Contrary to the fact that Saudi Arabia is one of the most isolated countries in the world, it has always attracted tourists. In addition to pilgrims, diplomats and businessmen, those who are interested in the history of Islam, the ancient Arab architecture and the culture of the Bedouin aspire to get here. But whatever purpose the traveler pursues in order to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he is obliged to issue a visa. To date, it can be transit, work, commercial and guest (with relatives in the kingdom).
Contrary to the fact that Saudi Arabia is one of the most isolated countries in the world, it has always attracted tourists. In addition to pilgrims, diplomats and businessmen, those who are interested in the history of Islam, the ancient Arab architecture and the culture of the Bedouin aspire to get here. But whatever purpose the traveler pursues in order to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he is obliged to issue a visa. To date, it can be transit, work, commercial and guest (with relatives in the kingdom). It can also be received by pilgrims who wish to visit Mecca , and foreigners traveling in tourist groups.
Transit visa for Saudi Arabia
Foreign nationals traveling to Bahrain, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates or Oman by land or air over the territory of the Kingdom should take care of issuing a special document. In order to get transit or any other visa to Saudi Arabia, Russians need a standard package of documents:
- overseas passport, received a minimum of 6 months ago;
- a questionnaire in Russian or English, filled in block letters without errors;
- a visa to the final destination country;
- 2 photos of standard size 3x4 cm;
- air, bus or train tickets;
- a copy of the technical passport if the trip is carried out on a personal or rented car;
- certificate of marriage or other document proving the relationship (women traveling with a man).
Foreigners traveling with children or elderly people are required to carry copies of the birth certificate for each child, permission to leave the country from the second parent and a pension certificate. Usually the document is issued in 5 days. Employees of the consulate of Saudi Arabia in Moscow can extend the time for consideration of an application or request an additional package of documents at their discretion. The visa is issued for a maximum of 20 days, and the territory of the kingdom can stay for no more than three days. This algorithm for issuing a visa to Saudi Arabia is valid for citizens of Russia and other countries of the Commonwealth.
If transit through the territory of the kingdom lasts less than 18 hours (usually at this time tourists are on the territory of international airports ), then the presence of a visa is optional. At the same time, an immigration officer working at an airport has the right to demand from a foreign citizen:
- Passport, received at least 6 months ago;
- air ticket for the next flight;
- a visa to the final destination country.
If the gap between flights is 6-18 hours, then the tourist can leave the transit zone. At the same time, he is obliged to leave the passport with the immigration control staff, and in return receive a receipt. Upon returning to the airport the document is returned. Employees of the immigration service have the right to prohibit leaving the transit zone.
Working visa for Saudi Arabia
Large corporations and oil companies often hire employees from abroad. The procedure for issuing a work visa to Saudi Arabia for Russians provides for the availability of a standard package of documents, including invitations from the host organization and receipts for the payment of consular fees ($ 14). If necessary, embassy officials are entitled to demand:
- a document on the relevant education or professional orientation;
- a certificate of medical examination excluding the presence of hepatitis A, B, C, HIV infection, tick-borne encephalitis, meningitis and other infectious diseases;
- driver's license.
The visa is issued in the embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, located in Moscow. It has been obtained by many citizens of the CIS, who are currently engaged in the oil industry and in the service sector.
Commercial visa to Saudi Arabia
This country is often visited by representatives of foreign corporations and businessmen who want to develop their business in the kingdom. In addition to issuing business visas in Saudi Arabia, they need to get the main document - an invitation issued by a commercial organization registered in the kingdom and certified by any Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It should include information about the entrepreneur and the purpose of his visit. The document can also be provided by any of the chambers of commerce and industry of the kingdom. This option is suitable for cases when a businessman is staying in the country without an invitation just to get acquainted with its business environment.
In 2017, to obtain business visa to Saudi Arabia, Russians and residents of other countries of the commonwealth need to pay a consular fee of $ 56. For multiple entry visa is $ 134.
Guest visa for Saudi Arabia
Many citizens of Russia and the Commonwealth have relatives who reside permanently in the kingdom. Therefore, many are interested in the answer to the question whether any special visa is needed for Saudi Arabia for the Russians. To get to the country, CIS citizens need to provide a standard package of documents, as well as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. In addition, confirmation from the inviting party is necessary. In this case, it is also necessary to pay a consular fee of $ 56.
