SAUDI ARABIA Issuing Authorities The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia 711 Duncan Street, Cnr Lunnon Road, Hatfield, Pretoria P O Box 13930, Hatfield 0028 Tel: (012) 362-4230-4 Fax: (012) 362-4249 Website: www.mofa.gov.sa https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 1 of 11
Visa Requirements Visas are required by SA passport holders and must be obtained prior to arrival. SA SHIPPING COMPANIES MUST ENSURE THAT ALL THEIR PASSENGERS WHO ARE TRAVELLING TO SAUDI ARABIA OR PASSING THROUGH SAUDI TERRITORIES, ARE IN POSSESSION OF A VALID ENTRY VISA OBTAINED PRIOR TO TRAVELLING. The Saudi Arabian Embassy NO LONGER deals directly with the public. VFS TasHeel is the application centre for passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia. Corporate travellers can apply online www.vfstasheel.com Their contact details are as follows: JNB: 8th Floor, Fredman Towers, 13 Fredman Drive, Sandton Tel: (011) 784 3530 or 078 6516 349 Email: info.saudivsczaf@vfstasheel.com Web: www.vfstasheel.com CPT: 28th Floor, ABSA Centre, 8 Riebeek Street, Cape Town Tel: (021) 418 0171 or 073 1858 902 Appointments are to be made online through www.vfstasheel.com Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1500 BUSINESSMAN VISIT: This visa is issued to business men visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for market analysis, to explore business opportunities in the country for investments and/ or partnerships. This is the only visa issued without the need for a sponsor and is only for senior C-Level officials and heads of established businesses. The Visa duration is 12 months and the applicant is entitled multiple entry Businessman Visa holders are allowed to apply for Escort visas for their wives/children/husband. If the Embassy has enough documents (such as chamber of commerce certificate and company registration) that prove the applicant is a businessman then an electronic visa form is not required. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 2 of 11
1. Original of the Passport. 2. Passport is valid for more than six months. 3. There are at least two blank pages in the passport. 4. Residence proof and copy of the same for applicants who are not nationals of the host country. 5. Enjaz registration is mandatory for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Enjaz registration process will be completed by the Visa Service Center staff for the applicant. Applicant must acknowledge the correctness of the information before signing the Enjaz form. 1. Letter of identification of the owned company or the Chamber of Commerce. 2. A copy of the commercial registration of the owned company. BUSINESS VISIT: This Visa is issued for a business visit to a company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for technical and professional purposes It is for technical and professional purpose only for executives and professionals traveling on invitation from a company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This visa does not grant the applicant a resident or work permit for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Multiple entry visa is valid for 180 days as long as each stay does not exceed 30 days. Wives and children are eligible to apply for an escort visa A sponsor letter from a Saudi company and a letter from the Company are required for application and must be attested the respective Chambers of Commerce. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: 1. Original of the Passport. 2. Passport is valid for more than six months. 3. There are at least two blank pages in the passport. 4. Residence proof and copy of the same for applicants who are not nationals of the host country. 5. Enjaz registration is mandatory for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Enjaz registration process will be completed by the Visa Service Center staff for the applicant. Applicant must acknowledge the correctness of the information before signing the Enjaz form. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 3 of 11
PERSONAL VISIT: The Personal Visit Visa is issued for purposes such as attending a wedding, visiting friend etc., in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A sponsor would be required for this visa issued to friends and invitees. Applicants applying for a visa under this category will be required to provide the details of the sponsor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This visa is not meant for tourist or business purposes. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: 1. Original of the Passport. 2. Passport is valid for more than six months. 3. There are at least two blank pages in the passport. 4. Residence proof and copy of the same for applicants who are not nationals of the host country. 5. 5-Enjaz registration is mandatory for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Enjaz registration process will be completed by the Visa Service Center staff for the applicant. Applicant must acknowledge the correctness of the information before signing the Enjaz form. 1- Number of the personal visit permit document or copy of it issued from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. TRANSIT VISA: This visa is for transit through the Saudi Arabian borders (land, air, or marine borders). Travelers with a stopover or travelling through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia require this visa. This includes people driving across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Airline stopovers/ Transfers over 12 hours and less than 3 days are free visas. The Traveler cannot leave the airport. Ladies need to be accompanied by a male partner if they are applying for a transit visa. Both the above visas can be multiple entries for up to 3 days, with the days split between onward and return stopovers. A confirmed ticket is required for the purpose of this visa. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 4 of 11
