Do I Need a VISA to Visit Saudi Arabia?

Jun 7, 2024

Last Updated on: Jun 19, 2024

Travel Guides

You should purchase the visit to most of the countries in the world except for a few. Saudi Arabia is encouraging international travelers to visit their country and explore the beauty of their cities and Islamic landmarks in their country with the purpose of Umrah or booking an adventurous trip because there are a lot of places where you can enjoy the most. 

In fact, tourism contributes a significant portion of the Saudi economy nowadays. People from different parts of the globe plan to visit Saudi Arabia to have a good time. That’s why, Saudi Arabia is focusing on providing facilities to visitors so that they can enjoy at best. 

The same goes with pilgrims as well. Pilgrimage also contributes to the Saudi economy and helps the government to maintain the spirituality of the land. This is a reason the Saudi government ensures that pilgrims have a fulfilling experience during their stay. Umrah packages also help pilgrims in this regard. The purpose is to make pilgrims free from tackling management and focus on Ibadah. 

However, the question is whether visitors can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa. If not, what type of visa should they consider before proceeding with their plan? Well, read ahead. 

Why Do I Need a VISA When Visiting Saudi Arabia?

Why Do I Need a VISA When Visiting Saudi Arabia

KSA is a hub for Islamic landmarks. Because the kingdom is significant both in terms of spirituality and modernity, it has become a top priority of visitors nowadays. Some of them want to explore Saudi heritage, while others seek closeness to Allah and his house, the Kabbah. 

But it requires you to have a relevant VISA anyway. A VISA document is a legal issuance certificate that outsiders need to enter a foreign country. Just like other countries, Saudi Arabia also requires you to have a VISA. 

For pilgrims, it’s easier to get VISA approval through Umrah packages. Providing VISA application assistance and ensuring VISA approval is part of these Umrah and Hajj deals. 

The same happens with cheap plans like the 12 Nights 4 star Umrah package. You just have to arrange the required documents and enter personal details on the VISA application. Then, the travel agencies take care of application submission and approval. 

Though visitors don’t have to apply for VISAs through Umrah package deals, they require a VISA to enter Saudi Arabia. However, these VISA requirements and details are different under different conditions. So, let’s see what type of visa you should consider according to your plans.

Who Needs a VISA?

Who Needs a VISA

Just like in other countries, entering Saudi Arabia also requires a VISA. A VISA refers to a travel document or a legal statement. 

The main purpose of requiring a VISA is to define your purpose for visiting the country of Saudi Arabia. If you are a business traveller, tourist, or pilgrim, you need to apply for a specific type, for instance. 

In addition, visa documents are also necessary for countries to keep checks and balances on the entry and take-off of tourists. Through a VISA, tourists can claim their rights to their respective country’s government. Similarly, it also guarantees the safety and integrity of the country. 

The same policy is for Saudi Arabia. You should apply for a specific type of VISA to enter the KSA. However, Saudi Arabia also has exceptions. 

Our honourable customers who are living in some of the Gulf countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar can enter the boundary of Saudi Arabia without a VISA. Similarly, the VISA Waiver Agreement allows some travelers to apply for a VISA on arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

In general, visitors must need a VISA to enter Saudi Arabia. However, it is better to research whether you need a VISA or not. And if so, what type of visa do you need?

Types of VISA for Saudi Arabia

Types of VISA for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia earns a lot of money from tourism. It includes pilgrims and tourists alike. Therefore, Saudi Arabia focuses on enhancing the experience of visitors. The VISA process and requirements also reflect the simplification of visiting Saudi Arabia. 

For instance, Saudi Arabia issues different types of VISA documents to travellers according to their needs. This way, the process of entry into the kingdom works.

In general terms, the price of all these VISA types varies depending on the purpose of the visit. For example, travellers apply for tourist VISAs and can stay in the country for up to 90 days.

Tourist visas, Umrah visas, Hajj visas, business visas, and work visas are the most common types of VISAs that are availed from Saudi Embassies by global travellers. This VISA type comes with a validity of one year with multiple visits in a year. 

Umrah VISA and Hajj VISA

An Umrah VISA tells everything. Pilgrims apply for an Umrah VISA to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Umrah packages also help them engage with Ziarat tours. This VISA type offers a short validity period, usually equal to the duration of the Umrah pilgrimage only. 

Similarly, pilgrims get a Hajj VISA to perform Hajj. Hajj VISA also comes up with short validity, often for the duration of Hajj. 

