saudi tourist visa cancellation

Saudi Arabia Visa Cancellation Rules

Canceling a Saudi Arabian visa can seem like a challenging task, but it's essential to understand the process if you're planning to cancel the visa. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information about the Saudi Arabia Visa Cancellation rules, procedures, penalties, and consequences so that you can make informed decisions regarding your visa. By grasping the details of the cancellation process, you can ensure that you're fully aware of your options and can avoid any unwanted complications. We offer comprehensive guidance and assistance throughout the entire e-visa application process, should you choose to apply for your Saudi Arabian visa using our services. Our team of experts is well-equipped to handle all aspects of the application process, from start to finish.

Saudi Arabia’s Visa Cancellation Rules are an important aspect to consider if you are planning to travel to the Kingdom. The Saudi Arabian government has certain rules in place for the cancellation of visas, which must be followed by all visitors. It’s important to understand the Saudi Arabia Visa Cancellation Rules to avoid any issues during your travels. Whether you are canceling your visa before or after entering the country, make sure to follow the proper procedures and guidelines set by the Saudi Arabian government. At Visas for Future, we provide comprehensive details, including step-by-step procedures for canceling your Saudi Arabian Visa. Therefore, in case you require any further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Moreover, if you also need a Saudi Arabian Visa, you can apply for it with our aid. We will guide you through the process of filling out the online application form accurately, uploading your mandatory documents in the appropriate format and size, paying your visa fee securely, and receiving your e-visa by email. Additionally, we remain at your service with our customer support team to provide aid in troubleshooting any issues or queries that may arise during the e-visa application process.

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Saudi arabia visa cancellation: rules and regulations explained.

Saudi Arabia’s visa system is designed to regulate the entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals. If you hold a Saudi Arabia visa and need to cancel it, there are specific procedures and requirements to follow. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the visa cancellation process in Saudi Arabia. The cancellation of the visa must occur either within 90 days from the day of visa issuance or before the return date specified on the visa, whichever comes first. Fines will be imposed in accordance with the regulations if the visa is not canceled within the specified period. 1

General Rules

You must have a valid reason for canceling your visa.
You must meet all of the eligibility requirements.
You must pay the required cancellation fee.
You must submit all of the required documents.
You must cancel your visa in person at a Jawazat (passports) office or electronically through the Absher portal.

Types of Visas and Cancellation Rules Applied

Work Visa Cancellation Rules

The work visa must still be valid at the time of cancellation.
The employee must have no outstanding employment-related disputes or claims against the employer.
The employee must have a valid passport and a final exit visa (iqama cancellation visa).
The employer must provide clearance for the cancellation, indicating that all outstanding payments and dues have been settled.

Tourist Visa Cancellation Rules

The tourist visa must still be valid at the time of cancellation.
The visa holder must not have any outstanding violations or overstays.
The visa holder must have a valid passport and a return ticket or onward travel arrangements.

Hajj and Umrah Visa Cancellation Rules

The Hajj or Umrah visa must still be valid at the time of cancellation.
The visa holder must have no outstanding violations or overstays.

Residence Visa Cancellation Rules

The residence visa must still be valid at the time of cancellation.
The resident must have no outstanding employment-related disputes or claims against the employer (if applicable).
The resident must have a valid passport and a final exit visa (iqama cancellation visa).
If the resident is sponsored by an employer, the employer must provide clearance for the cancellation, indicating that all outstanding payments, dues, and non-objection certificates (NOC) have been settled.

Types of Visas and Cancellation Options

Saudi Arabia issues various types of visas, each with its cancellation regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the different visa categories and their cancellation procedures:

Final Exit Visa: Also known as an iqama cancellation visa, this visa is required for foreign residents who intend to leave Saudi Arabia permanently. Cancellation can be done electronically through the Absher portal or in person at a Jawazat (passports) office.
Exit and Re-entry Visa: This visa allows foreign residents to temporarily leave and re-enter Saudi Arabia within the visa’s validity period. Cancellation can be done electronically through the Absher portal for workers and their dependents. For other visa holders, cancellation may require visiting a Jawazat office.
Dependent Visa: Dependent visas are issued to family members of foreign residents. Cancellation of a dependent visa can be done electronically through the Absher portal by the visa holder (sponsor).

Specific Requirements for Different Types of Visas Cancelation

General Requirements

Valid passport
Visa cancellation form
Visa fee (if applicable)

Final Exit Visa (Iqama cancellation visa)

Proof of final exit from Saudi Arabia
Clearance from employer (if applicable)
No objection certificate (NOC) from the employer (if applicable)
Proof of accommodation in the country of destination
Return ticket or onward travel arrangements

Exit and Re-entry Visa

Proof of reason for cancellation (e.g., medical emergency, job loss)
NOC from the employer (if applicable)

Dependent Visa

Cancellation request from the sponsor
Proof of sponsor’s clearance from Jawazat
Proof of sponsor’s NOC

How to cancel a Saudi Arabia visa?

The cancellation process for Saudi Arabian visas is generally straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents, including your passport, visa, and any other relevant paperwork.
Access Absher Portal (If Applicable): If eligible, log in to your Absher account and select the visa cancellation service.
Provide Visa Details: Enter the visa number and other requested information.
Submit Cancellation Request: Review and submit the cancellation request.
Make Payment (If Applicable): If applicable, pay the required cancellation fee.
Print Cancellation Confirmation: Print or save the cancellation confirmation for your records. 2

Saudi Arabia visa cancellation charges and penalties

The cancellation fee varies depending on the visa type. For a final exit visa, there is no fee. For an exit and re-entry visa, the fee is typically SAR 500.

Final Exit Visa (iqama cancellation visa): No fee
Exit and Re-entry Visa: SAR 500
Dependent Visa: No fee for cancellation by the sponsor

Overstay Penalties

Overstay of up to 30 days: SAR 100 per day
Overstay of 31 to 90 days: SAR 200 per day
Overstay of 91 days or more: SAR 500 per day

Additional Penalties

Working without a valid work visa: SAR 10,000 to SAR 50,000
Re-entering Saudi Arabia without a valid visa: SAR 500 to SAR 10,000

Please note that these are general guidelines and the specific fees and penalties may vary depending on the individual circumstances. 3

What are the consequences of not adhering to Cancellation Rules?

Not adhering to the cancellation rules of a visa can have several consequences, including:

Fines: You may be subject to fines if you fail to cancel your visa before it expires or if you overstay your visa.
Deportation: You may be deported if you are found to be living in Saudi Arabia without a valid visa.
Blacklisting: You may be blacklisted from entering Saudi Arabia in the future if you have a history of visa violations.
Legal trouble: You may face legal trouble if you are caught working illegally in Saudi Arabia without a valid work visa.

In addition to these specific consequences, not adhering to the cancellation rules can also cause general inconvenience and stress. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the cancellation rules for your visa and to follow them carefully. If you have any questions about the cancellation process, you can contact the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) for assistance.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my Saudi visa?

Whether or not you can get a refund for canceling your Saudi visa depends on the type of visa and the reason for cancellation. 4

Final Exit Visa (iqama cancellation visa): No refund
Exit and Re-entry Visa: Refundable for involuntary cases and through Call Centers only. Ancillary EMDs are refundable for involuntary cases and through Call Centers only.
Dependent Visa: Refundable by the sponsor

Involuntary cases

If you are canceling your visa due to an involuntary reason, such as a medical emergency, job loss, or deportation, you may be eligible for a refund. However, you will need to provide proof of the involuntary reason to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).

Cancelling for other reasons

If you are canceling your visa for any other reason, you are unlikely to be eligible for a refund. However, you may want to contact the Jawazat to inquire about your specific circumstances.

Refunds for electronic visas

If you applied for your visa electronically, you may be able to get a refund through the online portal. However, this is not always the case, so you may need to contact the Jawazat for more information.

What is the way to determine if my visa has been canceled in Saudi Arabia?

There are two main ways to determine if your visa has been canceled in Saudi Arabia:

Check the Absher portal: The Absher portal is an online platform that allows foreign residents in Saudi Arabia to manage their visas, residency permits, and other immigration-related matters. You can log in to your Absher account and check the status of your visa to see if it has been canceled.
Contact the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat): You can also contact the Jawazat directly to inquire about the status of your visa. You can either call their customer service hotline or visit a Jawazat office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen if i cancel my saudi visa.

Canceling your Saudi visa will officially terminate your legal status to reside in the country. Once your visa is canceled, you will no longer be able to work, live, or travel within Saudi Arabia. You will need to depart the country before your visa’s expiration date to avoid overstay penalties.

Do I need to cancel the visa if I cannot go to Saudi?

Yes, it is advisable to cancel your Saudi visa if you are unable to travel to the country. This is because overstaying your visa can result in fines, penalties, and even deportation.

Absher User Guide . (2023). Absher.sa. accessed 1 December, https://www.absher.sa/wps/portal/business/static/guide/!ut/p/z0/fY29DsIgFIVfhaXzBU1QR1MVY1yqMVaWBvGmudpAC7Tx8WXp6vadn5wDGmrQzkzUmkTemS7rh5aNELv1caH4WR32Ja8upeCrarNUNwlXdHAC_b-UV-g9DHoL2nqX8Jugfo6RHMbIeh-S6QqOEcNEFiMbM7F2pBdmt0Obgndk2ZwXfKZGNvm-_6j7DzneAVI!/#:~:text=Cancellation%20must%20take%20place%20within,visa%20(whichever%20is%20first).&text=In%20case%20the%20visa%20is,applied%20according%20to%20the%20regulations.> [ ↩ ]
Cancel Exit Re-Entry Visa – Muqeem . (2023). My.gov.sa. accessed 1 December <https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/servicesDirectory/servicedetails/14745> [ ↩ ]
About MOI . (2023). Moi.gov.sa. accessed 2 December 2023,<https://www.moi.gov.sa/wps/portal/!ut/p/z0/fY47D4IwFIX_SpfOtyghYWTwgZqY6CB2aW6kYhVaoAX13wsl0c3tPL6cHOCQAdfYqwKdMhrLwZ95JFgahusgnG3382TBkmi5iw8xC9KAwVFq2AD_Dw0r6t40PAF-MdrJl4OsMork6omaslHeTCWJL7Uj2FI2BpS1suhKf4Yy1WCFxL6tkxXplZlySwSp5fDVKWn9lvCgmEDxA8UXE7m8Ylc6gS3Uj9XpA7sp32E!/> [ ↩ ]
Arabia, S. (2016). Refund policy . Saudi Arabia EVisa – Saudi Arabia EVisa Online | Saudi Arabia EVisa Get Online Visa. accessed 1 December 2023, <https://www.saudiarabiaimmigration.org/refund-policy> [ ↩ ]

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Written by Rosalie Santos

Rosalie is a content writer who loves to learn and share knowledge. She has a background in education and teaching, which helps her write clear, accurate, and engaging content. She writes about travel, culture, and education topics. She also handles Turkey and India visa applications, which she learned from Lei Achumbre, the COO of Visas for Future and a visa expert. She fulfills visa orders and answers customer service questions once a quarter.

Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

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Cite this article

Santos, Rosalie. "Saudi Arabia Visa Cancellation Rules." Visas For Future , https://www.visasforfuture.com/saudi-arabia-visa-cancellation-rules/. Accessed on 19 August 2023.

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Santos, Rosalie. "Saudi Arabia Visa Cancellation Rules." Visas For Future. August 19, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/saudi-arabia-visa-cancellation-rules/.

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Published: 19 Aug 2023 22:54 UTC

Last modified: 23 Mar 2024 5:42 UTC

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How To Check Visa Cancellation In Saudi Arabia

Section 1: Timely Process to Check Visa Cancellation in Saudi Arabia

Visa cancellation in Saudi Arabia is a relatively complex process with a lot of paperwork involved. It is therefore important to properly organize the required documents, and to file for the correct visa cancellation instructions in order to avoid problems. It is advisable to check with the authorities to see if a visa cancellation in Saudi Arabia is possible, or if the procedure must be done through a lawyer or legal adviser. It is essential to follow the proper visa cancellation instructions to ensure that everything goes smoothly during the process.

When applying for visa cancellation in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to provide all necessary documents such as a valid passport, verification of employment, and proof of income. Additionally, any other information that is required such as medical history and other identification documents must also be provided. The visa cancellation instructions may also require the applicant to provide information on family members as well.

Government authorities in Saudi Arabia require a person applying for a visa cancellation to follow their specific steps in order for the process to work. For example, the applicant needs to submit all necessary documents and then wait for approval from the government immigration office. Once the approval is granted, the applicant must go to the local embassy or consulate, where the application will be handled. Once this process is complete, the visa cancellation is considered complete.

Apart from the visa cancellation process, the other important aspect to consider is the associated fees and charges. Initially, a few government fees are required during the application process. In addition, the applicant may also incur additional costs such as legal and consulting fees, and even travel expenses. Before submitting any payments, it is important to read the visa cancellation instructions carefully and to understand the associated fees.

When the visa cancellation has been completed, it is important to check if it was accomplished correctly. The immigration division of Saudi Arabia releases special notifications when a visa is successfully cancelled. This important step should be followed in order to ensure that the visa cancellation in Saudi Arabia was approved. Furthermore, it is highly important to review the relevant documents as soon as they are received in order to further confirm the successful visa cancellation.

Section 2: Understand the Different Types of Visas in Saudi Arabia

When applying for visa cancellation in Saudi Arabia, it is important to understand the different types of visas available in the country. For instance, the most common visa is the tourist visa, which is used by those visiting the country for vacation or leisure purposes. The other types of visas include a student visa (for non-Saudi citizens), a business visa (for business owners), and an employment visa (for those wishing to live and work in the country). Furthermore, depending on the purpose of the visit, there may be other visas such as a religious visa.

When applying for visa cancellation in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to research and determine the appropriate visa type. Doing so prevents any issues with the visa cancellation process, as the visa type affects the associated fees and instructions. For instance, a tourist visa application requires information such as a full name, travel dates, and passport details while a student visa needs a confirmation of enrollment and a proof of acceptance letter from the university.

Each visa type has its own expiration date, which must be checked before submitting the visa application. It is important to take into account the duration of the visit when selecting a visa type as some visas may have short-term validity while others may have long-term validity. Moreover, it is important to be aware of the associated fees and other requirements associated with a particular visa, such as a valid health certificate for some visas.

It is essential to apply for the correct visa type, and for the visa cancellation process to be completed in a timely manner in order to avoid any delays and complications. Furthermore, it is highly important to research beforehand and gain an understanding of the entire visa cancellation process in order to guarantee that it is successful.

Section 3: What Are the Different Steps of the Visa Cancellation Process?

The visa cancellation process in Saudi Arabia consists of several steps. Initially, the individual must notify the relevant embassy or consulate of their intent to have their visa cancelled. Furthermore, they must provide all necessary documents and other supportive evidence such as a valid passport and identification for processing the visa cancellation. Additionally, it is important to read the cancellation instructions in order to determine what the specific requirements are for the visa cancellation.

The processing of a visa cancellation may take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the visa type. Once the visa cancellation application is approved, the individual must go to the embassy or consulate where their documents will be handled. If it is an employment visa that is being cancelled, the visa cancellation will also need to be filed with the Saudi government. The final step of the visa cancellation process is to go back to the relevant embassy or consulate to confirm the successful visa cancellation.

Finally, after the successful visa cancellation, it is important to check the appropriate documents and relevant notifications from the government. This is mainly done to confirm that the visa cancellation is official, and in order to avoid any disputes or issues with the Saudi government in the future. Additionally, it is highly important for the individual to archive or store all their documents related to the visa cancellation in case of any future checks or inquiries.

Section 4: Consider Professional Services to Handle the Visa Cancellation Process

Although it is possible to conduct the visa cancellation process in Saudi Arabia on an individual basis, those who are unfamiliar with the process may benefit from seeking help from a professional service such as a law firm or a visa consultant. These services offer a complete package in terms of visa cancellation in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that everything is done correctly. Furthermore, the expert knowledge provided by these services is invaluable since they can guide and advise an individual throughout the entire cancellation process. It is important, however, to confirm the qualifications of the professional before seeking their services.

One of the advantages of working with a professional is that they are able to inform the individual of the latest changes or procedures for visa cancellation in Saudi Arabia. This is especially important since the procedures and official documents are liable to change over time and based on the circumstances. Furthermore, for those who are uncertain about the visa cancellation process, a professional can advise on the best course of action to take.

During the visa cancellation process, a professional service can answer any questions and clarify any doubts, as well as helping to facilitate the application process. This can save a great deal of time and effort. Furthermore, they can iron out any issues or concerns that might be encountered during the cancellation such as a delay in the visa cancellation process.

Section 5: How to Check the Progress of the Visa Cancellation?

Since the visa cancellation process in Saudi Arabia can take several days to a few weeks, it is highly important to check in with the appropriate authorities on a regular basis in order to track and monitor the progress. During the visa cancellation process, official entities may contact the applicant with questions or for confirmation of certain details. Therefore, it is essential to answer any correspondence in a timely manner in order to ensure that the process is not delayed due to a slow response.

In addition to answering any queries, it is equally important to actively check the progress of the visa cancellation. This can be done by continuing contact with the relevant embassies or consulates throughout the process. Furthermore, keeping official documents in archival form helps to ensure that the visa cancellation process takes place in a timely manner. Filing for the cancellation instructions and documents as soon as possible is also important in order to avoid any further delays.

Moreover, the official notifications from the immigration division of Saudi Arabia must be checked for confirmation of the visa cancellation. It is important to review these documents carefully in order to guarantee that the visa cancellation process was successful. Furthermore, it is important to keep the documents stored in case any issues arise in the future.

Section 6: What Are the Rules for Refund Requests Following a Visa Cancellation?

Once a visa cancellation has been successfully completed, it is important to know about the possible refunds that may be available for the applicant. Depending on the type of visa, it is possible to request a refund for certain fees paid during the visa application process such as visa processing fees, airfare, and other associated costs. For instance, if the visa expiration date was within six months, the applicant may be eligible for a full or partial refund. This refund request must be applied for in writing and should include appropriate documentation and proof of payment.

It is also important to note that certain fees may not be refundable. This includes fees such as legal and consulting fees, and any other charges associated with the visa cancellation process. Therefore, it is essential to review the cancellation instructions carefully in order to know which fees are eligible for a refund, in the event that a refund is requested.

In addition, the refund may only be issued once the official notifications from the government verifying the successful visa cancellation have been issued. This is mainly done in order to prevent fraudulent refund requests. It is essential, therefore, to provide all necessary documents for the visa cancellation as soon as possible in order to avoid further delays that may result in the loss of any potential refunds.

Section 7: What Are the Rights of the Applicant Following Visa Cancellation?

Following the successful visa cancellation, it is important to understand the legal rights of the applicant. Depending on the visa type, the applicant may be eligible for certain rights and privileges such as the right to work in Saudi Arabia, or even the right to obtain a permanent residency permit. Furthermore, the applicant may also be eligible for a refund or for the payment of settlement fees in certain cases.

It is important to review the official notifications issued by the government in order to determine the applicant’s legal rights. Depending on the nature of the visa cancellation, it is possible to appeal the decision in certain cases. Moreover, it is important to review the cancellation instructions carefully in order to understand any rights and privileges that are available following the visa cancellation.

When dealing with non-Saudi citizens, it is essential to be aware of the applicable laws and regulations that must be followed, especially in terms of the restrictions on financial transactions. It is also important to understand any additional requirements that must be met for the visa cancellation process to be successful, such as providing proof of residence in Saudi Arabia and valid health insurance.

The visa cancellation process in Saudi Arabia is a tricky one, and understanding the rights and privileges associated with the process is essential for a successful and effective cancellation process. Therefore, it is important to research beforehand and gain an understanding of the entire visa cancellation process.

Joseph Gamez

Joseph R. Gamez is a freelance journalist and writer who specializes in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia. His articles focus on regional politics, human rights, and religious and cultural issues. He is passionate about bringing the stories of the Middle East to the public in an engaging and thought provoking way.

The One Stop Guide to the Saudi eVisa for Tourists

I felt so shocked when on September 27, 2019, I heard that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had begun issuing the new Saudi eVisas for tourists, even that applicants are now being granted visas in as little as 5-30 minutes.

At first, I did not believe it. So, I decided to find out all about it.

