Saudi Arabia Visa for Australians
The Saudi Arabia visa for Australian citizens is a document that allows Australian nationals to visit the country of Saudi Arabia for specific purposes and a specified amount of time (as determined by the visa type and visa conditions). The visa permits individuals holding an Australian passport to enter and stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a specified purpose, such as:
- Tourism
- Transit
- Studying
- Employment
- Visiting family and friends
- Business purposes
The validity (how long the visa is valid for) of a Saudi Arabian visa can vary depending on the type of visa you apply for.
The most common type of Saudi Arabian visa for Australian citizens is the tourist visa. The tourist visa is a type of e-Visa that is valid for one year and allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia, as long as each visit does not exceed 90 days. Transit visas typically have a validity period of 90 days and allow for a short stay (up to 96 hours), whereas business visas can have different validity periods, for example, three months, six months, or twelve months, depending on the nature of your business activities and your intended duration of stay.
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Saudi Visa Types for Australian Citizens
There are several types of Saudi Arabian visas for Australian nationals. The type of visa you will need depends on your reason for visiting the country and how long you intend to stay.
The most common types of visas for Australians:
Tourist visa
The Saudi tourist visa is for travelers who want to visit Saudi Arabia for short-term tourism activities, including visiting family and friends and leisure activities. It is typically a one-year visa that allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per visit. The tourist visa also allows for Umrah (the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca) but doesn’t allow for Hajj. The tourist visa is the most popular visa type.
Student visa
A student visa is for foreign nationals who intend to enter Saudi Arabia for educational activities. Both short-term and long-term student schemes and visas are available, depending on the educational course, degree, or training program you are enrolled in.
Transit visa
The transit visa allows travelers to transit through Saudi Arabia en route to another destination. It is intended for travelers who have a stopover of more than 12 hours. If your transit is less than 12 hours, you do not need a Transit Visa. The transit visa typically allows a short stay of up to 96 hours.
Employment visa
The employment visa is for foreign nationals intending to work in Saudi Arabia. This visa requires sponsorship by a Saudi Arabian employer alongside an employment contract. For your visa to be approved, you will also need to meet specific requirements, including an invitation letter, medical screening, educational certificates, and security checks. Usually, the employment visa allows you to enter Saudi Arabia for 90 days, within which time you should apply for a residence visa.
Residence visa
This visa is intended for foreign nationals who are already in Saudi Arabia on another short-term visa and intend to stay for longer. The residence visa allows you to legally live and work in Saudi Arabia for a longer period.
Business visa
The Saudi visit visa for business is intended for foreigners engaging in business activities, such as attending meetings, and conferences, or exploring business opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Business visas may have varying validity periods and allow for single or multiple entries, depending on the nature of the business engagement.
Hajj or Umrah visa for Australian citizens
The Hajj or Umrah visa is a special visa for Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. These visas are issued specifically for the purpose of performing the Hajj or Umrah rituals and are subject to special regulations and requirements established by the Saudi government and religious authorities. If you apply for an Umrah or Hajj visa from Australia, you need to be at least 18 years old, follow the Islamic faith, and meet the Saudi Umrah and Hajj visa requirements.
Saudi e-Visa Requirements
Below is a list of the required documents for the Saudi e-Visa.
Passport
You will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended duration of stay in Saudi Arabia.
Photograph
You will need a recent passport-sized photograph that meets Saudi Arabia's specifications for e-Visa applications, including:
- In color and taken against a white background.
- Clear and in focus.
- Even lighting and exposure.
- Neutral facial expression.
- Your face should take up between 70%-80% of the photograph.
- No eyeglasses.
- No headwear, except for religious reasons.
Visa application form
You will need to submit a completed online visa application form with accurate information and details matching the passport and travel documents.
Applying for a Saudi e-Visa for Australians
When applying for a Saudi e-Visa, there are specific steps you need to follow. Because it is an e-Visa, the application needs to be completed online.
