Saudi Arabia eVisa for South African Citizens

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been fast opening up to the world and it has become a dynamic global tourist destination. The introduction of the electronic Visa (eVisa) system has never left the South African citizens indifferent to the idea of exploring the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and other modern marvels of the Arabian Peninsula.

This comprehensive guest post becomes your ultimate, informational guide, and answers the most burning questions, offering an extensive guideline to the South African passport holders who are going to apply to the Saudi Arabia eVisa for South African Citizens. We discuss all the necessary documentation and application procedures to the time frames and the ultimate choice between direct application and the use of a specially designed service.

Is the Saudi Arabia eVisa Available for South African Citizens?

Yes, absolutely. South African citizens have been granted official access to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia eVisa programme in late 2023 in a major step towards improving tourism and cultural exchange. South Africa was the first African country to be included in this list making the entry of leisure and Umrah travellers very easy.

Being a South African passport holder, you will be allowed to skip the old-fashioned methods of visiting the consulate and apply to the multiple-entry tourist eVisa fully online to make the organization of your trip much easier.

What is the Saudi Tourist eVisa Validity and Permitted Stay Duration for South Africans?

The Saudi Tourist eVisa granted to South African citizens is a robust and flexible travel document designed for convenience.

• Validity: The eVisa is valid for one full year (365 days) from the date of issue.
• Number of Entries: It is a multiple-entry visa, meaning you can enter and exit the Kingdom multiple times throughout the one-year validity period.
• Maximum Stay: For each individual trip, the maximum permitted duration of stay is 90 days.

It is crucial to note that the total number of days spent in the Kingdom over the one-year period cannot exceed 90 days. Always ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.

What Documents Do South African Citizens Need to Apply for the eVisa?

The online application process is streamlined, requiring minimal documentation compared to traditional paper visas. South African applicants will generally need to provide the following digital items:

1. Valid South African Passport Scan: A clear, high-resolution scan of the passport’s biographical information page. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter Saudi Arabia.
2. Digital Passport-Style Photograph: A recent (ideally not more than six months old) colour photo, typically meeting standard passport photo dimensions. It should be well-lit, free from shadows, and show a clear, full-face view against a white background.

The consular fee automatically includes mandatory medical insurance to cover local medical emergencies, ensuring you are covered during your stay.

What is the Step-by-Step Application Process for South Africans?

The Saudi eVisa application is a straightforward, three-step online procedure:

1. Complete the Online Application Form: You must accurately fill in all required personal, passport, and travel details. This includes your full name, nationality, date of birth, passport information, and contact details. Accuracy is critical, as any discrepancy with your passport can lead to delays or rejection.
2. Upload Documents and Review: Upload the required digital passport scan and photograph. Double-check all entered information to ensure it is correct and complete.
3. Pay the eVisa Fee: Submit the total fee, which includes the government visa cost, medical insurance, and any applicable service charges (if using a third-party agent).
4. Receive Your eVisa: Once approved, the eVisa will be emailed to you. You should print a copy and keep a digital version accessible on your phone for presentation to immigration officials upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

What are the Permitted Reasons for Travel (Tourism, Umrah, Business)?

The Saudi Tourist eVisa is specifically designed to facilitate short-term travel for several non-work-related purposes. These include:

• Tourism and Leisure: Sightseeing, visiting cultural and historical sites (like AlUla or Jeddah's Al-Balad), and exploring the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes.
• Events and Entertainment: Attending public events, concerts, festivals, and sporting activities.
• Family and Relative Visits: Visiting family members or friends who are Saudi citizens or residents.
• Umrah Pilgrimage: The eVisa is valid for performing Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage). However, it is explicitly not valid for performing Hajj.

The eVisa is not applicable for long-term activities like employment, study, or establishing residence. These purposes require different visa categories obtainable through a Saudi embassy or consulate.

How Long is the Saudi Arabia eVisa Processing Time?

The processing time for the Saudi eVisa is remarkably fast, particularly when using a dedicated service, offering options tailored to various travel needs.While the official government channel typically provides approval within 1-2 business days, third-party agents often guarantee the faster Rush and Super-Rush options for an additional fee, making them ideal for travellers needing immediate authorization.

Can I Apply for the Saudi eVisa on Arrival from South Africa?

While citizens of certain countries can obtain a Visa On Arrival (VOA), it is generally highly recommended for South African citizens to apply for the electronic visa before travelling.

The eVisa process is quick, reliable, and secures your entry permission before you even leave South Africa. Relying on a VOA is risky as entry is not guaranteed and requires waiting times upon arrival. Since the eVisa is granted quickly online, securing it beforehand is the most hassle-free and stress-free option.

Gov vs. Agent: Should I use the Official Portal or a Service like saudi-arabia-evisas.com?

This is a common question for many South African travellers. Both the official Saudi eVisa portal and reputable third-party services like saudi-arabia-evisas.com will result in the same legal travel document, but they offer different value propositions:

Choosing an agent like saudi-arabia-evisas.com is beneficial for those who value speed, personalized support, and assurance. They specialize in simplifying the form, reviewing documents for errors before submission (greatly reducing rejection risk), and offering ultra-fast processing options.

What Support Services Do Third-Party Agents Offer?

Agents like saudi-arabia-evisas.com justify their service fee by offering comprehensive support that goes beyond basic submission:

• Application Guidance: They provide clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure the form is completed accurately, reducing the chances of simple clerical errors which can delay or reject an application.
• Document Review: A specialist checks your uploaded passport and photo against Saudi government standards before the application is forwarded. This proactive step ensures your documents meet the required validity and format, minimizing delays.
• 24/7 Support: Having a dedicated team available around the clock is invaluable for answering last-minute queries or dealing with unexpected application issues.
• Full Refund Promise: Crucially, they offer a Full Refund Promise for Unsuccessful Visa Applications. If, despite their efforts, your application is ultimately rejected, they commit to refunding every penny you paid, offering a financial safety net not typically available through the government portal.

Important Tips: Avoiding Common Mistakes and Ensuring a Successful Application

In order to enjoy the highest possibility of a quick and successful Saudi eVisa application, it is important to remember the following points:

• Check Passport Certificate: Do not forget to check the validity of your passport that should be not less than six months to the date of your planned arrival. This is the most prevalent cause of application problems.
• Be Consistent: The data that you enter on the online form (name, date of birth, passport number) should be the same as the information in your passport.
• Children under 18 Years of Age Need their own Visas: Minor children must have their own eVisa applications. An adult (older than 18) who is a legal guardian must accompany and travel with minors.
• Apply Early: Expedited services are an option, but it is always a good rule to have your application in at least two weeks before you plan to take your trip, to allow consideration of any unexpected delays.
• Watch Your Inbox: Make sure to keep a close watch on your spam inbox since the eVisa approval notification and document would be sent through the email.

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabia eVisa represents a fantastic opportunity for South African citizens to explore the rich cultural tapestry and rapidly developing tourism sector of the Kingdom. With a generous one-year, multiple-entry validity allowing up to 90 days per visit, the eVisa is perfect for leisure travel, visiting family, or performing Umrah.