So what exactly is the Saudi eVisa? The Saudi eVisa allows nationals from 49 countries, aged 18 + to visit and stay in the kingdom for the purposes of tourism and/or Umrah for Muslims. It is valid either for 1 month (single visa) or up to 3 months (multiple entry) and is not renewable. Application, payment, and issue of the eVisa are done entirely online or with Visa On Arrival at the Saudi (air) port of entry.

Today, the process of applying and issuing the Saudi eVisa as a tourist to Saudi Arabia is easy and quite straightforward. See below for more details.

However, before making the application, ensure you have all the correct documentation, provide all the information correctly, understand and accept the conditions of the Saudi eVisa .

Failure to do so can mean your application may be rejected and the money you paid for the fees will not be refunded. The correct procedure is explained in more detail below. Read it carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

Non-eligible visitors who are not from any one of the 49 countries can apply for the Saudi Visit Visa (see below) via a local Saudi embassy, consulate or mission.

Also, Saudi eVisas can be had on arrival at the major Saudi ports (air/sea & land) located at special visa kiosks in the immigration control areas.

Remember: NO SPONSOR is required for either!

The following is the cost for a Saudi eVisa, Visa on Arrival and an Embassy/ Consulate Visit Visa and is the same for all three .

See below for more details about how to pay!

Who Is Eligible For The Saudi eVisa ?

Group a- eligible applicants, ( evisa and visa on arrival ).

Group A applicants must be 18 or over and a national of one of the following 49 countries. Also, see Colored Map!

Schengen, USA, and US Visits Visa Holders

However, they must show they have used their Schengen, US or UK V isit Visa to have traveled to and from those countries after it had been issued. To show this, an entry stamp must be shown.

The Saudi eVisa or the Visa On Arrival is valid ONLY if the visitor enters the kingdom using a national carrier, for example, Saudi Airlines, FlyNas, FlyaDeal or Saudi Gul Airlines.

Visas On Arrival can be issued by passport agents or using self-service machines based at the Saudi port. Agents will check eligibility before issuing a Visit visa. Applicants MUST:

Be passport holder of any of the eligible countries OR
US or UK or Schengen Visit Visa holder
Have Valid Visit Visa (Not expired)
Must be a Tourist or Business Visit Visa
Must be a Visit Visa that is stamped at Port of Entry to US, UK or Schengen countries
Must Travel To Saudi Arabia using Saudi national air carrier
MUST HAVE a Credit Card with the name of The Saudi eVisa Applicant (Cash IS NOT accepted) Airlines will not allow you to fly without showing one

Note : Applicants MUST HAVE a Credit Card. The card must have the same name as the Saudi eVisa applicant. Saudi airlines will not allow you to fly to Saudi Arabia fly without one.

Who Is Eligible For The Saudi Visit Vis a? (Not Saudi eVisa )

Group b -non-eligible applicants, ( consulate visa).

Group B nationals not holding passports for the countries listed above, also including nationals holding a Schengen , US or UK Visit Visa can apply for the Saudi Visit Visa (Not an eVisa ) at their local Saudi embassy, consulate or Saudi mission. A Visit Visa will be granted to applicants on a case by case basis.

The Documents Required To Apply For The Saudi eVisa and Visit Visas .

Group a -eligible applicants (evisas).

A passport of an eligible country with a minimum of 6 months validity
Proof of Age ( ID )
Passport Photo ( Must be 200 x 200-pixel photo not exceeding 100 KB ) See below
Credit Card for Payment
Accommodation Address ONLY in Saudi Arabia

Refunds are not possible if the Saudi eVisa is rejected. Also, overstayers with a Saudi eVisa will be charged 100 SR per day.

The applicant’s religion is not needed for the eVisa application. The eVisa is issued online in 5 to 30 minutes in most cases and then sent to the applicant via email.

Do I Need to Submit Photos for Saudi Arabia e-visa Application?

Hi! I love traveling and do several trips each year. I understand I have to meet strict visa requirements. Last year, my application was rejected because of an unsuitable photo. So, dissapointing! I don’t want the same to happen to you and that’s why I am sharing the following information . My Biometric Photos shows you EXACTLY how to make photos for the Saudi eVisa. Follow these important steps and your photo for the Saudi eVisa application WON’T ever be rejected. Verona Grajcevci @NextSEO

Group B – Non-Eligible Applicants (Visit Visas)

A passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
Proof of ID/Age etc.
Proof of Home Address/ Accommodation
Passport Photo
Return Ticket
Proof of Employment
Bank Statement (3 months)
Travel Itinerary

Refunds are not possible if the Saudi Visit Visa is rejected. Also, overstayers on a Visit Visa will be charged a penalty of 100 SR per day.

The applicant’s religion is not needed in the application. The Visit Visa is issued in 1 to 2 business days in most cases and then stamped in the applicant’s passport.

6 Easy Steps To Apply For The Saudi eVisa

The application process is easy and can be completed in the following way:

Complete the Application Form
Pay for the Visa
Get Your Saudi eVisa Issued

Before making your application take 5 minutes to watch this helpful YouTube video by a Chinese national regarding overcharging Saudi eVisa agencies and learn to avoid the money traps.

The Six Easy Steps

The application process has six main steps. For each step, you have only 10 minutes to fill in the information. If you time out, you can click to continue for a further 10 minutes.

Take care you are using the official government visa website and be sure to enter all your information correctly. The name and details you enter should match exactly the name in your passport. Failure to do so will cause the cancellation of your eVisa and loss of the fee amount.

The steps are outlined in more detail in the following 1-6 steps below.

Personal Information

Begin, Select passport-type then & enter:

Passport Country
Secret Question/Answer
Contact Info
Marital Status
Nationality
Country of Birth
Country of Residence

Upload passport photo (Must be 200×200 pixel photo not exceeding 100 KB). Then , select the uploaded passport photo and file name.

Passport Information

Type and Enter :

Passport Type
Passport Number
Expiration Date
Address in Saudi Arabia (Only where you will stay and NOT the Booking Information/Confirmation etc.)

Medical/Health Insurance

Choose your medical insurance

Terms and Conditions

Read and agree to the terms and conditions.

Application Review

Check and review your application. This is Important ALL details are correct.

Type in credit card details and pay the fee.

Payment and eVisa Conditions

Saudi eVisa -The Cost

Saudi evisa -the validity.

All three types of Saudi tourist visas ( Visit, & single/multiple entry Saudi eVisa ) are valid for use for 1 year AFTER the date of issue.

However, a single entry Saudi eVisa allows applicants to stay in the kingdom for up to 1 month only and must be used within 1 year of issue.

A multiple entry Saudi eVisa allows you to arrive, leave and return to Saudi Arabia ( unless stated otherwise ) but it is valid and can only be used for up to 3 months AFTER the first date of entry. This too and must be used within 1 year of issue.

For multiple entry eVisa only, you can leave and reenter Saudi Arabia as many times as you wish during those valid three months.

Renewals : All three Saudi Visit visas cannot be renewed.

Airport Visa Eligibility Precheck

At the airport before boarding your flight to Saudi Arabia, the airlines at check-in will conduct a precheck for visa eligibility before they accept your luggage.

The Saudi eVisa will enable you to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at ALL major ports of entry using any of the Saudi Arabian national air carriers for example, Saudi Airlines, FlyNas, FlyaDeal or Saudi Gul Airlines.

Applicants Who Are Under The Age of 18

Applicants under the age of 18 ( Minors ) CANNOT use the Saudi eVisa service, nor apply for Visa on Arrival or for a Visit Visa via the Saudi consulate.

A representative person can apply on behalf of a Minor as a Guardian , but MUST have the authority to do so and MUST agree to the Saudi eVisa Terms and Conditions on behalf of the applicant Minor .

Overstaying

Saudi eVisa or Visit Visa holders will be charged a penalty of 100 SR per day for each day beyond the expiration date of the visa for the days he/she remains in the kingdom.

Special Information and Conditions

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( KSA ) provides the electronic Saudi eVisa to visit the kingdom on a short term basis. It is designed to speed up the process of obtaining a visit visa to the kingdom and is operated by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage ( SCTH ).

Saudi eVisa Applicants Must:

Provide a valid email address
Obey Saudi Laws and Ensure the Welfare and Security of the Kingdom
Not contravene Sharia law, national security nor violate prevailing moral principles
Enter the Saudi port using the same passport as used in the Saudi eVisa application
Carry a hard copy (paper copy) and soft copy of the Saudi eVisa upon arrival at the Saudi port of entry
Submit to biometric identification by immigration authorities at the port of entry
Not use the Saudi eVisa to perform Umrah, Hajj, paid work or business.
Have funds to support themselves during their stay in the kingdom
Agree that they are subject to local Saudi laws at the port of entry
Agree that SCTH can suspend the application or terminate the Saudi eVisa if an applicant fails to pay the eVisa fee, gives false/wrong information in the original application or fails to abide by the terms and conditions as set out in the Saudi eVisa contract.

Salam Allekum! Hi there! Thanks for reading. Contact the Editor Mohammed Francis directly at [email protected] with any questions or queries.

Mohammed Francis

I am a UK national, a college teacher, father of 3, writer and blogger.

Saudi Arabia eVisa - Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about the Saudi Arabia eVisa in the FAQ’s section and get answers to important questions from our team of experts.

How long will my eVisa for Saudi Arabia last?

As announced by the Saudi Arabian government, the Saudi eVisa will be valid for 90 days, which should be enough time for travelers to experience the culture and see the country. Citizens of any of the 49 nations in the eVisa eligible list (the United States included) are may go on short-term visits to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes only.

The online Saudi eVisa is the first type of tourist visa which allows foreign travelers to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. Before the introduction of the electronic visa, foreign nationals could only visit Saudi Arabia by requesting either a business visa or a visa for a religious pilgrimage (Hajj visa), both of which had to be done via a Saudi consulate or embassy.

What is the Saudi Arabia Electronic Visa?

The eVisa Saudi Arabia is an electronic authorization that grants travelers from eligible nations a year-long pass for multiple short-term (90 days) entries to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes only.

The goal of the Saudi eVisa is to facilitate the process of obtaining a visa to travel in Saudi Arabia. Foreign nationals, including US citizens, may submit an eVisa application in advance and receive the electronic authorization by email. Once at a Saudi port of entry, they are required to present a printed copy of the eVisa to a border official to be allowed into the country.

