Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents

Updated on Feb 10, 2024 | Saudi e-Visa

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in enhancing accessibility for travelers by introducing online visas. With the implementation of this convenient system, foreign nationals residing in any of the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and holding eligible passports can now effortlessly obtain their eVisa to visit Saudi Arabia. 

This initiative allows GCC residents to enjoy extended stays of up to a period three months in the country, fostering closer connections and facilitating seamless travel experiences.

Obtaining the Saudi eVisa for GCC residents has been streamlined to ensure a hassle-free process. Interested individuals can refer to the informative article provided below for detailed information and guidance on acquiring the eVisa.

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 Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents

Traveling to Saudi Arabia requires most foreign citizens to obtain a visa, except for nationals from the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). However, it's important to note that third-country nationals residing in one of the GCC nations and holding a valid residence permit are still required to obtain a visa, unless they possess a Saudi passport. The good news is that many GCC country residents now can apply for the Saudi eVisa online, making the process more convenient and streamlined.

The Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents offers an accessible and efficient way for eligible GCC residents to obtain their visa for travel to Saudi Arabia. By utilizing the online platform, applicants can easily complete the necessary requirements and documentation from the comfort of their homes or offices. This digital approach simplifies the application process and saves time and effort.

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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.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member Countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is an alliance of countries in the Arabian Gulf region that work together to promote economic, political, and social cooperation. Along with Saudi Arabia, the GCC comprises the following nations:

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

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The Saudi Arabia visa application is quick and simple to complete. Applicants must provide their contact information, itinerary, and passport information and answer several security-related questions. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Visa Application.

How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents

Applying for a Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents of a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes,requiring only a reliable internet connection. Here are the steps to obtain your Saudi eVisa:

  • Fill out the Put in Online Form: Access the official Saudi Arabia eVisa website and complete the online application form. Provide accurate information as requested, ensuring all sections are filled out correctly.
  • Upload Required Documents: Prepare scanned copies of the required paperwork, such as a current passport, and upload them securely through the online application portal. Ensure the uploaded files meet the specified requirements in terms of file format and size.
  • Pay the Application Fee: Proceed with the payment of the applicable visa fee using the available online payment methods.Depending on the kind of visa and other factors, the cost and duration of stay selected.
  • Wait for Visa Approval: Once the application and payment have been submitted successfully, the processing of your eVisa will begin. Typically, you will receive updates on the status of your application via email. The approved eVisa will be sent to you electronically.

It's important to note that GCC residents can apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa from anywhere in the world, as they are not required to be present in person in their country of origin or within the GCC territory. This flexibility allows for convenient and efficient visa processing, and applicants can even use their mobile devices to submit their eVisa request while on the move.

Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents Application Form

The online visa application form for Saudi Arabia, known as the Saudi eVisa, has been designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, allowing most applicants to complete it within a few minutes.

Helping a friend or relative with their application is possible, but it is essential to keep a note that each adult traveler must submit a separate and individual application. Parents or legal guardians, however, can complete the eVisa application on behalf of their children.

The application form is consist up of several questions covering the following key areas:

  • Personal and Passport Information: Applicants are required to give their personal information, such as their complete name uding their full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and passport information. It is crucial to ensure accuracy when entering this information.
  • Contact and Residential Details: Applicants must provide their contact information, such as a working email address and phone number. Additionally, they will need to provide their current residential address.
  • Travel Plans: This section of the application form requires applicants to specify their travel plans to Saudi Arabia. Information such as the intended date of arrival, duration of stay, and accommodation details may be required.
  • Health/Criminal Records (if applicable): In certain cases, applicants may be asked to provide information regarding their health or criminal record history. It is essentially important to answer these questions truthfully and accurately.

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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.

Requirements for GCC Residents Applying for a Saudi Arabia Online Visa

To apply for a Saudi evisa for GCC residents, certain requirements must be met. These include:

  • Nationality Requirements: GCC residents must hold a valid passport from any one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, or the United Arab Emirates.
  • Supporting Documents: Applicants will need to provide relevant supporting documents, including a clear and legible copy of their passport's bio-data page. The passport should have a validity remaining at least six months from the entry into Saudi Arabia.
  • Purpose and Duration of Visit: GCC residents must have a genuine to travel to Saudi Arabia for the dates and purposes specified on the eVisa. Making certain that the anticipated activities align with the permissible visa category, such as tourism, business, or family visit.
  • Compliance with Laws and Visa Terms: Applicants must be ready to abide by the local laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia throughout their stay. It is crucial to adhere to the terms and conditions set forth by the eVisa, including respecting the authorized duration of stay and refraining from any activities prohibited by law.

