GCC Residents Eligible for Saudi eVisa Regardless of Profession

The Tourism Ministry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has announced that legal residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now apply for a Saudi electronic visa regardless of profession.

In September 2022, Saudi Arabia opened the eVisa application to GCC residents who worked in select occupations. However, this requirement has now been removed. All residents of GCC countries are now eligible to apply online.

Additionally, GCC residents can also apply for a Saudi eVisa for:

• Accompanying first-degree relatives (e.g. parents, spouses, and children)
• Domestic workers they sponsor (if they arrive with the GCC resident)

The tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia was first introduced in 2019 aims to make it easier to travel to the Kingdom for short-term stays.

Eligible travelers simply need to complete a simple online form, upload supporting documents in digital format, and pay a processing fee. They then receive an approved eVisa by email, usually within 48 hours.

What GCC residents Need to Apply for the Saudi eVisa

Citizens of GCC countries do not need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. However, those living in the following countries on a residence permit do:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

According to the Saudi Arabia Visa Policy, GCC residents need to meet the following requirements to apply for their eVisa:

• Have a residency permit valid for at least 3 months
• Hold a passport with minimum 6-month validity
• Pay the eVisa fee using a valid credit or debit card

The price of the Saudi eVisa for GCC residents includes a mandatory medical insurance policy. This covers any emergency health costs that the traveler may incur during their stay.

Restrictions for GCC Residents Traveling with a Saudi eVisa

The Saudi eVisa for GCC residents is available as either a

• Multiple-entry permit valid for 1 year from approval, allowing a stay of up to 90 days
• Single-entry visa valid for 3 months from issue, permitting a stay of up to 30 days

GCC residents must be over the age of 18 to apply for a Saudi eVisa. However, parents are allowed to apply on behalf of their child.

Families must apply for a separate Saudi visa for GCC residents for each individual. They must also enter the country together as a group.

The Saudi Arabia eVia for GCC residents allows the holder to visit the Kingdom for the following purposes:

• Tourism
• business activities
• transit
• Umrah religious pilgrimage

However, it is not possible to perform Umrah on an eVisa during Hajj. A separate visa from a Saudi embassy or consulate must be obtained for a Hajj pilgrimage.