- Issuer: Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Who can apply: Saudi citizens & residents with valid Iqama (sponsor)
- Single entry: 30 days stay, renewable in-country (up to 5 times)
- Multiple entry: 90 days stay per visit, re-entry required (no in-country renewals)
- Status check: MOFA portal → “Application submitted to MOFA”
- Need: valid Iqama (≥4 months), medical insurance, correct kinship documents
- Overstay leads to fines; extend (if eligible) before expiry
Want to invite close family to Saudi Arabia? This guide explains who can apply, validity for single vs. multiple entries, documents, and how to track your MOFA status step by step. It’s structured for quick answers and rich results.
What is the Saudi Family Visit Visa?
A short-stay visit visa that lets the immediate family of a Saudi citizen or Iqama holder enter the Kingdom for a temporary stay. The resident or citizen acts as the sponsor.
Who counts as immediate family?
Spouse, children, parents, and (in many cases) parents-in-law. Siblings typically require separate categories and are not always eligible under “family visit.”
Validity & Stay: Single vs. Multiple Entry
Single Entry
- Stay: 30 days per visit.
- Extension: Can be extended inside KSA (typically up to 5 times) if rules are met (insurance, valid passport, fee paid, etc.).
- Travel: No exit required for extension while valid.
Multiple Entry
- Stay: Up to 90 days per visit.
- Extension: Not extended inside KSA; the visitor must exit and re-enter to reset the allowed stay, while the visa remains valid.
- Travel: Multiple entries permitted during visa validity.
Tip: If you plan a longer continuous stay without travel, single-entry with in-country extensions is usually the practical route. If you plan to travel in and out, multiple-entry is convenient.
Eligibility & Sponsor Requirements
- Sponsor must be a Saudi citizen or resident with a valid Iqama (commonly, at least 4 months remaining at the time of application).
- Sponsor’s details must match Absher/Muqeem records.
- Family relationship must be provable (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
Required Documents (typical)
- Sponsor’s Iqama copy and passport copy.
- Visitor’s passport (valid for 6+ months).
- Passport-size photos (as requested).
- Proof of relationship (attested marriage/birth certificates where applicable).
- Medical insurance covering the visitor during the stay (purchased during/after e-visa form as prompted).
(MOFA may adjust document requirements; follow the on-screen prompts during the application.)
How to Apply (Overview)
- Sponsor logs in to MOFA e-services and fills out the family visit request.
- Enter visitor details exactly as on the passport.
- Attach documents as requested and submit.
- Note the Application Number and keep the sponsor’s Iqama Number handy.
- After approval, complete insurance and consular steps (as instructed on MOFA).
- The visitor prints the e-visa (or submits a passport if local mission stamping is needed).
How to Check Family Visit Visa Status (MOFA)
Please have the following ready: MOFA Application Number and the Sponsor’s Iqama Number.
Steps
- Open the MOFA website.
- Switch language to English if needed.
- Go to Query → Application submitted to MOFA.
- Enter Application Number, Iqama Number, and captcha.
- Click Inquire to view status.
Results you may see
- Approved: You’ll see your visa details (visitor information, visa number, and duration).
- Under process / Rejected: A short message will appear. Rejections typically cite data mismatch or missing documents.
Extension & Overstay Notes
- Single-entry: Extend inside KSA before expiry if eligible.
- Multiple-entry: Exit and re-enter to reset the stay.
- Overstay: Expect fines and potential complications on future entries. Always renew/exit before the last day.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Data mismatch between the passport and the application.
- Iqama validity is too short.
- Missing or unverified kinship documents.
- Insurance was not arranged where required.
FAQs
A. Yes. A Saudi resident with a valid Iqama can sponsor immediate family via MOFA e-services. Family games
A. Single entry: 30-day stay with in-country extensions. Multiple entry: up to 90 days per visit, no in-country extension—exit and re-enter.
A. No. Family Visit Visa is for temporary visits and cannot be converted to residency.
A. Yes, valid visitor medical insurance is required for the duration of the stay.
A. Go to MOFA → Query → Application submitted to MOFA, then enter Application Number and Sponsor’s Iqama Number.
Conclusion
Choosing between a single-entry Family Visit Visa and a multiple-entry one depends on your travel plans. If you want to stay longer without leaving the Kingdom, a single-entry visa with renewals is practical. If you expect to travel in and out, a multiple-entry visa makes sense.
Make sure your sponsor’s Iqama is valid and all documents are correct before applying, as errors often cause rejections. To avoid last-minute issues, always track your case on the Muqeem & MOFA portals and extend or exit before expiry to avoid fines.
With the right preparation, your family’s stay in Saudi Arabia can be smooth and stress-free.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to ensure the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and well-sourced, we cannot guarantee its completeness or absolute accuracy. All images, videos, and logos featured on this page are the property of their respective owners. We make every effort to provide proper credit and references. If you are the rightful owner and would like your image, video, or logo removed, please contact us.
Vania Ali is a dentist by profession and a passionate blogger at Saudi Scoop. With a love for writing and exploring new places, Vania shares insightful content that informs and inspires readers while embracing the thrill of travel.