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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.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents

The documentation required is minimal when applying for a Saudi eVisa from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country. The necessary documents include:

  • Passport: Applicants should possess a valid passport issued by one of the eligible GCC countries. The passport should have remaining validity of a minimum of six months from the proposed date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
  • Recent Passport-Style Photograph: A recent, high-quality, passport-style photograph of the GCC resident is required. The photograph should meet the specified requirements, such as size, background color, and facial expression.
  • Payment Method: A credit or debit card is necessary to pay the application fee associated with the Saudi eVisa.Make sure that the card is working and has sufficient funds to cover the fee.
  • Valid Email Address: Applicants must provide a valid, regularly checked email address, as the approved eVisa and all communication related to the application will be sent via email. It is essential to monitor the provided email address for updates and notifications.

Additional documents may be required depending on individual circumstances or specific visa categories. 

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With the advent of the online Saudi Arabia visa, travel to Saudi Arabia is set to become significantly simpler. Before visiting Saudi Arabia, tourists are urged to familiarize themselves with the local way of life and learn about any potential gaffes that might land them in hot water. Learn more at Saudi Arabia Laws for Tourists.

Submission of Employment Contract Not Required for Saudi eVisa

When applying for a Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents, there is no requirement to provide your contract of employment as a GCC resident.

It is important to note that the Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents is specifically issued for tourism purposes and does not serve as a work permit or authorization to relocate to Saudi Arabia for employment. Therefore, employment documentation, such as a contract of employment, is not necessary for the eVisa application process.

The Saudi eVisa grants multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days (3 months) per visit, specifically intended for tourism-related activities. Suppose a GCC resident intends to stay in Saudi Arabia for a longer duration or visit the country for purposes other than tourism. In that case, it will be necessary to apply for a relevant visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate, which may require additional documentation based on the specific purpose of the visit.

For detailed and accurate information regarding the visa requirements and documentation needed for different purposes, it is recommended to refer to the official Saudi Arabian government website or consult with the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

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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.

Eligible Nationalities Living in GCC Countries for Saudi Arabia eVisa

The Saudi eVisa for GCC Citizens,is available to residents of various nationalities living in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

As of 2024, citizens of more than 60 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.

Albania Andorra
Australia Austria
Azerbaijan Belgium
Brunei Bulgaria
Canada Croatia
Cyprus Czech Republic
Denmark Estonia
Finland France
Georgia Germany
Greece Hungary
Iceland Ireland
Italy Japan
Kazakhstan Korea, South
Kyrgyzstan Latvia
Liechtenstein Lithuania
Luxembourg Malaysia
Maldives Malta
Mauritius Monaco
Montenegro Netherlands
New Zealand Norway
Panama Poland
Portugal Romania
Russian Federation Saint Kitts and Nevis
San Marino Seychelles
Singapore Slovakia
Slovenia South Africa
Spain Sweden
Switzerland Tajikistan
Thailand Turkey
United Kingdom Ukraine
United States Uzbekistan

Residents of the above-listed nationalities, whether residing in GCC countries or elsewhere, are eligible to apply for the Saudi eVisa for GCC Residents as long as they meet all the requirements.

It is important to note that the approval of an eVisa does not guarantee entry into the Kingdom. The final decision to permit entry lies with the Saudi immigration authorities upon arrival.

For individuals whose nationalities are not included in the list above, contacting the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate is recommended to inquire about the available visa options and requirements for their specific situation.

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Using the website of the Online Saudi Arabia, you may rapidly apply for a Saudi Arabia e-Visa. The procedure is easy and uncomplicated. You may finish the Saudi Arabia e-visa application in only 5 minutes. Go to the website, click "Apply Online," and adhere to the instructions. Learn more at Complete Guide to Saudi Arabia 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.