By visiting our FAQs page, you will have access to comprehensive information on the Saudi Arabia electronic visa, including what is the eVisa, why is it available for eligible travelers, and which passport-holders may apply.

Why is Saudi Arabia introducing the eVisa?

For a long time, Saudi Arabia has been one of the toughest countries for travelers to visit. But as of lately, the government has decided to tap into the latest technologies in order to promote the growth of the tourism industry in the country. For instance, pilgrims coming to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj will have a safer and smoother travel experience through the implementation of new high-speed transportation and artificial intelligence systems.

There are two main purposes behind the new Saudi eVisa:

First, it promotes international tourism in Saudi Arabia. Thanks to the new eVisa online application system, foreign travelers find it more accessible to visit Saudi Arabia. That is because the eVisa application is done fully online and can be submitted before departure from any location in the world. This prevents travelers to have to make an appointment at a consulate or stand in line at the airport in order to be granted a tourist visa.
Secondly, the electronic visa system makes it easier for Saudi authorities to improve border check procedures. Each Saudi Arabia eVisa is registered to the applicant’s passport, enabling immigration officers to better monitor the influx of foreign travelers into Saudi Arabia.

Who is entitled to visit Saudi Arabia with an electronic visa?

The Saudi Arabia eVisa application process is designed to be fast and simple. Travelers who bear a valid passport from one of the eVisa eligible countries, such as the US, and meet the basic travel requirements can complete the application within a few minutes. Besides providing a copy of their passport and personal data, applicants are required to have a debit or credit card to pay for the visa processing fee.

That being said, not every Saudi visa can be requested online. Long-term stay visas, such as study visas and work permits, will probably continue to require a visit in-person to a Saudi embassy or consulate. The new eVisa is directed for tourism trips only.

What is the validity of my Saudi eVisa?

The Saudi government has announced that the new online visa for Saudi Arabia will be valid for 3 months (90 days). This short visa period should be sufficient to travel around the country and familiarize oneself with the Saudi Arabian culture. With the eVisa, eligible travelers from 49 nations, including United States passport-holders, are allowed to visit Saudi Arabia on short-term trips for tourism purposes.

The introduction of the tourist eVisa enables foreign travelers to obtain a Saudi Arabia tourist visa for the first time. Before the online visa came into action, foreign nationals had to make an appointment at a Saudi embassy or consulate and either apply for a Hajj visa (for religious purposes) or a business visa to visit Saudi Arabia on short-term trips.

How long does the application process for the Saudi Arabia electronic visa take?

Applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa is easy and simple, and the online form can be filled out in a few minutes. As part of the application procedure, candidates have to enter their personal information (full name, date of birth, address, etc.) and passport details. They are also requested to answer a security-related questionnaire, pay the visa processing fee by debit or credit card, and inform a valid email address where to receive the eVisa. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, travelers will be asked to present the valid Saudi eVisa along with the registered passport in order to be allowed into the country.

The Saudi Arabia eVisa system is one of the measures within the Vision 2030 – an initiative set into action by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud to modernize Saudi Arabia and promote international tourism in the country. Among other measures within Vision 2030 are the revocation of various rigorous tourist laws and granting women more freedom of movement in the country.

Nonetheless, travelers bearing the new eVisa are still expected to abide by Saudi laws and respect cultural traditions and Islamic practices. These include but are not restricted to bringing alcohol, pork products, and/or drugs into the country, as well as public displays of affection. Women traveling to Saudi Arabia should be aware of their outfits, dressing in conservative clothing and wearing a headscarf when visiting places of worship. During Ramadan, foreigners should bear in mind not to drink, smoke, or eat in public so as to respect the fasting ritual.

Travelers in possession of a valid Saudi tourist eVisa are allowed to visit Saudi Arabia for a period of 90 days. Currently, foreign nationals that have been granted a Saudi Arabia business visa at a consulate or embassy may stay in the country for a period of either 30 or 60 days. Hence, not only does the Saudi electronic travel authorization facilitate visa application procedure through the online form, but it also allows its bearer to travel in Saudi Arabian territory for a longer period.

The application process for a Saudi electronic visa is straightforward. Applicants must have the required documents for a Saudi eVisa in hand, including a passport from any of the 49 eligible nations which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia. Should there be any news or official changes on the Saudi eVisa duration it will be updated on this website.

Is the information provided in my Saudi eVisa application secure?

Yes, all information provided on the eVisa application is encrypted to prevent access from third parties. Moreover, personal data is confidentially stored on secure servers under a Privacy Policy and no longer than necessary.

How do I apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa?

US citizens, as well as passport-holders from any of the 49 eVisa eligible countries, will be asked to fill out an online form with personal details and travel documentation to apply for a Saudi Arabia electronic visa. If approved, the Saudi eVisa will be sent to the registered email.

Should I apply for a Saudi eVisa in advance?

Although the exact period for a Saudi electronic visa to be processed is yet to be announced, travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia on an eVisa are advised to submit the online application a few days before departure, at least. You can find updates on the official processing time for a Saudi eVisa on this website.

What is the processing time for a Saudi Arabia eVisa?

The processing of a Saudi Arabian electronic visa may take between only a few minutes up to 24 hours.

Do minors traveling to Saudi Arabia with only one guardian need consent from both parents?

No. Only unaccompanied children require parental consent when visiting Saudi Arabia. Minors who travel accompanied by at least one parent or legal guardian are allowed to visit Saudi Arabia without showing permission from the absent parent.

I made a mistake on my Saudi eVisa online application – What should I do?

All information submitted with the online application for a Saudi electronic visa must match that of the applicant’s travel document. Should any mistake be found it can result in delays in the application processing or, in some cases, refusal of the eVisa.

Which documents are needed for the Saudi eVisa online application?

Besides making sure your country is part of the Saudi eVisa eligible nations list, applicants will need a passport valid for no less than 6 months from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Is it possible to obtain a Saudi Arabia eVisa without defined travel plans?

To be granted a Saudi eVisa, eligible applicants are expected to provide detailed travel plans when completing the online application form.

Will a previous visa rejection affect my application for the Saudi Arabia eVisa?

Applicants who have had their Saudi Arabia electronic visa refused in the past will have the chance to apply for a new eVisa. However, they must ensure that the online form is filled with accurate personal data and travel details, as mistakes or incorrect information may result in the application being rejected.

Does my eVisa guarantee entry to Saudi Arabia?

Bearing a valid Saudi eVisa will not necessarily mean that the traveler will be allowed into the country. All holders of an electronic visa for Saudi Arabia will be subjected to the final decision of an immigration officer when going through passport control at any Saudi port of entry.

How to check the status of my Saudi Arabia eVisa applications?

Applicants will be able to keep track of their Saudi Arabia eVisa application process online by checking the email address provided upon registration for any notification and updates.

Who needs to apply for an electronic visa to Saudi Arabia?

Passport holders whose country is a member of the Saudi eVisa list of eligible nations (United States included) may now visit Saudi Arabia by going through a straightforward and fast online application procedure. As well as submitting the application form, there are some basic visa requirements for travel in Saudi Arabia which all eVisa American applicants must meet.

While more nations may be added to the list of eVisa eligible countries, the government of Saudi Arabia has already announced that passport holders of the following countries can apply for an online visa:

China (Hong Kong & Macau included)
Czech Republic
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
New Zealand
South Korea
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States

When was the Saudi Arabia eTA implemented?

The eTA Saudi Arabia was announced by the Saudi government on September 27, 2019 and has been made available online for 49 eligible nations, including the United States, since then.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 24, 2024, saudi arabia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated after periodic review to provide information on the risk of arrest due to social media use and the importation of prohibited items.

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to the following locations due to the threat of missile and drone attacks and terrorism :

Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, as well as the cities of Abha, Jizan, Najran, and Khamis Mushayt;
Abha airport;
Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

Country Summary : U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission responsibility must adhere to the above travel restrictions. As such, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these locations.

Missile and drone attacks perpetrated by Iran and Iran-supported militant groups have occurred as recently as September 2023. The Islamic Republic of Iran has in the past supplied Yemen-based Houthis and regional proxy groups with weapons to conduct destructive and sometimes lethal attacks using drones, missiles, and rockets against a variety of Saudi sites, including critical infrastructure, civilian airports, military bases, and energy facilities throughout the country, as well as vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Past attacks were aimed at targets throughout Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Jizan, Khamis Mushayt, the civilian airport in Abha, Al Kharj, military installations in the south, as well as oil and gas facilities.

Debris from intercepted drones and missiles has also represented a significant risk to civilian areas and populations in the recent past. Militant groups have threatened to conduct attacks against locations in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working near military bases and critical civilian infrastructure, particularly near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk if missile, drone, or rocket attacks reoccur.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning. Past attacks have targeted tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists are also known to time attacks around major holidays and/or in response to military operations. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and international interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens.

Be advised that social media commentary – including past comments – which Saudi authorities may deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest . This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments about Saudi institutions, policies, and public life. U.S. citizens have been convicted for social media activity under Saudi laws concerning cybercrime, terrorism, and disrupting public order. Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years in some cases. Saudi courts do not necessarily consider the timeframe of the posts or the location from which they were made to be material to these cases.

The importation of drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, pork, or any materials that could be considered pornographic or suggestive, is prohibited. Penalties for drug possession, consumption, and trafficking are severe by U.S. standards. An extensive list of banned items is available on our Saudi Arabia country information page .

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Saudi Arabia.

If you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia:

Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas .
Stay alert in large crowds and/or locations frequented by foreign nationals.
Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrest notification and the Department of State’s general information on arrests of U.S. citizens abroad .
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Follow the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Saudi Arabia.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Yemen Border, Abha airport, and Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Militants in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets . Civilians that are near the border with Yemen are especially at risk. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including in Qatif.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to this area.

Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas

Travel Advisory Levels

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Family Visit Visa

How to cancel family visit visa in KSA?

Navigate here 👇

Sometimes, we accidentally enter the wrong information while filling out the family visit visa application. In such a scenario, you must cancel the family visit visa and apply for a new one in Saudi Arabia.

Cancel Visit Visa before Chamber

In case you have just applied for a family visit visa and found out that there is a mistake in the application. There is no need to cancel it if the visa is not yet submitted to chamber of commerce for ratification.

