Saudi Arabia visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Saudi Arabia

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Saudi Arabian Visa.

  • 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.

Saudi Arabia Visa for South Africans

Facts about Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is just the place to go to if you are looking to disconnect from the world. The country is regarded as the world’s most isolated nation. The internet and much of the 21st century is still quite unknown to the people living in the country. 
 Every year, the country receives between 4,000 to 6,000 Western tourists. The average number of foreign visitors in the country every year is 200,000. Concerted efforts are being made to ensure the number of people who visit the country reaches one million.
 Foreigners are not allowed to take Saudi Riyals out of the country. There used to be restrictions on the interaction between foreign tourists and local people. However, those restrictions have been relaxed slightly in recent times. Disruptive behavior by tourists is not tolerated, this can lead to the imprisonment and torture of tourists.
 

Women in the country should wear abayas or a loose conservative clothing. The idea is to dress decently and respectfully.

Types of Saudi Arabia Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5 - 7 working days 180 days
Business visa 5 - 7 working days 180 days
Work visa 5 - 7 working days 180 days

General Requirements for Saudi Arabia Visa

  • 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.
Saudi Arabia Tourist visa Saudi Arabia Business visa Saudi Arabia Work visa

Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • 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.

Saudi Arabia Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • 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.

Saudi Arabia Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • 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.

Saudi Arabia Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

3000.00 (SAR)

Business visa

3000.00 (SAR)

Work visa

3000.00 (SAR)

Saudi Arabia Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

711 Duncan St, Hillcrest, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa

zaemb@mofa.gov.sa

+27 12 362 4230

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.
Are work permits being issues during COVID?
What supporting documents do I need when applying for a temporary work visa??
Can I apply for a Saudi Visa from the embassy or do I have to use VRS?
What are all the documents required for the Saudi Arabia work visa?
Hi there Please send the link to apply for a Saudi Arabia E-visa? I will be arriving via cruise.?
What is the price of a Saudi visa ,traveling from South Africa?
Please advise on the process of applying for a visa to Saudi Arabia?
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته How do I get a visa for umrah? Planning to travel from 15 December I.a. please assist?
Req saudi visa for umrah from 24 to 21 April 2023. How and where can I apply and whats the cost.?
Where and how do I go about applying for a work or business visa to go Saudi Arabia ??