Business VISA

Business VISA allows people to visit Saudi Arabia for work activities. For instance, with a business VISA, you can attend meetings or conferences in Saudi Arabia. 

However, it’s a dynamic type of VISA that comes up with multiple entries as well as a single entry, depending on your work requirements and duration. 

Employee or Work VISA

Another type of Saudi VISA is a work VISA. It’s for individuals who have a job offer from Saudi Arabia and want to live there as an employee. Work VISAs remain valid up to the job contract or need renewal frequently. 

In short, Saudi Arabia streamlines the process of entry into the kingdom. So, define the purpose of your visit and apply for a relevant visa.

VISA Requirements

VISA Requirements

Now, you will find out what type of VISA you have to get. After all, it’s easier to spot until the purpose of your visit is clear to you. Here, a question hits your mind: how to you apply for a Saudi VISA? 

You should collect all the necessary documents. These include: 

  • a valid passport
  • passport size photographs
  • VISA application form
  • proof of hotel accommodations in KSA
  • non-refundable tickets.

In some of cases, it is also important to avail yourself of travel insurance, health insurance, and relevant additional documents. 

After making sure you have the necessary documents on hand, proceed with the application process. Note that pilgrims have to apply for an Umrah VISA through Umrah packages. The same goes for affordable deals like the 12 Nights 4-star Umrah. 

However, travellers, visitors, and working employees can apply for Saudi VISAs through the eVISA portal. 

To proceed, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the eVISA official page and fill out the application form with personal and travel details.
  2. Upload the necessary documents and pay the VISA fee.
  3. Submit the form and look for approval.

Visitors can also apply for a VISA in person through the embassy. Take an application form and the necessary documents. Fill out the application form, attach the documents, and visit the Saudi embassy to submit the documents in person. Also, pay the fee there as they will guide you and wait for the approval.

Tips to Ensure VISA Approval

Tips to Ensure VISA Approval

Applying for a Saudi VISA document is straightforward. This is because Saudi Arabia streamlines the whole process to promote tourism. However, some people still find the whole process challenging, and it has some reasons. 

For instance, leaving the application form incomplete is a common mistake that ends up with a VISA rejection. To avoid it, read every section of the application form carefully and fill in all the required fields. Also, double-check the form before submitting it. 

On the other hand, some people add inaccurate information to the application form, which can also cause visa rejection. 

For instance, avoid spelling mistakes, wrong passport numbers, and incorrect travel dates in the application form. The best solution to avoid these mistakes is to cross-check all the information with your official documents and details. 

Conclusion

Following this, make sure to avoid missing documents while submitting the application form. So, be careful with your documents and make a list of required documents in the first place. After that, as you upload the document, mark that one on your list, and that’s it. 

Similarly, providing poor-quality photos and submitting late application forms also lead to VISA rejection. So, follow the photo guidelines beforehand and also submit the application form in advance. It will save you from approval delays all the way.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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BY  sagnika Aug 19, 2023

