In September 2022, Saudi Arabia announced new regulations that enable GCC residents the option to apply for an eVisa. The ministerial decree signed by the Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb has made it quicker, easier and more accessible to visit Saudi Arabia.
The new decree means that Qatar residents can now apply for a Saudi visa, without having to visit the Saudi Embassy in Doha. In this article, we will be explaining the requirements, fees and step-by-step instructions on how to apply online for a Saudi visa for Qatar residents.
Recent Updates
02 JUNE 2023 UPDATE: As per the experience of recent travellers, Hayya visitors who take Saudi visa using GCC Residents Visit Visa option (by uploading a family member’s QID) are not being allowed entry to Saudi Arabia (even if Qatar ID holder is accompanying). Many travellers were sent back this week. So please do not attempt visa change by land border if your visa type is GCC Residents Visit Visa.
09 MARCH 2023 UPDATE: Saudi Arabia has announced that all expatriate residents in GCC countries, irrespective of their profession, will be allowed to obtain a tourist visa.
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Tourism. “Expatriate residents in GCC countries by applying through the “Visit Saudi” platform to obtain an electronic tourism visa, provided that the residence permit is valid for no less than three months.
Saudi Visa For Qatar Residents: Eligibility Requirements
- Passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
- Qatar ID should be valid for at least 3 months.
- Health insurance must be applied through the eVisa application platform.
- For children under 18, the parent is required to apply first.
Visa Validity
The multiple-entry visa is valid for one year (365 days) from the issue date. You can stay for up to 90 days (total) during this one year.
To stay in Saudi Arabia for more than 3 months, or for other travel purposes, a visa must be obtained through the embassy.
Required Documents
The following should be ready before you start applying:
- Recent passport-sized photo with white background, taken in formal/modest clothing
- Scanned Passport
- Scanned Qatar ID card
- Credit/debit card for online payment
- Email address to receive the approved eVisa
Saudi Visa For Qatar Residents: Cost
The total cost for the Saudi Visa for Qatar Residents (including service charges) is around QAR 329. Medical insurance must be obtained from the visa platform and costs extra.
Below is a breakdown of the costs:
| Fees | Cost (QAR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee (Saudi Riyal 300) | 290.61 | 79.85 |
| Electronic Visa Processing Fee | 36.40 | 10 |
| Banking Service Fee | 1.82 | 0.5 |
| Health Insurance | Extra | Extra |
How To Apply For Saudi Visa For Qatar Residents
The visa application process will be entirely online on Saudi Government’s Unified National Visa Platform. Qatari residents must apply for the eVisa at least 5 days before going to Saudi Arabia. Travelers are advised to allow extra time in case of unexpected delays.
Step 1: Go to the Saudi Visa Platform Website
The link is https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/
If you see the Arabic page, click on the “E” icon (blue circle) on the top left to change to English.
Step 2: Click on “Login” and select “Individuals Login”
You can see the option on the top right of the page.
Step 3: Log in or Register on the platform
If this is your first time, click the “Register” link. You can register using your email address.
- You will receive an email for activation. Click on “Activate”.
- Once registered, you can log in using your email and password.
Step 4: Click on “Add New Application”
You can find this on the right side of the dashboard.
Step 5: Click “Agree” to the terms and conditions
- Read the Online e-Payment Services Agreement and click “Agree”.
- Read the Agreement and click “Agree”.
Step 6: Fill up the application details and upload a photo
- Visa Type: Select “Tourism Visit”. Even if you select Tourism Visit, you can do Umrah.
- Transport Mode: Select Air, Land, or Sea. When you choose the type of transport, it does not mean that you have to come” through it. So please choose the expected transport.
- Country of Residence: Non-Qatari
- Saudi Mission: Select “Doha”.
- Enter your personal information. First Name and Last Name are mandatory. You can leave other fields blank.
- Upload your photo. The photo must have a white background and be with uniform lighting.
Step 7: Select Nationality and “GCC Residence” option
Once you enter your nationality, you can see a question with some choices.