You can file a new application and submit it to the Chamber of commerce for ratification.

Cancel Visit Visa after Chamber

If the family visit visa is already been su bmitted to COC, you need to;

Wait for MOFA to issue the visa.
Check the family visit visa status here.
Once the visa is issued, you can follow the below process to cancel it.

Auto Cancellation

There are two ways of canceling the family visit visa;

Wait for the visa expiry i.e. 90 days.
Cancel the Visa following the procedure explained below.

If you make another application without canceling the current visa, your application will be rejected.

Log in to Nafath

To cancel an already issued family visit visa;

Open this website https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/
Click on the “ Login ” button.
Enter your Iqama Number .
Approve the Nafath access .

Access Nafath App to apply for a family visit visa

Request for Cancellation

After this, the MOFA website will show you four options;

Scroll down and click on “ Inquiries & Suggestions “.
Click on “ Add New Inquiry or Suggestion “.
Type: Visa Number .
Enter the Visa Number (explained below).
Details: Please cancel the visa .

Make sure you enter the number of the visa already issued by MOFA. Some people enter the application number instead of the visa number, which leads to problems later on.

Check Cancellation Status

MOFA will cancel the family visit visa within seven days of request. When you do not find any application while checking your family visit visa status, your visa has been canceled by MOFA.

لم يتم العثور على اي نتائج، يرجى التاكد من البيانات المدخلة: No results found, please check the entered data.

Once the visa is canceled, apply for a new visa again, following the same procedure . Make sure you don’t make another mistake this time.

Cancel Visit Visa after stamping

You need to cancel the family visit visa already stamped on your passport or issued by the Saudi Embassy in the following cases;

Applying for a new family visit visa.
Applying for a permanent family visa .
Applying for a work visa.

Requirements

You need a letter from your employer requesting the Saudi Embassy to cancel the visa. The format of the letter has been given below. The letter must be;

Stamped by the Chamber of Commerce .
Attested by the MOFA .

Letter Format

To: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Embassy Islamabad Pakistan

Subject: Cancellation of Old Visit Visa and Issue New Visa

Our employee XXX, having Iqama Number XXX and Passport No XXX has issued multiple entry visit visa for the following members of his family with the validity up to XXX. His family has already went back to Pakistan.

Now he wants to bring his family on a permanent family visa (or family visit visa). However, the new visa cannot be stamped unless the old visa is cancelled.

Therefore, it is kindly requested to cancel old stamp visa and issue new visa.

Names of family members along with visa numbers and passport numbers.

For the latest updates, you can join our ✅ WhatsApp group or ☑️ Telegram Channel .

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The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Tourist Visa

For more information about the Tourist Visa and how to apply, please, Visit Saudi website.

The only verifiable source for the tourist visa is the link provided on the Embassy’s website. Please do not use outside links as they cannot be verified and will not be accepted.

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Stephen Hiltner/The New York Times

The sculpted facade of a 2,000-year-old tomb glows in the late-afternoon sun at Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Crowds of Muslim pilgrims gather outside the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

Camels march through the desert on the outskirts of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand sea.

For many years these Saudi Arabian scenes, including the lively open-air markets in Jeddah, were off limits to most travelers.

But not anymore. As it undergoes a profound transformation, Saudi Arabia is spending lavishly to lure tourists with its luxe new resorts ...

... its rich cultural heritage ...

... and its sublime natural beauty.

Can the Saudi government persuade would-be visitors to look past — or reconsider — its longstanding associations with religious extremism, ultraconservatism and human rights abuses?

Will the kingdom’s $800 billion bet on tourism pay off?

Supported by

Surprising, Unsettling, Surreal: Roaming Through Saudi Arabia

To witness the kingdom’s profound transformation and assess its ambitious tourism projects, a Times journalist spent a month on the road there. Here’s what he saw.

By Stephen Hiltner

An editor and photojournalist for the Travel section, Stephen Hiltner drove 5,200 miles and visited all 13 of Saudi Arabia’s provinces while reporting and shooting this story.

Wandering alone along the southern fringes of Saudi Arabia’s mountainous Asir Province, some eight miles from the Yemeni border, in a nondescript town with a prominent sculpture of a rifle balanced on an ornately painted plinth, I met a man, Nawab Khan, who was building a palace out of mud.

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

Actually, he was rebuilding the structure, restoring it. And when I came across him, he hadn’t yet begun his work for the day; he was seated on the side of the road beneath its red-and-white windows — cross-legged, on a rug, leaning over a pot of tea and a bowl of dates.

Two weeks earlier, on the far side of the country, a fellow traveler had pointed at a map and described the crumbling buildings here, in Dhahran al-Janub, arranged in a colorful open-air museum. Finding myself nearby, I’d detoured to have a look — and there was Mr. Khan, at first looking at me curiously and then waving me over to join him. Sensing my interest in the cluster of irregular towers, he stood up, produced a large key ring and began opening a series of padlocks. When he vanished through a doorway, I followed him into a shadowy stairwell.

This, of course, was my mother’s worst nightmare: Traveling solo, I’d been coaxed by a stranger into an unlit building in a remote Saudi village, within a volatile border area that the U.S. Department of State advises Americans to stay away from .

By now, though, more than halfway through a 5,200-mile road trip, I trusted Mr. Khan’s enthusiasm as a genuine expression of pride, not a ploy. All across Saudi Arabia, I’d seen countless projects being built, from simple museums to high-end resorts. These were the early fruits of an $800 billion investment in the travel sector, itself part of a much larger effort, Vision 2030 , to remake the kingdom and reduce its economic dependence on oil.

But I’d begun to see the building projects as something else, too: the striving of a country — long shrouded to most Westerners — to be seen, reconsidered, accepted. And with its doors suddenly flung open and the pandemic behind us, visitors like me were finally beginning to witness this new Saudi Arabia, much to Mr. Khan’s and all the other builders’ delight.

Few countries present as complicated a prospect for travelers as Saudi Arabia.

Long associated with Islamic extremism, human rights abuses and the oppression of women, the kingdom has made strides in recent years to refashion its society and its reputation abroad.

The infamous religious police, which upheld codes of conduct based on an ultraconservative interpretation of Islam, were stripped of their power. Public concerts, once banned, are now ubiquitous. Women have been granted new rights — including the freedom to drive and to travel without permission from a male guardian — and are no longer required to wear floor-length robes in public or to cover their hair.

These changes are part of a broad set of strategies to diversify the kingdom’s economy, elevate its status in the world and soften its image — the last of which is a tall order for a government that has killed a newspaper columnist , kidnapped and tortured dissidents , precipitated a humanitarian crisis in Yemen and imprisoned people for supporting gay rights , among a number of other recent abuses .

Central to the transformations led by 38-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, is a major push for international visitors. It represents a sea change in a country that, until 2019, issued no nonreligious tourist visas and instead catered almost exclusively to Muslim pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina, Islam’s two holiest cities. In February, by contrast, my tourist e-visa was approved online in minutes.

Saudi Arabia has already transformed one of its premier destinations — Al-Ula, with its UNESCO-listed Nabatean tombs — from a neglected collection of archaeological sites into a lavish retreat with a bevy of activities on offer, including guided tours, wellness festivals, design exhibitions and hot air balloon rides.

Another project will create a vast array of luxury resorts on or near the Red Sea.

Still more projects include the development of Diriyah , the birthplace of the first Saudi state; the preservation and development of the coastal city of Jeddah ; an offshore theme park called the Rig ; and Neom , the futuristic city that has garnered the lion’s share of attention.

All told, the country is hoping to draw 70 million international tourists per year by 2030, with tourism contributing 10 percent of its gross domestic product. (In 2023, the country logged 27 million international tourists, according to government figures , with tourism contributing about 4 percent of G.D.P.)

At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the birthplace of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is now the centerpiece of the $63 billion Diriyah project, a new center of culture just outside Riyadh.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on a remote island in the Red Sea, opened in late May. (A one-bedroom villa costs about $2,500 per night, excluding taxes and fees.) It is one of 50 properties scheduled to open in the area by 2030.

The preservation and development of Jeddah, a coastal city famous for its historic district built largely from blocks of coral, comes with a price tag of some $20 billion.

Al-Ula is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions. Part of the city’s Old Town, long crumbling in neglect, has now been painstakingly restored.

To get a sense of these projects and the changes unfolding in Saudi society, I spent a month exploring the kingdom by car. I traveled alone, without a fixer, driver or translator. Per New York Times ethics guidelines, I declined the government’s many offers of discounts and complimentary services.

Much of the time I felt I’d been tossed the keys to the kingdom. But there were moments, too, when I faced a more complicated reality, one epitomized by a road sign that forced me to abruptly exit the highway some 15 miles from the center of Mecca. “Obligatory for Non Muslims,” it read, pointing to the offramp.

To me, the sign broadcast the lines being drawn to compartmentalize the country, which is now marketing itself to two sets of travelers with increasingly divergent — and sometimes contradictory — expectations: luxury tourists at ease with bikinis and cocktails, and pilgrims prepared for modesty and strict religious adherence. It’s hard to know whether the kingdom can satisfy both without antagonizing either.

My trip began in Jeddah, where, after spending two days exploring its historic district, I rented a car and drove eight hours north to Al-Ula, a benchmark for the new Saudi tourism initiatives.

Saudi Arabia

Reporter’s route

Dhahran al-Janub

Wadi al-Disah

Red Sea Resort

The name Al-Ula refers to both a small city and a broader region packed with attractions: Hegra , the kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage site and its biggest archaeological draw, is a 30-minute drive north of Old Town, a maze of crumbling mud-brick buildings now partly restored. Between the two, and fanning out to the east and west, are several other archaeological sites, as well as a smattering of resorts, event spaces and adventure outfitters. Farther northeast, beyond Hegra, is the Sharaan Nature Reserve , a vast protected zone used for conservation efforts.

My first priority during my five-day stay in Al-Ula was a visit to Hegra.

Like Petra , its better-known counterpart in Jordan, Hegra was built by the Nabateans, an ancient people who flourished 2,000 years ago. The site contains more than 100 tombs that were carved from solid rock, their entrances adorned with embellishments. Most impressive among them, set apart and standing some 70 feet tall, is a tomb colloquially called the Lonely Castle.