Want to know about the best hotels in Mexico City? Was your experience the last time difficult? Not to worry! I have made a list for you with 25 of the best hotels in Mexico City that will allow you to experience luxury, art, beauty, comfort, accessibility, aesthetics, and adventure. It is considered one of the most populated areas in the world, with the second-highest number of museums! Please read the article to learn about the best hotels in Mexico City and what your budget should be for it! Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City If you visit Mexico City, you must find accommodation that will provide you with all the amenities and fulfill your requirements! I have listed some of the hotels close to some of the best places in Mexico to be as a traveler! For example, Coyoacan is an artsy and modern village; hence, you must visit it. So, I will name some of the best hotels you can book to access the village. There is a sense of traditional experiences in the village. Apart from that, when you visit the hotels, you will realize that Mexico City is big on art and beauty, as many hotels have displayed art such as paintings, sculptures, and others. So you are thinking, where to stay in Mexico City? About Mexico City Mexico City is known for some of its significant features, such as the Frida Kahlo Museum, El Zocalo, Chapultepec Castle, Palacio Nacional, and others! So when creating the list of best hotels, it is important to consider these attractions. The city has historical and cultural connections through its buildings and diverse ethnicity! Visiting Mexico City can also be because you have some work or business opportunities. I will include some hotels that are the perfect backdrop for the meeting or conference. Best Hotels In Mexico City The name Mexico City means "the navel of the moon," which houses a lot of beautiful castles, buildings, and places. It also boasts some monarchic buildings which you must visit when visiting the city! I am shortlisting the 25 best hotels Mexico City based on their services, accommodation amenities, affordability, and accessibility. 1. Sofitel Mexico City Reforma Want to eat and look over the sweeping panoramic vistas of Mexico City? The Sofitel Mexico City Reforma gives you just that! A Five-Star hotel, it is one of the best in the country. As a French luxury brand, the hotel's luxurious amenities and style have the city's best services! They have created a name for themselves, and as a brand, they offer some of the city's most breathtaking views. There is a rooftop restaurant in the hotel where you can reserve a table for lunch or get an amazing breakfast and enjoy the beautiful views of the city! The price of the rooms per night is $428.64! 2. Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel The location is the most convenient if you book the Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel, based on Paseo de la Reforma. Thus, you can easily catch an Uber or walk if your destination is closer. With a tight budget, you can book the rooms for $126.74 per night! You will get free Wi-Fi, comfortable rooms, and a fantastic city view, including the iconic Angel of Independence. There is a rooftop pool that sports an even better idea; when I stayed there, it was mostly void of people! You will get a healthy breakfast, a restaurant, and a coffee shop. If you are body-conscious, you need not worry; there is an onsite gym in the hotel! There are meeting rooms and facilities that will allow you to conduct conferences and special events. You need to book it in advance, though! 3. Octavia Casa The retreat has been crafted by fashion designer Roberta Maceda who has extended their business along with the Octavia clothing line. You can also shop from the clothing line when you book this hotel. It is one of the best Mexico City hotels! If you consider buying that button-up crisp shirt, this is your chance. The home is perfect for a group of people holidaying together as you can access cotton-satin bedding, homeware, and other interior that are beautifully designed. The price of the beautiful home starts from $422.42, while there is delicious food and drink! 4. Le Meridien If you are attracted to modern design and architecture, this is for you! The Le Meridien Mexico City is a property by Marriott situated along the Paseo de la Reforma. The rooms are quite large, almost apartment-sized, with windows extending from floor to ceiling glass! The large suites include a separate living room with a giant television set, a large sofa, a desk, and a chair! It will create a workspace for you! You will also get free Wi-Fi. The room per night costs around $125.07. There is an indoor swimming pool and a jacuzzi where you can relax and rejuvenate. There is also a gym downstairs in the hotel, which is an easier option for people who regularly like to workout! The Mexican restaurant connected with the restaurant offers amazing delicacies; you must take advantage of it when you visit! 5. Casa Polanco The Casa Polanco Hotel Boutique charges $496.80 for a room for one day, and the environment around the room is so beautiful that you will think it is a timeless and unique space. The staff is well aware of the requirements of the guests. Most of the people who visit the hotel are quite sophisticated. Hence, the rooms are well-furnished. You can access different places in Mexico City from the hotel, such as Mariano Escobedo, Paseo de las Palmas, and Paseo de la Reforma. There are different services available that make your stay a little better, such as free parking, free breakfast, couples massage, bicycles available, a fitness center, and others. It is one of the best places to stay in Mexico City! 6. Volga A luxury hotel, Volga Hotel opened in June 2023 and has already made a name for itself with the urban yet soothing experience of the rooms. There is a skylight in the interiors of the rooms, which are designed slickly. There is a music stage, cabanas, and loungers on the rooftop terrace, so you can chill around or even carry your laptop there and work! A bar is in the works, based out on the terrace. The prices of the rooms in the hotel start from $839.85 per night! 