Saudi eVisa for French Citizens
In September 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unveiled the Saudi e-Visa, providing a convenient way for French and other tourists to visit the country. This innovative system streamlines the visa application process, enabling individuals to obtain their visa effortlessly from the convenience of their own homes, removing the must reach out to an embassy or consulate before embarking on their journey.
Saudi Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Saudi Arabia for a period of time upto 30 days for travel or business purposes. International visitors must have a Saudi e-Visa to be able to visit Saudi Arabia . Foreign citizens can apply for an Saudi e-Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Saudi Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.
Visa Requirements for French Nationals Traveling to Saudi Arabia
French nationals planning to visit Saudi Arabia are required to obtain a visa, with a few exceptions. Citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) are exempt from this requirement. However, French citizens who hold a residence permit from a GCC country must still apply for a visa.
Electronic visas are available specifically for tourism purposes. If the trip's objective differs from tourism, such as paid employment or studying, French passport holders need to contact the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Paris to fulfill the necessary visa requirements.
Additionally, for religious visitors, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers pilgrim visas. French citizens can choose between a Hajj visa for visiting Mecca during the Hajj season or an Umrah visa that can be used throughout the year for visiting the holy sites.
It is important for French travelers to familiarize themselves with the specific visa requirements based on their intended purpose of visit to ensure a smooth entry into Saudi Arabia.
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Unless you are a national of one of the four nations (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, or the UAE) free from visa requirements, you must show your passport to enter Saudi Arabia. You must first register for the eVisa online for your passport to be approved. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements.
Electronic Visa (eVisa) Requirements and Conditions for French Nationals Traveling to Saudi Arabia
French nationals planning to visit Saudi Arabia can apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) by meeting the following requirements:
- Purpose of Travel: The eVisa is specifically for tourism purposes, allowing French travelers to visit Saudi Arabia as tourists.
- Duration of Stay: The eVisa permits a stay of up to three months (ninety days) in Saudi Arabia.
- Valid French Passport: Applicants must possess a valid French passport that remains valid for at least six months following the scheduled arrival date.
- Active Email Address: A functioning email address is required to receive the eVisa for Saudi Arabia. All communication and updates regarding the visa application process will be sent to this email.
- Credit or Debit Card: Applicants must have an unexpired credit or debit card to pay the processing fee for the KSA visa.
- Passport-Style Photograph: A recent passport-style photograph with a white background is required for the eVisa application.
French travelers should stay updated on any travel bans or restrictions in place before initiating the eVisa application process. It is advisable to consult official sources or contact the Saudi Arabian Embassy for the most current information.
By fulfilling these conditions and requirements, French nationals can proceed with their application for the electronic KSA visa, facilitating their visit to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes.
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Saudi e-Visa is a required travel authorization for travelers visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. This online process for Electronic Travel Authorisation for Saudi Arabia was implemented from 2019 by Saudi Government, with the goal of enabling any of the future eligible travelers to apply for an Electronic Visa to Saudi Arabia. Learn more at Saudi Visa Online.
Validity of Saudi eVisa for French Citizens
The Saudi eVisa for French citizens is good for a year beginning on the date of issuance. This visa is a multiple entry document, allowing travelers to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times during its validity period. However, each visit must not exceed 90 days (3 months).
French nationals can take advantage of this convenient visa option to make multiple trips to Saudi Arabia within a year, as long as they adhere to the maximum stay duration and the purpose of their visits aligns with the eVisa's tourism provisions.
It is important for travelers to plan their trips accordingly, ensuring that their visits fall within the allowed duration and the validity period of the Saudi eVisa.
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Citizens of 51 countries are eligible for Saudi Visa. The Saudi Visa eligbility must be met to obtain the visa to travel to Saudi Arabia. A valid passport is required for entry into Saudi Arabia. Learn more at Eligible Countries for Online Saudi Visa.
Valid Ports of Entry in Saudi Arabia for French Applicants with an Online Visa
The Saudi eVisa for French Citizens allows French citizens to enter the country through the following designated ports of entry:
Airports:
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina
- King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah
- King Fahd International Airport, Dammam
Land Checkpoints:
- Al Batha crossing (United Arab Emirates border)
- King Fahd Bridge (Bahrain border)
Seaports:
All seaports in Saudi Arabia are open for French applicants holding an eVisa. This includes various seaports across the country.