Not long ago, visitors could hire private guides and wander the area on foot, climbing in and out of — and no doubt damaging — the many tombs. Not anymore: I boarded an air-conditioned tour bus and zipped past most of them, stopping at just four locations.

At the penultimate stop, we exited the bus and trudged several hundred feet along a sandy path to the front of the Lonely Castle. Even in the late afternoon, the heat was stifling. I craned my neck to take in the details of the sculpted facade, which emerged like a mirage from one side of a massive boulder: its four pilasters, the rough chisel marks near the bottom, its characteristic five-stepped crown. Ten minutes evaporated, and I turned to find my group being shepherded back onto the bus. I jogged through the sand to catch up.

A few miles north of Hegra, I hopped in the back of a Toyota Land Cruiser — accompanied by an Italian graduate student and his mother — for a drive through the sandy expanse of the Sharaan Nature Reserve.

The scenery was sublime: Slipping through a narrow slot canyon, we emerged into a vast, open desert plain, then settled into a wide valley enclosed by an amphitheater of cliffs. Occasionally our guide stopped and led us on short hikes to petroglyphs, some pockmarked by bullet holes, or to lush fields of wildflowers, where he plucked edible greens and invited us to sample their lemony tang.

Gabriele Morelli, the graduate student, had first come to Al-Ula a few years ago — a different era, he said, given how quickly the place had transformed. He described a version that no longer exists, rife with cheap accommodation, lax rules and a free-for-all sensibility.

Some of the changes, of course, have been necessary to protect delicate ecosystems and archaeological sites from ever-growing crowds. But several people I met in Al-Ula — Saudis and foreigners alike — quietly lamented the extent of the high-end development and the steady erosion of affordability. Many of the new offerings, like the Banyan Tree resort, they pointed out, are luxury destinations that cater to wealthy travelers.

These hushed criticisms were among my early lessons on how difficult it can be to gauge the way Saudis feel about the pace and the pervasiveness of the transformations reshaping their society.

I got a taste of Al-Ula’s exclusivity — and of the uncanniness that occasionally surfaced throughout my trip — at a Lauryn Hill concert in an event space called Maraya . To reach the hall, I passed through a security gate, where an attendant scanned my e-ticket and directed me two miles up a winding road into the heart of the Ashar Valley, home to several high-end restaurants and resorts.

Rounding the final bend, I felt as if I’d stumbled into a computer-generated image: Ant-size humans were dwarfed by a reflective structure that both asserted itself and blended into the landscape. Inside, waiters served hors d’oeuvres and brightly colored mocktails to a chic young crowd.

The surreality peaked when, midway through the show, I left my plush seat to join some concertgoers near the stage — only to turn and see John Bolton, former President Donald J. Trump’s national security adviser, seated in the front row.

Where else, I wondered, could I attend a rap concert in the middle of the desert with a longtime fixture of the Republican Party — amid a crowd that cheered when Ms. Hill mentioned Palestine — but this strange new corner of Saudi Arabia?

The mirrored facade at Maraya, a vast event space in Al-Ula, warps and reflects the surrounding desert landscape.

The building is in some ways a precursor to the kingdom’s most ambitious architectural design: the project at Neom called the Line, a 106-mile linear city that will also feature a mirrored surface.

Lauryn Hill performing in front of a large crowd at Maraya.

After Al-Ula, I drove to another of the kingdom’s extravagant schemes: the Red Sea project, billed as the “world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destination.” After weaving through a morass of construction-related traffic, I boarded a yacht — alongside a merry band of Saudi influencers — and was piloted some 15 miles to a remote island, where I disembarked in a world of unqualified opulence at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort .

I was chauffeured around in an electric golf cart — past 43 beachside “dune” villas and onto two long boardwalks that connect the rest of the resort to 47 “coral” villas, built on stilts over shallow turquoise water. Along the way, I listened to Lucas Julien-Vauzelle, an executive assistant manager, wax poetic about sustainability. “We take it to the next level,” he said, before rattling off a list of facts and figures: 100 percent renewable energy, a solar-powered 5G network , plans to enhance biologically diverse habitats.

By 2030, he said, the Red Sea project will offer 50 hotels across its island and inland sites. Citing the Maldives, he mentioned the kingdom’s plans to claim a share of the same high-end market.

Another prediction came by way of Keith Thornton, the director of restaurants, who said he expects the resort to legally serve alcohol by the end of the year. (While a liquor store for non-Muslim diplomats recently opened in Riyadh, the Saudi government has made no indication that it plans to reconsider its broader prohibition of alcohol.)

The hotel was undeniably impressive. But there’s an inescapable irony to a lavish resort built at unfathomable expense in the middle of the sea — with guests ferried out by chartered boat and seaplane — that flaunts its aspirations for sustainability.

Toward the end of my several-hour visit, I learned that every piece of vegetation, including 646 palm trees, had been transplanted from an off-site nursery. Later, reviewing historical satellite images, I found visual evidence that the island — described to me as pristine — had been dramatically fortified and, in the process, largely remade. Its footprint had also been significantly altered. It was, in a sense, an artificial island built where a smaller natural island once stood.

Something else struck me, too: The place was nearly empty, save for the staff and the Saudi influencers. Granted, the resort had just opened the month before — but the same was true at the nearby Six Senses Southern Dunes , an inland Red Sea resort that opened in November. Fredrik Blomqvist, the general manager there, told me that its isolated location in a serene expanse of desert — part of its appeal — also presented a challenge in drawing customers. “The biggest thing,” he said, “is to get the message out that the country is open.”

Since the country began issuing tourist visas, influencers have been documenting their experiences in places like Jeddah and Al-Ula, their trips often paid for by the Saudi government. Their breezy content contributes to the impression that the kingdom is awaiting discovery by foreign visitors with out-of-date prejudices. To an extent, for a certain segment of tourists, that’s true.

For many travelers, though, the depiction of the kingdom as an uncomplicated getaway could be dangerously misleading.

Speech in Saudi Arabia is strictly limited; dissent is not tolerated — nor is the open practice of any religion other than the government’s interpretation of Islam. In its travel advisory , the U.S. Department of State warns that “social media commentary — including past comments — which Saudi authorities may deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest.” Punishment for Saudi nationals has been far worse: In 2023, a retired teacher was sentenced to death after he criticized the ruling family via anonymous accounts. As of late 2023, he remained in prison.

Other restrictions are harder to parse. L.G.B.T.Q. travelers are officially welcome in the kingdom but face a conundrum: They might face arrest or other criminal penalties for openly expressing their sexual orientation or gender identity. As recently as 2021, an independent U.S. federal agency included Saudi Arabia on a list of countries where same-sex relationships are punishable by death , noting that “the government has not sought this penalty in recent years.”

When asked how he would convince a same-sex couple that it was safe to visit, Jerry Inzerillo, a native New Yorker and the group chief executive of Diriyah, said: “We don’t ask you any questions when you come into the country or when you leave.”

“Maybe that’s not conclusive enough,” he added, “but a lot of people have come.”

Female travelers might also face difficulties, since advancements in women’s rights are not equally distributed throughout the kingdom.

The changes were more visible in big cities and tourist centers. Ghydda Tariq, an assistant marketing manager in Al-Ula, described how new professional opportunities had emerged for her in recent years. Maysoon, a young woman I met in Jeddah, made extra money by occasionally driving for Uber. Haneen Alqadi, an employee at the St. Regis Red Sea, described how women there are free to wear bikinis without fear of repercussions.

Outside such places, though, I sometimes went for days without seeing more than a handful of women, invariably wearing niqabs, let alone seeing them engaged in public life or tourism. My photographs reflect that imbalance.

As an easily identifiable Western man, I moved through the country with an array of advantages: the kindness and cheery curiosity of strangers, the ease of passage at military checkpoints, and the freedom to interact with a male-dominated society at markets, museums, parks, restaurants, cafes. Not all travelers could expect the same treatment.

Roaming in the far north and south, I often found the earlier version of the kingdom — with lax rules and less development — that had been described to me in Al-Ula.

I trekked to the northern city of Sakaka to see an archaeological site promoted as the Stonehenge of Saudi Arabia: a set of monoliths called the Rajajil Columns thought to have been erected some 6,000 years ago but about which little is definitively known.

My heart sank when I pulled into the parking lot after a five-hour drive and found the columns blocked by a tall fence. Approaching on foot, though, I noticed that a section of the fence had been peeled back and that visitors were wandering freely among the stones, which protruded from the earth like isolated clusters of crooked teeth. I joined the small crowd, if hesitatingly, and was surprised to find no footpaths, nor anything to keep us a safe distance from the columns. In the end I wondered if our access had been officially approved or informally arranged.

My travel experiences were sometimes awkward in other ways, too.

Standing just outside the grounds of the central mosque in Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried, I was detained by a stern member of the Special Forces. (Even after 2019, non-Muslim tourists remained barred from Mecca and Medina, Islam’s two holiest cities. The ban was relaxed in parts of Medina in 2021.)

The guard interrogated me and, after calling a colleague to confer, demanded that I leave the area. “Go,” he said threateningly. Another traveler who witnessed the encounter scurried away to avoid a similar fate.

The unsettling exchange cast a pall over my time in the city, which few non-Muslims have seen. As far as I knew, I’d abided by the rules by staying outside the grounds of the Prophet’s Mosque — a boundary line that I’d confirmed with tourism officials beforehand.

Peering through the perimeter fence — the boundary line for non-Muslims — at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

The Mosque of Al-Ghamamah, one of the oldest in the holy city.

A sprawling maze of ramshackle residential buildings sits less than a mile from the Prophet’s Mosque.

A guide speaking to a group of visitors near the Hejaz Railway Museum, visible in the distance. (The museum was closed for renovations at the time.)

A group of young men, most of whose families emigrated from Sudan, playing soccer in a field just outside the center of Medina.

More than anything, family and friends wanted to know if I felt safe on my trip — and I did, almost without exception. Petty crime in Saudi Arabia is exceedingly rare. And while parts of the country are under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory , even my rambling itinerary was approved by a security expert.

Instead of fearing for my safety, I was often preoccupied with how I’d fairly portray a place that elicited such a range of conflicting emotions: joy and distress, excitement and apprehension, sincerity and doubt. So much lay hidden from public view — like the collective anguish over the war raging in Gaza . And so little was easy to categorize, in part because the warmth of everyday Saudis was strikingly at odds with the ruthlessness of their authoritarian government.

