I recently visited Saudi Arabia for a quick 2 day Umrah trip. This was the first time I entered Saudi Arabia not through an Umrah Visa, rather the new Saudi Tourist Visa. I was a bit skeptical about this whole new online application. I was even more skeptical about the process that would take place once I Ianded in Jeddah. However, all my skepticism was put to rest when I experienced the entire process from start to finish first hand.
The online application was straight forward and easy to complete. The staff at the airport were professional and the immigration process – as smooth as butter, Allhumdulilah.
I put together this detailed step by step guide to help you apply for your own Saudi Tourist Visa. If you want to learn about the eVisa you can check out my other post about what the new Saudi Tourist Visa is all about and who is eligible to apply. If you have any questions about the application or anything else related to the Visa, you can reach out to me on Instagram @TheMuslimHopper and insha’Allah I will try my best to help you.
Step 1 – Passport Information
Go to the Saudi Tourist Visa website: https://visa.visitsaudi.com.
Scroll down and click on “Apply Now”.
Select what kind of passport you have – Regular, Diplomat or Special
Select your country of Nationality and enter the numbers you see in the CAPTCHA image. Click “Next”.
Step 2 – Account Registration
Before you apply for the eVisa, you must create an account. In this step, you will need to enter personal information such as name and contact information.
You will also need to set up an account by entering a password. Follow the instruction guidelines below the password field when creating a password. Click “Register”.
Step 3 – Account Activation
You will see a notification on the top telling you that account an activation link has been sent to your email. You must now go to your email and wait for the activation email. You should receive an email within a few minutes.
Below is the email you will receive. The activation link MUST be clicked within 24 hours.
After you click the “Click here” link in the email, you will be redirected to the Login page. Enter your email address, the password you created as well as the numbers you see in the CAPTCHA image. Click “Log In”.
Step 4 – Account Verification
Every time you log in to the eVisa portal you need to verify your email address. This is a two-step process where you need to first click on “SEND THE VERIFICATION CODE” link.
You will receive an email in your inbox with a verification code that you will need to enter on the eVisa website.
Enter the verification code and click “SUBMIT”
Step 5a: Personal Picture
I wanted to make this a substep on its own because it may be a cause of confusion for some. On the Saudi Tourist Visa website, there are very specific instructions about the size and dimensions of the picture. However, do not get overwhelmed by the specifics.
All you need to do is take a headshot from shoulders and above on a white background with your phone. Upload the image and you should be good to go. Improvise with what you have and make the best of the situation. Once you land at the airport, the immigration officers will take your picture again.
Step 5b: Personal Information
You will now need to enter personal information about yourself such as where you live, where you were born, marital status, etc. Once complete, click “Next”.
Step 6: Passport Information
This step is easy. Go through each field one by one and make sure you accurately transfer all information from your passport into the appropriate fields.
You must now select why you are entering Saudi Arabia. Choose all the options that apply to you and your situation.
If you don’t want to receive the eVisa on the email and phone number you entered when you registered for an account you can enter an alternate number and email in this section. If not, just select “No” for both.
You must now enter where you will be staying in Saudi Arabia. If you are staying at someone’s home then enter their name and address. If you are staying at a hotel, then select “Commercial Accommodation” and see the next screenshot.
If you will be staying at a hotel, you need to enter the hotel name. You don’t have to have a confirmed booking. I suggest to search up a hotel you expect to book and enter the details here. Once entered, click “Next”.
Step 7: Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance is a mandatory part of obtaining a Saudi Tourist Visa. The cost of medical insurance is included in the Saudi Tourist Visa fee. In this step, you can read more information about the different insurance companies and then move onto the next page.
Click on the radio button to accept the medical insurance fee associated with the eVisa and click “Next”.
Step 8: Terms & Condition
Review the Terms and Conditions. Click on the radio button at the bottom to agree. Click “Next”.
Step 9: Review Application and Payment Method
You will enter your credit card information in the next step but you need to select which credit card you will use on this page.
Click the radio button to accept that everything you have entered is true and accurate. Click “Agree & Complete Payment”.
Step 10: Payment
In this step, you need to enter your credit card information to make the payment. The cost of the Saudi Tourist Visa (including medical insurance and VAT) is 463.44 Saudi Riyal. I applied for myself, my wife and my son so my total was $1390.32 SAR.
After the payment has been successful, you will be redirected to a confirmation page.
The application is now complete. If all goes well, you should receive the eVisa in your email inbox.
Step 11: Receive Confirmation Email with eVisa
I received my eVisa within minutes of submitting my application. The eVisa is attached to the email as a PDF document.
You’re all done! You can print out the eVisa or have a copy of it on your phone. I did not have the chance to print the eVisa and had it on my phone only. Everything went smoothly once I landed in Jeddah.
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