Saudi Arabia Visa from the Netherlands

What is a Saudi Visa

A Saudi visa is an official authorization that permits foreign nationals to enter, stay, and travel within Saudi Arabia for specific purposes such as tourism, business, religious pilgrimage, or work. This authorization plays a critical role in managing and regulating international travel into the Kingdom, and it helps the government keep track of visitor intentions and movements.

Saudi Arabia offers several types of visas to cater to different needs. The most common one for Dutch citizens is the Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa. Other types include Work, Business, Education, Residency, Transit, Umrah, and Missions and Organisations. Each category of visa is associated with a set of guidelines, documentation requirements, and restrictions that must be adhered to by applicants. Some of these visas require a local sponsor or employer to initiate the application, especially for work and residency visas, making it essential to begin planning early.

The validity of Saudi visas depends on the visa type. A tourist eVisa is valid for one year, allowing multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit. A work visa is usually long-term, depending on the contract, and linked to a sponsor or employer. A business visa can range from single-entry (30-90 days) to multiple-entry (up to 5 years). Different durations and conditions apply to other visa types, such as education or residency visas, and it is critical to check the official documentation before travel

Do Dutch Citizens Need a Saudi Visa?

Yes, Dutch citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. The specific type of visa depends on the purpose of travel. It is crucial for Dutch travelers to select the correct visa to avoid delays or issues during entry.

For most short-term visits, such as for tourism, business, or performing Umrah, Dutch travelers can apply for a Saudi eVisa, also known as the Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa. This online visa option streamlines the process, eliminating the need to visit a consulate or embassy. This convenience has significantly increased the number of Dutch travelers opting to explore Saudi Arabia for both cultural and religious purposes.

Saudi Visa Types for Dutch Nationals

Dutch citizens can apply for the following types of Saudi Arabia visa from the Netherlands:

Tourist eVisa

For leisure, sightseeing, and Umrah (outside of Hajj season). It is a popular option for those wishing to explore Saudi culture and heritage.

Umrah Visa

For religious pilgrimage to perform Umrah at any time of year (except during the hajj season). This visa caters to the spiritual traveler seeking a sacred journey.

Business Visa

For professional visits, including meetings, conferences, and trade shows. Ideal for entrepreneurs and businesspeople engaging with Saudi enterprises.

Work Visa

For individuals taking up employment in Saudi Arabia. A sponsor is mandatory for this long-term stay.

Education Visa

For students enrolled in educational institutions in the Kingdom. Applicants must show proof of enrollment or acceptance into a program.

Transit Visa

For short stopovers or visits of up to 96 hours en route to another destination. Required for travelers with connecting flights through Saudi Arabia with more than 12 hours between flights.

Some specialized visas are also available for journalists, medical purposes, or those affiliated with NGOs and international agencies.

It’s worth noting that the documentation and approval process can vary significantly depending on the visa category. For example, education visas often involve academic transcripts and acceptance letters, while business visas might require proof of corporate relationships or official invitations.

Saudi Tourist eVisa for Dutch citizens

The Saudi Tourist eVisa is an electronic visa introduced in September 2019 to promote tourism in the Kingdom. This marked a significant shift in the Kingdom’s openness to international tourism, as it was part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the national economy.

Eligibility:

Dutch citizens are eligible to apply for this visa through the online portal, provided they are able to travel and do not violate any immigration laws. Applicants should also ensure that they have no outstanding travel bans or previous violations in Saudi Arabia, as these could impact eligibility.

Benefits of the eVisa:

There are several benefits to applying for an eVisa compared to the traditional tourist visa.

Online application: No consulate visits are required, and the entire application process can be completed online. This digital process significantly reduces paperwork and in-person bureaucracy, making it accessible to a broader range of travelers.

Multiple-entry access: eVisa holders can enter the Kingdom multiple times for a period of one year. This is especially convenient for those who plan to explore different regions of the country or combine business and leisure in multiple trips.

Faster processing times: The eVisa is processed in at most 3 days, significantly faster than the traditional Saudi visa routes. Expedited service options are sometimes available for an additional fee, which can be useful for last-minute travel. In many cases, travelers receive confirmation within 24 hours, allowing for the spontaneous travel decision and greater flexibility.

This eVisa is ideal for tourism, leisure, or performing Umrah (non-Hajj season), offering a hassle-free alternative to the Umrah visa from the Netherlands obtained through an agent. It opens up access to diverse experiences, including desert excursions, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Red Sea, and modern urban attractions.

