi Arabia with much greater flexibility when they are traveling for tourism, visiting family, or performing Umrah.
Saudi eVisa Processing Time and Fees
Applying for a Saudi Tourist eVisa is a fast and straightforward process, especially for South African travelers looking to explore Saudi Arabia for short-term stays. Once you submit your Saudi Visa application, most applications are processed within 1 to 3 business days. This makes it a convenient option for travelers planning trips on a flexible or short timeline.
The total price for a Saudi eVisa for South African citizens is $199 USD. This amount covers both the official government fees and the professional service fees provided through our platform. By applying through our service, travelers benefit from expert review, faster processing, dedicated customer support, and minimized chances of application errors. This gives you peace of mind during your travel preparations. The fee includes mandatory travel health insurance as required for entry into Saudi Arabia, making the process even more seamless.
Extending a Saudi eVisa and Staying Longer
Currently, Saudi Tourist eVisas for both South African citizens and for all other eligible travelers cannot be extended beyond their original allowed stay. Each visit under the Saudi eVisa allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days per entry. The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries permitted. Once you have reached the 90-day limit during a single stay, you are required to exit Saudi Arabia and re-enter on a different trip.
If you wish to stay longer in Saudi Arabia beyond the permitted 90 days, there are only limited options available:
- Exit and Re-Enter: Since the Saudi eVisa is a multiple-entry visa, travelers can leave Saudi Arabia and re-enter (if still within the one-year validity period), restarting a new 90-day stay.
- Apply for a Different Visa Type: For those who wish to stay for a longer period of time and with different purposes than a typical short-term stay (such as work or study), it would be necessary to apply for a different visa, such as an Employment Visa.
Overstaying your eVisa can result in fines, penalties, or complications with future Saudi Visa applications, so it’s essential to respect the maximum duration allowed.
Entry Rules and Travel Tips for South African Citizens
Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, it’s important for South African travelers to understand the latest entry requirements and prepare accordingly for a smooth journey. All South African citizens must obtain a visa before entering Saudi Arabia. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Even once you obtain the eVisa, it’s important to abide by the laws and respect immigration officers. Make sure to comply with any requirements upon entering Saudi Arabia or during your visit within the country.
It’s important to abide by local customs when traveling to Saudi Arabia to remain as respectful as possible. Saudi Arabia has a modest dress code, especially in public places. Both men and women should dress conservatively. Respect local traditions and religious practices. Public behavior is expected to align with the country’s cultural norms. The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken in hotels, airports, and tourist areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Do South Africans need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, South African citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, depending on the purpose of their visit.
What is the Saudi eVisa?
The Saudi Tourist eVisa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism and leisure purposes.
Is the Umrah Visa price the same as the Saudi Tourist eVisa?
You are able to perform Umrah with a Tourist eVisa, so you are not required to apply for an Umrah Visa. The price of the Saudi eVisa is $199, including official government fees and our professional service fees.
If you prefer to apply for an Umrah Visa instead, the cost will vary depending on the authorized agency and the package you select.