7. Mondrian Mexico City Condesa The hotel Mondrian Mexico City Condesa is based on the crossroads of the two most popular neighborhoods, Condesa and Roma. If you want to have the most alluring views while staying in a hotel, this is the hotel you should book your rooms in! The hotel has 183 rooms and 18 luxury suites! The hotel charges $169.11 for one room per night. You will get free Wi-Fi along with private parking and fitness centers. 8. La Valise A luxury hotel, La Valise is a 1920s French-style townhouse situated in Roma Norte. I can assure you that it is one of the most intimate luxury hotels in Mexico City. The price of the rooms starts from $459.87 per night! Three rooms are available in the La Valise: La Terraza, La Luna Suite, and El Patio Suite. The suite called La Terraza allows the guests to sleep under the stars as well as a king-size bed. There is also a private terrace along with the room. The hotel is beautiful in design, aesthetics, and architecture. You can book the hotel if you are planning on a romantic getaway! Book it fast; there are only three! 9. Casa Prim The hotel is a family-owned hotel or can also be identified as a gorgeous small boutique that gives you a luxurious experience. The rooms charge $115.96 per night, so if you are on a tight budget yet want to feel luxurious, this is your moment! It is one of the top hotels in the city with its historic architecture and design! As guests, you will experience positivity with all the added thoughtful and supportive facilities. For example, free toiletries, room service, bathrobes, wardrobes, and coffee makers are present in the room. You can also access free Wi-Fi and room service in this hotel! There is a complimentary breakfast, and the perfect location gives you access to Paseo de la Reforma or Roma Norte. 10. Intercontinental Presidente Mexico City It is one of the popular business hotels in Mexico City where business travelers and people planning for conferences go! Seminars and workshops are a significant part of the guests' itinerary in the Intercontinental Presidente Mexico City! If you book a room in this hotel, you will be charged $273.80 per night! The hotel hosts many bars and onsite restaurants! You can access the spacious fitness center and health club if you are a fitness freak. The hotel is pet friendly; very few of those are there in Mexico, so if you are a dog or a cat lover, you know which hotel to book! If you are lucky enough, you can get rooms that give you a view of the National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Park. 11. Zocalo Central Hotel The incredible view that the terrace restaurant of Zocalo Central Hotel gives you is incomparable. If you are visiting Mexico City for a good time, you must book rooms in this hotel to enjoy lunch or a drink. One of the best views you can access from this hotel is the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. If you book rooms in the hotel, you must pay $152.12. Your stay will be charming, especially when there are kitchenettes along with the rooms. 12. Barcelo Mexico Reforma The hotel is considered one of the best hotels in Mexico City, where the starting price of the rooms starts from $133.02. The hotel is located on Avenida Paseo de La Reforma and provides Wi-Fi, a fitness center, conference facilities, a business center, a bar, and others. 13. Four Season Mexico City The hotel is one of the Five-star luxury hotels in Mexico City, and if you have the moolah, do not miss your chance to stay in this hotel. It is undeniably one of the best luxury hotels in the city. The price of rooms starts from $603 per night! As a guest, you will have comfortable suites and guest rooms for a private retreat with free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and in-room dining, a private bar, and luxury bath products. You will also get a rooftop outdoor pool and a fitness center! Two restaurants in the hotel are available: Becco specializing in Italian cuisine, and Pan Dulce, which sells French pastries and traditional Mexican food. There is also a gastro bar, Fifty Mills, one of the city's best! If you are looking for rejuvenation, you can avail yourself of the Mexico city type luxury spa in the hotel. Gentlemen's Tonic is an English-style barbershop that the hotel hosts. 14. JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, to experience a luxurious stay, you can book JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City. You will love the hotel; it combines modern style and classic luxury. What is more, guests can review the features of the hotels. The hotel has spacious rooms where you will get all the amenities provided. The rooms per night are $439.08, offering a spectacular view of the city. There are attentive staff, a health club, a large pool, and fine dining options. Business travelers are largely catered to by the hotel, along with the restaurants and shops of Polanco can be accessed by them too. 15. Andaz Condesa The hotel Andaz Condesa opened in January 2023, and the rooms are priced at around $307 per night. It is one of the beauties of Mexico City, with its magenta mirrored escalators and neo-lit cacti at the hotel's entry. The furnishing of the hotel is performed with blonde timbers, which contrasts with the pastel velvet-covered seating and decor-esce curves. There is a terrace where you can hang around with delicious food such as Tulum and seafood. 