Saudi eVisa Validity

The Saudi eVisa validity for Dutch citizens is one year from the date of issue. The stay duration is up to 90 days per visit. The entry type is multiple entries, which means holders can leave and re-enter as they like during the one-year validity period. This flexibility makes it one of the most traveler-friendly visas in the region. With a Saudi eVisa, travlers can:

Visit landmarks and cities
Perform Umrah
Attend cultural events
Visit friends and family
Attend business meetings

In addition, travelers may enjoy Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality industry, which includes luxury hotels, new resorts, and cultural festivities throughout the year. They can enjoy traditional cuisine, attend art festivals, and explore natural wonders like Al-Ula oasis or the Red Sea coast. However, employment, study, or Hajj are not permitted under this visa. Attempting to work or study while on an eVisa is a violation and could result in fines, deportation, or a ban on future entries.

Saudi eVisa Requirements for Citizens of the Netherlands

The following are the requirements for the Saudi Arabia eVisa for Dutch citizens:

Valid passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date. Check your passport’s expiration date in advance.

Digital photograph

Recent passport-style photograph meeting Saudi regulations. Ensure clarity and compliance with official guidelines.

Email address

For communication about the visa results and receiving the visa.

Debit/credit card

This is used to pay the online fees.

Health insurance

This is mandatory and is included in the visa application fee. It provides coverage for medical emergencies during your stay.

It is advisable to double-check that all uploaded documents are clear and meet the official format requirements to avoid processing delays.

How Dutch Citizens Can Apply for a Saudi eVisa

You can apply through the online application form. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Visit the application portal.

Go to the application portal to submit your Saudi visa application form after putting in all the required information.

Complete the online form.

Provide your personal details, passport information, travel plans, and residence information in Saudi Arabia. Ensure all data matches the information in your passport to avoid issues at immigration.

Upload the required documents.

Attach the digital photograph and scanned copy of the bio page of your passport. Ensure your photograph follows all biometric standards to prevent rejections.

Pay the online fees.

Use your valid debit or credit card to pay the Saudi Arabia eVisa price of $199. This includes both the government and service fees. This transaction is secure and generates a digital receipt.

Receive your eVisa.

You’ll receive the visa via email, usually within 24-72 hours. Print out a copy and keep it handy during your travels in case officials request to see it at ports of entry. Some travelers may be asked to provide additional documentation after submission, especially if there are discrepancies in uploaded files or unclear details.

Applying for Children

Children under 18 must apply for the Saudi eVisa through their parents or guardian. Each child must have a valid passport, and the parent or guardian must be present during the trip. Children must also meet all requirements; it’s advisable to carry proof of relationship when traveling.

Saudi eVisa Processing Time and Fees:

The processing time for the Saudi eVisa is typically 1 to 3 business days. Most applications are processed within a day or so. Applicants should still plan ahead to accommodate any unexpected delays.

The fees for the Saudi eVisa are $199. This includes the KSA visa government fee and our professional service charge. It covers our comprehensive expertise from years of working with clients to obtain the eVisa securely without hassle. This fee structure ensures transparency and provides peace of mind to applicants unfamiliar with international visa processes.

Extending a Saudi eVisa and Staying Longer

Currently, the Saudi eVisa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay beyond the permitted 90 days, you must exit the country and re-enter if your visa is still valid. Failure to do so may lead to penalties or being barred from future entry.

For long-term stays, consider applying for a different visa type, such as a Saudi Arabia business visa from the Netherlands or a Work Visa. Trying to overstay the eVisa without proper re-entry can lead to penalties, so be sure to plan ahead and track your exit dates.

Entry Rules and Travel Tips for Dutch Citizens

Entry regulations:

Ports of entry: Entry is allowed only through approved ports of entry (airports and land borders).
Vaccinations: COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended, but not required. Check for the latest travel advisories.
Conduct: Respect Saudi laws and customs. Alcohol and inappropriate clothing are prohibited.

Some cultural expectations, such as public prayer times and gender-specific areas, may be unfamiliar to Western visitors. Awareness is key to avoiding misunderstandings.

Travel tips:

Use local SIM cards for affordable communication.
Dress modestly and respect gender segregation norms in certain places.
Travelers are also advised to carry copies of their eVisa and passport at all times, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas where electronic verification systems may be limited.
It’s also helpful to carry some cash, as not all local vendors accept foreign cards, especially in smaller towns.

Saudi eVisa for Residents of the Netherlands

Most residents of the Netherlands, even if they are not Dutch nationals, can apply for the Saudi eVisa online if they hold:

A valid Schengen visa (business or tourist)
A valid residency permit from the Netherlands

This includes nationals from countries outside the EU, as long as they do not belong to the excluded list (Chad, Iran, Libya, Palestine, Syria, and Ethiopia). Those from excluded countries must apply through a traditional visa channel. This can be a more time-consuming process, requiring consular appointments and additional paperwork, so it’s best to begin well in advance of the intended travel date.

Make sure the supporting documents clearly state your residency status, as this is a key factor in determining eligibility.

Additional requirements:

The residency must be valid for at least 3 months

The same rules and benefits apply for multiple or single-entry eVisas, depending on eligibility. Maintaining accurate records of past entries can help in reapplication or re-entry processes.