How to Get a Visit Visa for Saudi Arabia from Pakistan
Obtaining a visit visa for Saudi Arabia from Pakistan has become a more straightforward process in recent years, thanks to the introduction of online systems and e-visas. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Saudi visit visa:
- Determine Visa Type
Saudi Arabia offers different types of visit visas, including:
- Family Visit Visa: For those who wish to visit family members residing in Saudi Arabia.
- Tourist Visa: For tourism purposes, this visa allows single or multiple entries for leisure trips.
- Business Visa: For attending meetings or business-related activities.
Make sure you choose the right visa category that fits the purpose of your visit.
- Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Saudi visit visa, you must:
- Hold a valid Pakistani passport with at least six months of validity.
- Provide a recent passport-sized photo.
- Have a confirmed travel itinerary and accommodation details.
- Show proof of relationship (for family visit visas).
- Visa Application Process
- a) Online Application (Tourist Visa)
Saudi Arabia has introduced an e-Visa system for tourists, making the process simple and convenient:
- Visit the official Saudi eVisa Portal or an authorized visa agent.
- Fill out the online available application form with your details.
- Upload the required documents, including a passport copy and photograph.
- Pay the visa fee, which typically starts from SAR 300 (excluding medical insurance).
- Upon approval, you will receive the e-visa by email.
- b) Family and Business Visit Visas
For family and business visit visas, the process involves:
- Invitation Letter: For family visas, a relative in Saudi Arabia must generate an invitation letter through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). For business visas, the hosting company in Saudi Arabia will issue an invitation.
- Submit Documents: After receiving the invitation letter, visit the nearest Etimad Visa Service Center or apply via the MOFA visa portal. You will need:
- A valid passport
- Passport-sized photograph
- Invitation letter
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of relationship for family visas (if applicable)
- Biometrics and Fees: Pay the required visa fees and undergo biometric verification.
- Wait for Approval: The processing time for the visa can vary but typically takes a few days.
- Medical Insurance
Saudi Arabia requires all visitors to have medical insurance. The insurance cost is usually included in the visa fee for tourist visas. For other visas, ensure you obtain valid health coverage approved by Saudi authorities.
- Processing Time and Fees
- The time required for record processing normally ranges from 2 to 7 business days.
- The visa fee for a tourist visa is approximately SAR 440, including mandatory insurance. For family or business visas, the fees depend on the type and duration of the visa.
- Entry Requirements
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, you must have:
- A valid visa.
- Proof of return ticket.
- Accommodation details (such as hotel reservations).
- A valid passport (at least six months validity).
Conclusion
The Saudi visit visa process from Pakistan is relatively simple with the availability of online applications for tourist visas. For family and business visit visas, the process involves invitation letters and submission through approved centers. Please always refer to and download all the necessary information from only the Saudi official government website as it is always up-to-date.
References for more detailed information:
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): Saudi Visa Information
- Saudi eVisa Portal: Saudi Tourist Visa
- Visit our office for one-on-one session with our expert