Tourist visa to Saudi Arabia
Foreigners who wish to visit the country for informative purposes ( tourism ), who do not have an invitation from a registered organization or relative, will not be able to independently cross the border of the kingdom. To do this, they need to be part of an organized tourist group, compiled by the travel agency of the kingdom. It should be a registered tour operator engaged in issuing visas to Saudi Arabia for Belarusians, Russians and citizens of other CIS countries. He also must provide services for organizing the relocation, accommodation and stay of foreign citizens in the country. The diplomatic representation of the country has the right to refuse to issue a tourist visa to an applicant who does not meet the requirements.
Travelers wishing to learn how to obtain a visa to Saudi Arabia on their own should take care not only of finding a suitable tourist group. They must learn in advance the culture and rules of this Islamic state. In every Saudi city there is a religious police, which closely monitors the clothes , manners and communication of tourists. Here one should not talk about religion, politics and the current government. We need to respect the traditions and customs of the state so that the trip leaves only a positive impression.
Visa to Saudi Arabia for pilgrims
In this country there are sacred cities - Mecca and Medina . Any Muslim can visit them on condition that he receives a visa to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To do this, he needs to contact an accredited company with the following documents:
- a foreign passport valid for at least 6 months;
- 2 photos on a light background of 3x4 cm (women should be photographed in a scarf);
- medical certificate of absence of such diseases as HIV, hepatitis A, B and C, meningitis, tick-borne encephalitis, infectious and hereditary diseases.
Women up to age 45, wishing to perform umra or hajj accompanied by their spouse, are required to present the original marriage certificate when applying for a visa to Saudi Arabia. In the event that the accompanying person is a brother, the original of the birth certificate of both applicants is required. Children under 18 years of age are allowed to enter the kingdom only with the consent of the parents, and children under 16 must be included in their passports.
Study Visa for Saudi Arabia
The country has 24 state universities, several educational centers and private colleges. Some of them accept applications from foreign applicants who wish to study in the oil and gas industry or in another field. To obtain a visa for study in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in addition to the standard package of documents, you must show:
- An invitation from an accredited university (original and copy), completed in Arabic;
- a letter from an accredited institution confirming the enrollment of the applicant for study;
- translated and legalized originals of the certificate;
- certificate from a licensed medical institution.
The accompanying person must also provide a basic package of documents, including a document confirming the relationship with the enrolled applicant (certificate of marriage or birth). Students who study in the universities of the kingdom are not allowed to combine study and work.
Permanent residence (IQAMA) in Saudi Arabia
Citizens of other states who plan to live and work in the kingdom on an ongoing basis must complete a permanent residence permit (IQAMA). For this, the applicant must submit the following documents:
- an application form with a signature;
- 2 photos the size 4х6 sm;
- the signed obligation;
- foreign passport (original), valid for at least 6 months;
- a marriage certificate legalized in the issuing country or at the KSA Embassy;
- birth certificate (original and copy);
- certificate of non-conviction;
- medical certificate and conclusion, pre-certified by a licensed medical institution;
- results of HIV tests, hepatitis B and C, syphilis (originals);
- certificate from a doctor-expert in narcology;
- permission for a visa (original and copy), which is issued to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Saudi Arabia;
- a copy of the visa, IQAMA and the passport of the receiving party.
Employees of the embassy may require additional documents. Medical certificates, conclusions and analyzes provided for the IQAMA visa to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are valid for 3 months.
If the owner of the IQAMA visa leaves the country for work, he is given a Re-entry visa. Upon the expiry of its validity period, it is necessary to collect a standard package of documents, also:
- Re-entry visa with expired validity;
- copy of the IQAMA visa;
- a request for the extension of the document from the employer, certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia;
- booking an air or other ticket.
- Documents can be submitted within 30 days after the expiration date of the Re-entry visa document.
Addresses of the embassies of Saudi Arabia in the CIS
The collection of documents, the examination of applications and the issuance of permits to enter the country are staffed by her diplomatic mission. Russians need to apply to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, located in Moscow at the address: Third Neopalimovsky Pereulok, building 3. Documents are received on weekdays (except Friday) from 9 am to noon, and visas are issued from 1 pm before 15:00.
Tourists who find themselves in a difficult situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should contact the Russian Embassy in Riyadh . It is located at: ul. al-Wasi, house 13. Citizens of Ukraine can also apply to the embassy of their country, located in the capital of Saudi Arabia at the address: 7635 Hasan Al-Badr, Salah Al-Din, 2490. It works on weekdays from 8:30 to 16:00 hours.
To register any of the above visas, residents of Kazakhstan should apply to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Almaty. It is located at: Gornaya Street, 137.