16. Gran Hotel Ciudad De México The hotel is very classy with its ornate design, and the interior of the hotel is beautiful, giving off a luxurious vibe even when it is not that price. The room price starts from $174.09 per night. Therefore, it can be affordable if you have an established budget. The hotel has Tiffany stained glass ceiling giving a stunning feeling with regards to a Five-Star hotel if it is not one. The rooms are quite spacious and provide a beautiful look out to the city! 17. Courtyard By Marriott Mexico City Airport Courtyard By Marriott Mexico City Airport has a restaurant and fitness center and is considered one of the best hotels in the Mexico system. The hotel also provides free airport transportation. The charge for the room levied by the hotel for one night is $131.13. There is housekeeping, and the rooms are completely soundproof! 18. The Red Tree House The beautiful home with 1930s style has been turned into a classy house which is detected in art and painting. If you are a global traveler, this place is for you! The beautiful home has rooms of all shapes and sizes, with 22 rooms. This boutique hotel is a perfect fit for people interested in socializing and enjoying their social lives! Decorated with an attractive garden courtyard, the hotel is ideal for artsy people! You can try local dishes such as soups made of fried corn flour shells accompanied by refried beans, cheese, and onion. The room in the hotel costs around $150.38, with a beautiful view around it. 19. Hostel Barrio Downtown One of the best hotels in Mexico, Hostel Barrio Downtown is an attractive hostel but for people with a low budget! In 2022, the hotel opened while the theme of the hotel was Mexican-themed, with decorations such as neon lights, lucha libre wrestling masks, and comic skeletons. The price of the rooms in the hotel starts from $40.61, while you can book the room on a first-come, first-serve basis. The hostel is quite popular among individuals who are always on the go, traveling and working, sometimes called the digital nomads. Food items such as crisp tortilla triangles with salsa and other trimmings are easily available! 20. Durango 219 Another hotel with a cool vibe is built with pink Cantera local stone and is beautifully designed. There are 12 rooms with contemporary styles that have one signature piece, such as an unfussy sculpture or a vintage chair. The rooms in the hotel are quite expensive. The color palette of the rooms is grey, beige, and neutral colors. There are balconies in the hotel, and you can access Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. 21. Pug Seal Anatole France Pug Seal Anatole France is ranked number 1 out of 62 special hotels. Based on the 122 reviews on Tripadvisor, the hotel has been rated 5 out of 5. The rooms of the hotel are priced at $275.95. The services are good, and you will get free breakfast, airport transportation, and parking. 22. H21 Hospedaje Boutique Were you looking for something to soothe your soul in Mexico City? Please book your rooms with the H21 because they are like an oasis of calm with the beautiful market, plaza, and Blue House of Frida Kahlo surrounding it. The hotel was built by the current owner's grandfather in 1928, and the rooms for the guests have been designed from the basic or original house plan layout. The rooms are of different sizes and shapes, offering peace and tranquility. The walls and interior have been designed beautifully with beige and grey shades. The colors are blended well to create satisfying colors. The hotel has unique visuals, including distressed white wood, while quarry stone has been used on the floors. The hotel is decorated with vintage figurines and seems inspired by photography books. The hotel's approach is very casual and comfortable, where you can either order room service or help yourself in the kitchen. The hotel is well known for its continental breakfast! The starting price of the rooms in the hotel is $164.65. 23. Cape Pepe It is a luxurious stay for solo travelers; you can get the rooms for $60.07 for a night, and it is considered one of the best hotels in Mexico City. There is history here, along with sustainability and familiarity. There are different types of sleeping arrangements, such as neat bunks, pods with curtains, and private rooms for couples or families that are all based out in a renovated historic building. The hotel displays some beautiful art by Mexican artists and luminaries; one of them is Jose Vasconcelos, who was a popular writer and philosopher. 24. Casa Tuna The entry gate will steal your heart with traditional pinata and bougainvillea spread across the property in Coyoacan. The beauty around is nothing short of beauty; hence, the location of the hotel is the selling point! There is the Coyoacan market along with Frida Kahlo's Blue House, which is accessible from this property. It charges $131 per night for the room, and you have to take a short taxi ride to visit the museum studio house of the Mexican mural painter Diego Rivera. 25. NaNa Vida Charging $150.08 for a room per night, this hotel will give you the perfect taste of luxury through the style of local living. The rooms are colorfully furnished, along with timber finishes to the furniture. Enjoy the view, you can enjoy tea, coffee, and pastry on the rooftop terrace. There is also a popular tavern called La Nuclear that serves a traditional alcoholic beverage called pulque. The property is stylish and justifies the name 'nana vida,' which means pleasurable surprise in Zapotec, an indigenous language. What Do We Know? So, are you visiting Mexico City and making a list of the best hotels in Mexico City? I have already made you that! Now all you have to do is create an itinerary so that you can decide on which hotel you will be booking! Mexico City also carries the impact of the Spanish invasion, another historical influence you will experience when you visit. Comment down below to let us know about your expectations from the city or the purpose based on which you are visiting the city! Read Also: This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do! Top Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room In Las Vegas – Travel Guide Best Pet Friendly Hotels Near Me In Florida City – Reviewed 10 Best Hotels In Sanibel Island – Tour And Travel Guide