A Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia’s Multiple Entry Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Saudi Arabia is one of the most recognizable places in the Middle East. It is a center for business, religious tourism, and cultural exchange. Though many people visit the country for different reasons, including religious Umrah visitation, fix-meeting periods, or to see how the ancient Kingdom has developed over the years, Saudi Arabia has many visa packages that can ease and enhance travel. This includes a Saudi Multiple Entry Visa, which comes with its own merits for those who are used to traveling a lot.

In this blog, we’ll discuss everything regarding the Saudi multiple entry visa – including eligibility and application process, advantages and advice on how to utilize it properly.

What is the Saudi Multiple Entry Visa?

A Saudi multiple entry visa as its name suggests allows the visa holder to make more than one trip to the kingdom throughout the period the visa is valid without applying for another one every time a person wants to visit the country. Entrance and exit borders may only be used once with a single-entry visa where a multiple-entry visa takes care of various activities such as tourism or business where the person may have to go in, come out and go back several times within a specified duration.

Primary applications of the multiple entry visa do concern business authorities, travel agencies as well as pilgrims since it allows comfort and easiness in traveling especially for patrons visiting Saudi Arabia on a regular basis.

Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Multiple Entry Visa

To apply for a Saudi multiple entry visa, there are certain eligibility criteria that applicants need to meet. While these criteria can vary slightly depending on the specific visa type (business, tourism, or religious), here are the general requirements:

1. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
2. Previous Visas: You may need to show proof of having held a valid Saudi visa in the past. Some applicants may be required to have traveled to Saudi Arabia before.
3. Purpose of Visit: You must clearly state the reason for your multiple entries, whether for business, tourism, or religious purposes like Umrah or attending conferences.
4. Financial Proof: You may need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of your stay in Saudi Arabia.
5. Good Conduct: Applicants must have a clean criminal record.
6. Travel Insurance: Depending on the purpose of your visit, travel insurance covering the entire duration of your stay may be required.

Types of Saudi Multiple Entry Visas

Saudi Arabia offers multiple entry visas under different categories. Depending on your purpose of visit, you may apply for one of the following:

1. Business Visa: If you need to travel to Saudi Arabia for meetings, conferences, or other business-related activities, the multiple-entry business visa is ideal. It is usually valid for 1 to 2 years and allows for multiple entries during that period.
2. Tourism Visa: Saudi Arabia launched the tourism visa in recent years, allowing travelers from many countries to explore the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, historic sites, and modern cities. The multiple-entry tourism visa is usually valid for one year, allowing multiple entries for a maximum duration of 90 days each.
3. Umrah Visa: The multiple-entry Umrah visa is issued for pilgrims who plan to perform the Umrah pilgrimage more than once in a single year. This visa allows multiple entries within the validity period, typically 30 days per visit.
4. Work Visa: If you’re planning to work in Saudi Arabia, a multiple-entry work visa may be applicable, though this is generally arranged through an employer or sponsor.

Application Process for the Saudi Multiple Entry Visa

The application process for the Saudi multiple entry visa can vary based on the visa type, but it generally follows these steps:

1. Determine Your Eligibility: First, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the specific type of multiple-entry visa you’re applying for.
2. Submit Your Application Online: For most visa categories, Saudi Arabia uses an online application system, such as the Saudi eVisa portal or through consulate websites. Fill in the application form and upload required documents.
3. Documents Required:
   • Valid passport
   • Passport-size photographs
   • Proof of financial stability
   • Hotel bookings (for tourism visas)
   • Invitation letter (for business visas)
   • Proof of health insurance
   • Any additional documents based on visa type
4. Pay the Visa Fees: Visa fees for a multiple-entry visa can vary depending on the type and duration of your visa. Payment is usually made online.
5. Processing Time: Processing times can range from a few days to a few weeks. It is recommended to apply at least 2-3 weeks in advance of your planned travel.
6. Receive Your Visa: Once approved, your visa will be issued either electronically (for eVisas) or as a stamped visa on your passport. Keep it with you during your travels.

Benefits of the Saudi Multiple Entry Visa

1. Convenience and Flexibility: The biggest advantage of a multiple entry visa is the ability to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times within a specific time frame, without the hassle of applying for a new visa each time.
2. Cost-Effective: Since you won’t need to pay for a new visa each time you travel to Saudi Arabia, it can be a more economical option, especially for frequent travelers.
3. Business Opportunities: For business professionals, the multiple-entry visa enables continuous travel to attend meetings, conferences, or oversee projects in Saudi Arabia.
4. Religious Freedom: Pilgrims who need to perform Umrah or visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina can benefit from the flexibility of the multiple-entry visa, making religious visits much easier.
5. Long-Term Stay: With multiple entries, travelers have more freedom to plan their stays, including longer durations of up to 90 days per visit.

Tips for Travelers with a Saudi Multiple Entry Visa

• Respect Visa Conditions: Each multiple-entry visa comes with specific conditions regarding the number of entries, duration of stay, and purpose of visit. Be sure to follow these rules to avoid penalties or cancellations.
• Plan Your Travel Itinerary: With the flexibility of multiple entries, it’s easier to plan your travels. However, be mindful of the total duration of stay allowed under your visa.
• Check for Updates: Saudi visa policies can change periodically, so it’s important to verify the current requirements through official government sources or your embassy.
• Stay Within Legal Limits: Overstaying your visa in Saudi Arabia can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entry. Make sure to monitor your stay and leave the country before the visa expires.

Conclusion

At Arabian Business Center, we specialize in assisting with the Saudi multiple entry visa process as well as helping businesses set up and expand in Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, an entrepreneur looking to establish a business in the Kingdom, our team is here to guide you through every step. We handle everything from visa applications to business licensing, ensuring that your journey to Saudi Arabia is smooth and successful.

Let us take the complexity out of the visa process and business setup so you can focus on what matters most. Reach out to Arabian Business Center today for expert guidance and support tailored to your needs.