Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula with a population of over 32 million. Having unique visitors for Hajj, Umrah, work visit, family visit and much more.
Saudi Arabia on yearly basis receives millions of immigrants. In 2017 alone, over 18 million people travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
One beautiful thing to note here is that Philipines have a good working relationship with Saudi Arabia. As of 2013, about 700,000 thousand Filipinos are working in Saudi Arabia, by now the number would have increased by 15%. More so, Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest trading partners of the Philippines.
Table of Contents
Saudi Arabia Visa Types, Processing Time & Duration
| VISA TYPE | PROCESSING TIME | VALIDITY |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commercial Visa | 4 – 5 days | 30 – 90 days |
| Work Visit Visa | 4 – 5 days | 90 days |
| Employment Visa | 6 – 10 days | 90 days |
| Family Visit Visa | 4 – 5 days | 60 days |
| Student Visa | 4 – 5 days | 365 days |
| Hajj Visa | 4 – 5 days | 30 days |
| Residence Visa | 6 – 10 days | 365 days |
| Government Visit Visa | 4 – 5 days | 180 days |
| Diplomatic and Official Visa | 4 – 5 days | 180 days |
| Escort Visa | 4 – 5 days | 180 days |
| Personal Visit Visa | 4 – 5 days | 60 days |
| Umrah Visa | 4 – 5 days | 30 days |
General Requirements for Saudi Arabia Visa
- A valid international passport with at least 2 empty pages for visa endorsement
- Recent passport photograph (4×6 cm) with a white background
- A completely filled visa application form
- Travel itinerary
- Signed consent form from parent’s or guardian of minors
- Health insurance certificate issued through the embassy
Saudi Arabia Business Visa
- This visa is for Filipinos travelling to Saudi Arabia for business purpose
- A business appointment is needed before this visa can be granted
- Applicants are to provide a copy of the business license or company registration certificate for the business in the Philippines and details of the company in Saudi Arabia
- Also, an electronic invitation letter from a Saudi Arabian company to show them who the applicant is having business deals with is required.
Saudi Arabia Employment Visa
- This visa type is for Filipinos who have gotten employment in Suadi Arabia
- Applicants are to provide a police report within the period of 6 months with details of applicant’s criminal records (if there is any)
- An original letter of employment from the company in Saudi Arabia sponsoring the applicant is required during application
- Applicants are to provide a medical report issued by a licensed physician
- Applicants are to also provide a certified and notarized copy of the university degree/diploma
Saudi Arabia Work Visit Visa
- This visa type is for Filipinos seeking to work temporarily in Saudi Arabia
- Applicants are to provide a cover letter from a Philippines organization
- Applicants are also to provide an electronic invitation letter from a Saudi Arabian company
- Educational documents and experience letter that proves the applicant is suitable for the work must be provided during the application
Saudi Arabia Family Visit Visa
- This visa is for Filipinos who are visiting their family in Saudi Arabia.
- A letter of invitation from the applicant’s family member who is in resident in Saudi Arabia is required
- A woman visiting her husband will have to present her marriage certificate
- Children below the age of 5 are to include Polio certificate in their documents
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
- This visa is issued to Filipinos who want to study in Saudi Arabia
- During application, applicants are to provide:
- Copies of relevant certificates of past academic records
- Original birth certificate
- Medical report
- Proof of kinship for married applicants who wish to travel with their family
- This visa does not grant the right to employment
Saudi Arabia Hajj Visa
- This visa is for Filipinos who are travelling to Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage visit in the holy month of Islam.
- It is not issued to those who have performed Hajj in the last 5 years
- It does not grant applicants the right to reside or work in Saudi Arabia
- Women with this visa must travel with a Mahram
- Women who are 45 years and above can travel alone with an organized group. They must, however, submit a No-Objection letter signed by their husbands, brothers or sons. This letter must be notarized.
- Applicants must provide proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135
Saudi Arabia Residence Visa
- This visa is for Filipinos who are seeking to reside in Saudi Arabia
- Applicants must provide proof of kinship when accompanied by a family member
- Applicants are to provide a medical report issued by a licensed physician
Saudi Arabia Diplomatic and Official Visit Visa
- This type of visa is for those who are on an official or diplomatic visit from the Philippines Government to Saudi Arabia
- A cover letter from the Philippines government or the concerned embassy stating clearly the applicant’s name, title, official position, purpose, duration of the trip and the number of entries required should be provided during the application
Saudi Arabia Escort Visit Visa
- This type of visa is for Filipinos who serve as escorts to another traveller who is their family member or relative
- This visa does not grant applicants employment or residence in Saudi Arabia
- Applicants are to provide proof of kinship during the application
- Applicants are to provide a letter of consent from the principal traveller requesting the need for an additional family member.
- A copy of the principal traveller’s valid Saudi Arabia visa is also required.
Saudi Arabia Visa Fees
| VISA TYPE | VISA FEES FOR SINGLE ENTRY (SAR) | VISA FEE FOR MULTIPLE ENTRY (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commercial Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Work Visit Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Employment Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Family Visit Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Student Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Hajj Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Residence Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Government Visit Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Diplomatic and Official Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Escort Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Personal Visit Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Umrah Visa | 2,000 | 3,000 |
Saudi Arabia Visa Application Centres in the Philippines
| Location | Address | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
| Makati City | 389 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue Ext. Makati City, Philippines |
(+632) 890 9735 |
Commonly Asked Questions about Saudi Arabia Visa
My passport will soon expire, can I get an extension?
No. You cannot extend your stay in Saudi Arabia beyond what is specified on your passport. You will need to renew your passport and reapply for a visa.
Can I perform Umrah with my work visit visa?
No. Umrah on any type of visit visas is not permitted. Applicants need to get Umrah Visa to participate in Umrah in Saudi Arabia
I do not have a company in Philipines, can I still get a business visa to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, however, you will need a business registration certificate or a license to allow you to do business with a Saudi Arabian company.
Can I get a transit visa to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. You can get a transit visa to Saudi Arabia in which you will not enter into the country but take your departure at the airport.
Visa Expert, Arun Yadav is an accomplished immigration lawyer specializing in Spouse Visas, Visa consultant, Study Visas, and low-budget fund advising all across the world. With a Master’s degree in Immigration Law and 8+ years extensive experience in the field, Arun has cultivated a reputation for excellence and reliability by helping 3000+ clients for Visa consultation. He is dedicated to bridging education opportunities and securing visas for his clients. Explore expert advice and immigration tips on his Instagram profile: @visaexpertarunyadav. Follow his insightful content and benefit from his professional guidance in navigating the complexities of immigration law and visa acquisition.
