Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Visa Types and Application Processes 2026

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has significantly modernized its visa policies, opening its doors to a wider audience for tourism, business, and religious visits. The introduction of the electronic visa (e-visa) system, in particular, has greatly simplified the application process for citizens of many countries. As of 2026, it is crucial for applicants to correctly identify the visa type that matches their purpose of travel and carefully follow the relevant procedures. Visa types are generally categorized as tourist/e-visa, business visa, work visa, and religious purpose (Hajj/Umrah) visas.

Saudi Arabia Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Online Application

Citizens of many countries, including those eligible under the designated list, can benefit from the Saudi Arabia e-visa system for tourism purposes. The e-visa can be used for tourist trips, performing Umrah outside the Hajj season, or attending various events.

The online application process is straightforward:

• Filling out the application form on the official e-visa portal.
• Entering the required personal information and passport details.
• Paying the visa fee online with a credit card.
• Receiving the e-visa via email upon approval of the application.

E-visas are typically issued as multiple-entry visas, valid for one year, and allow for a total stay of up to 90 days. It is mandatory for the passport to have at least 6 months of validity at the time of application.

Saudi Arabia Business and Work Visa Applications

Travel for business or work purposes is not covered by the e-visa and requires different procedures.

Business Visa and Invitation Letter Requirement

A business visa is required for attending meetings with a company, participating in a fair, or conducting business negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The most fundamental requirement for this visa type is an official invitation letter from the host company in Saudi Arabia. This invitation must be an electronic document approved by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the invitation, a letter from the applicant's company in their home country, stating the purpose of the trip and how expenses will be covered, must also be submitted. Applications are generally made through authorized visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global).

Work Visa

This is the visa required to work in Saudi Arabia. The process is initiated by the employer in Saudi Arabia. After obtaining the necessary permits from local authorities, the employer provides a reference number for the applicant. The applicant then applies with this reference number and other required documents to the Saudi missions or the authorized agency in their country.

Difference Between Saudi Arabia Hajj and Umrah Visas

Hajj and Umrah are two distinct Islamic rituals, and their visa procedures differ accordingly.

• Umrah Visa: Can be performed during most of the year, outside the Hajj season. As mentioned above, citizens of eligible countries can now perform Umrah with a tourist e-visa, which has significantly simplified the process. However, special Umrah visa options are also available for those who wish to travel solely for Umrah.
• Hajj Visa: This is a special visa mandatory for the Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place only during a specific period of the year (the month of Dhul Hijjah). Hajj visa applications are organized through national Hajj commissions or authorized travel agencies within the quotas set for each country. It is not possible to apply for a Hajj visa individually, and the Hajj pilgrimage cannot be performed with a tourist visa.

General Application Requirements and Important Considerations

Certain general rules apply to all visa types. Additional documents may be requested depending on the visa category.

Passport Validity and the Israel Stamp Issue

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of departure from Saudi Arabia. The issue of having an Israeli entry-exit stamp in the passport was once a reason for visa denial. Although Saudi Arabia's policies have become more relaxed today, there is still a possibility that this could lead to additional questioning at the border. To minimize the risk of problems, especially for more comprehensive applications like business or work visas, it may be advisable to renew the passport if possible. This issue is generally less of a concern for e-visa applications.

Saudi Arabia Visa Process with Hermes Vize

You can get professional support to ensure your Saudi Arabia visa application is managed according to the latest procedures and is best suited to your travel purpose. To have our experts handle the necessary steps for your e-visa, business visa, or other visa types and to simplify your process, you can contact the Hermes Vize team.