If you live in the UAE and want to travel to Saudi Arabia, you must meet certain visa requirements tailored for residents. These requirements cover your passport, UAE residence permit, photos, travel bookings, application form, and sometimes extra documents depending on the visa type. Meeting all criteria ensures a smoother application process whether for tourism, business, transit, or Umrah.
Key Requirements for UAE Residents Applying for a Saudi Visa
Below is a breakdown of the essential documents and conditions that UAE residents generally must satisfy to apply for a Saudi visa:
- Valid Passport
- Your passport must have at least six months of validity from your intended entry date into Saudi Arabia.
- It should also have two or more blank visa pages for stamping.
- UAE Residence Permit / Visa
- You must hold a valid UAE residence visa (residency permit). Some sources require that the permit has at least 3 months validity remaining at time of application.
- The residency visa should cover your entire stay and ideally extend beyond your return date.
- Recent Passport-Size Photographs
- One or more photos are required, typically with a white background, in the correct dimensions (e.g., 2×2 inches or as specified).
- Photos must be recent, usually within the last 3–6 months.
- Completed Application Form
- For eVisa or visa applications, you’ll need to fill out the Saudi visa application form (online portal) with your personal, passport, and travel details.
- Be sure all information matches your passport exactly.
- Travel Itinerary
- You must provide proof of your travel plans:
• Return or onward flight booking
• Hotel or accommodation reservation for your stay in Saudi Arabia - These documents help prove your intent to return.
- You must provide proof of your travel plans:
- Proof of Financial Means
- You may be asked to show your ability to support yourself during the trip (bank statements or evidence of income).
- While there is no universally fixed figure, showing a stable balance strengthens your application.
- Additional Documents Based on Visa Type
- Tourist / Leisure Visa: Mostly the documents above suffice.
- Business Visa: You may need an invitation letter from a Saudi company, details of meetings or conference, and your business credentials.
- Family Visit Visa: Provide an invitation letter, proof of kinship (birth or marriage certificate), and authorization by Saudi host.
- Umrah Visa: In addition to standard visa documents, you need hotel and transport bookings and fulfill health/vaccine requirements.
- Transit Visa: Show your residence visa, onward flight booking, and possibly proof of visa for final destination.
- Medical Checks & Clearance (for some visas)
- Some visa types require a medical report from an authorized hospital in the UAE, attested by UAE health authorities.
- For work or residence visas, medical examinations, including lab tests, may be mandatory.
- Attestations / Approvals
- Documents issued outside Saudi Arabia (e.g. educational certificates, NOCs) may need attestation by UAE Foreign Affairs or relevant authorities.
- In many cases, Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Saudi host must authorize a “permit or visa approval” before you apply.
- Age and Eligibility Conditions
- Usually applicants must be 18 years or older unless applying as a minor with parental/guardian consent.
- In some cases, minors traveling without both parents may need a notarized consent letter.
Recent Updates & eVisa Option for UAE Residents
- Saudi Arabia has launched a unified visa platform, allowing UAE residents (regardless of nationality) to apply for a one-year multiple-entry eVisa, valid for 90 days per visit.
- Under the eVisa system, UAE residents can apply online, upload required documents, pay fees digitally, and receive visa approval without visiting Saudi embassies physically.
- Important conditions for eVisa include:
• Residency visa must be valid for at least 3 months.
• Passport must have at least six months’ validity.
• Applicants must be 18 or older (for individual applications) unless accompanied.
• Applicants must upload the residence visa copy and passport in the portal. - The eVisa allows for tourism, family visits, and Umrah (excluding Hajj).
- The multiple-entry eVisa option is especially helpful for UAE residents who plan repeat visits.
Tips to Ensure a Successful Application
- Apply early — start the process 1–2 weeks ahead to avoid last-minute rejections.
- Double-check all details (name spelling, passport number, visa expiry, travel dates).
- Provide consistency — bank statements should show stable balance without sudden unexplained large sums.
- Make refundable bookings for flights/hotels until visa is approved.
- Use official eVisa or Saudi visa portals rather than third-party sites to avoid scams.
- Keep documents in English or Arabic or provide certified translations if needed.
If you are a resident of the UAE and planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, you must fulfill a set of visa requirements — including a valid passport (6+ months), valid UAE residence visa, passport photos, completed application, proof of travel bookings, and financial evidence. Depending on your purpose (tourism, business, family, Umrah, transit), additional documents like invitation letters, medical tests, or attestations may be required. Thanks to the Saudi eVisa scheme, many of these requirements can be submitted and handled online, making it easier than ever for UAE residents to obtain a Saudi visa smoothly.