The transit time should not exceed 72 hours / 3 days. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: 1. Original of the Passport. 2. Passport is valid for more than six months. 3. There are at least two blank pages in the passport. 4. Residence proof and copy of the same for applicants who are not nationals of the host country. 5. Enjaz registration is mandatory for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Enjaz registration process will be completed by the Visa Service Center staff for the applicant. Applicant must acknowledge the correctness of the information before signing the Enjaz form. Applicant must have an entry visa to the destination country or a residence in it. Applicant must have a proven travel ticket for the destination country, so that the period of stay in the kingdom does not exceed 72 hours. FAMILY VISIT: Family Visit Visa is a short term visit visa issued to family members and relatives of residents and people working in Saudi Arabia. Applicants applying for a visa under this category will be required to provide the details of the sponsor residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including the below: Electronic Waqala (Visa slip) Passport copy of the sponsor (first & last page) with spouse name endorsed on the passport and original and photocopy of birth certificate of children (if applicable) is required. Copy of AQMA (resident permit of the sponsor) Marriage certificate or proof of relationship (as applicable) with the sponsor DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: 1. Original of the Passport. 2. Passport is valid for more than six months. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 5 of 11
3. There are at least two blank pages in the passport. 4. Residence proof and copy of the same for applicants who are not nationals of the host country. 5. Enjaz registration is mandatory for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Enjaz registration process will be completed by the Visa Service Center staff for the applicant. Applicant must acknowledge the correctness of the information before signing the Enjaz form. Number of the family visit permit document or copy of it issued from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Proof of next-of-kin and marital relationship (marriage contract for wife, birth certificate for children) attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the host country. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 6 of 11
Visa Cost For fees, payment of fees, processing time, application forms and photograph specifications see www.vfstasheel.com https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 7 of 11
SA Representative SA Embassy, King Khalid Street Um Al Hamman East, Riyadh Tel: +966 11 442 9716/18-20 Fax: +966 1 442 9708/12 E-mail: jeddahj2@dirco.gov.za https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 8 of 11
Travel Health Compulsory: Recommended Travel Vaccines: None Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio Malaria Risk Pilgrims travelling for Hajj/Umrah: Compulsory: Yellow Fever, Meningococcal Meningitis There is a veil hung over Saudi Arabia that distorts the reality that resides behind it. Lift the veil, however, and you will find that many conceptions of Saudi Arabia are misconceptions. It is a country with many areas of beautiful oases and dramatic mountain-tops, beaches and rivers. Its cities, although having no nightlife, do have plenty of cafes and restaurants. There are also shops galore, from the souk to the huge department store. Indeed, Saudi Arabia`s major cities are generally very modern, with amenities of a high standard. Muslim visitors should take the pilgrimage to Mecca in January to see the Kaabah Enclosure, the Mountain of Light, the Plain of Arafat and the House of Abdullah Bin Abdul Muttalib, where Muhammad was born. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter these holy cities. Go shopping in the traditional souks, large department stores and mall complexes. Shopping is a much-loved way to spend time in Saudi Arabia - possibly since there are no bars, casinos, nightclubs, theatres or cinemas. Find some of Saudi Arabia`s ancient crafts and skills. In Jebel-al-Qara, the potteries have been worked by eight generations of the same family. Official Name: Native Name: Capital: Currency: Language: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah Riyadh (RUH) Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) English is understood. Dialling code from SA: + 966 Time Zones: UTC/GMT +3 hours (1 hour ahead of South Africa) https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 9 of 11
Public Holidays 2017: Jun 26, 29; Jul 2, Sep 2, 4-5; Sep 23 Side of the Road: Best Time to go: Best For:11:12 Plugs: Drinking Water: Health: Customs: Local Offences / Laws: Travel Tips / Warnings: Right. November February (winter). Saudi Arabia has a very mild winter, with some rainfalls. During the summer, temperatures can rise to 50 C. Historical sites, Cosmopolitan Lifestyle 127/220 volts AC (with plans to change completely to 220 volts), 60Hz. Flat and round two-pin plugs and British-style square three-pin plugs are used All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. As this is a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants and shirts and women should keep their arms and legs covered. In some areas, women may be required to wear the abaya and niqab (black robes and veil). Religious police patrols rigorously enforce codes of behaviour and dress prescribed by Islamic law and visitors should respect these. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. Homosexuality and adultery are illegal and can carry the death penalty. Photography of military personnel, military buildings and government buildings is not allowed, and where there are no photography signs. Women are not allowed to drive. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan is prohibited during daylight hours. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. The official weekend is Friday and Saturday. Avoid eating outside of the main hotels. https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 10 of 11
Duty Free: Prohibited Imports: The following items may be imported into Saudi Arabia without incurring customs duty: 600 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco. Goods to the value of SAR3,000. Digital devices can be subject to inspection and often by officials who may not know how toproperly operate such devices. The result canoccasionally involve wiped hard drives but is moreoften just a delay. With the country s ban onpornography, it is wise to remove risqué imagesfrom your devices. Alcohol, narcotics and drugs (except medicines for personal use accompanied by a prescription), electronic cigarettes, pornography, counterfeit goods, religious books (besides the Koran), pork, firearms, natural pearls, live animals and birds, all types of palm trees, most foods, and items listed as prohibited by the Arab League (copy available from the embassy). https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2742-saudi-arabia-country-guide&print=1 Page 11 of 11