For GCC Residents’ Visit Visa, select “A valid residence for a period of no less than three months in the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Gulf Countries, including domestic workers who come with their sponsors”.
Step 8: Enter QID details and upload documents
- Residence Or Visa Number: Enter your Qatar ID number
- Residence Or Visa Expiry Date: Enter your Qatar ID expiry
- Issuing Country: Qatar
Upload your passport and Qatar ID copy. The files can be in JPG or PNG format, with a maximum size of 1 MB.
Step 9: Enter passport details and address
Enter your passport number, passport-type, issuing country, date of issue, date of expiry, place of birth, date of birth, marital status, gender, and address in Saudi Arabia (KSA Home Address).
You must also give travel details like port of entry and expected entry date to KSA. If travelling by air, enter your airport city. If travelling by land, you may choose “Dammam” or “Dhahran” as your port of entry.
You have to select if you want to perform Umrah. Choosing to perform Umrah is to facilitate the services provided to you and does not require any additional requirements, also it does not negatively affect the result of the request, and it enables you to perform Umrah during the year except the Hajj season.
You should also give your travel history for the past five years (country, purpose and dates).
Review your details and click “Save”.
Step 10: Purchase medical insurance
You may be required to purchase medical insurance from the visa platform.
On this page, you must enter medical insurance information, including entry date, address, mobile number and some basic health questions.
Step 11: You will receive updates in your email
Your visa application will be reviewed, and status updates will be sent to you by email. Usually the process takes less than 24-48 hours.
On approval, applicants receive the Saudi Arabia visa by email. They should print the visa ready to present to immigration officials at the borde
The Saudi Visa documentation is uploaded digitally. Travelers do not need to present paperwork at a Saudi Arabia embassy or consulate.
Applying For Dependents
For children under 18 years, parents must apply for their eVisa first, and then reapply for minors.
Take note that if you are applying for your spouse, children, or any other first-degree relatives that are unemployed, you must input the same occupation you used for yourself.
Airport For eVisa Holders
Visitors with a Saudi eVisa can fly from Doha to the following Saudi Arabian airports:
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah
- King Fahd International Airport (DMM) Dammam
- Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), Medina
Other Notes
- Qatari passport holders (and other GCC citizens) do not need a visa for Saudi Arabia.
- All other foreign visitors must have a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, even for short stays.
- GCC residents with any passport/nationality can apply for an eVisa.
- This visa will also allow you to perform Umrah.
- In case the visa gets rejected, the processing charges are non-refundable.
Saudi Visa Helpline
For more information on Saudi Visa, you can call the Saudi Tourism helpline for Qatar at: 00800101091
For technical support in case of any error, please call +966 920011114.
You can also contact using email [email protected]
READ NEXT: Tasheer Saudi Visa Service Center in Qatar: Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Qatar residents need visas for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Just like all expatriates living in GCC countries, Qatar residents should also apply for a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
How much is the fee for Saudi Visa for Qatar Residents?
The visa application will cost 300 Saudi riyals ($80), excluding the health insurance fee.
How long is the Saudi visa for Qatar residents valid?
The multiple-entry Saudi eVisa is valid for a year, with total period of stay in the kingdom allowed up to 90 days.
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Kindly share the procedure for getting work visa for Saudi from Qatar
Hi CP, The work visa has to be processed by your Saudi employer. In some cases you may be required to do medical test from your home country. You need to discuss this with your employer.
Hi,
If we are travelling to uae by road via saudi, will they allow us to transit as we are not entering saudi as the last date to enter was 21st may? And one of my family member is a British citizen so will they get saudi visa at the border?
Thanks
Hi We, If you are QID holder you will be allowed. Regarding VOA for British citizen, please check with the Saudi Tourism helpline in Qatar 00800101091.
I’ve applied for the visa, and it isn’t approved yet. Can i cancel and get a refund?
Hi Ashik, Their website only mentions about refund if application is rejected. You can call their helpline (mentioned above).
