Saudi E-Visa Application Guide For GCC Residents

The Internet has taken the world by a hurricane. It is the most commonly used sentence in the writer’s world. It’s legitimately true. How so? 

A while ago, when things were being balanced out, functioning online and in the market ways, covid hit us.

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The pandemic took us by surprise and literally moved significant businesses and customers toward E-commerce.

The Initiative By Saudi Arabia For GCC Residents

Just like that, Saudi Arabia came up with another initiative. The Saudi tourist Visas can also be applied online for GCC residents. The abbreviation for GCC is Gulf Cooperation Council.

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This came into effect on 1st September 2022 for all GCC residents and expatriates. One essential head up before we move on with the article; Visa holders can perform Umrah outside of Hajj season. 

Countries That Come Under GCC 

There are almost six member states that are listed. They are as follows;

1. Kuwait
2. Oman
3. Saudi Arabia 
4. United Arab Emirates 
5. Bahrain
6. Qatar

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This article will walk you through all the relevant information like fees, validity, conditions, and how to apply online for Saudi tourist visas for GCC residents. Let’s get started!

We’re going to discuss

• Requirements for the Visa application 
• Profession-wise eligibility criteria 
• Tourist Visa fees
• Validity of Visa
• Application of Visa for family members 
• Steps to apply for the tourist Visa
• Status check of Saudi E-Visa for GCC residents

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Requirements for the Visa application

GCC residents need to meet the following requirements to get their online Saudi e-Visa or be eligible;

• Your GCC residency profession must be listed on the portal as an eligible occupation. 
• You must carry a passport with the validity of 6 months remaining. 
• Lastly, A valid residency visa of three-month to the least, issued from one of the GCC countries.

Profession-wise eligibility criteria 

There are no hardcore limitations by listing out only major occupations. Saudi online Visa serves the GCC residents in all professions except labor, nursing, and driving. 

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Tourist Visa fees

The visa tourist fee is SAR300, plus a fee for health insurance. The fee for visa application is non-refundable. 

Validity of Visa

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Application of Visa for family members 

You need to apply for your Visa first. Once you do, you can apply for your immediate family too. However, they can visit the country along with you.

Steps to apply for the tourist Visa

Documentations and online forms could be frustrating and draining if you cannot figure out how to do them, which is why we tend to brief the procedure for you for a hassle-free experience! 

Let’s follow through;

Step #1: You need an account

• Visit the MOFA portal and sign up!

• All you have to do is provide your email address and generate a password for your account. Finally, hit the register button once you’re done!

Steps #2: Time to create a New Visa Application 

• Log in to the MOFA portal by entering the generated password and email ID we discussed in the last step. 
• You may see the “Add a New Application” tab; hit it to create a new VISA application. 

Step #3: Let’s start filling out the Visa Application 

• “Tourism Visa” is the Visa type you’ll select.
• Then choose transport mode. Your options will be Land, Air, Sea, or open.
• Now select the Saudi mission.
• Next up is your personal information. That involves your full name & nationality.
• Also, add your residency visa number, issue country, and mention the expiry date.
• There is a drop-down menu to choose your occupation from.

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Step #4: Involves document uploading 

The documents that are needed to be uploaded are as follows:

• Passport size photo
• Passport copy
• Residency Visa copy

Step #5: Fill out the Passport details further 

You have to be a little more patient because we’re taking steps towards the end. All you need to check in more details are;

• Passport number 
• Mention the country of issue
• Expiry date
• Passport Type
• Issue Date
• Your birth date
• Place of birth
• Marital status
• Gender
• Address in Saudi Arabia

Step #6: Input Travel Date

• Input your expected travel date
• Now choose the port of entry: Madinah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, or Dahran.

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Step #7: Now choose Visa Type 

Kindly choose tourist visa types from the two options.

• Single Entry Visa
• Multiple Entry Visas

You may see an image code, Enter & select Save. 

All your data will be displayed—moreover, an option to fill in your contact number & email address. 

Step #8: Choose a Health Insurance Plan

Saudi Health Insurance companies have different plans that are suitable for everyone. Pick yours from the list, and let’s proceed. 

Step #9: Finally, Pay for your Saudi E-Visa

We have finally come to an end and final step of the application. Pay with your debit or credit card to apply for the Saudi E-Visa.

Once the application is approved, you’ll be emailed your E-Visa. It might take a few hours, but we hope it’ll be worth the wait for you. 

Status check of Saudi E-Visa for GCC residents

MOFA website helps you check your E-Visa status after completing your visa application. 

Here are some easy steps to follow;

• Visit the link that takes you to the MOFA site
• The inquiry type to select is “Visa Application.”
• Quickly enter your Passport and Application number.
• Just hit the Search button now!

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The Next page will open with the status of your tourist Visa. 

Conclusion:

From the discussion, Travelling to Saudi Arabia has become more accessible and convenient than ever. The process lies just at the end of your fingertips!

Click away, follow through the steps at your couches, and plan the trip within only a few hours! What is keeping you from now? This article is your green signal to get going! Apply for your E-Visa now.