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How to get a Saudi Arabia visa from South Africa
Visa types, fees, processing times and application requirements for South African passport holders travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Visa types & fees
3 visa options for travelling to Saudi Arabia.
Business visa
Processing time5 - 7 working days
Validity180 days
Tourist visa
Processing time5 - 7 working days
Validity180 days
Work visa
Processing time5 - 7 working days
Validity180 days
Application requirements
Documents South African applicants need to provide.
- Passports with a validity of not less than 6 months after the expiry of the visa. The passport must be free of an Israeli stamp. Applicants with an Israeli stamp on their passport will not be allowed into the country.
- One copy of application form correctly filled and signed by the applicant.
- Two passport-sized photographs not older than 3 months. The passport should be taken with a white background.
- Travel itinerary.
- Confirmed return flight ticket back to South Africa.
- Current bank statement showing continuous flow of funds. This also shows that you will be able to fend for yourself during your time in the country.
- Proof of booked hotel accommodation.
- A copy of a letter showing proof of vaccination against Yellow fever, Meningitis and Hepatitis B.
Visa type details
Tourist visa
- This visa type allows its holders to visit the country for recreational or sightseeing purposes.
- Holders of the visa can visit friends and relatives with this visa.
- You can also visit for Haj and Umrah with this kind of visa.
- Applicants should ensure they have a letter of invitation from their host in Saudi Arabia.
- The host should clearly state his/her home address in the letter of invitation.
- Tourists should ensure they have been vaccinated against yellow fever, meningitis and hepatitis B.
- If you are going for tourism purposes, a proof of confirmed hotel reservation should be presented.
- This visa carries 6 months validity.
- You are not allowed to work with this visa.
- The visa takes 5 -7 working days to be processed.
Business visa
- Business visa allows you to conduct business activities in the country without restriction.
- With this type of visa, you can attend business meetings, conferences, trade fairs and sign business contracts.
- You are not allowed to take up paid employment with this kind of visa.
- A letter of invitation from the company in Saudi Arabia is required.
- Employment letter from the South African company you are employed in.
- Make sure you are vaccinated against yellow fever, hepatitis B and meningitis.
- Minors should make sure their application form is signed by both parents.
- The visa ceases to be valid after 6 months.
Work visa
- This visa type is for those who are going to take up work in the country.
- Holders of this visa are free to ask for payment for whatever service they render in the country.
- A work permit is needed.
- The work permit takes 2 weeks to be processed.
- Medical report is required by the embassy.
- Proof of vaccination against yellow fever, hepatitis B and meningitis.
- If you are a minor, your application form should be signed by both your parents.
Where to apply
Saudi Arabia embassy & visa application centers in South Africa.
Pretoria
Address711 Duncan St, Hillcrest, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa
Phone+27 12 362 4230
Email[email protected]
Frequently asked questions
Are tourists allowed in Saudi Arabia
Yes, tourists are allowed in Saudi Arabia.
What do tourists wear in Saudi Arabia
Dressing in Saudi Arabia is conservative. Men should wear long pants and sleeved shirts while women should wear loose trousers or skirts with long sleeved shirts and a traditional abaya.
Do women have to wear niqab in Saudi Arabia
No, there is no rule that says a woman should wear a niqab in Saudi Arabia.
What type of food do they eat in Saudi Arabia
The food in Saudi Arabia include wheat, rice, lamb, chicken, yoghurt, potatoes and dates.
Can you drink in Saudi Arabia
Alcohol is not allowed in Saudi Arabia but this doesn’t stop people from drinking in Saudi Arabia.
Visa fees and rules change often. Confirm the latest Saudi Arabia visa
requirements with an official embassy or consulate before booking travel.