Should I apply for a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival or an e-visa?

Saudi Arabia, in the heart of the Middle East, welcomes millions of visitors each year for tourism, business, work and pilgrimage. Before traveling, one essential question arises: what type of visa should you choose? Options include the e-visa and the Saudi Arabia visa on arrival. Choosing the wrong document can cause delays, complications or even refusal of entry. Understanding the requirements, benefits and even the Saudi Arabia visa on arrival cost is crucial. This guide explains the main visa options to help you make the right decision.

Applying for a visa on arrival Saudi Arabia: in brief

• Is it possible? Yes, a visa on arrival for Saudi Arabia is possible for certain citizens.
• Cost: The total amount is approximately SAR 480 (visa + insurance + taxes) for tourists.
• Documents required: A passport valid for at least 6 months, a return plane ticket, a hotel reservation, proof of solvency (bank card, cash, etc.).
• Risks: Visas on arrival are not guaranteed and may be refused on arrival. It is important to find out about the conditions of eligibility before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
• Alternative: An online visa is a safer and more convenient option than a visa on arrival. You can apply for a visa online in just a few working days.

What is a Saudi visa on arrival?

A visa on arrival Saudi Arabia, also known simply as a Saudi on arrival visa, is a type of entry permit that travellers can obtain upon arrival at a Saudi airport or at designated land border points. Unlike other visas that must be secured in advance, the visa upon arrival Saudi Arabia can be requested directly once you are in the country.

While this option may seem convenient, it is important to note that there are specific requirements to be eligible. The main conditions include nationality restrictions, valid travel documents, and proof of accommodation or return travel.

• 🌍 Eligible nationality: Travellers of certain nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival. However, the list of eligible nationalities is subject to change, so it is essential to check whether your country is included before travelling.
• 🛂 Justification for travel: Travellers must generally have a valid reason for visiting Saudi Arabia, whether for tourism, work, business or pilgrimage.
• ⏱ Limited length of stay: The visa on arrival has a limited validity period, usually between 7 and 90 days, depending on the reason for travel.
• 📑 Required documents: Upon arrival, you will need to provide documents such as your valid passport, passport photos, proof of hotel reservation and a return ticket.

Opting for a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia has advantages but also disadvantages that are essential to consider before making this choice:

• ⚠️ Uncertainty: The availability of visas on arrival may vary depending on political changes and the country's entry rules. It is therefore possible that you may be rejected entry.
• ⏳ Limited duration: Visas obtained on arrival have a limited validity period, which means that you will have to leave the country on the expiry date.
• 💰 Potential cost: The cost of a visa obtained on arrival may be higher than that of a visa obtained in advance.

What are the different types of visa in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia offers several types of visa, each corresponding to a specific reason for travel. It is essential to understand the characteristics of each type of visa in order to choose the one that best suits your situation. Here is an overview of the major types of visa available:

• Tourist visa: Designed for travellers wishing to discover the cultural and natural riches of Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. This visa is generally valid for a fixed period and can be obtained for one or more entries.
• Work visa: For people wishing to work in Saudi Arabia. Foreign workers must be sponsored by a Saudi employer to obtain this type of visa. Saudi labour laws and regulations must be complied with.
• Business visa: This visa is required for individuals travelling to Saudi Arabia for business activities, business meetings, conferences or other professional events. A letter of invitation from a Saudi entity is generally required.
• Pilgrimage visa (Hajj or Omra): These visas are specifically for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage, or the Omra, a religious visit. These visas are subject to special requirements and are only issued at certain times of the year.

How do I obtain a visa online before arriving in Saudi Arabia?

Another option to consider when planning your trip to Saudi Arabia is a pre-arrival visa, often in the form of an e-visa or online visa. Here's how the application process for this type of visa works:

• Online application: The first step is to complete an online visa application on a site approved by the Saudi authorities. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, nationality, passport number and travel details.
• Visa fee: You will also need to pay the visa fee online using a credit card. Fees may vary depending on the type of visa and length of stay.
• Electronic approval: Once you have submitted your application and made payment, the Saudi authorities will review your application. If approved, you will receive electronic confirmation of your visa, usually by e-mail.
• Printing your visa: You will need to print out this visa confirmation, which will serve as your electronic visa. When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you will present this confirmation to immigration to obtain your physical visa.

ℹ️ To learn more about the Saudi Arabia e-visa and access the application form directly, 👉 click here

The pre-arrival visa, particularly in the form of an e-visa, has a number of advantages over the on arrival visa, but it also has a few disadvantages:

Advantages :

• Planning made easy: You can obtain your visa before you travel, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
• Greater security: By having your visa in hand before you leave, you reduce the risk of being rejected on arrival.
• Longer validity period: Pre-arrival visas often have a longer validity period than visas on arrival, giving you greater flexibility.

Disadvantages :

• Online process required: You will need to complete an online application and make an electronic payment, which may be less convenient for some travellers.
• Processing fees : Pre-arrival visas may incur additional processing fees compared to visas on arrival.

In conclusion, the pre-arrival visa, particularly in the form of an e-visa, offers many advantages in terms of planning and security for your trip to Saudi Arabia.

Our advice on choosing the best type of visa online or on arrival

Choosing the best type of visa for your trip to Saudi Arabia will depend on several key factors. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection:

• Reason for travel: Clearly identify the reason for your trip, whether it's tourism, work, business or pilgrimage. Each type of visa is designed to meet specific needs.
• Length of stay: Decide how long you plan to stay in Saudi Arabia. Some visas have strict stay limits, while others offer greater flexibility.
• Nationality: Check whether you are eligible for a visa on arrival or a pre-arrival visa, depending on your nationality. Some nationalities enjoy special privileges.
• Planning: If you prefer to plan your trip carefully, an online pre-arrival visa may be the best option. This allows you to secure your visa before departure.

Why is it risky to apply for a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?

🚫 No guarantee of obtaining a visa:

• The main risk is that obtaining a visa on arrival is not guaranteed. Even if you meet all the eligibility requirements, the Saudi authorities may refuse your application without notice.
• This can cause major inconvenience, such as flight or hotel cancellation fees, and force you to leave without having been able to enter the country.

⏱️ Long waiting times:

• The process of applying for a visa on arrival can take several hours, or even a whole day.
• You will have to wait in the airport, with no certainty of obtaining the visa, which can be particularly restrictive if you have a flight to catch.

📑 Additional documents required:

• The Saudi authorities may require additional documents that are not mentioned on the official websites.
• This can further delay the application process and cause you stress.

💰 Non-refundable visa fee:

• The Saudi Arabia visa on arrival cost is around SAR 440–480 (approximately €110–120), including mandatory insurance. These fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

🗣️ Lack of communication:

• It can be difficult to communicate with Saudi immigration officials, as the official language is Arabic.
• This can make it difficult to understand instructions and requirements, increasing the risk of your application being refused.