Hi
Qatar residents Bangladeshi eligible for Saudi Arabia e visa ?
Hi Alam, Yes, Bangladesh citizens can apply for this visa if they have Qatar ID.
Can I travel by air with tourist visa if visa profession not same as my qid?
Hi Asif, Please check with the Saudi Tourism helpline in Qatar 00800101091.
Yes. for me it is same. If you got the visa you can travel without any issue.
They are not checking your QID with Visa.
Hi, I applied tourist visa thru mofa.gov.sa a week ago and the travel date was supposed to be a week after the application. Until now the status is still sent to embassy.
Another concern is when I was applying for visa, I chose the option none of the above instead of the option that is for “valid residence for a period of no less than three months in the countries of the cooperatio Councli for the Gulf Countries”. So I was not able to upload their QID on the application.
Is there any way where I can make changes in the application. Both applications have already been paid already.
Hi Nini, Please check with the Saudi Tourism helpline in Qatar 00800101091.
Hi,
I am a British citizen so do i get visa on arrival at the border? Or should i apply before? We are planning to drive to saudi
Thanks
Hi I, British citizens can get visa on arrival.
i applied visa and the issued visa. but photo is not straight its turn to other direction. will it have any impact while entering saudia or i need to apply new visa.
Hi Nikhan, Depends on how the photo looks. If the face is fully visible, it should be OK.
Hi,
My guests (Hayya voucher holders) are planning to go for umra, and our family also plans to join them.
Shall we together travel through the Salwa border by road to perform umra? If yes, then what type of visa do we all require?
Hi Znatiq, There is a GCC Residents Visa option for you and family. For Hayya guests you can opt for Tourist Visa. Some Hayya visitors have recently got GCC Residents Visa by uploading Qatar Resident’s ID card. But we do not recommend that as you will be misrepresenting. You can also check with the Saudi Tourism helpline in Qatar 00800101091.
if my family is on
visit visa here in Qatar, will they also get this visa to go Saudi if I am accompanied?
Hi FKP, They can get tourist visa to Saudi. But please note that family visit visa is single entry. You cannot come back using the same visa if you exit. There is an option to apply for return visa through Metrash.
could you please elaborate on “return visa” in Metrash? I clicked it and that shows ” no records were found”
Hi fkp, This was an option to issue return visa for those who are on family visit visa and left country for short period. We are not sure if they have changed it. Please call Metrash helpline on 109 and check if you can apply for this.
I applied for a family visit visa since 18/03/2023 in intend to visit my husband who’s working in Jubail. But unfortunately, until now the status of my application is still “SEND TO EMBASSY
Do we need hotel booking to travel saudia for umrah?
I have one year online visa and will travel by air from qatar in next 2 days
Hi Amjad, You can give a Saudi home address instead of hotel.
Hi , in how many days they r issuing visa
Hi Tanu, Either it would be immediately issued (automatic approval) or sent to Embassy. If sent to Embassy, it may take up to one week because it is manual review. Could be longer due to Eid holidays.
Hello
I need to know how we can apply Umrah visa for family however I have Qatar ID and also have saudi tourism visa but my wife came to qatar on my personal family visit so how she can apply the saudi visa please guide us..
Hi Ataul, Please check with the Saudi Tourism helpline in Qatar 00800101091.
Hi Doha Guides Team,
I need to apply for saudi e-visa (umrah), so please clarify the below:-
1. I have -QID & Hayya card
2. Parents- Hayya card only.
How i can apply for my parents e-visa and it”s procedure.
Hi Mohamed, (1) As a QID holder you can get a multiple entry visa as explained above.
(2) For relatives on Hayya visa, recently many Qatar residents have applied and got automatic approval (instant) by uploading their own QID. However we cannot confirm if this is the correct way (Airlines will not allow you to board if you take such a visa as this visa is only for QID holders. Usually this is accepted when travelling by land as checking is less). For Hayya holders, the proper method is to apply for regular tourist visa through a travel agency.