These authorized ports of entry provide convenient options for French travelers to arrive in Saudi Arabia with their Saudi eVisa for French Citizens. Whether they choose to travel by air, land, or sea, they can enter the country smoothly and explore the cultural and historical wonders that Saudi Arabia has to offer.
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The Hajj visa and the Umrah visa are two distinct forms of Saudi Arabian visas that are offered for religious travel, in addition to the new electronic visa for visitors. Yet to make the Umrah pilgrimage easier, the new tourist eVisa can also be employed. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa.
Applying for the Saudi eVisa for French Citizens: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of obtaining a Saudi eVisa for French Citizens is simple and can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Regardless of their place of residence, French applicants can apply for the eVisa from anywhere in the world. Here is a detailed description of the Saudi eVisa for French Citizens application procedure:
- Complete the Online Application Form: Access the official Saudi Arabia eVisa website and fill out the application form online. Provide accurate and essential personal details, including:
Full name, nationality, country of residence, date and place of birth.
Contact details such an email address, mailing address, and phone number.
Passport information, including passport number, country of issuance, and expiry dates.
- Provide Travel Details: Along with personal information, applicants need to furnish their travel plans, including:
Purpose of the trip to Saudi Arabia.
Planned travel dates.
Intended port of entry.
Accommodation details during the stay.
- Pay the Visa Processing Fee: French passport holders are required to pay the Saudi Arabia eVisa processing fee, which includes the cost of mandatory medical insurance coverage for each traveler. The payment can be made securely online using a debit or credit card through the designated payment system.
- Submit the Application: Once the form is completed and the processing fee is paid, submit the application online. Double-check all the provided information for accuracy before finalizing the submission.
- Receive the Approved eVisa: The approved electronic visa be delivered to the given email address provided in the application form. It is essential to ensure the provided email address is active and accessible.
- Medical Insurance: The eVisa includes mandatory medical insurance coverage for all foreign visitors. The insurance covers expenses up to $26,660 and is accepted at Saudi hospitals.
French citizens can follow these straightforward steps to successfully apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa, making their travel preparations to the country more convenient and efficient.
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Learn about next steps, after you have successfully applied for Saudi e-Visa. Learn more at After you apply for Saudi Visa Online: Next steps.
Processing Time for Saudi eVisa for French Citizens
The processing time for the Saudi eVisa for French citizens is typically within 1-5 business days. It is crucial to remember that this timeline is flexible and could change depending on the volume of applications received and other factors.
To ensure a smooth and timely processing of the eVisa, it is crucial for French applicants to provide accurate and error-free information in the application form. Any inconsistencies or discrepancies between the application details and the passport information could potentially delay the processing of the visa.
To avoid any last-minute complications, French travelers are strongly advised to apply for the Saudi eVisa well in advance of their intended travel dates. Applying early allows for ample time to complete the application process and account for any unforeseen delays that may occur during visa processing.
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Travellers can skip lengthy lines at the border by applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa before travel. A visa on arrival (VOA) is available to nationals of certain nations in Saudi Arabia. There are many options for international tourists to Saudi Arabia to receive travel authorisation. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Visa On Arrival.
Traveling from France to Saudi Arabia: Tips for a Successful Trip
When visiting Saudi Arabia from France, it is important for French tourists to keep the following advice in mind:
- Print and Carry the KSA Visa: After receiving the approved Saudi eVisa, French travelers must print a copy of the visa document. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, they must present the printed visa along with their valid passport to the border immigration official at the port of entry. It is crucial to have these documents readily available for inspection.
- Consistency with Passport: French tourists should remember to travel with the same passport that was used during the eVisa application process. Using a different passport may result in complications at the border.
By following these guidelines, French tourists can have a successful and enjoyable visit to Saudi Arabia, ensuring a smooth entry and a memorable travel experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Saudi E-Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Saudi Arabia. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions for Saudi E-Visa.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, US citizens, Australian citizens, French citizens, Spanish Citizens, Dutch Citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our Saudi Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.
