Saudi Arabia: Visa and Passport Requirements

Passports:
To enter Saudi Arabia, a passport valid for at least six months at time of visa being issued is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Passport note:
(a) Holders of passports with Israeli stamps or an Israeli birthplace in them have, on occasion, been refused entry/visas.

(b) Passengers not complying with Saudi conventions of dress and behaviour, including those who appear to be in a state of intoxication, or who display inappropriate affection will be refused entry.

(c) There are special regulations concerning pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia. Contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy) for further information.

(d) Women and under-aged children should be accompanied by a Moharram (close male family member), unless they have prior authorisation. Unaccompanied women must be met at the airport by their sponsor or husband and have confirmed onward reservations as far as their final destination in Saudi Arabia. If met by a sponsor, it is worth noting that there are restrictions on women travelling by car with men who are not related by blood or marriage (women are not permitted to drive). However, it is acceptable for women visiting for business purposes to be accompanied and met at the airport by male business partners: further enquiries can be made at the information centre or embassy.

Visas:
Visas for Saudi Arabia are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except transit passengers staying less than 18 hours.

Hajj visas are free, although there are charges for services provided in Medina and Mecca.

The Canadian government advises that Canadians need a letter of invitation from a Saudi national or company to apply for a visa.

Visa note:
(a) The Pilgrim (Umrah) visa can only be obtained through an authorised "Umrah Agency," appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Check with the embassy for a full list of appointed agents. Administrative fees may apply and further requirements for Umrah applications must be submitted through an endorsed travel agent or tour operator. A list of endorsed agencies is available from the embassy website.

(b) Transit passengers who stay in the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port or Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina for over 24 hours can perform Umrah or visit a Holy Mosque, provided they withhold a signed agreement with one of the appointed Umrah agencies.

(c) An Exit Permit may be needed, requiring a passport-size photo and must be issued by the Chief of Police (usually processed within three days after application, enquire at relevant consulate/embassy). It is advised to enquire at the nearest embassy for further information.

(d) Visa dates correspond to Hijra months, not Gregorian months - check dates carefully.

(e) Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Saudi Arabia.

Types and cost:
Visa fees can vary according to nationality of applicant. Contact nearest embassy for details.

Validity:
The visa validity starts from date of issue.

The visa stay period starts from the first day of entry into Saudi Arabia within the visa's valid dates.

Umrah visas are valid for 30 days for stays of up to two weeks.

Application to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy). Travellers are advised to apply well in advance. Hajj or Umrah visas are only available from the consulate through an authorised travel agent. People visiting the consulate directly for Hajj or Umrah visas will not be successful.

Working days:
Two to five days, though delays are not uncommon. Travellers should allow for several weeks processing time.