In Riyadh, a young man warned me not to speak openly with strangers. “People get arrested here for a tweet ,” he said. “Can you imagine?”

I could, actually. The Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi had chronicled his government’s increasingly draconian responses to criticism. “Repression and intimidation are not — and never should be — the acceptable companions of reform,” he wrote in The Washington Post in 2018, just months before he was killed and dismembered at his country’s consulate in Istanbul.

Were we to travel only where we feel comfortable and unchallenged, we’d all be poorer for it. But the question of whether to travel to Saudi Arabia is thornier than that.

It’s easy to see one response, “No,” as yielding to closed-mindedness at the expense of ordinary people — like the kindly vendor Abdullah, who served me local honey at his shop in the southern mountains.

But it’s easy, too, to see “Yes” as an affirmation that might makes right, that amusement outweighs morality, that princely wealth can wipe a stained slate clean.

Sunrise over the mountainous village of Fayfa, some six miles from the Yemeni border.

Abdullah Ghaleb Zaid, a honey vendor, at his shop atop a mountain pass near the southern city of Abha.

Sunset near Jabal Soudah, the kingdom’s highest peak.

Ten days into my trip, I ventured to Wadi al-Disah, a steep-walled valley where I’d booked a tent at a campsite I found on Airbnb. For an additional 300 riyals ($80), my host, Faisal, led me on a four-wheel-drive tour, departing the paved road and weaving through a path along the bed of an ephemeral river. Continually jolted by the uneven terrain, we eased past thick reeds, lofty palms and small bands of visitors who’d nestled into clearings.

As we left, I met a group of young men gathered for a picnic, their sandals scattered around a carpet on which they were preparing their dinner. Delighted to meet an American with a camera, they asked if I’d take a group portrait, then exchanged information with me so I could send them a copy — a scenario by then so familiar that I hardly thought anything of it.

A full day later, some 200 miles away, I was cruising along a lonely highway near the Jordanian border when a Land Cruiser blew past me at an astonishing speed. I felt my compact car rock from its turbulence — and then I watched with a twinge of dread as the car abruptly braked, slowing hard in the left lane until our front ends were aligned. It held steady there.

For a moment I stared straight ahead, hoping to avoid a confrontation. When I finally turned to look, I saw a group of boys grinning wildly and waving through an open window. Then I realized: Improbably, it was three of the young men I’d met the day before. Somehow we’d all followed the same route. And somehow, in the split second it took them to fly past, they’d recognized me. I lifted my camera from the passenger seat and snapped a photograph.

The picture shows three young Saudis on a precipice: endearing, erratic, captivating. I have a sense of where they came from but no certainty about where they’re going. Two are flashing peace signs, and none appears to be wearing a seatbelt. No one is watching the road as their car drifts out of its lane, careening a little recklessly into a hopeful and uncertain future.

Stephen Hiltner’s recent work includes a photo essay about his childhood in Budapest , an examination of A.I.-generated guidebooks and an investigation into the deaths of Russian soldiers in Ukraine . You can follow his travels on Instagram .

Got a question about this story? Drop a note in the comments section. Got a tip? Send him an email .

Read by Stephen Hiltner

Audio produced by Jack D’Isidoro .

Stephen Hiltner is an editor, writer and photographer for the Travel section of The Times. More about Stephen Hiltner

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Frequently asked questions

🎫 is it possible to obtain a visa on arrival in saudi arabia.

Nationals eligible for e-Visa can also obtain their visa on arrival. Payment is made on site at kiosks by credit card only.

The same applies to holders of British, American or Schengen visas.

⏱ When should I apply for a Saudi Arabia e-Visa?

We advise you to Apply for an e-Visa at least 5 days before your departure for Saudi Arabia . In fact, some files are sent for advanced analysis, extending the lead times.

⏳ How long is the Saudi Arabia e-Visa valid for?

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🤔 How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia with an e-Visa?

The e-Visa allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days . For longer stays, you should opt for a traditional visa in your passport, which will require you to submit a more complicated application. You can travel several times over 90 days during the year of validity of the e-Visa.

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📢 i am algerian, moroccan or tunisian, am i eligible for e-visa.

(Tunisians are currently experiencing difficulties in obtaining the eVisa). You can apply for an e-Visa if you have a Moroccan or Algerian passport and a residence permit for the United States, the United Kingdom or the European Union. OR a visa valid for at least one year, for the Schengen area, the United States or the United Kingdom, used at least once. If this is not the case, you should contact your nearest Saudi embassy.

❓Can I apply for an e-visa to make the Hajj pilgrimage?

The visa for the Hajj must be requested from the embassy or a specialist agency.

ℹ️ Can I use my e-Visa to buy and return ZamZam water?

If you wish to perform the religious pilgrimage of Umrah and benefit from the virtues of this sacred water, you must apply for a visa from a Saudi embassy/consulate in order to request an Umrah or Hajj visa. With this travel authorisation, you will be able to visit all the holy sites, without restrictions, and you will also be able to drink Zamzam water. For all travellers, it is forbidden to carry bottled water back to your country of origin.

💼 Can I apply for an e-Visa if I'm going away on business?

You will need to apply for a classic visa in an embassy.

⏩ Is there a time limit between two trips to Saudi Arabia?

There is no time limit between two trips to Saudi Arabia. The frequency and duration of your stays must not give the impression that you are trying to circumvent the rules and establish yourself indirectly and permanently in the country. This notion is at the discretion of the Saudi immigration authorities.

✈️ Do I need a visa to travel through Saudi Arabia?

Stopover of less than 12 hours with a connecting flight on the same airline: A transit visa is not required. During your stopover, you will not be able to leave the transit zone.
Stopover of less than 12 hours with a connecting flight on a different airline: A transit visa is compulsory, and can be obtained from the Embassy, your airline or the MOFA website.
Stopover of more than 12 hours and less than 96 hours with a connecting flight on the same or a different airline: A transit visa is compulsory. Flynas and Saudia airlines offer their travellers the option of applying for a 96-hour transit visa when they book their flight (Saudia Airline can pay for one night's hotel accommodation in certain cases).

Please note: to benefit from the transit visa with the purchase of your plane ticket, the reservation must be made within 90 days of your departure, after which the e-Visa will not be available and will have to be completed independently on your side.

📄 What should I do if my visa expires during my trip?

You must go to Saudi Arabia immigration office to apply for a new visa on arrival in the country.

🇮🇱 Can I travel to Saudi Arabia after visiting Israel?

Travelling to Saudi Arabia with an Israeli visa stamp is not prohibited . However, Israeli nationals are not permitted to enter the country.

🚸 Does the Saudi Arabia e-Visa also apply to minors?

Yes, minors also need an e-Visa . However, they must apply and travel with at least one "responsible" adult. You can group their applications on the same form. The fare is the same as for an adult.

🧒 Do I need to apply for an exit permit for my child?

If a minor leaves French territory without a legal guardian, he or she must be in possession of an AST (authorisation to leave the country). This document can be requested online, and must be completed by one of the holders of parental authority. When travelling, this form must be accompanied by a copy of the identity document of the legal guardian.

🏥 Which vaccinations are compulsory for travel to Saudi Arabia?

The meningococcal meningitis vaccine is compulsory for pilgrimages. Vaccinations against Poliomyelitis or Yellow Fever are compulsory if travellers have recently passed through transmission zones.

🧐 What is the difference between a traditional visa and an e-visa?

The e-visa is an ultra-simplified online procedure offered by governments to avoid queues at embassies, while boosting tourism. While it is suitable for most stays, certain special cases (nationalities, length of stay, reason for travel, etc.) still require traditional visas in the passport.

🚨 What should you do if you've made a mistake in your application?

If you discover an error before sending your administrative documents, please indicate the correction to be made by sending these documents .

Beyond that moment, corrections can no longer be applied . We invite you to contact us for more information .

Once an e-Visa has been issued, its details cannot be changed . You will need to submit a new application if your information differs significantly (passport number, etc.).

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Saudi Arabia
Middle East

Business visa cancellation process

I need some information,

How to cancel sponsored business visa?

Can I cancel it while exiting the country without company acceptance?

No. Sponsor has to cancel it.

Thanks XTang for you reply.

I have one more question.

It is necessary to cancel business visa before coming back to KSA on employment visa of another company?

I have 1 year visa upto October, multiple entries.

Also after completion of validity does it get cancel automatically or still we need to tell sponsor to cancel it?

After validity, it expires.

Also when employment visa is issued and you enter on it, the business visa gets cancelled.

Hi, Good Morning. I got a Job offer from a company in Saudi. I they issued multiple entry business visa for 1 year. I suppose to join in next month. Mean time i got another better offer from other company and they wanted to issue business visa.

Is it required to cancel my existing business visa which is not used so far in order to get new business visa from second company?

If so what is the procedure to cancel the visa.

@XTang hi. In my case my agent is telling that due to my business visa embassy is not stamping work visa. Embassy is saying to cancle first business visa. Please let me know is there any way to cancle the business visa by my self. Note that my visa is multi entery and still valid for 6 months.

Did any body got an idea how to get cancelled the business visa.

@XTang Hi brother. My sponsor is saying that they don't have any access to cancel this visa online from their system. Can you please guide any one in your contact who canceled his business visa.

I am not sure where the communication gap is. I have answered this above already.

For the last time and I suggest you read carefully:

1) Sponsored visa can ONLY be cancelled by the employer. Period. If sponsor is saying that they can't then they obviously don't know the process and there is nothing I can do about that. Just wait for your visa to expire in that case. Again, this is something I experienced myself as I had to cancel a 3 month business visa in order to apply and get a 1 year business visa - my sponsor did it

2) You do NOT need to cancel a business visa in order to apply for a work visa. You can apply for a work visa, enter on it and the business visa will automatically be cancelled. If the Embassy in your home country is giving you trouble then again, there is nothing I can do about that. This is something I experienced myself i.e. I had a business visa, got a work visa and entered on it while business visa was valid

Sir how to cancel business visa? I have 1 year multiple business Stiker visa.and i have dubai partner visa.how to i get Saudiarabia work permit visa ?

hi I was having one year multiple entry tourist visa for 90 days and I spent already 90 days in Saudi , now one company gave me work visa and I go back to Pakistan to stamp this visa and embassy said that your tourist visa is still valid , they didn't stamp my visa . I want to know how to cancel the tourist visa .

