FAQs

Saudi Arabia maintains strict regulations regarding visa validity and overstays. Whether you're a tourist, business visitor, or Umrah pilgrim, it's essential to understand the rules around visa expiry to avoid fines, legal issues, or future travel restrictions. Can You Stay After Your Saudi Visa Expires? No. You are not allowed to remain in Saudi Arabia after your visa expires. The Kingdom enforces strict immigration laws, and travelers must exit the country on or before the last day of their authorized stay. Overstaying even by one day may result in fines, penalties, or a potential travel ban. Is There a Grace Period After a Saudi Visa Expires? Saudi Arabia does not offer an aut

Traveling from Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) to Makkah is a common journey for Umrah pilgrims and visitors. If you're looking for an affordable option, taking the bus from Jeddah Airport to Makkah is one of the most popular and budget-friendly choices. In this guide, we’ll cover all your options, with a special focus on bus services, including SAPTCO and Northwest BUS. Getting from Jeddah Airport to Makkah: 4 Transportation Options 1. Bus from Jeddah Airport to Makkah (SAPTCO / Northwest BUS) If you're looking for a cheap and reliable way to reach Makkah, buses are a great option. Main Bus Operators: SAPTCO: Departures from Terminal 1 or North Termi

Yes, travelers can use a valid Saudi e‑Visa to enter the Kingdom through designated land border crossings, in addition to airports and seaports. However, specific conditions apply to ensure compliance with immigration and customs regulations. Land Border Entry with a Saudi e‑Visa Rules Eligibility: Entry is permitted only through approved land border checkpoints. Travelers should confirm in advance that their intended crossing accepts e‑Visa holders by contacting the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate. Required Documentation: A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Printed copy of the approved Saudi e‑Visa. Identification documents, such a

Yes, residents of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia) do need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia—except for GCC citizens, who enjoy visa-free entry. Here's a clear breakdown: GCC citizens (passport holders) can enter Saudi Arabia visa-free, even with just a national ID card. GCC residents (expatriates holding a residence permit in a GCC country like the UAE, Qatar, etc.): Cannot enter visa-free; the e‑Visa is mandatory. Saudi Visa Rules for GCC Residents GCC residents can apply for a Saudi e-Visa online, which is available for tourism, business, and Umrah (outside of Hajj season). It's not for employment or education. To be eligible, GCC resident

No, it is not mandatory for women, including tourists, to wear a hijab or cover their hair in public in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has relaxed its dress code laws for foreign visitors. While modesty is still strongly encouraged, the legal requirement for women to wear an abaya (a loose-fitting, full-body cloak) and a headscarf (hijab) in public has been lifted. Women are required to cover their heads only when entering mosques or other religious sites. What Happens If a Woman Doesn’t Wear a Hijab in Saudi Arabia? There are no legal penalties for not wearing a hijab in public spaces outside of religious sites. However, dressing immodestly could attract unwanted attention or disapprova

Yes, the Saudi e-Visa is valid for entry through all seaports, in addition to air and land borders. Here's what you need to know: Entry by Seaport with an e-Visa Travelers holding a Saudi e-Visa can enter the country via all seaports. Below are the most popular seaports for e-Visa entry: King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam): Located on the Arabian Gulf, this port handles cargo and passenger vessels. Jeddah Islamic Port (Jeddah): Situated on the Red Sea, it serves as a hub for cruises and maritime trade. King Fahd Industrial Port (Jubail): A major industrial port that supports petrochemical and commercial shipping. Yanbu Commercial Port (Yanbu): Located on the Red Sea, it facilitate

Yes, there is an age limit for self-applying for a Saudi eVisa. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply independently. Individuals under 18 years of age (minors) cannot apply for a Saudi eVisa by themselves. Instead, a parent or legal guardian who is over 18 must apply on their behalf and accompany them during the application process. Key Age Requirements for Saudi eVisa Minimum Age: Travelers under 18 years old cannot apply for an eVisa on their own. Guardian Requirement: Minors must have a parent or legal guardian apply on their behalf. Children and minors from eligible countries still require their own individual eVisa to enter Saudi Arabia, but the application must

Pay the overstay fine in Saudi Arabia? Overstaying a visa in Saudi Arabia incurs fines that must be paid before departure to avoid penalties like detention or travel bans. This guide outlines the payment process for tourist eVisa and visit visa holders. How Much is the Fine Amount for Overstaying a Saudi Visa? The fine depends on your visa type and overstay duration: Tourist eVisa: SAR 100 (~USD 26.66) per day, calculated upon departure. Visit Visa: First offense: SAR 15,000 (~USD 4,000). Second offense: SAR 25,000 (~USD 6,665) and up to 3 months imprisonment. Third offense: SAR 50,000 (~USD 13,330), up to 6 months imprisonment, and deportation. Payment M

Overstaying a visa in Saudi Arabia is a serious violation that can lead to fines, deportation, or travel bans. Acting promptly is crucial to minimize penalties and resolve the issue. Follow these steps to stay compliant with Saudi immigration laws and maintain your eligibility for future visits. Steps to Take If You Overstay in Saudi Arabia Check Your Visa Status Verify your visa’s expiry date and overstay duration using official platforms: Absher or Muqeem for visit visa holders. You may need your sponsor’s account details or their assistance.   Saudi eVisa Portal for tourist eVisa holders (obtained online without sponsorship), this is the official site to check visa val

Applying for a Saudi eVisa online is a convenient and efficient way for international travelers to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, events, or Umrah. Here are the key benefits of the Saudi eVisa application process. Top 12 Benefits of Applying for a Saudi eVisa Online 1. Convenience and Accessibility The entire process is completed online via the official portal, eliminating the need to visit a Saudi embassy or consulate. This saves time and effort, especially for travelers far from diplomatic missions. 2. Broad Eligibility Citizens from over 60 countries are eligible to apply. Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas can also apply, making it accessible to a wide range of in