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The dream of visiting Saudi Arabia has become easier than ever. The Saudi government has launched a new digital visa platform, which will process your application in just minutes. e-Visa platform: There’s some great news for those planning to travel to Saudi Arabia. You no longer have to stand in long lines for visas or worry about submitting numerous documents. Saudi Arabia has made travel easier than ever. The country has launched its brand-new and fast digital visa platform (KSA Visa Platform). This facility is not only faster but also opens Saudi Arabia’s doors to more people. Best of all, most visa requests are processed within just one minute to a maximum of three working days. Let’s understand what this new system is and how you can take advantage of it. Saudi Arabia’s New Digital Promise This new initiative by Saudi Arabia demonstrates how seriously they are taking tourism, culture, and people-to-people relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a pilot version of the KSA Visa Platform, an all-in-one digital system. This means that you now only need to apply in one place to visit family and friends, attend events, travel, or perform Hajj or Umrah, as Saudi Arabia aims to make the information, application, and visa issuance process single, transparent, and user-friendly for millions of travelers. A new gateway to Saudi Arabia The KSA Visa platform, developed by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provides an all-in-one digital system for visitors wishing to connect with relatives and friends, attend events, explore tourist attractions, or perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia aims to simplify entry for millions of travelers by consolidating information, application, and processing into a single, transparent, and user-friendly platform. Visitors applying for the Family and Friends Visa can: Visit relatives and friends residing in the Kingdom.Participate in tourist and cultural activities.Attend events and public occasions.Perform Umrah rituals outside the Hajj period. Visa types and duration of stay Applicants can choose between two main visa options based on their travel frequency and purpose: Single-entry visa: Valid for 90 days, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.Multiple-entry visa: Valid for one year, permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit. The streamlined digital process allows most requests to be processed within one minute to three business days, depending on system volume and verification needs. Visa fees and payment structure The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has defined the fee structure as follows: US$80 visa fee (refundable).US$10.50 digital visa service fee (non-refundable).US$10.50 digital insurance service fee (non-refundable).Health insurance fees vary depending on the provider selected during the application.Payments are made securely online through the KSA Visa portal, ensuring a seamless end-to-end digital experience. Who can apply for a KSA visa Saudi Arabia currently offers three main ways to obtain the Family and Friends Visa, giving applicants flexibility depending on their country of residence and eligibility. Issued instantly via the platform and sent directly to the applicant’s email. Available to: Citizens of eligible countries.Holders of valid Schengen, US, or UK visas.Permanent residents of these countries or of GCC member states. Visa Through Service Offices or Embassies Applicants can apply via accredited visa service offices where available.In countries without such offices, applications may be made directly at Saudi embassies. Visa on Arrival Available to travelers from eligible e-Visa countries or those holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, provided the visa has been used at least once.Eligible travelers can purchase the visa upon arrival at Saudi airports Key Requirements and Conditions Applicants must meet several basic requirements to qualify for the visa: Be at least 18 years old, or accompanied by a legal guardian.Hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.Maintain valid health insurance throughout the stay.Have sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, transportation, and expenses during the visit.Abide by Saudi laws and regulations during their stay.The Kingdom emphasizes that visitors must not overstay or misuse the visa for purposes outside the scope of their authorization. Activities permitted under the visa Visa holders can enjoy a range of approved activities during their stay, including: Visiting relatives and friends.Participating in tourism activities and events.Performing Umrah (except during the Hajj season).However, this visa does not permit participation in the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Support, safety, and official guidance The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges all applicants to rely solely on official channels, such as the KSA Visa website, and warns against dealing with intermediaries or unauthorized agents to avoid fraud or misinformation. The website serves as a comprehensive digital guide, offering up-to-date information on visa types, requirements, fees, and processing timelines — ensuring full transparency and security for applicants. For assistance, the platform provides dedicated support for inquiries, technical issues, and clarifications related to ongoing or completed applications. Understanding the broader Saudi visa system The new KSA Visa platform integrates smoothly into Saudi Arabia’s existing visa framework, which includes multiple categories designed for different purposes of travel: Visit Visa – For tourism, family visits, Umrah, or business trips. Work Visa – For those employed by Saudi companies. Transit Visa – For travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route elsewhere. Hajj Visa – For Muslims performing the annual pilgrimage. Diplomatic Visa – For government officials and diplomats. Student Visa – For individuals pursuing education in the Kingdom. Mission and Organization Visa – For international organization representatives. Special Visa – For official or government-related visits. Read More: Scholarships: This university is offering scholarships worth 28.5 lakh rupees to Indian students, learn the full details here.