@Rehan Siddiqui44 same issue with me can you please guide me if it's solved

@Rehan Siddiqui44 from whichever country the visa was issued you need to present your sponsor's visa cancellation letter to Saudi Embassy in that country through the authorized agent.

I will be doing the same soon next month.

@Rehan Siddiqui44 your sponosor who issued visa should write a visa cancellation letter to Saudi Embassy in that country from where the visa was issued.

I will be doing the same soon to cancel my business visa.

@ssnaiducrri did you get the answer? Please i am facing the same issue.

@Rehan Siddiqui44

Brother , currently iam facing same issue , my business visa is still valid for more 3 months, but a new company is issuing work visa, please suggest what to do....

Hi I got my 3 month saudi work visa stamped on my passport I have not travelled to saudi due to some personal reasons and my visa has been expired also and currently my employer is asking me to submit passport to agent to cancel visa. i dont want to give my passport to agent. What happens if I don't cancel my visa. Will employer may take any legal actions against me and file a civil case other than banning from country for certain period of time.

Please can any one reply on this.

Please can anyone reply me

You can go to the nearest Saudi Embassy and they can cancel the balance visa period for you. Even you can renew a new visa the next day after the cancellation is done.

Hey Everyone!

I'm psoriasis patient and right now I have low intensity psoriasis spots on my body. I have some offers of work from KSA. Is it troubled for me to get medical test or visa? if yes, then what's the solution.

Hey Salman0099,

Someone replied to you here > Psoriasis-Work Visa

Expat.com team

@Rehan Siddiqui44 Hi rehan. my company is giving me 1 year business visa multiple. can you please tell me the rest of the procedure how to apply in local consulate in karachi or pakistan. what documents are required ???

i have a business visa valid for 6 more months and i got better offer from the other company. so i resigned to my current company. my new company want me to join as soon as possible. So can i travel to Saudi on my previous business visa? or there any legal obligations?

Legal obligations? just the fact that it is ILLEGAL to work on a business visa. You need a work visa/Iqama to be able to work with an employer.

Yes it is mandatory to cancel the previous valid visa from the Saudi consulate in your country through a local authorized travel agency to get the new visa stamped

Yes it is mandatory to cancel the previous valid visa from the Saudi consulate in your country through a local authorized travel agency to get the new visa stamped -@Mohammed Misbahuddin Shakeel

May vary based on consulate rules in individual countries. I can tell you that it is not necessary if you are applying from within GCC. For example, I had a 2 year business visa for Saudi and I got a work visa after 6 months from the Bahrain consulate - did not need to cancel the business visa.

have you cancelled your business visa ? if yes, can you please share the procedure.

You need a visa cancellation letter from the inviting party ( company that provided the invitation letter) and submit the letter to embassy along with your passport. They will cancel it.

@XTang How were you able to get Visa from Bahrain Consulate. Did you have any Visa for Bahrain or what was the process.

Can you please explain.

I have a residence visa in Bahrain. You cannot get any visa for Saudi from Bahrain unless you are a legal resident here.

Please advice, I am resident of Bahrain and I am Saudi business visa valid till December 2024.

I got offer from Saudi. I can apply for work visa from Bahrain mean I can do stamping in Bahrain itself? or I have to go home country?

Secondly, I need to cancel business visa of saudi for stamping?

Search the forums. I have answered this question in detail many many many times. Even as recently as a month ago - so I am not going to type out all of this again.

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COMMENTS

Saudi eVisa
The eVisa service is operated by Ministry of Tourism, 7775 Amr Al Damri Street Assafarat Dist. Riyadh 12512-3135 P.O. Box 66680 Riyadh 11586 KSA. 1.2 These terms ("Terms") provide you with the terms and conditions governing your use of the eVisa scheme and our provision of the eVisa service ("Service"). 1.3 The Service can be accessed via our ...
Saudi Arabia Visa Cancellation Rules
The cancellation of the visa must occur either within 90 days from the day of visa issuance or before the return date specified on the visa, whichever comes first. Fines will be imposed in accordance with the regulations if the visa is not canceled within the specified period. 1. General Rules.
Saudi eVisa
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. Through the fast and easy-to-use online portal, international visitors from 66 eligible countries can apply for an eVisa and discover the warm hospitality of Saudi people the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse and breathtaking landscapes; from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea to the ...
Cancel Exit Re-Entry Visa
Go to (Cancel Exit Re-Entry Visa). Enter the security code sent to the user mobile. Enter the residence number of the resident whose exit and re-entry visa is to be canceled. Resident information will appear to you. Click on (Cancel Visa). Click (Confirm). Last Modified Date: 11/03/2024 - 10:43 AM Saudi Arabia Time.
e-Visa Terms and Conditions
While coming to the Kingdom or departing therefrom, I shall be committed to declare any cash or precious metal and the like that worth up to "SAR 60,000" sixty thousand riyals or more or equivalent foreign currencies. Further, I shall be pledged to declare any valuable luggage while entering the Kingdom and pay any due customs duties and taxes.
All You Need to Know About the New Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa
The application for a tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia will cost SAR 440 or about EUR 107. However, according to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage " The price of the Service will be set out on the Website and at the time of payment during the eVisa application process. The fee for the eVisa may be amended from time to time ...
How To Check Visa Cancellation In Saudi Arabia
Finally, after the successful visa cancellation, it is important to check the appropriate documents and relevant notifications from the government. This is mainly done to confirm that the visa cancellation is official, and in order to avoid any disputes or issues with the Saudi government in the future. Additionally, it is highly important for ...
The One Stop Guide to the Saudi eVisa for Tourists
The Saudi eVisa allows nationals from 49 countries, aged 18 + to visit and stay in the kingdom for the purposes of tourism and/or Umrah for Muslims. It is valid either for 1 month (single visa) or up to 3 months (multiple entry) and is not renewable. Application, payment, and issue of the eVisa are done entirely online or with Visa On Arrival ...
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Apply now for an Electronic Tourist Visa to visit Saudi Arabia in 3 simple steps from the Official eVisa Portal
How to Cancel Exit Re-Entry Visas through Absher
How to Cancel Exit Re Entry Visa. Exit Re-Entry visas can be canceled through the Absher portal within 90 days of its issue or the "exit before" date specified on the visa. There will be no fee for cancellation.The fee for the issuance of the Exit Re-Entry Visa, on the other hand, will not be refunded.The procedure for canceling an exit re-entry visa is as follows.
How to cancel exit re entry visa in KSA?
Penalty for non-cancellation. If you neither travel nor cancel the exit re-entry visa the following fines are imposed on the visa holder in KSA. First instance: SR 1,000. Second instance: SR 2,000. Third instance: SR 3,000. Cancel exit re-entry visa in KSA. In order to cancel an exit re-entry visa, you need to follow this procedure;
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The online Saudi eVisa is the first type of tourist visa which allows foreign travelers to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. Before the introduction of the electronic visa, foreign nationals could only visit Saudi Arabia by requesting either a business visa or a visa for a religious pilgrimage (Hajj visa), both of which had to be done ...
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How to cancel family visit visa in KSA?
Scroll down and click on "Inquiries & Suggestions". Click on "Add New Inquiry or Suggestion". Type: Visa Number. Enter the Visa Number (explained below). Details: Please cancel the visa. Make sure you enter the number of the visa already issued by MOFA. Some people enter the application number instead of the visa number, which leads to ...
Tourist Visa
For more information about the Tourist Visa and how to apply, please, Visit Saudi website. The only verifiable source for the tourist visa is the link provided on the Embassy's website. Please do not use outside links as they cannot be verified and will not be accepted. ... Contact. The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 601 New Hampshire ...
Visa Cancellation
Cancelling Exit and Re-entry Visa for Workers. An e-service provided by the General Directorate of Passports through Absher platform, which enables beneficiaries to request cancelling exit and re-entry visa for workers. General Directorate of Passports. 9000 organization-AC057 Cancelling Exit and Re-entry Visa for Workers.
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The e-Visa allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days. For longer stays, you should opt for a traditional visa in your passport, which will require you to submit a more complicated application. You can travel several times over 90 days during the year of validity of the e-Visa.
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Saudi eVisa
Apply now for an Electronic Tourist Visa to visit Saudi Arabia in 3 simple steps from the Official eVisa Portal. ... All visitors of public place shall respect common values, customs and traditions of Saudi Arabia. Dress. All visitors to public places shall dress modestly and must not dress in outfits with photos, figures, signs or phrases ...
Important Visa Information
Payment Methods & Details. Fee Payment Extension: We understand that many nonimmigrant visa applicants paid a visa application fee (known as the MRV fee) and are still waiting to schedule a visa interview.The U.S. Mission will extend the validity of this MRV fee until September 30, 2023, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule an appointment as a result of the suspension of routine ...
What to do when it gets rejected!
1. Apply for the visas for adults before applying for visas for minors. You can always apply for visas for minors once the visa for the adults have been approved. 2. If your visa gets rejected, go to Enjaz website referred above. 3. Remember to select the visa type Tourism, not Personal Visit. 4.
Refund Policy
Refund or Cancellation Policy. For Saudi Arabia Visa Service you will got 100% refund of your amount and all paid fee on our site will be refunded to your account if :-. You can cancel your service request for any reasons for Service fees, before making payments / completing application. After making payments within 1 hour of your bookings, you ...
Cancel Stamped Saudi multiple entry Saudi Visit visa
2,243 posts. 134 reviews. 199 helpful votes. 3. Re: Cancel Stamped Saudi multiple entry Saudi Visit visa. 3 years ago. OP, someone in your employer's HR dept probably applied on your behalf online, to sponsor your ex-wife's visit visa. This would have been directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
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05 April 2023 18:59:45. #1. 8. Hi,I have got my saudi e-visa on January,but used just 40 days from 90. At this moment I received job offer and my boss asked my e-visa for annulation it ( because I can not have 2 saudi visas). But I could not got work visa .Is really my boss ( future boss by the way) can cancel my online evisa touristic even ...
Business visa cancellation process
Yes it is mandatory to cancel the previous valid visa from the Saudi consulate in your country through a local authorized travel agency to get the new visa stamped. -@Mohammed Misbahuddin Shakeel. May vary based on consulate rules in individual countries.