Below, is a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process:
Visit the Saudi Visa website
Visit SaudiVisa.com and select the option to apply for a new visa.
Fill in your personal details
You will need to add your personal details to your application form, including your name, date of birth, address, passport information, and residence information in Saudi Arabia. All parts of the application should be completed in English. Additionally, you will need to upload your personal photo.
Pay the visa fee
You will then need to proceed to the payment section and pay the required visa fee using a valid credit or debit card. Ensure your payment is secure and processed through the official channel. The Saudi e-Visa fee is USD 199.
Wait for your visa approval
Once you have submitted your application and made the payment, you will then need to wait for your application to be processed. Processing times can vary so check the website for updates.
Receive your approved visa
Once your e-Visa has been approved, you will receive it via email. It is recommended that you download and print the e-Visa document, as you will need to present it upon entry into Saudi Arabia.
Where to Apply
To receive your visa as quickly and efficiently as possible, it is recommended you apply online via the Saudi Visa website. If you are applying for a Saudi Arabia visa from Australia, applying online is an easy and convenient way to obtain your visa and you can submit all required documents and pay the Saudi Arabia visa fee online. You will then receive your visa via email, without ever needing to visit the embassy.
Alternatively, you can opt to apply for a visa on arrival. However, it is advisable to apply online to avoid long lines and potential delays at the airport upon arrival.
Saudi Visa Processing Time
The typical processing time for a Saudi e-Visa is usually between 1-5 business days, although many applicants receive the visas within 24 hours. Once your application has been submitted online, your application and documentation will be reviewed. Upon approval, the e-Visa will usually be issued within 24 hours.
There are certain factors that can affect how quickly your visa is processed, including:
- The volume of applications.
- Public holidays.
- Issues with your application (this can lead to additional checks or visa officials requesting additional information).
Saudi Visa Extension
The Saudi e-Visa is not extendable and is only valid for the length of time that is stated on the visa. Australian citizens who wish to stay longer in Saudi Arabia (beyond the validity period of their e-visa), must leave the country before the expiration date and apply for a new e-visa if needed. It is essential to adhere to Saudi Arabia’s immigration regulations and exit the country before the visa expires to avoid any potential legal issues or penalties.
Canadian Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia
Embassy of Canada:
Address: Diplomatic Quarter, P.O. Box 94321, Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia.
Telephone: 966 (11) 202-3288
Honorary consul of Canada:
Address: Ali Reza Tower, 12th Floor, Medinah Road, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Telephone: 966 (12) 653-0434
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Canada:
Address: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa 201 Sussex Drive K1N 1K6 Ottawa, Ontario Canada.
Telephone: 001-613-2374100
FAQ
Can I cancel or change my e-visa application once I have submitted it?
Once submitted, Saudi e-visa applications cannot be canceled or modified. If you realize you have made a mistake, you will likely have to wait until your application has been checked before providing additional information or submitting that part of your visa again. It is essential to review all information carefully before submitting your application to avoid any errors or discrepancies.
What do I do if my Saudi e-Visa application is rejected?
- Incomplete or inaccurate information.
- You did not provide sufficient documentation.
- Your passport is not valid.
- You are subject to a travel ban or travel restrictions.
- You have previously violated a visa.
- There are security concerns.
- The information in your application does not match the information in your supporting documents.
- You are not eligible for the visa.
If your application is rejected, you can contact the Saudi Arabia e-Visa support team for further assistance or clarification on the reasons for the rejection. Depending on the reason why your application was rejected, you may be able to submit another application or apply for a different visa.
What rules do I need to abide by in Saudi Arabia?
- Respect Islamic practices and Sharia law.
- Dress modestly and conservatively in public areas.
- Respect the laws regarding using and possessing alcohol and drugs.
- Do not engage in non-Islamic religious practices.
- Be aware of homosexuality laws.
- Respect the local authorities.